It’s that Scary time of year again, Baby, when you get your hopes up, your Sporty plans squared away and your anticipation in full throttle … only to be Gingerly let down year after year. Seriously. When’s the last time you truly had fun on NYE? Between finding taxis, shepherding your friends and pinning down a place that promises the Poshest party — it’s downright exhausting and never lives up to its potential. Makes us wonder: What would the Spice Girls do?
—Sara Havens
BARS/CLUBS
Air Devil’s Inn
2802 Taylorsville Road, 454-4443. Live music by Trouble Junction. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: Free.
Angel’s Rock Bar
Fourth St. Live, 540-1461, www.angelsrockbar-ky.com. “Studio 54th Street” New Year’s Eve Bash. Includes champagne toast and party favors. One cover for two clubs (including Tengo Sed Cantina): $20 after 11 p.m.
Bearno’s by the Bridge
131 W. Main St., 584-7437. Live music by Butch Rice and Strumbeat. Includes karaoke and champagne toast. Cover: $70 all-you-can-eat/drink.
Bearno’s Highlands
1318 Bardstown Road, 456-4556. Karaoke with Larry-oke. Includes champagne toast, party favors and $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon drafts. Cover: Free.
Big Dave’s Outpost
1801 Bardstown Road, 459-9142. Live music by Hank Sinatra. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: $5.
Brendan’s Restaurant & Pub
3921 Shelbyville Road, 895-1212. Live music by Joey Sandals. Includes champagne toast, balloon drop and special menu. Cover: $5.
City Block
133 W. Liberty St., 589-3866,
www.cityblocklouisville.com. Includes champagne toast, party favors and more. Cover: $15 (adv.), $20 (adv. reserved seating), $20 (door), $25 (door reserved seating).
Coyote’s: Live music by High Noon and The Borrowed Time Band.
Fox Den: Live rock music TBD.
Vinnie’s: Variety show by The Great Pretenders. VIP areas and bottle service available for large groups.
Loser’s: Karaoke.
Rockit Club: Hip-hop and R&B music.
List Nightclub: Top 40 music from DJ Dirty. VIP areas and bottle service available for large groups.
Colosseum at Caesars Indiana
Elizabeth, Ind., (888) ROMAN-4-U. Live music by The Times Band. Includes champagne toast, party favors and $250 cash giveaway every hour from 8-11 p.m., $1,000 cash drawings from 1-11 p.m. and $10,000 cash drawing at 12:30 a.m. Cover: Free.
Comedy Caravan
1250 Bardstown Road, 459-0022. Bob Batch and Lamar Williams perform two shows, at 8 and 10:15 p.m. Includes party favors, champagne toast and balloon drop. Cover: $15 (8 p.m. show), $30 (10:15 p.m. show).
Connections
120 S. Floyd St., 585-5752. Live music by DJ Scotty K. Dance bar opens at 9 p.m., first drag show at 10:30 p.m. Includes champagne toast and balloon drop. Cover: $20.
Creeker’s Bar & Grill
6330 Bardstown Road, 762-0370. Live music by Ask Bradley. Includes light buffet and champagne toast with a masquerade theme. Cover: $25/couple, $15 single (adv.); $30/couple, $20/single (door).
Dutch’s Tavern
3932 Shelbyville Road, 895-9004
Music by Kimmet & Doug. Includes party favors. Cover: $6.
Expo Five Dome
2900 S. Seventh St., 636-3532. Live music by DJ Rage from G-Unit, Hurraseason, B. Simm, Dodi, Kentucky USA, DJ Thru Da Roof, DJ Styn, Hype Men Graffiti, Young Renegade and A Boogey. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: 50 cents for ladies, guys TBD.
Flanagan’s Ale House
930 Baxter Ave., 585-3700. Music by DJ Warren. Includes party favors, champagne toast and cash balloon drop. Pre-party with Ancient Order of Hibernians from 5-7pm. Cover: $10.
Fourth Street Live (bars listed individually)
www.4thstlive.com. A tribute to Studio 54th St. Music by DJ Ben. New York NYE broadcast on big screens. Dinner and VIP packages available at most clubs. Cover: Free.
Golden Nugget
2922 Hikes Lane, 454-9914. Music by DJ Earthquake. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $5.
Hideaway Saloon
1607 Bardstown Road, 485-0114. Live music by Sativa Gumbo and Thirteenth Sun. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: $10.
Highlands Tap Room
1279 Bardstown Road, 459-BEER. New Year’s Eve Karaoke party. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: Free.
Howl at the Moon
Fourth Street Live, 562-9400,
www.howlatthemoon.com. Live music, because it’s a dueling piano bar. Includes champagne toast, appetizer and dessert buffets and party favors. Party starts at 7 p.m. Cover: $20 general admission (includes first round); $400 for a four-top; $75 per person for a railing spot.
Jazz Factory at Glassworks
815 W. Market St., 992-3242,
www.jazzfactory.us. Live music by The Don Krekel Orchestra. The annual NYE Big Band Dinner Dance & Extravaganza includes fortune telling, party favors, a champagne toast and glassblowing, as well as high-order food and drink. Seatings for dinner are at 7 and 9 p.m. Cover: $135.
Jerry Green & Friends
4805 Brownsboro Road, 897-7753. Live music by Jerry Green & Friends, party favors, hors d’oeuvres 7-9 p.m., champagne toast at midnight. Cover: $45.
Jim Porter’s
2345 Lexington Road, 452-9531,
www.jimporters.com. Live music by The Lost Boys, Rock Station and Boogie Men Blues. Ball drop and champagne toast. Party starts at 6 p.m. Cover: $25 general admission, or hotel packages (including transportation) available through Ramada Inn Downtown North for $150.
Joe’s Older Than Dirt
8131 Lagrange Road, 426-2074.
DJ. Champagne toast at midnight, plus party favors and select drink specials. Cover: Free.
Legends at Caesars Indiana
Elizabeth, Ind., (888) ROMAN-4U. Live music from The Tymes Band. Includes champagne toast, party favors and more. Cover: Free.
Longshot Tavern
2232 Frankfort Ave., 899-7898.
Live music from The Merry Pranksters. Includes party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
Cover: Free.
Lucky Strike/Felt
Fourth Street Live, 560-1400. J-Dub’s Sixth Annual NYE Bash will feature live music from DJ K-Dogg, a champagne toast and who knows what else. Doors open at 9 p.m. and you have to be 21 to party. Dress code is “dress to impress.” VIP packages are available by calling the number above, or e-mail [email protected].
Maker’s Mark Lounge
Fourth Street Live, 568-9009, www.makerslounge.com. Studio 54th Street disco DJ. Includes champagne toast, party favors and snacks. Prix fixe dinners, $75 and $125. Cover: $10.
Molly Malone’s
933 Baxter Ave., 473-1222. Live music by Walnut Street Blues Band. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: TBD.
Monkey Wrench
1025 Barret Ave., 582-2433. Music by DJs Matt & Woody of WFPK. Includes finger foods, party favors and snacks. Cover: $12 (adv.).
O’Shea’s
956 Baxter Ave., 589-7373. Live blues, funk and soul by Jimmy Davis. Roaring 1920s style. Includes champagne toast, party favors and snacks. Special menu planned. Cover: $8 after 10 p.m.
Phoenix Hill Tavern
644 Baxter Ave., 589-4957, www.phoenixhill.com. Live music by Speed of Sound, 99mph, King Sonic, Blowfly, Naked Garden and Face Down. Includes champagne toast, party favors, balloon drop and snacks. Hotel packages available. Cover: $25.
The Place to Be
8807 Third Street Road, 933-7715. Live music by The Ancientes. Includes champagne toast and party favors and breakfast. Cover: $TBD.
Pour Haus
1418 S. Shelby St., 637-9611. Wax/Glover Moth*rfuc@er New Year’s Extravaganza Revue featuring live music, special guests, DJs and more. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $15.
The Pub
Fourth St. Live, 569-7782, www.publouisville.com. Live music. Includes champagne toast, party favors. Cover: Free.
R Place Pub
9603 Whipps Mill Road, 425-8516. Live music by XS. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $5.
Red Star Tavern
Fourth Street Live, 568-5656. Live music by DJ Carlos Morales. Includes open bar, appetizer buffet, champagne toast, party favors and prizes. Cover: $75.
Rubbie’s Barbecue and Brew
6905 Southside Drive, 367-0007. Live music TBA. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cost: TBD.
Rustic Frog
1720 Old River Road, New Albany, (812) 944-0576, www.therusticfrog.com. Live music by Stone the Crow, Rayzer, “Freddie” and 2 Pump Chump, and finals of wet T-shirt contest. Includes food, champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $15.
Saddle Ridge
432 S. Fourth St., 569-3507,
www.saddleridgelouisville.com. “Gangsters & Dolls” theme. Includes champagne toast, party favors, balloon drop and gourmet buffet. VIP table service available. Cover: $15 (adv.), $20 (door).
Saints
131 Breckenridge Lane, 891-8883. Live music by DJ Coxx. Includes party favors, champagne toast, balloon drop and buffet. Cover: $15/person, $25/couple.
Shenanigan’s
1611 Norris Place, 454-3919. Live music by Doc & the Test Tubes. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: Free (as always).
Steinert’s
2239 Charlestown Road, New Albany, (812) 945-8827. Live music by Big Rock Show. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $10.
Stevie Ray’s
230 E. Main St., 582-9945. Live music by The Predators. Theme is “Heaven Can Wait in 2008,” so wear red and show devilish style. Includes champagne toast, party favors and balloon drop. Cover: $140 for table for four.
Sully’s Saloon
Fourth Street Live, 585-4100, www.sullyssaloon.com. Studio 54th Street theme. Offering three packages — Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each includes champagne toast, party favors and more.
The Swamp
5300 Cane Run Road, 449-0203. Live music by Molatov Cocktail. Includes champagne toast, party favors, shrimp cocktail and breakfast buffet. Cover: $TBD.
Tailgater’s
2787 S. Floyd St., 637-1881. Live music by The Acoustipimps and a DJ. Black-and-white party. Includes champagne toast, party favors and buffet. Cover: $15.
Tengo Sed Cantina
Fourth St. Live, 540-1463, tengosed-ky.com. “Studio 54th Street” New Year’s Eve Bash. Includes champagne toast and party favors. One cover for two clubs (including Angel’s Rock Bar): $20 after 11 p.m.
Third Base Tavern
134 Spring St., Jeffersonville, (812) 283-4947. Live music by Wolf J. Flywheel. Karaoke downstairs. Includes champagne toast, balloon drop and party favors. Cover: $10.
Third Street Dive
440 S. Third St., 587-0706, www.myspace.com/thirdstreetdive. Live music TBD. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: TBD.
T.K.’s Pub
5442 Del Maria Way, 499-5673. Live music by J.D. Shelburne. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $10.
Tink’s Pub
2235 S. Preston St., 634-8180, www.tinkspub.talkspot.com. Live music by Boyzz By Knight. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $5.
Wick’s Pizza, Baxter
973 Baxter Ave., 456-1559, www.wickspizza.com. Live music by Nova Red. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: Free.
Wick’s Pizza, Dixie
10966 Dixie Hwy., 995-4333, www.wickspizza.com. Live music by a DJ and band TBD. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $15 (includes all-you-can-eat pizza).
Wick’s Pizza, Goose Creek
2927 Goose Creek Road, 327-WICK,
www.wickspizza.com. Live music by a DJ. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $TBD.
Wick’s Pizza, Middletown
12717 Shelbyville Road, 213-WICK,
www.wickspizza.com. Champagne toast at midnight. Cover: Free.
Willy’s/Dublin Cellar
942 Baxter Ave., 583-2969. Live music by DJ Mikus. Includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: VIP ($100, includes bottle of champagne and buffet), General (TBD).
Zazoo’s
102 Bauer Ave., 894-8030. Live music by DJ. All-you-can-drink for $65. Includes champagne toast, party favors and White Castle sliders! Cover: $65.
Zena’s Cafè
122 W. Main St., 584-3074. Live music by Tim Krekel. Includes champagne toast, party favors and appetizers. Cover: $20 ($30 for reserved seating).
RESTAURANTS
Asiatique
1767 Bardstown Road, 451-2749,
www.asiatiquerestaurant.com. Features a prix fixe four-course menu with complimentary sparkling wine. A party with DJ Fluid begins at 11 p.m. Cost: Dinner is $55/person; $45/person if seated before 6:30 p.m. Party is free with dinner; $20 without dinner. Reservations are for two-hour seatings and must be made 24 hours in advance.
Avalon
1314 Bardstown Road, 454-5336,
www.avalonfresh.com. “Pick 3” NYE Package for two — seatings at 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. Includes bottle of wine or champagne. Cost: $75/couple.
Blu Italian Mediterranean Grille
Marriott Downtown, 280 W. Jefferson St., 627-5045. Live music by Bobby J & The Flying Martinis. Package includes dinner, overnight stay, bottle of champagne, party favors and more. Seatings at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Cost: $350/couple.
Captain’s Quarters
5700 Captain’s Quarters Road, 228-1651,
www.cqriverside.com. Live music by P.S. Willie in the lodge. Dinner cruise on CQ Princess yacht includes DJ, dancing, champagne toast and souvenir champagne flute. Cost: $95/person.
English Grill at The Brown Hotel
335 West Broadway, 736-2996, www.brownhotel.com. Gala New Year’s Eve celebration includes Chef Laurent Géroli’s five-course dinner, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and dancing. Live music by the John Linton Ensemble. Dinner seatings at 7:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m. Cost: $135/person.
Holly Hill Inn
Midway, Ky., (859) 846-4732, www.hollyhillinn.com. Seven-course dinner includes champagne toast and wine flight. Reservations available from 5:30-10 p.m. Cost: $75 with a vegetarian option for $65.
Lynn’s Paradise Café
984 Barret Ave., 583-3447,
www.lynnsparadisecafe.com. Pajama party New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. People who come wearing pajamas get a prize. Full menu and drink specials all day. Reservations recommended.
The Melting Pot
2045 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, 491-3125,
www.meltingpot.com. Special four-course fondue menu, includes champagne toast. Reservations available starting at 5 p.m. Cost: $60/person with optional $20 drink special.
Park Place on Main
401 E. Main St., 515-0172, www.diningonmain.com. Four-course dinner with seating available from 5-10 p.m. Live music by The Steve Crews Jazz Trio. Includes champagne toast. Cost: $75/person.
Primo
445 E. Market St., 583-1808,
www.primorestaurant.net. Three-course prix fixe menu. Reservations accepted from 6-10 p.m. Cost: $45/person.
Proof on Main
702 W. Main St., 217-6360, www.proofonmain.com. A la carte menu available from 5:30-7 p.m. Special tasting menu available at 9 p.m. Live music by Decades in lounge with party favors and champagne toast. Cost: $121/person.
Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant
150 S. Fifth St., 580-1350,
www.vincenzositalianrestaurant.com. Full menu available. Dancing and live music by Boogie Morton & Gang at 8 p.m. Reservations accepted.
HOTELS
21C Museum Hotel
700 W. Main St., 217-6300, www.21chotel.com. Package includes party at Proof on Main and dinner and room for two. Cost: $521/couple.
Clarion Hotel and Suites
9700 Blue Grass Parkway, 491-4830, www.clarionhotel.com. Dinner buffet, champagne toast, balloon drop, party favors, live music
by the Fanatics. Cost: $129/couple. Standard room is $59.
Executive Inn — Rivermont
Owensboro, Ky., 800-626-1936,
www.executiveinnrivermont.com. Live music by Ronnie McDowell and Thomas Michael Band. Packages include two show tickets, room for two, dinner for two, party favors, champagne and breakfast buffet on New Year’s Day. Cost: Packages start at $245/couple.
Executive Inn
978 Phillips Lane, 367-6161. Live music by Wulfe Pack. Includes party favors, champagne toast, dancing, overnight stay and New Year’s Day brunch. Cost: $203.99/couple.
Executive West
830 Phillips Lane, 367-2251, www.executivewest.com. Live music by Caribou. Packages include room for two, dinner buffet, two drink tickets per person, champagne toast and “recovery breakfast” on New Year’s Day. Cost: $269/couple.
Galt House Hotel and Suites
140 N. Fourth St., 589-5200, www.galthouse.com. “Vegas in the ’Ville”-themed party. Three packages, from $259/couple to $349/couple. All include champagne toast, dance party, live music, dinner buffet, casino games and cocktail reception.
Holiday Inn Airport South
2715 Fern Valley Road, 964-3311, www.holiday-inn.com. Two packages: 1) Room for two, two tickets to party with party favors. Cost: $174.95/couple. 2) Room and party plus dinner buffet and brunch. Cost: $249.95/couple. Both packages are BYOB.
Holiday Inn Lakeview
505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, Ind., 812-283-4411. Two packages, both include overnight room, champagne toast, brunch and cash bar. 1) Dinner and dance in ballroom. Cost: $199/couple. 2) Live music by Jerry Utley in lounge. Cost: $149/couple.
Holiday Inn Southwest
4110 Dixie Highway, 448-2020. Package features prime rib dinner buffet, DJ, four drink tickets, champagne toast, party favors, cash bar New Year’s Day breakfast and 2 p.m. checkout. Cost: $159/couple.
Hyatt Regency
320 W. Jefferson St., 581-1234, www.louisville.hyatt.com. Live music by V-Groove. Package includes room for two, dinner buffet, balloon drop, party favors, “Regency Recovery Kit” and late checkout New Year’s Day. Cost: $350/couple.
Seelbach Hilton Hotel
500 Fourth St., 585-3200, www.seelbachhilton.com. Package includes room for two, three-course dinner for two, four drink tickets, party favors and champagne toast. Cost: $339/couple. Optional upgrade for an additional $50 includes reserved seating and autograph signing by the Monarchs.
AND SO ON …
AMF Rose Bowl Lanes
2217 Goldsmith Lane, 451-5717, www.amf.com/rosebowllanesky. Two packages: 1) From 6-9 p.m., family-friendly party with a lane for four, shoe rental, party favors, champagne and simulated New Year’s at 8 p.m. Reservations recommended. Cost: $55.95. 2) From 10 p.m.-1 a.m., adult party with lane for four, shoe rental, party favors, champagne and New Year’s at midnight. Reservations required. Cost: $74.95.
Executive Strike and Spare
911 Phillips Lane, 368-1651, www.strikeandsparebowling.com. Party package includes five hours of bowling for up to six people, party favors and champagne or sparkling cider, with prize giveaways and karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Cost: $100 per lane.
French Lick Resort Casino
French Lick, Ind., www.frenchlick.com. Live music by Duke Ellington Orchestra. Includes several overnight-stay packages.
Mayor’s Family New Year’s Eve Party
The Louisville Gardens, 525 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 574-5000, www.louisvilleky.gov. Live music, rides, rock-wall climbing, party favors, quiet room for younger children and prize giveaways, all provided in part by Radio Disney.
Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center
1860 Mellwood Ave., www.LouisvilleUncorked.com. Louisville Uncorked presents “The Funkin’ Groovin’ NYE Bash” by Hpnotiq and PAMA Liqueur. Live music by The Jimmy Church Band. Includes food, drinks and entertainment. Cover: $75/person.
Paroquet Springs Conference Center
Shepherdsville, Ky., 955-7009, www.paroquetsprings.org. “A Night to Remember” party. Live music by The Headstones. Cocktail hour at 8 p.m., followed by dancing and breakfast. Cash bar. Cost: $60/person.
Spirit of Jefferson Cruise & Gala
401 W. River Road, 574-2992, www.belleoflouisville.org. Two packages: 1) From 5-7:30 p.m., early dinner with cash bar and DJ. Cost: $35 for an adult meal and excursion ticket; $15 for an adult excursion ticket only. 2) From 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m., New Year’s Eve Gala with dinner buffet, DJ, dancing, champagne toast and party favors. Cost: $49.95 for an adult meal and excursion ticket.