Ring in the New Year With These Chicago Celebrations
BLVD Steakhouse
The holiday season in Chicago is no doubt the best time of the year. With Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, holiday pop ups and more, nothing is better than winter in Chicago. And what better way to finish off the holiday season and start a new year than with delicious food, fun drinks and amazing views of our favorite city? New Year’s Eve is upon us, so let’s make the most of it! To lessen the stress of finding the perfect way to ring in 2022, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to be when the clock strikes midnight
BLVD Steakhouse
Celebrate the old year ending at this swanky steakhouse in the West Loop! With old Hollywood glamor in mind, you’ll feel like you just stepped onto Sunset Boulevard in the 50’s. Spend the night in a booth and sit under the elegant chandeliers enjoying prime cuts, fresh seafood, and other dishes while you choose from a drink menu of cocktails, beer, and wine. From the moment you step through their door to the ever-so-famous champagne toast at midnight, it’ll be a night to remember.
The Violet Hour
Want to manifest good drinks and great outfits for your new year? Head over to Violet Hour to celebrate with your most stylish monochrome look! Dress head to toe in the color that was your 2021 mood. Your year was less than ideal? Wear all black! Your year was filled with joy? Wear all yellow! Not only will you be bidding adieu to the old year in style, but you will drink in style too! With Champagne cocktails, Old Fashioneds, and bubbly French 75's, it’s the perfect way to toast to a new beginning!
The Peninsula
The Peninsula Chicago
The Peninsula is known for going all out for the holidays, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. The upscale hotel is hosting a Gala Dinner in The Lobby to celebrate the end of 2021. Starting at 6PM, guests will be greeted with a welcome cocktail, followed by a five-course prix-fixe dinner and dancing. With a live band and a midnight countdown, you’ll feel like you’re on a 60’s movie set. If you want a slightly more casual evening, check out their rooftop Z Bar for an abundance of hors d'oeuvres, a DJ and an open bar.
Radio Room
The easy-going River North bar, Radio Room, is hosting a New Year’s Eve party complete with gourmet appetizers, drink packages, select wines and a midnight countdown. Thanks to their MANY TVs, everyone will have a good view to watch the ball drop. Attendees can spend the last few hours of 2021 drinking, eating good food and listening to good music with their closest friends.
NoMI Chicago
One of Chicago’s most loved downtown spots is kicking off the New Year the best way they know how: with a four course menu, including a Sushi Platter, French Onion Soup, Prime Ribeye, and more! But it doesn’t stop there. NoMI will be toasting the beginning of 2022 with bubbles at midnight while you look out onto downtown Chicago. Talk about the perfect way to bring on another year!
Tanta Chicago
Start 2022 off with a little Peruvian flair. On NYE, Tanta will not only serve their classic a la carte menu, but will be adding elevated specials like a Caviar service and Esfera De Chocolate (white chocolate sphere, 24 karat gold, Peruvian chocolate mousse, raspberry compote and crispy quinoa). This is a great option for anyone who wants to spend New Year’s in a more laid back environment, but still with the option to customize your meal rather than only having a few package options. Feliz año nuevo!
Summer House Santa Monica
Summer House Santa Monica
Lincoln Park’s West Coast-inspired hangout is doing a New Year’s Eve celebration perfect for families. With a ball drop that begins at 5:30PM, bites including Grilled Cheese and Quesadillas for the kiddos, and sparkling pink lemonade and grape juice, it’s an event the whole family will remember. For the “big kids” there will be an array of beer and wine, as well as regular menu items.
Adalina
After the whirlwind that has been the last few years, nothing sounds better than starting the new year off with the good things in life: with good Italian food and lots of wine. Adalina is offering two exclusive dine-in packages that will include a five-course dinner, midnight Champagne toast, and balloon drop on December 31. There will also be a children's menu available for kids under the age of 10. May every day of your new year be filled with good Italian food and amazing wine!
Sweetwater Tavern & Grill
On a night that generally includes extravagant dresses and fancy cocktails, there’s something refreshing about more lowkey plans. Sweetwater is offering dinner and drinks as a way to celebrate without too much craziness. Their New Year’s Eve menu items include Fried Chicken and Smoked Salmon Carpaccio paired with unique beer pairings and a champagne toast. You will also receive party favors and the chance to win a $100 gift card!
By Madison Freeman | Special Coorespondent