A Word About New Years Eve

Shang

So, we've been avoiding the topic of New Year's Eve, because in all of nightlife there is only one bigger shitshow, Halloween. And in the ranks of amateur hours, it ranks second only to Valentine's Day. That said, perhaps you are looking for something to do. If so, here are five options that we endorse:

1) If you're looking for a denial-supporting stint of absurd Uptown frivolity, Le Cirque just sort of feels right. Their $350 all-in features: "a four-course prix fixe. Plus, there will be a dance floor with a live party band and a champagne toast at midnight." INFO: 212-644-0202

2) All of the Momofuku Restaurants are a la carte and, more or less, first come first served. Momo chefs and staff are generous around celebration time, so you can count on some sort of revelry at the midnight hour. 212-254-3500

3) The $3 drinks will flow at Rusty Knot. No cover, no list, no reservations at this or Spotted Pig, the other Ken Friendman show. 212-645-5668

4) Hill Country's sporting a $50/person mostly-all-in, which includes open bar from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m., a live music performance by Yarn, and midnight champagne toast. More from PR: "Other affordable options include their Pound for Pound special giving guests a free beer with every pound of barbecue purchased; $99 bottle service; and pitchers of specialty cocktails ($28-$40)." 212-255-4544

5) The other way you could go, of course, is brand new and fuck-off hot. Enter, Shang, where they're offering a quasi-a-la-carte program. At $350 it ain't cheep, but we're talking about the newest restaurant/lounge/asian hotspot in town, which isn't the wrong way to usher in a new year. Tip the best dressed service person in the room well, and you might even get access to Above Allen, the private lounge on the roof of the Allen Hotel. 212-260-7900