We’re frankly mostly of the mind that New Year’s Eve is best spent at a house party with good friends — going out to a club is almost always overpriced and often a big letdown. But in the event you don’t have a party to attend, are new in town, or for any other reason are facing tonight without a firm plan, here’s a few of our suggestions on how to have a fun and not too expensive evening at the last minute.
>> To know Galaxy Hut is to love Galaxy Hut. The tiny bar tucked away from the standard Clarendon fare is home to an incredible beer selection, great music, and friendly clientèle. If you’re looking for a way to make ’08 great without paying an arm and a leg for some open bar fiasco, we suggest partaking in the Hut’s annual Low Key NYE. No cover.
>> On the other side of the coin, the Rock & Roll Hotel is hosting Garutachi’s new year’s eve fest that won’t be low key in the slightest — with a live performance by Georgie James, more DJ’s than we were aware one party could use and a champagne toast. Co-sponsored by Garutachi, BYT and DURKL. There are a few price point options. Gen Adm: $30. Party Pass (open bar for rail drinks, 8p.m. – 1a.m.): $50. All Access Pass (open bar top shelf, 8 p.m. to last call): $80.
>> Black Cat’s standard New Year’s party with the big band sound of Peaches O’Dell and her orchestra (check out our interview with her last year) has proved itself to be consistently fun and affordable over the years. Just looking to grab a couple friends and go dancing without all the other nonsense? This is the place for you. Doors are 8 p.m. and tickets are $25. You don’t have to dress up, but some people will.
>> Iota loyalists will want to head to the club for the Last Train Home/Vandaveer show. $40 gets you in for the 9 p.m. show plus champagne toast and “party favors.”
>> DC9 transforms its usual Friday night indie, electronic and hip-hop mix, Liberation Dance Party, into a New Year’s Eve version where for $25 you get your first drink free plus a little champagne at midnight. Get your tickets before 6 p.m. tonight, with doors opening at 9 p.m.
>> Dr. Dremo’s is “Keeping it Simple” tonight by offering beer, pool, food and a DJ, just like almost any other night. Cover is $25 at the door with no advance sales, with champagne toast included. The bar is closing for good on Jan. 27, so this will also be the last new year’s ever for Dremo’s fans. Expect a lot of emotion. Doors open at 8 p.m.
>> Just refuse to pay a cover and don’t give a hoot about a champagne toast? Head to Wonderland Ballroom, where DJ Meistro will spin upstairs and the bar will offer a Miller High Life toast at midnight, with no price for admission.
Photo by Sexy Fitsum
