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.

[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?

[thainy77]

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

[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 .

[thainy77]

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