According to Priceline, New York City is the second most popular New Year's Eve party destination. But if swimming through the Times Square crowds or paying exuberant club covers in Manhattan doesn't sound like much of a party to you, don't worry. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the beginning of 2009 without leaving the borough. Below you'll find something to please everyone.
Looking for Great Food?- Feast on eclectic Latin dishes at Palo Santo in Park Slope. Situated in a brownstone building, this intimate spot boasts an open kitchen; you'll feel like you're dining at a friend's home. The restaurant is offering a 6:30pm five-course prix fixe for $50/person and a seven-course tasting menu at 9pm for $100/person. The seven-course meal includes wine pairings and sparkling wine at midnight. Call (718) 636-6311 for reservations.
- Hit Brooklyn's favorite farm, the Farm on Adderley, that is. The Ditmas Park restaurant, known for its fresh, locally grown food, is offering two seatings this New Year's Eve. The first, at 6:30pm, is $55/person and includes a five-course meal and a glass of toasting champagne. The second seating, at 9:30pm, includes a five-course meal, unlimited champagne, dancing, and live music, all for $75 a person. Call (718) 287-3101 to make reservations.
- Head to Fort Greene for a side of hip-hop and R&B with standout dishes like blackened catfish, bourbon chicken, and spinach ravioli at Night of the Cookers. Advance tickets are $25 and include a dinner buffet and champagne at midnight. Call (718) 797-1197 for details.
- You won't want to miss the 27th annual fireworks at Prospect Park. The show, orchestrated from Grand Army Plaza, starts at midnight. Call (718) 965-8999 for more information.
- Join the annual Brooklyn Bridge Walk for a glimpse of various fireworks displays throughout the city. Sponsored by New York Talks and Walks, this tour starts between 10:15pm and 11:15pm in downtown Manhattan, at the Dunkin Doughnuts located at 132 Nassau St, and ends on the Brooklyn Bridge, where you should be able to catch a glimpse of fireworks in Staten Island, Prospect Park, Central Park, and New Jersey. $50 ($40 advance tickets). Call (888) 377-4455 for more information.
- If the thought of ringing in the new year with a night of live classical music, hors d'oeuvres, and wine sounds appealing, then Bargemusic's Wednesday night all-Bach performance is for you. As an added bonus, this floating concert hall offers fantastic views of the lower Manhattan skyline. 7:30pm (entrance is at the Fulton Ferry Landing near the Brooklyn Bridge). $150. Call (718) 624-4061 to buy tickets.
- Biking through the city streets may not be relaxing for everyone, but Time's Up 11th Annual New Year's Eve Bike Ride is free and promises to be fun. Brooklynites who want to get in on the action should meet at 10pm at the corner of the park near the Brooklyn-side entrance to the Williamsburg Bridge bike path. The rides ends at Belvedere Castle in Central Park, where there will be music and festivities.
- Go to Park Slope's 5,000 square foot Southpaw for its New Year's "It's the Rub" party, featuring DJ Ayres, Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven, and guests Certified Bananas. Doors open at 9pm. Advance tickets are $40 and include food and champagne. Call (718) 230-0236 for details.
- At Freddy's Bar & Backroom in Prospect Heights, there will be live music all night long, free champagne toasts, and, best of all, no cover. Call (718) 622-7035 for more information.
- Still looking for a party? Make your way to the Music Hall of Williamsburg, where the Toronto-based band Crystal Castles will be performing. The show starts at 8pm, and tickets are $35.
