NYE in NYC

[thainy77]

Does anyone have any good recommendations for parties or restaurants for New Years Eve in New York? I am heading over with the wife so would appreciate any pointers.

[andy-xr]

You know about the ball drop in Times Square, right?

Well, go anywhere but there. Unless you're in another building tucked away ready for the fun it's complete carnage trying to get anywhere

[thainy77]

andy-xr said:

You know about the ball drop in Times Square, right?

Well, go anywhere but there. Unless you're in another building tucked away ready for the fun it's complete carnage trying to get anywhere

Yes i know about that and won't be going there! I've been to New York a few times but never for New Year. I'm thinking early evening meal and then a bar/lounge to see in the New Year but if anyone has any recommendations i'd be grateful.

[thainy77]

Just bumping this as i'm not coming up with much. The wife would prefer a roof top bar option so we can see the fireworks at midnight but as for the remainder of the evening nothing is looking too appealing. Tips? anyone?

[andy-xr]

It's a bit removed, but across the water at Z Hotel you'll get a pretty decent view of everything. I don't know how old you are, but the roof bar at Dream Downtown would also be worth a look

[thainy77]

I'm 38, the wife is 30 so not ancient but nightclubs are out, thinking more along the lines of a lounge/bar.

[GCH]

thainy77 said:

Just bumping this as i'm not coming up with much. The wife would prefer a roof top bar option so we can see the fireworks at midnight but as for the remainder of the evening nothing is looking too appealing. Tips? anyone?

You do realise how cold it is? Rooftop may not be your best option.... If you really want to see fireworks then head over the water to Brooklyn or NJ and look over the water, but honestly, from experience it is not that great. River cafe would be a good - if clichéd - bet for that, but I would bet my left nut they have been fully booked for NYE for at least six months.

My personal advice is to stay as far away from times squared & midtown as possible for the whole day and nite. The whole area gets locked down, and it really is unpleasant.

Most restaurants are open late, so find one you like and book it for over midnite, then head to a bar afterwards, as they will be a little more relaxed post midnite, and with a lower/no cover charge.
One restaurant I have spent NYE at is novecento in SoHo which was great, but as always you are spoilt for choice with restaurants and they will all be open with marginal price inflation but WILL need booking in advance.

The hardest ever time to get a cab in NYC is new years eve or the early hours of new years day, so plan on taking the subway or walking.
If you get up early on NYD it is a wonderful time in the city, as it is so quiet.

[thainy77]

GCH said:

You do realise how cold it is? Rooftop may not be your best option.... If you really want to see fireworks then head over the water to Brooklyn or NJ and look over the water, but honestly, from experience it is not that great. River cafe would be a good - if clichéd - bet for that, but I would bet my left nut they have been fully booked for NYE for at least six months.

My personal advice is to stay as far away from times squared & midtown as possible for the whole day and nite. The whole area gets locked down, and it really is unpleasant.

Most restaurants are open late, so find one you like and book it for over midnite, then head to a bar afterwards, as they will be a little more relaxed post midnite, and with a lower/no cover charge.
One restaurant I have spent NYE at is novecento in SoHo which was great, but as always you are spoilt for choice with restaurants and they will all be open with marginal price inflation but WILL need booking in advance.

The hardest ever time to get a cab in NYC is new years eve or the early hours of new years day, so plan on taking the subway or walking.
If you get up early on NYD it is a wonderful time in the city, as it is so quiet.

Yes, every time i have been has either been December or January, most of the rooftop bars have inside seating as well as outside with heaters and a lot provide robes etc. But before i spend the best part of a grand i thought i would check to see if there were any recommendations. Tripadvisor has been pretty useless to be honest.

I would much prefer the meal but she really wants to see some fireworks somewhere/somehow. Our hotel is not far from Times Square so we are pretty stuck with regards to avoiding the place .

[andy-xr]

There's spaces still on the Bateaux cruise, we did it on Christmas Eve last year while we were out there. Very foggy night so didn't get to see the Statue of Liberty, but were well entertained, fed and watered for what at that time wasn't too bad a price.

New Years Eve however looks obscene but it would be an interesting way to see the New Year in from the water

[Planet Claire]

I spent NYE in NYC back in '95/96 so I think things may have changed somewhat; I don't remember the area being locked-down as such. I had gone over there with a group of six lads and we were all stood somewhere around the Times Square region - we could see the globe drop at midnight. After the event a few of us went back to the hotel but the other lads went off to a party somewhere with a group of girls we were all chatting to. Perhaps that's the way to do it - get into the throng and ask where the best parties are and see where you get to!

It was a 24hr-city back then but I have never experienced anything as weird as New Year's Day in NYC. Our hotel was near Madison Square Garden and we were jaywalking up 8th and 7th Avenue looking for somewhere to have breakfast. After the hustle and bustle of the previous few days it was deathly quiet and deserted, nothing on the road at all. It was like I Am Legend. Don't know if it will still be like that now.

[thainy77]

Thanks all, i ended up booking 230 Fifth rooftop bar but with a table inside!