Between gift-wrapping and holiday checklists, you might’ve forgotten that New Year’s Eve is a mere two weeks away. And there’s plenty to celebrate as we wrap up this year and look ahead to the next. So, whether you’re looking to go big with a caviar-laced meal or just keep it casual, we have you covered for every occasion.
Find even more options for New Year’s Eve and beyond here.
Pregame with a celebratory drink…
At a place that’s shaking and stirring some of Chicago’s finest: Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar. The tavern from the Giant folks will be open December 31, slinging its American-Chinese classics and finessed tropical cocktails. Grab an early dinner, a few Mezcal-fueled ChiChi Coladas, and start your night right.
One of our favorite spots for happy hour is Coquette, but the West Loop bistro is also perfect for an early dinner. Pair some natural wines from offbeat French regions, then indulge in French classics and you’re off.
And if it’s elegant wine with a long lunch you’re after, Argot is open all day long on the 31st.
And enact your New Year’s resolution…
Of becoming a regular at a most perfect restaurant: Obélix. It’s the kind of place that feels at once special and everyday, beckoning you with comforting brasserie classics like onion soup, then surprising you with innovative feats, like a foie gras taco. For New Year’s Eve, they’re offering up a five-course menu, featuring choices like Paul Bocuse’s black truffle soup. Tickets here.
See also: All the other restaurants we wish to be regulars at next year.
Or jump in a time machine to the 70s…
At the beloved Cherry Circle Room, which will be decked out in a disco decor for one night only. The bar will feature vintage food stations, like a seafood bar featuring lobster tails and shrimp cocktails; a blini station; a Parmesan wheel pasta station with truffles shaved to order; and even a chocolate fountain. Naturally, there will be 70s-themed cocktails as well. Tickets here.
Find your happy place…
At a great bar for a few hours, full of thoughtful cocktails and snacks. That’s where the Meadowlark comes in. For the occasion, you’ll get dedicated seats at the bar, plus a pair of cocktails and fancy snacks from chef Justin Kaialoa. Tickets here! (And if you love the Meadowlark, also check out sister spots Union and Lardon, which are both doing NYE specials of their own.)
Or indulge in an affordable tasting menu as you ring in the new year at mfk.restaurant, which is doing a delightful $85 five-course menu featuring its signature comfort food like oysters, duck confit, and chocolate pot de creme. Book here.
Or dress to the nines and go all out…
At one of Chicago’s hottest steakhouses of the year. Yes, we’re talking about Asador Bastian, which is outdoing itself with a “Glitter & Gold” feast of caviar pintxos, spider crab, and of course, dry-aged meats. Book here.
Unless you’d prefer a proper party…
Then you can head straight to Bar Goa for a New Year’s Eve Bollywood Party. Expect DJs and EDM vibes all night, alongside drinks and appetizers. Right this way for tickets, which start at $85 and go up and include three drink tickets, passed apps, and much more.
