18 Best NYC Restaurants And Bars To Celebrate NYE In 2023
New York City on New Year's Eve can overwhelm even the most ardent of locals with all the different options. We believe there's no one right way to celebrate another turn around the sun. But, embracing the glitz or cutting it up on the dance floor can help shake up the start of a new year. After all, who doesn't love a clean slate? We find going out on New Year's Eve might also deliver a bit of cheese (even if it's just in the form of a charcuterie plate) — and expectations sometimes run a little high. We've taken out some of the guesswork with a roster of options across the boroughs for a range of vibes and tastes.
Yes, celebrating the ball drop might mean glitter falls from the sky (and don't forget about a Champagne toast!). We also appreciate a decadent, comforting meal without the need for a hefty entry fee. This city is known for the Times Square ball drop, but you don't have to be out in the cold to celebrate the clock striking midnight. Take a peek at some of the best NYC restaurants and bars to celebrate New Year's Eve.
Long Island City bar crawl to Fifth Hammer Brewing
Not all New Year's Eve festivities need to involve shots and bottle service. Sampling craft beer from some of the best brewers in the boroughs might be more our speed. We recommend a class bar crawl in Long Island City to ring in another year with friends and loved ones. Start at Transmitter Brewing at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for a golden ale or spruce tip saison. Transmitter has an outdoor garden (weather permitting) and is open until 8 p.m., so it's the perfect taproom to start the evening.
From there, head to Big Alice Brewing — one of the best breweries in the state — for a sweet potato farmhouse ale or Queensbridge IPA. The Queens (and Brooklyn) tap room is open until 10 p.m. on Saturdays for a pint or two in the barrel room. Finish the evening at Fifth Hammer Brewing with a New Year's Eve toast and jam session — in the form of toasts (both the "cheers-ing" type and actual toasted bread) and jams (both live music and actual edible spreads) without the need for a cover or reservations. Live music will help keep the vibes right, and the brewery will drop a Golden Firkin (aka small keg) at midnight.
Multiple locations
One-of-a-kind intimate omakase at Sushi Suite 1001 in Midtown
Treat yourself to a 17-course omakase sushi dinner located inside an unmarked hotel suite in Hotel 32|32 in NoMad. That's right, Sushi Suite 1001 offers what is likely the world's first hotel room turned restaurant experience with a simple four-seat sushi counter and chef Takeshi Sato for a 60-minute meal. When you arrive at Hotel 3232, you'll check in at the front desk and receive your room key to unlock one of the more unique dining options in the city. Arrive early to enjoy cocktails at the suite's private terrace bar.
Chef Takeshi's sushi features a signature ratio of rice to fish taught him by his old Master, Chef Yasuda. He focuses on hyper-seasonal selections of Japanese fish. Options could include anago sea eel, which is cooked in a broth made from its own bones, a Hokkaido scallop that is topped with uni sourced from the same waters, and firefly squid in a sweet miso sauce. Reserve a slot at Sushi Suite 1001 on NYE at $150 per person.
32 E. 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
Six-course vegan dinner at Eterea in the East Village
Plant-based cuisine isn't reserved for just people living on a vegan diet. Instead, you can partake in vegan bites and cozy vibes to please all diets thanks to chef Xila Caudillo at Etérea in the East Village. The lush atmosphere is only matched by the six-course tasting menu with contemporary interpretations of classic Mexican dishes. Does anything sound more magical than a canopy of suspended flowers and glowing lace-lined umbrellas under which to sip on mezcal cocktails? We didn't think so. The Etérea NYE event is taking reservations for seatings at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. for $100 per person. Keep in mind that taxes, drinks, and the service fee are not included.
The Etérea party can continue after your meal — if you're willing to head to the sister restaurant for its midnight celebration. As part of the $100 per person ticket, you can enjoy three hours of passed hors d'oeuvres at the Poison Ivy Club at Avant Garden after dinner at Etérea from 11:30 p.m. onward. The locations are within a block or so from one another, which is convenient.
511 E 5th St
New York, NY 10009
Caribbean cocktails and brunch at Kokomo in Williamsburg
Kokomo in NYC is a Caribbean restaurant and bar that exudes decadence through dark wood detailing, crushed velvet seating, a winding raw-edge bar, and an exciting and modern approach to dining. The attention to detail, such as a sculptural chandelier to draw the eye up toward the high ceilings, is enough to feel festive on any given visit. We highly recommend arriving hungry due to the menu's ability to please a range of diets and offer a welcome spin on craft cocktails. Plus,
The location is near Hurricane Point in Williamsburg but will easily transport you to the tropics. Kokomo will be open on New Year's Eve prix fixe dinner menu and New Year's Day for brunch. NYE Kokomo Dinner includes a three-course dinner for $125 per person and requires a $15 reservation fee. Menu selections include a plantain cup to start, a Caribbean Pork Chop or vegan ravioli with roasted vegetables for the entrée, or a pecan pie cheesecake. Can't wait? The restaurant also offers a full brunch service on weekends.
(347) 799-1312
65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Dancing and vibes at The Standard in the Meatpacking District
The Standard is a brand known for upping the sauciness of an evening out. Its annual NYE events are no different. The Standard Grill is planning an NYE Early Dinner for $125 for a prix fixe menu until 8 p.m. A second seating for the NYE Countdown Dinner starts at 9 p.m. with a four-course prix fixe for $195 per person. Expect a DJ and entertainment to start around 10 p.m.
The Standard Biergarten is hosting a casino night in the Meatpacking District to commemorate the annual ball drop. The German beer garden is located in a space known for beers, pretzels, and ping pong tables on the ground floor of the hotel. General admission includes "$1,000" in poker chips (just don't try to cash them out because what happens at the Biergarten, stays at the Biergarten). You can also enjoy a buffet and one hour of open bar starting at 7 p.m.
For the ultimate night of vibes and well-dressed revelers, head to The Standard's rooftop for Le Bain's NYE party for dancing, DJs, and skyline views. Tickets are known to sell out early and don't be surprised if you're greeted by a line. Music will be provided by Tony Humphries, Rich Medina, and Dana Lu — bring your own dancing shoes.
(212) 645-4646
848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
Disco with premium bar at Rumpus Room in the Bowery
The Rumpus Room is the ideal spot for true club kids to dance the night away. This Bowery nightclub is a media darling for its DJ sets and '80s aesthetic with palm wallpaper, zebra accents, and plenty of neon to help smooth out the details on any new acquaintances. For the Rumpus Room New Year's Eve party, the bar and lounge is hosting a ticketed event with upwards of five hours of an open bar.
If five hours of premium booze sounds like too much of a good thing (or the $199 price tag is too steep), you can also purchase a two-hour open bar ticket for $99, a three-hour bar pass for $125, or $49 for after-midnight admission. The evening festivities will start at 9 p.m. and include the obligatory Champagne toast at midnight. Dancing all night away can take on new meaning thanks to the 4 a.m. closing time.
(212) 777-5153
249 Eldridge St, New York NY 10002
Galactic dinner and show at House of Yes in Bushwick
Events produced by House of Yes are a nightlife must if you live in New York City. The company hosts themed events year-round (space-themed lewks are highly encouraged) as a queer and inclusive venue and event company. This year's NYE Gala Galactica presents space-age extravagance for under $200 per ticket and those tickets will sell out. The House of Yes event space is on perhaps the trendiest street in Bushwick, so you can always stop by one of the many food trucks or bars before the late-night party begins. Music will be provided by a rotation of DJs until 5 a.m. Ready to impress? The winner of the costume contest will win a bottle of Champagne and unlimited entry to the House of Yes for one year (aka priceless).
If you're more of an early riser — or don't feel like going home — the venue typically throws a New Year's Day celebration at House of Yes, so you'll need to get separate tickets. But what else will you be doing if not dancing in the daytime?
2 Wyckoff Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11237
Michelin-starred tasting menu at The Musket Room in Soho
Executive chef Mary Attea leads a Soho-based restaurant known for its minimal yet rustic dining room, al fresco garden seating, and a weekend tasting menu recognized by Michelin for the contemporary American style (think quail with za'atar and fennel or uni toast). Chef Attea is presenting two special ticketed events for New Year's Eve at The Musket Room to celebrate the arrival of 2024 with refined dishes and elegant platings.
The first of The Musket Room's NYE seatings starts at 5 p.m. with a six-course vegan tasting menu or omnivore selections for $225 a person. The six-course tasting is paired with a Champagne toast, but other beverages, tax, and gratuity are not included in the cost of dinner. You can also head over to the after-party at Raf's for a $550 per person ticket. Raf's will be open late for more drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and a disco ball.
(212) 219-0764
265 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
Discover performance art at the McKittrick in Chelsea
The McKittrick Hotel can always be counted on for an elaborate and theatrical event. We can attest that the multi-level dance party delivers multiple performances on the main stage, as well as in nooks found by wandering through the winding hotel-turned-event space. If you love to dance and have appreciated the voyeuristic Sleep No More show inspired by Shakespeare and the 1920s (or want to do so before it closes in 2024), the epic annual McKittrick New Year's Eve celebration is likely to impress.
This year is less of a theme and more of a homage to the hotel's decadence and history. Dress accordingly in diamonds or as a bellhop, if you're so inclined. Ticket prices are also decadent at $300 to start and rise from there if you prefer an open bar.
(212) 904-1880
530 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Family-owned eatery with dancing at Winona's in Bed-Stuy
With so many ticketed events and steep cover charges, we appreciate a restaurant that can deliver on the feeling of a decadent meal that embraces lingering conversation and sobremesa. Winona's started in an apartment (next door to its current location) in the long lineage of a supper club. Today, the all-day cafe in north Bed-Stuy is bright, modern, and cozy with white brick walls, natural woods, and booth seating. Seasonally-driven dishes from Chef Kirstyn Brewer are curated alongside community events with guest chefs, wine experts, and food activists.
Winona's is keeping it casual this year serving its a la carte menu with some special items on deck, including ribeye for two, oysters Rockefeller, and a classic caviar plate with optional shaved truffles. You can also enjoy natural wines plus grower Champagne by the glass. Winona's reservations are available until 9 p.m. For midnight, the team will clear the room for dancing thanks to a DJ. You can also join the brunch party in the backroom for dreamy skylight breakfast energy on New Year's Day.
(718) 388-4900
676 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Two-for-one cocktail lounge: The Ivory Peacock and Ploume in Flatiron
The Ivory Peacock bar and its subterranean cocktail lounge, Ploume, are some of the newer entries to the city's bar scene. The Flatiron spaces offer some art deco glamor in a building with a 136-year-old history. Antique chandeliers have been relocated from the Waldorf Astoria New York and The NoMad Hotel. The cocktail and bar program serves sophisticated French-inspired concoctions with Japanese touches, which include small bites. You'll also find one of the most expansive collections of gin in the city.
We recommend The Ivory Peacock for inventive cocktails (Death in the Afternoon is made with absinthe, Champagne, and lemon bitters and oil). The menu is seafood-driven and crafted by a French Laundry alum. The bonus is heading downstairs to Ploume, a moodier space with plenty of couches to lounge.
(646) 930-8888
38 West 26th St, New York, NY 10010
Luxury rooftop views at The Knickerbocker in Times Square
The Knickerbocker Hotel, a five-star property in Times Square, celebrates with another New Year's Eve experience on the St. Cloud rooftop. Instead of standing shoulder to shoulder in streets, you can stand shoulder to shoulder on an outdoor terrace a mere 150 feet below the famous sphere itself. St. Cloud at 6 Times Square offers unparalleled views of the skyline from one of the venue's sky pod booths. Plus, you can enjoy a seasonal small bites menu and a full bar.
This is truly a premium event with tickets starting at four figures per person. You'll gain access to a communal seating buffet at Charlie Palmer at The Knick restaurant, an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, and a DJ. This isn't your ordinary event, but just might be the kind of opulence you're looking for to ring in 2023.
(212) 204-4980
6 Times Square, New York, NY 10036
Casual bites and confetti at Time Out Market in Dumbo
Looking for low-key yet indulgent New Year's Eve plans? For New Year's Eve at Time Out Market New York, the Dumbo food hall will present a full evening of dining and drinks. The market's 15 purveyors will be open on the fifth floor, which opens to a terrace with sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. The all-inclusive drink packages run from 9 p.m. to midnight, including two floors of entertainment. The dance floor will start early with DJ Price is Right from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., then continue into 2023 with live music until 1 a.m.
The $300 per person tickets include $50 toward food at the eateries, as well as access to an open bar and Champagne toast. We recommend eating at Bark Barbecue for brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and plenty of sides. You'll also find Indian food, ramen, pasta, pizza, and pastries.
917-810-4855
55 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The Pink Affair New Years Eve Gala at Wynwood in Staten Island
Staten Island is now home to global street eats by way of one of Miami's hippest arts-centric neighborhoods. The Wynwood restaurant and lounge is true to its name in that it delivers Miami vibes with its teal walls, geometric tiled floors, and palm fronds. Expect more than a handful of neon lights, DJ sets, and bottle service. You can also grab brunch or dinner, then prepare for a late night.
On New Year's Eve, The Wynwood will host The Pink Affair, a ticketed event with a premium open bar. Two tiers of packages start at either 8:30 p.m. with a wedding-style cocktail hour or at 9:30 p.m. with a complimentary buffet. The festivities continue through the ball drop thanks to a Champagne toast and whatever party favors the venue offers. Staten Island might just have the party you're after.
16 glorious courses at Restaurant Yuu in Greenpoint
Restaurant Yuu, a newcomer to the Brooklyn restaurant scene offering a dynamic fusion of high-quality French cuisine with traditional Japanese "omotenashi", was recently awarded a Michelin star, the only new Brooklyn restaurant to receive one in 2023. Sticking with the culinary grandiosity that comes with winning such a prestigious award, Chef Yuu Shimano and the team at Restaurant Yuu are offering a 16-course — yes, you read that right, 16-course — tasting menu on New Year's Eve.
Tucked away inside the Randolph House luxury residences, the 18-seat restaurant only seats 36 people daily, so you'll want to grab your tickets to this celebratory meal quickly. Courses from the tasting menu include king crab, langoustine, abalone risotto, and much more. Chef Yuu will take the time to tell you each dish's story, making this not just a meal but an intimate experience. If the idea of a fabulous little dinner party this New Year's Eve sounds right up your alley, this is where you want to be.
https://www.yuunewyork.com/restaurantyuu/
(347) 422-0270
55 Nassau Ave., #1A Brooklyn NY 11222
Snow crab and champagne at Kochi in Hell's Kitchen
Korean street food? We're in. Award-winning upscale Korean street food paired with top-shelf champagne at a Michelin-star restaurant? We're even more in. Opened in 2019 and the proud owner of one Michelin star, Kochi, which means skewer in Korean, is a fresh-faced and exciting addition to the Hell's Kitchen dining scene.
In partnership with Veuve Cliquot, Kochi is offering New Yorkers a special New Year's Eve tasting menu with an optional champagne pairing to ring in the new year in the most delicious way possible: on skewers. Menu items include sweet potato soup with caviar, duck with black garlic truffle jus, snow crab bibimbap with candied anchovies, and a froyo topped with dehydrated Korean dates. If you can't make it for the New Year's Eve dinner but still want to get in on all the tasty dishes Kochi has to offer, we recommend making a reservation for their nine-course tasting menu for a reasonable $145 per person.
(646) 478-7308
652 10th Ave., New York NY 10036
Cheers to the Gilded Age at Verōnika in Flatiron
If ever there was a time to get dressed to the absolute nines, it's for a classy New Year's Eve party. This December 31st, Verōnika is putting on perhaps the classiest event in New York City. A black-tie affair, this Gilded Age-themed event is an exercise in absolute excess and grandeur, with fine caviar, champagne, and culinary delights that only an event like this could provide.
Snag this $300 ticket — by no means an inexpensive evening, but if you're going to ring in the new year in style, you should really just lean into it — and get ready to enjoy passed canapes, a caviar and raw bar, a carving station, and a dessert table beyond your wildest dreams. DJ Darius Maghen will be there to provide the best possible vibes to ring in the new year, so if you want to get all dressed up and have a truly splurge-worthy evening, this is the place to do it.
(646) 993-6993
281 Park Ave South., New York NY 10010
Heavenly opulence at Chapel Bar in Gramercy
Chapel Bar is a hidden gem in every sense of the word — it's tucked away inside a former 19th-century chapel that is now home to an impressive, avant-garde cocktail program, live events and performances, and apparently, the occasional confession. This year, the team at Chapel Bar is inviting New Yorkers to ring in the new year with them: dress to impress, dance all night long under the crystal chandelier, and cheers to 2024 with a champagne toast at midnight to really kick things off on the best possible note.
Tickets are $150 per person, which we consider a good price for a New Year's Eve event of this caliber in New York City. The grand festivities go until 2:00 a.m., so whether you're looking for an all-night dance party with your friends or just some really great cocktails to kick off 2024 on a classy note, we think this will be a dance-til-you-drop event to remember. After all, once the clock strikes midnight, all will be forgiven.
275 Park Ave South., New York NY 10010
(646) 790-1590