If New Year’s Eve planning makes you think of overpriced bar packages, watered down drinks and off-the-charts surge pricing, we’re here to calm your nerves. We rounded up the top parties, dinners and shows that are worth celebrating this year and organized them by price point to make it extra easy on you. From foodie-focused reservations at the city’s hottest restaurants to a subterranean tiki party, here are your plans for New Year’s Eve in Chicago.
DINNERS
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Avec
615 W. Randolph St. 312-377-2002
The wine-fueled West Loop spot serves a five-course menu from chef Perry Hendrix that includes spice-rubbed roasted sturgeon with tahini yogurt and burnt honey glaze and duck leg tagine with dried plums, celery root and hand-rolled couscous. Add wine and beer pairings plus a champagne toast for an additional $40 per person. $65. Reservations available from 5:30-10:30 p.m. by phone.
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The Duck Inn
2701 S. Eleanor St. 312-724-8811
We can’t promise you’ll feel like dancing after this super-rich tasting menu, but if it’s a food coma you’re hoping for, this Bridgeport restaurant will do the trick. The festive menu includes lobster with uni butter, foie gras torchon with duck fat honey caramel, beef short rib with black truffle and dark chocolate espresso bombe with cranberry sorbet. We’ll give you a moment to wipe the drool off your face. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. $75. Reservations: theduckinnchicago.com
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Longman & Eagle
2657 N. Kedzie Ave. 773-276-7110
If Logan Square is your final destination for the evening, consider this foodie-focused, five-course chef’s menu. On the docket: crab salad with grapefruit and parsnip panna cotta, strip steak with creamed kale, bittersweet chocolate souffle with housemade fig bitters ice cream and more. Optional beer and wine pairings are also available for $30 and $40, respectively. 5:30 and 8 p.m. $95. 10 p.m. seating available for $125. Reservations: info@longmanandeagle.com
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Fat Rice
2957 W. Diversey Ave. 773-661-9170
West Coast beats meet Malaysian street eats at this seafood-heavy five-course tasting menu that features curry king crab dumplings, Malacca oyster sambal and more spicy goodness. You’ll also get a bottle of champagne for every two-person party with additional bottles available for purchase with tickets. 5:30, 8 and 10:30 p.m. $125. Tickets: fatrice.tocktix.com
BAR PACKAGES
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Big Star
1531 N. Damen Ave. 773-235-4039
For the fourth year in a row, the taco emporium rings in the New Year with 3 Floyds Brewing Co. The full tap takeover includes Blot Out the Sun, Amber Smashed Face, Zombie Dust, Swole Patrol and more. Between pours, enjoy DJ sets, festive food specials and midnight whiskey shots. Oh, and did we mention there’s no cover? Get there early to stake out a spot. 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
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The Promontory
5311 S. Lake Park Ave. 312-801-2100
For less than $100, you’ll enjoy a top-shelf open bar for three hours, passed appetizers for one, a complimentary champagne toast, DJ performances, a balloon drop and a confetti cannon. Yes, a confetti cannon. The Hyde Park music venue will keep you wide awake until midnight with hip-hop, R&B and dance beats. 8 p.m. $75. Tickets: promontorychicago.com
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Three Dots and a Dash
435 N. Clark St. 312-610-4220
If you must brave the cold in a sparkly dress or fancy shoes, you might as well head straight to a subterranean tiki bar for a tropical drink and a lei. Each ticket includes seven signature cocktails and passed appetizers. We see colorful straws and banana dolphins in your future. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $115 and up. Tickets: threedotschicago.com
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The J Parker
1816 N. Clark St. 312-254-4747
Ditch the dark downtown clubs for a party with a view at the Lincoln Park rooftop bar. General admission tickets include a premium open bar, passed appetizers, a champagne toast at midnight and music by DJ Kareem. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $150. Tickets: eventbrite.com
CONCERTS AND SHOWS
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iO Theater
1501 N. Kingsbury St. 312-929-2401
The legendary improv theater puts on three shows for New Year’s Eve: a Shakespeare-centric performance (8 p.m. Del Close Theater), an interactive game show with mentalist Eric Lindberg (10:30 p.m. Mission Theater) and a hilarious sketch revue (10:30 p.m. Chris Farley Cabaret). Each ticket includes a cocktail, champagne toast, party favors and a dance party. $25 each. Tickets: ioimprov.com
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Diarrhea Planet, JEFF the Brotherhood at Lincoln Hall
2424 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-2501
2015 is the year you need to spend New Year’s Eve with Diarrhea Planet. The Nashville, Tenn., six-piece rock band is one of the most fiery and fun live acts with its multi-guitar attack and infectious punk songwriting. You’ll have a hard time avoiding crowd surfers or crowd surfing yourself while the band plays raucous hits off its latest album, 2013’s “I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams.” 10 p.m. $35. Tickets: lh-st.com
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The Promise Ring at Metro
3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-0203
The Milwaukee-based emo icons haven’t played a show since 2012, but they’ll reunite for New Year’s Eve and play their legendary second album, “Nothing Feels Good,” in full. With Chicago band Into It. Over It. opening, it will be a night boasting both a veteran mainstay and exciting newish act taking the genre to new places. 10 p.m., doors open at 9 p.m. $46-$51. Tickets: metrochicago.com
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Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings at House of Blues
329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000
Nothing spells fun like a Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings show. These soul revivalists are the real deal, and with Jones, the resilient and awe-inspiring 59-year-old singer, still having fire to go out and tour during another battle with cancer, this show will be an absolute can’t-miss event. 10 p.m., doors open at 8:30 p.m. $75. Tickets: livenation.com
