(Just be sure to call ahead or make reservations, as many of these venues require advance payment for New Year’s Eve.)
Aura
We can’t all celebrate the New Year immersed in the glitz and glam of Hollywood, rubbing elbows with celebrities while getting chased by paparazzi. But we can at least pretend. Walk the red carpet lined with flashing lights into Aura’s Old Hollywood Glam New Year’s Eve Party. Don your pearls and feather boas as you enter what’s sure to be transformed into a scene from the Golden Age of movies. (Admission from $40; 9 pm)
Blackfriar Pub
Blackfriar is always one of our favorite party spots for Halloween. People-watching doesn’t get much better than that. We’re expecting the same kind of show for New Year’s. Their party includes a DJ, dancing, party favors, and a free champagne toast at midnight. If you’re feeling adventurous, go earlier for dinner while claiming your patio perch. The kitchen serves the full menu until 10 pm. (8 pm)
Capitol Pub
Capitol Pub is known for its relaxed vibe, but this New Year’s Eve, DJ Luke Sardello is kicking it up a notch. He begins playing at 9 pm, but stick around for the complimentary champagne toast and party favors at midnight. There’s no cover charge either, which is a perk we certainly appreciate. If you can make it out of bed the next morning, stop by for their signature New Year’s Day meal: black eyed-peas for good luck in 2011. (8 pm)
Chateau Wine Market
Wine-o’s, we found your party. Chateau Wine Market hosts a bash complete with special pricing on wine all night, party favors for the first 75 guests, and the best dance club music of 2010. Our only piece of advice? Watch those dance moves when you’ve got Merlot in hand — that could get ugly. (4 pm)
Cru
Cru must still be in the holiday giving spirit: they’re offering you two options for celebrating New Year’s Eve. You can go for early seating at 5 pm to enjoy their four-course dinner, or you can wait until 8:30 pm for their gala seating, which includes a complimentary champagne toast and party favors. Call to make reservations and for menu details. (Admission from $40).
Dragonfly & Urban Oasis
Our resolution to spend money wisely begins in 2011. If you’re in the same boat, why not kiss 2010 goodbye with a lavish celebration? Dragonfly’s New Year’s Eve party will surely help you do that. You can reserve bottle service for $1,200, which includes one bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, two additional bottles of liquor, and admission for eight guests. If that’s out of your price range, just enjoy dancing among the beautiful decor — and the beautiful people. Tickets go on sale Dec. 31 at 7 am; call 214-550-9500. (Admission from $50; 8 pm)
f.i.g.
When we say here’s your chance to ring in 2011 in style, we mean it. Celebrate the evening at the Fashion Industry Gallery. Not only can you dance to the sounds of DJ Humble, but when your feet get tired, you can sit, rest, and watch the models strut down the runway in the latest fashions. Bars will be set up throughout the venue, which is convenient considering your admission fee allows all-you-can-drink. Hors d’oeuvres will be served 9-11 pm, and VIP tables can be purchased, starting at $175. (Admission from $70; 8 pm)
Ghostbar
Care to send off 2010 with a night of nonstop dancing? MTV’s own DJ Skribble will be on the turntables at Ghostbar’s New Year’s Eve party so you can do just that. Bottle service will be available, but don’t expect drink specials. Advance ticket purchases are recommended to guarantee entry. (9 pm)
Glass Cactus
Yes, it’s a drive. (Unless you live in Grapevine.) But the two-story deck, five bars, and enormous dance floor — 2,000 square feet — make the trip worth it. And, children of the ’80s, the Spazmatics will be performing live for the big New Year’s Eve party. So if you’d rather get your groove on to Eddie Money than Justin Bieber or Miley Cyrus, then trust that this ’80s cover band will keep you on your toes. The $79 admission grants you complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and self parking in the resort’s garage. And for the sake of convenience, rooms at the the Gaylord Texan are available. Call 817-722-9039. (7 pm)
The Granada
Remember the days of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve? Well, this isn’t like that at all. But it is rockin’. Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights will perform the Granada’s New Year’s Eve show. Tyler began performing at the age of 13, so he knows his way around a guitar. Think Aerosmith mixed with the Rolling Stones and a little Jimi Hendrix sprinkled in. Purchase tickets ahead of time for $15 or at the door for $24. (8 pm)
The Grapevine Bar
Some people need hotel rooms after a night of partying for New Year’s Eve. (Hey, we’re not here to judge.) Well, the Grapevine Bar is fully prepared for the night’s festivities. At 1 am, a shuttle takes the party to an executive suite at a nearby hotel, where there also happens to be, ahem, special room rates available. Moving on to the party details … the $65 admission gets you seven drink tickets, a dinner buffet from 8-10 pm, a champagne toast at midnight, party hats and favors, and a DJ so you can dance off the dinner buffet. There is a limited availability, so call to reserve your spot. (8 pm)
Hotel St. Germain
Hotel St. Germain is changing its scenery (and its name) as it transforms into Club St. Germain for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Expect the ambiance of an old Hollywood nightclub, complete with dancing, fine dining, and live rhythm and blues music performed by the Rob Holbert Band. Two seatings for the gourmet dinner are available: 6 pm and 6:30 pm for the first; 8 pm and 10:30 pm for the second. Also included is a champagne toast while counting down to midnight. Call for reservations. (Admission from $95)
House of Blues
Small talk with strangers at a bar isn’t your thing, eh? Then drown it out with a Texas-rich live music lineup at the House of Blues. The Old 97s, the O’s, and Whiskey Folk Ramblers will sing and dance your way into 2011. (Admission from $40; 8 pm)
Idle Rich Pub
If you’re like most Dallasites, you know it’s a safe bet on New Year’s Eve to simply stroll up and down McKinney Avenue. Anywhere you go, a party there will be. Idle Rich Pub is one of the prime spots. A live DJ begins playing at 9:30 pm, and guests will receive free party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. The kitchen will also serve the full menu until 10 pm, just in case those late night cravings kick in a little early. (8 pm)
Iron Cactus
Iron Cactus has a knack for drawing the New Year’s crowd. This year, we can safely assume, will be no different. Enjoy live music performances, DJ’s and dancing on both floors, appetizers, beer, wine, and a champagne toast at midnight. A cash bar will also be available. (Admission from $65; 8:30 pm)
Knox Street Pub
Knox Street Pub isn’t your typical bottle-service kind of place, but this New Year’s Eve they’re getting extra fancy. The party includes the aforementioned bottle service, DJ, dancing, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and, our favorite part: happy hour drink specials all night long. Girls get in free. Guys, you have to pay $20. (8 pm)
Lotus
Lotus is one of those McKinney Avenue bars we mentioned that will be flooded with party-goers. Get there early: the complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails only last until 10 pm. If arriving early isn’t your style, just be sure to make it in time for the free champagne toast at midnight. Don’t forget to grab your party favors on the way out. (Admission from $40; 8 pm)
Maximo
The resolutions begin January 1, right? So why not send the year out with a bang? And by bang, we mean a hearty Mexican meal, wine, and endless margaritas. Spend New Year’s Eve at Maximo, and enjoy their special New Year’s menu, as well as half-priced bottles of wines, up to $100. Reservations are recommended by calling 972-233-5656.
The Old Monk
So you missed your flight overseas for the holidays? Not to worry. If it’s casual pub celebratin’ you long for this New Year’s Eve, the Old Monk has you covered. There is no cover charge, and you get free party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. The DJ begins at 9:30 pm, and if you’re in the mood for dinner, the kitchen will serve food until 10 pm. (8 pm)
Pete’s Piano Bar
What’s a more appropriate way to ring in 2011 than clapping and singing along to four dueling piano players? We can’t think of anything either. Join the team at Pete’s Piano Bar for an evening of classic piano tunes while bidding 2010 farewell. You can reserve a four-person table for $50 per person. Pete’s does hold strong to that four-person-minimum policy, but the price includes a bottle of champagne. Table or not, reservations are recommended. (Admission from $20; 8 pm)
Quarter Bar
Don’t feel like getting fancy this New Year’s Eve? Neither does Quarter Bar, as they quite frankly invite you to “take your black tie and shove it.” The $5 admission grants you light hors d’oeuvres, party favors, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. DJ RJ will be providing the tunes. (8 pm)
Renfield’s Corner
If partying in cold weather doesn’t bother you, then the rooftop patio at Renfield’s Corner has your name written all over it. Join them for free party favors and a free champagne toast at midnight. The DJ starts his mix at 9:30 pm, and the kitchen will serve the full menu until 10 pm. (8 pm)
Sambuca
Sambuca’s got it all for New Year’s Eve: dinner, drinks, and dancing. Moving Colors will perform live music for the party, and guests can make reservations for three- or four-course dinners. Also included are a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. (Admission from $39; 6 pm)
Sunset Lounge
Sunset Lounge is hosting a night of music and dancing for New Year’s Eve, so wear your most comfortable dancing shoes. (If those even exist.) DJ Tek Neek and other guest DJ’s will be providing the night’s soundtrack. The admission fee grants you two drink tickets and the quintessential NYE protocol: party favors, noise makers, live countdown, and a champagne toast at midnight. (Admission from $50; 9 pm)
Teddy’s Room
Ring in 2011 with a burlesque bang. Teddy’s Room is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash, complete with a Grey Goose Bar from 8-10 pm, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight, a burlesque performance, and DJ NVS on the turntables. Bottle service packages are available. (Admission from $50; 8 pm)
Three Sheets
What we love about the New Year’s Eve party at Three Sheets: there is no cover charge. If you’ve snooped around, then you know that most bars charge a cover for NYE, but not Three Sheets. It’s their self-titled “Hassle-Free New Year’s Eve.” Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast, party favors, balloons, and a DJ playing the year’s hottest hits. (4 pm)
Vino100
If wine and live music is your scene, then make Vino100 your New Year’s Eve post. Terry Hankins and Justin Cash will strum their guitars while you toast glasses of wine and champagne paired with bites catered by Jimmy’s Food Store. A champagne toast at midnight is included, and party favors are also part of the fun. Reservations are required, so e-mail [email protected] to reserve your space. (Admission from $85; 8:30 pm)
Wish
Calling all fabulous people. Wish is pulling out all the stops for its New Year’s Eve party, themed “Be Fabulous.” The lounge will be decked out with glitter, snow, and sparkles, so your sequin dress (or tie) will fit right in. Toast midnight with a complimentary glass of Moet champagne paired with a balloon drop, party favors, and noise makers. DJ Robert Pennington will be playing throughout the night. If you’re really fabulous and pay for VIP admission ($65), you’ll be treated to a Moet Champagne and Belvedere Vodka bar, a caviar station, and a chocolate fountain from 8-10 pm. (Admission from $35; 8 pm)
4th Annual Big D NYE
This is the Dallas version of New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Except this one, of course, is in Victory Plaza. The 4th Annual Big D NYE is ready for another chilly but exciting night to ring in 2011. Expect fireworks, food, drinks, and the big countdown at midnight. Also in the mix are live music performances by Sleeperstar, Cure Gravity, the Bright, and Downtown Fever. We’re told a Chevy will be given away, as well as a trip to Sonoma Winery. The best part is that it’s free and open to the public, but organizers of the event strongly recommend using public transportation to get there, as the parking situation in Victory Park might spoil your fun.
