Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve 2013 in Washington, D.C.
The world’s continued existence after the year 2012 is reason enough to celebrate on December 31 — that, and it’s a great night to be a D.C. drink lover. We’ve rounded up New Year’s Eve options for everyone in the district, including budget-friendly fêtes, cocktail-laden soirées and fancy pants wine dinners.
Events for Craft Beer Lovers
Meridian Pint
5 PM–3 AM
There’s no cover or ticket required at this celebration in Columbia Heights, though reservations are recommended to enjoy the three-course prix fixe menu in the dining room, followed by a craft beer toast at midnight (3400 11th St. NW; 202-588-1075)
The Big Hunt
9 PM–3 AM
You’ll find “just good beer and a DJ” at this Dupont dive’s low-key celebration, and no cover means all the more to spend on the bar’s impressive draft selection (1345 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-785-2333).
Events for Mixology Fans
Lincoln
9 PM–1 AM; $150
A 10-piece band will set the mood for the premium open bar package at Lincoln’s “Vegas-style blowout,” which includes two hours of hors d’oeuvres and four hours of libations, as well as a Champagne toast at midnight (1110 Vermont Ave. NW; 202-386-9200).
The Gibson
9 PM–3 AM; $130
Unlimited access to this speakeasy’s cocktail list is just one reason that The Gibson’s party stands out from the crowd. The burlesque-themed “Lace & Feathers” event also features entertainment from dancer Candy del Rio and DJ Party Concepts (2009 14th St. NW; 202-232-2156).
Poste
5 PM–2 AM; $75 for five courses, $95 for seven
Candelabras, dapperly decked staff and live jazz music — French cabaret is the name of the game at this brasserie, which will feature five-course and seven-course dinner options with delicacies such as oysters, caviar and escargot. Pair it with something from the craft cocktail menu (not included) or enjoy special pricing on Pommery and Dom Perignon, both available by the glass or bottle (555 8th St. NW; 202-783-6060).
Masa 14
5 PM–close; $70
Available all night in the downstairs dining room, the $70 prix fixe menu at Richard Sandoval’s Latin-Asian fusions spot includes a featured drink — choose from beer, house red or white wine, a mojito, margarita or the restaurant’s popular strawberry lemonade — along with edamame, three small plates and a dessert (1825 14th St. NW; 202-328-1414).
Events for Vinophiles
Central
$150
France meets America at Michel Richard’s celebration, which, also in celebration of the restaurant's fifth anniversary, features a five-course prix fixe dinner with pairings from wine director David Hale, live New Orleans-style jazz, noisemakers, party hats and a midnight toast with Champagne Gosset Brut Excellence (1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202-626-0015).
Boqueria
8:30 PM–1:30 AM; $150
Celebrate Spanish-style with this Pedro Almodóvar-themed soiree, which will include porrón stations, specialty cocktails and unlimited tapas, beer, sangria and cava. A DJ, costume photo booth and screenings of films by the Spanish director will provide the entertainment (1837 M St. NW; 202-558-9545).
Vinoteca
Open bar package 10:30 PM–2:30 AM, $75; five-course dinner with pairings $105
Go all out with a five-course dinner and wine pairings for $105 (seatings are at 6 PM, 6:30 PM, 9 PM or 9:30 PM) or skip right to the good stuff with a four-hour open bar that includes bottomless Champagne from 11:45 PM to 12:15 AM and a midnight hors d-oeuvres buffet. A tented and heated outdoor bar will provide plenty of room while DJ Dave Bloom spins upstairs in the Vinoteca Lounge.
Events for Wallet Watchers
Jack Rose
6 PM–9 PM; $35
Do something celebratory without breaking the bank: Kick off the night with a rooftop pig roast — aka the “Punch, Pints and Pigs Pre-Game” — at this Adams Morgan restaurant and bar. Alternatively, the $100 celebration from 8 PM to 1 AM includes an open bar, DJ, photobooth, midnight Champagne toast and passed hors d’oeuvres from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Local 16
9 PM; $35
If you’re looking for a low-key spot to dance away the new year, Local 16’s party may be for you: Just $35 gaurantees entry, a midnight Champagne toast, party favors and tunes by DJ Miggl (1602 U St. NW; 202-265-2828).
Rosa Mexicano
$75 for dinner and open bar; $30 just open bar
The four-course NYE dinner ($45) at this upscale Mexican spot will feature cuisine such as seasonal guacamole with roasted pears and apples, Maine lobster ceviche, duck carnitas, Guajillo roasted prime rib and more. A DJ and open bar for just $30 more make this party a steal (575 7th St. NW; 202-783-5522).
Photo via Flickr user Mr. T in DC
