New Year's Eve Weekend Happenings 2011
Happy eve of New Year's Eve! We're one step closer to a new year and one step further from one of the worst years yet. Since many of you may be scurrying around trying to find last minute plans for New Year's Eve, I figured I'd lend a hand and offer some suggestions that I found on the ever helpful Time Out Chicago website for fun ways to ring in 2012. Also, Will Livesley-O'Neill had a solid list of NYE parties to attend on TOC's website, which I edited and reposted a few of his suggestions below. To read his full, unedited article, click here.
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES:
A Starry New Year's Eve Hard Rock Hotel. 8pm, $140 and up. Headlined by cover band The Gold Coast All-Stars and featuring DJ sets from Chris Masterson and Timbuck2, Lupe Fiasco's DJ. Tickets include premium open bar.
Chicago NYE Ball Rosemont Ballroom. 9pm, $40 and up. Featuring a DJ set from Lil Jon. DJ entertainment across three rooms, casino, VIP access to open bar.
Everyone's Famous Enclave. 9pm, $95 and up. Hollywood-themed party with red carpet and paparazzi experience, includes cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, gift bag, premium open bar and champagne and appetizer buffer until 1:30am.
Prohibition Dinner and Classic Cocktail Party In Fine Spirits. 6pm, $70 and up for dinner, $25 and up for cocktail party. A four-course meal inspired by the cuisine of the Prohibition Era from chef Marianne Sundquist; cocktail party features raffle.
Ring in 2012 Hyatt Regency O'Hare. 8:30pm, $75. With music from Modern Day Romeos and Jaktripper, dance club featuring DJ-Spin and Tony Ocean performing in Red Bar. Includes open bar and fantasy casino.
Roaring 20s NYE Moonshine Brewing Company. 8pm, $100. Speakeasy-themed party with open bar featuring 20s-era cocktails and Moonshine beer, dinner buffet from executive chef Matthew Wilde, DJs Ryan Ross and Greg Bauer. You’ll wake up wishing for Prohibition to make a comeback.
New Year’s Eve Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball at Intercontinental O’Hare. 8pm, $75 and up. Whether you want to rock out to some serious '80s music, get down with old-fashioned rock 'n' roll or bump and grind to house, you’re covered at the Intercontinental. They’ve got three rooms, three different styles of music and all the alcohol you can drink with a four-hour open bar.
Carnivale New year’s Eve Cabaret. 7:30, for reservations call (312) 850-5005. If you’re looking to spice up 2011’s New Year’s Eve (who isn’t?), check out Carnivale’s festivities. With a DJ, drag queen, stilt walker, contortionist, burlesque performers and more, you’re sure to make a New Year’s you’ll remember, at least in bits and pieces.
New Year’s Eve at the Ritz-Carlton
Ritz-Carlton, Deca restaurant. Seating at 8:30pm, $195 per person, for reservations call 312-573-5083. Tired of eating Chinese food and drinking cheap beer on New Year’s? Get off the couch and ring in 2012 with some class at Deca, where you can celebrate with a seafood bar, dry-aged rib eye, foie gras, truffles and 17 deserts. If that doesn’t get you moving, there’s dancing and drinking, starting with a free glass of champagne.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse New Year's Eve 2011. For reservations, call (312) 329-1800. Chicago Cut Steakhouse is already taking reservations for NYE, for meals up until 1:30am on the big night. There will be a surf and turf special ($65) with 30-day aged prime filet Mignon with two Tristan lobster tails. Jazz vocalist Typhanie Monique will entertain diners from 9pm-1am. A complimentary champagne toast at midnight will be accompanied by a balloon drop and dancing. Call to make reservations.
Angela Eve and the Flat Iron presents: 2012 Metropolis Ball
It’s burlesque galore at Wicker Park’s Flat Iron bar. More than a dozen starlets take the stage, including Angela Eve, New Orleans’ Nona Narcisse, Maya Sinstress and Miss Vine. Live bands provide the soundtrack to stripping and peeling. Dress the part or take cues from an on-site pinup stylist; a costume contest awards the best dressed. The Flat Iron, 1565 N Milwaukee Ave (metropolisballchicago2012.com). 8pm–5am; $35, advance $30.
Blue Tie New Year’s Eve
End the year on a high note at Blue Frog’s karaoke party. The bar recommends creative blue dress and a willingness to make an ass out of yourself onstage. Appetizers (before 11pm), party favors and a midnight Champagne toast round out the fun. Blue Frog’s Local 22, 22 E Hubbard St (312-527-1200, local22bluetieevent.eventbrite.com). 9pm–2am. $25, advance $20; after 11pm $10.
NEW YEAR'S EVE COMEDY SPECIALS:
Chuckle Bowl Spectacular
The Lincoln Lodge continues to corner the market on off-kilter New Year’s parties. Join comedians Adam Burke, Danny Kallas, Dan Ronan, Junior Stopka and Liza Treyger for a night of jokes, plus 12 lanes of open bowling, music by DJ Bubbles Sanchez and a midnight Miller High Life toast. Lincoln Square Lanes, 4874 N Lincoln Ave (773-561-8191). 9pm. $35, in advance $30.
iO’s Interactive New Year’s Eve
iO has a whole smorgasbord of improv-y type things happening, starting with Whirled News Tonight’s Year in Review in the Del Close Theater, followed by the Cupid Players. But it’s downstairs in the Cabaret where we want to join some of its most talented improvisers for interactive games and sets featuring the audience. Yes, the later shows include party favors and a Champagne toast. iO, 3541 N Clark St (773-880-0199). 8, 10:30pm. $25 per show.
We’re pHucked
pH Productions’ “We’re pHucked: Kickass End of the World New Year’s Eve Party” looks the Mayan calendar straight in the eye and says, “pHuck you!” The folks at pHrenzy perform their late-night raunch fest against a backdrop of raffle prizes, endless booze, dancing, games, a Champagne toast and more. Studio BE, 3110 N Sheffield Ave (773-732-5450). 10pm. $40.
NEW YEAR'S EVE DRINK PACKAGES:
Bangers & Lace (1670 W Division St, 773-252-6499)
Skip the NYE BS with Champagne-style beers, passed apps and a High Life toast at midnight. Free
The Orbit Room (2959 N California Ave, 773-588-8540)
$2 PBR, $1 tequila shots, a smoking tent and—yes—classy attire is encouraged. Free
People Lounge (1560 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-227-9339, 9pm–1am).
Wine, sangria, cocktails and beer are included in the drink package. (A four-course dinner is $50 extra.) Free bottle of Champagne for advance-booked groups of six or more. $50
D’Noche (2714 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-289-4274, 10pm–3am)
A three-course dinner is followed by a three-hour open bar, a midnight toast, DJ, and salsa, merengue and Latin dancing. Reservations required. $65
Lottie’s Pub (1925 W Cortland Ave, 773-489-0738, 8pm–1am)
This five-hour package includes pizza, party favors and premium drinks. Tickets at lottiespub.com/promos. $65
The Pony (1638 W Belmont Ave, 773-828-5055, 8pm–1am)
Live DJ, premium drink package, appetizer buffet, Champagne toast—you know the deal. Tickets at theponychicago.com/promos. $75
The Scout (1301 S Wabash Ave, 312-705-0595)
Five-hour package includes a buffet, Champagne toast, premium drinks and a DJ. $75
Division Ale House (1942 W Division St, 773-384-6886, 8pm–1am)
DJs spin, there’s an open bar and a midnight toast, and you best stop drinking at 1am (after which it’s a cash bar). Groups of eight who purchase in advance receive Champagne. $80
The Irish Oak (3511 N Clark St, 9pm–3am)
The pub’s package includes live music by Robbie Gold in one room, DJ Johnny Rockets in another, a buffet, beer and a chance to take a photo with a leprechaun. $80
Roots Handmade Pizza (1924 W Chicago Ave, 773-645-4949)
From 8pm–2am, there’s an open bar. From 8–11pm, there’s a buffet of Roots’ pizza, appetizers and salad. And at midnight, there’s Champagne. (Shots not included.) $80
Frontier (1072 N Milwaukee Ave, 9pm–1am)
You have four hours to indulge in a smoked whole-animal buffet. A DJ and drink package will help sustain you. $95
Theory (9 W Hubbard St, 312-644-0004, 8pm–1am)
Five hours of premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a Champagne toast and tunes from a DJ. Tickets at theorychicagonye.eventbrite.com. $95
Derby (1224 W Webster Ave, 9pm–3am)
Be among the first to check out this new tavern, which is rocking NYE with passed appetizers and draft beer. Contact shawn@derbychicago.com. $100
Jack’s Bar & Grill (2856 N Southport Ave, 9pm–3am)
The buffet features a carving station, the beer includes Heineken, and the package includes a Champagne toast at midnight. $100
Rebar (401 N Wabash Ave, 312-588-8030, 9pm–2am)
“There’s no place like Trump” at this Land of Oz–themed NYE event, which offers the choice of a tower of sweets or sushi. Reservations: 312-588-8114. $112+
WHERE SCAPEGOAT INK IS CELEBRATING NYE WITH ALCOHOLIC GIRLFRIEND:
Bottle & Bottega, 2900 N Lincoln Ave (773-313-9133). 8pm
So you want bottle service all night on NYE, but you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it (Trust me, Bottle & Bottega, like most places, don't want to be paid in limbs either)? Be your own bottle service and drink as much as you can carry at B&B, a BYOB art studio. It provides fun, painting, a buffet featuring Mexican food, and a live band. Don't worry, even if B&B is fully booked for NYE, you can always check out their event calendar or book your own private party today!
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES:
A Starry New Year's Eve Hard Rock Hotel. 8pm, $140 and up. Headlined by cover band The Gold Coast All-Stars and featuring DJ sets from Chris Masterson and Timbuck2, Lupe Fiasco's DJ. Tickets include premium open bar.
Chicago NYE Ball Rosemont Ballroom. 9pm, $40 and up. Featuring a DJ set from Lil Jon. DJ entertainment across three rooms, casino, VIP access to open bar.
Everyone's Famous Enclave. 9pm, $95 and up. Hollywood-themed party with red carpet and paparazzi experience, includes cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, gift bag, premium open bar and champagne and appetizer buffer until 1:30am.
Prohibition Dinner and Classic Cocktail Party In Fine Spirits. 6pm, $70 and up for dinner, $25 and up for cocktail party. A four-course meal inspired by the cuisine of the Prohibition Era from chef Marianne Sundquist; cocktail party features raffle.
Ring in 2012 Hyatt Regency O'Hare. 8:30pm, $75. With music from Modern Day Romeos and Jaktripper, dance club featuring DJ-Spin and Tony Ocean performing in Red Bar. Includes open bar and fantasy casino.
Roaring 20s NYE Moonshine Brewing Company. 8pm, $100. Speakeasy-themed party with open bar featuring 20s-era cocktails and Moonshine beer, dinner buffet from executive chef Matthew Wilde, DJs Ryan Ross and Greg Bauer. You’ll wake up wishing for Prohibition to make a comeback.
New Year’s Eve Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball at Intercontinental O’Hare. 8pm, $75 and up. Whether you want to rock out to some serious '80s music, get down with old-fashioned rock 'n' roll or bump and grind to house, you’re covered at the Intercontinental. They’ve got three rooms, three different styles of music and all the alcohol you can drink with a four-hour open bar.
Carnivale New year’s Eve Cabaret. 7:30, for reservations call (312) 850-5005. If you’re looking to spice up 2011’s New Year’s Eve (who isn’t?), check out Carnivale’s festivities. With a DJ, drag queen, stilt walker, contortionist, burlesque performers and more, you’re sure to make a New Year’s you’ll remember, at least in bits and pieces.
New Year’s Eve at the Ritz-Carlton
Ritz-Carlton, Deca restaurant. Seating at 8:30pm, $195 per person, for reservations call 312-573-5083. Tired of eating Chinese food and drinking cheap beer on New Year’s? Get off the couch and ring in 2012 with some class at Deca, where you can celebrate with a seafood bar, dry-aged rib eye, foie gras, truffles and 17 deserts. If that doesn’t get you moving, there’s dancing and drinking, starting with a free glass of champagne.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse New Year's Eve 2011. For reservations, call (312) 329-1800. Chicago Cut Steakhouse is already taking reservations for NYE, for meals up until 1:30am on the big night. There will be a surf and turf special ($65) with 30-day aged prime filet Mignon with two Tristan lobster tails. Jazz vocalist Typhanie Monique will entertain diners from 9pm-1am. A complimentary champagne toast at midnight will be accompanied by a balloon drop and dancing. Call to make reservations.
Angela Eve and the Flat Iron presents: 2012 Metropolis Ball
It’s burlesque galore at Wicker Park’s Flat Iron bar. More than a dozen starlets take the stage, including Angela Eve, New Orleans’ Nona Narcisse, Maya Sinstress and Miss Vine. Live bands provide the soundtrack to stripping and peeling. Dress the part or take cues from an on-site pinup stylist; a costume contest awards the best dressed. The Flat Iron, 1565 N Milwaukee Ave (metropolisballchicago2012.com). 8pm–5am; $35, advance $30.
Blue Tie New Year’s Eve
End the year on a high note at Blue Frog’s karaoke party. The bar recommends creative blue dress and a willingness to make an ass out of yourself onstage. Appetizers (before 11pm), party favors and a midnight Champagne toast round out the fun. Blue Frog’s Local 22, 22 E Hubbard St (312-527-1200, local22bluetieevent.eventbrite.com). 9pm–2am. $25, advance $20; after 11pm $10.
NEW YEAR'S EVE COMEDY SPECIALS:
Chuckle Bowl Spectacular
The Lincoln Lodge continues to corner the market on off-kilter New Year’s parties. Join comedians Adam Burke, Danny Kallas, Dan Ronan, Junior Stopka and Liza Treyger for a night of jokes, plus 12 lanes of open bowling, music by DJ Bubbles Sanchez and a midnight Miller High Life toast. Lincoln Square Lanes, 4874 N Lincoln Ave (773-561-8191). 9pm. $35, in advance $30.
iO’s Interactive New Year’s Eve
iO has a whole smorgasbord of improv-y type things happening, starting with Whirled News Tonight’s Year in Review in the Del Close Theater, followed by the Cupid Players. But it’s downstairs in the Cabaret where we want to join some of its most talented improvisers for interactive games and sets featuring the audience. Yes, the later shows include party favors and a Champagne toast. iO, 3541 N Clark St (773-880-0199). 8, 10:30pm. $25 per show.
We’re pHucked
pH Productions’ “We’re pHucked: Kickass End of the World New Year’s Eve Party” looks the Mayan calendar straight in the eye and says, “pHuck you!” The folks at pHrenzy perform their late-night raunch fest against a backdrop of raffle prizes, endless booze, dancing, games, a Champagne toast and more. Studio BE, 3110 N Sheffield Ave (773-732-5450). 10pm. $40.
NEW YEAR'S EVE DRINK PACKAGES:
Bangers & Lace (1670 W Division St, 773-252-6499)
Skip the NYE BS with Champagne-style beers, passed apps and a High Life toast at midnight. Free
The Orbit Room (2959 N California Ave, 773-588-8540)
$2 PBR, $1 tequila shots, a smoking tent and—yes—classy attire is encouraged. Free
People Lounge (1560 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-227-9339, 9pm–1am).
Wine, sangria, cocktails and beer are included in the drink package. (A four-course dinner is $50 extra.) Free bottle of Champagne for advance-booked groups of six or more. $50
D’Noche (2714 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-289-4274, 10pm–3am)
A three-course dinner is followed by a three-hour open bar, a midnight toast, DJ, and salsa, merengue and Latin dancing. Reservations required. $65
Lottie’s Pub (1925 W Cortland Ave, 773-489-0738, 8pm–1am)
This five-hour package includes pizza, party favors and premium drinks. Tickets at lottiespub.com/promos. $65
The Pony (1638 W Belmont Ave, 773-828-5055, 8pm–1am)
Live DJ, premium drink package, appetizer buffet, Champagne toast—you know the deal. Tickets at theponychicago.com/promos. $75
The Scout (1301 S Wabash Ave, 312-705-0595)
Five-hour package includes a buffet, Champagne toast, premium drinks and a DJ. $75
Division Ale House (1942 W Division St, 773-384-6886, 8pm–1am)
DJs spin, there’s an open bar and a midnight toast, and you best stop drinking at 1am (after which it’s a cash bar). Groups of eight who purchase in advance receive Champagne. $80
The Irish Oak (3511 N Clark St, 9pm–3am)
The pub’s package includes live music by Robbie Gold in one room, DJ Johnny Rockets in another, a buffet, beer and a chance to take a photo with a leprechaun. $80
Roots Handmade Pizza (1924 W Chicago Ave, 773-645-4949)
From 8pm–2am, there’s an open bar. From 8–11pm, there’s a buffet of Roots’ pizza, appetizers and salad. And at midnight, there’s Champagne. (Shots not included.) $80
Frontier (1072 N Milwaukee Ave, 9pm–1am)
You have four hours to indulge in a smoked whole-animal buffet. A DJ and drink package will help sustain you. $95
Theory (9 W Hubbard St, 312-644-0004, 8pm–1am)
Five hours of premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a Champagne toast and tunes from a DJ. Tickets at theorychicagonye.eventbrite.com. $95
Derby (1224 W Webster Ave, 9pm–3am)
Be among the first to check out this new tavern, which is rocking NYE with passed appetizers and draft beer. Contact shawn@derbychicago.com. $100
Jack’s Bar & Grill (2856 N Southport Ave, 9pm–3am)
The buffet features a carving station, the beer includes Heineken, and the package includes a Champagne toast at midnight. $100
Rebar (401 N Wabash Ave, 312-588-8030, 9pm–2am)
“There’s no place like Trump” at this Land of Oz–themed NYE event, which offers the choice of a tower of sweets or sushi. Reservations: 312-588-8114. $112+
WHERE SCAPEGOAT INK IS CELEBRATING NYE WITH ALCOHOLIC GIRLFRIEND:
Bottle & Bottega, 2900 N Lincoln Ave (773-313-9133). 8pm
So you want bottle service all night on NYE, but you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it (Trust me, Bottle & Bottega, like most places, don't want to be paid in limbs either)? Be your own bottle service and drink as much as you can carry at B&B, a BYOB art studio. It provides fun, painting, a buffet featuring Mexican food, and a live band. Don't worry, even if B&B is fully booked for NYE, you can always check out their event calendar or book your own private party today!
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Posted by ScapeGoat Ink at 12/30/2011 10:32 AM 
Categories: Booze Weekends, Booze Holiday, Booze Events
Tags: New Year's Eve Time Out Chicago Will Livesley-O'Neill parties Hard Rock Hotel Rosemont Ballroom Everyone's Famous Enclave Prohibition Dinner Fine Spirits Hyatt Regency O'Hare Moonshine Brewing Company Rock 'n' Roll Ball at Intercontinental O'Hare Carnivale cabaret Ritz-Carlton Chicago Cut Steakhouse Angela Eve Flat Iron bulesque Metropolis Ball Blue Frog champagne Chuckle Bowl Spectacular Lincoln Lodge Adam Burke Danny Kallas Dan Ronan Junior Stopka Liza Treyger comedians iO Del Close Theater Cupid Players pH Productions Studio BE Bangers and Lace The Orbit Room People Lounge D'Noche Lottie's Pub The Pony Division Ale House The Irish Oak Roots Handmade Pizza Frontier Theory Derby Jack's Bar and Grill Rebar Bottle and Bottega
Categories: Booze Weekends, Booze Holiday, Booze Events
Tags: New Year's Eve Time Out Chicago Will Livesley-O'Neill parties Hard Rock Hotel Rosemont Ballroom Everyone's Famous Enclave Prohibition Dinner Fine Spirits Hyatt Regency O'Hare Moonshine Brewing Company Rock 'n' Roll Ball at Intercontinental O'Hare Carnivale cabaret Ritz-Carlton Chicago Cut Steakhouse Angela Eve Flat Iron bulesque Metropolis Ball Blue Frog champagne Chuckle Bowl Spectacular Lincoln Lodge Adam Burke Danny Kallas Dan Ronan Junior Stopka Liza Treyger comedians iO Del Close Theater Cupid Players pH Productions Studio BE Bangers and Lace The Orbit Room People Lounge D'Noche Lottie's Pub The Pony Division Ale House The Irish Oak Roots Handmade Pizza Frontier Theory Derby Jack's Bar and Grill Rebar Bottle and Bottega
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