COMPILED BY SARA HAVENS & CLAUDIA OLEA

Is it just me, or are New Year’s Eve parties always a let-down? You build it up all month long — planning, getting your crew together, shelling out lots of money for cover charges, fancy dinners and live music — when basically you’re just looking for a place to stand when the clock strikes midnight, hopefully surrounded by friends and next to someone to swap spit with. Perhaps I’m just bitter this time of year — wouldn’t be the first time. But I’m thinking a small, intimate get-together with friends at a neighborhood bar sounds just fine.
But I know there are people out there who love to get all dolled up at the drop of a dime (or ball, in this case). So here is the list of happenings in and around the Louisville area — from fancy to redneck. Just remember, dance with the one you brought, go easy on the champagne if you want to make it to midnight, and wear panties, for God’s sake. —Sara Havens

BARS/CLUBS

Air Devil’s Inn
2802 Taylorsville Road, 454-4443. Live music by Dallas Alice. Includes champagne toast, party favors and snacks. Cover: $10.

The Alternative
1032 Story Ave., 561-7613. Live music by The Most Wanted, 9:30 p.m. Party favors and champagne toast at midnight. Cover: $15.

Bearno’s by the Bridge
131 W. Main St., 584-7437. Tenth annual New Year’s Eve Party, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.: Live music by Strumbeat, Butch Rice and DJ Larry. Open bar with beers and wines, all-you-can-eat buffet, champagne toast, party favors and taxi shuttle. Cover: $65/person, $120/couple (get tickets before Dec. 25).

Bearno’s Highlands
1318 Bardstown Road, 456-4556. Live music by DJs. Party features drink specials with the spin of “The Wheel,” shot specials every half-hour, free breadsticks, party favors and champagne toast. Cover: Free.

Big Dave’s Outpost
1801 Bardstown Road, 459-9142. Live music, party favors and champagne toast at midnight. Cover: Free.

Bluegrass Brewing Co.
3929 Shelbyville Road, 899-7070. Live music by Paradigm, 11 p.m. Champagne toast. Cover: $5.

Brendan’s Restaurant & Pub
3921 Shelbyville Road, 895-1212. Live music by Joey Sandals and DJ Shelby. Party includes balloon drop and champagne toast. Dinner reservations now being accepted for 6 and 8 p.m. seatings. Cover: TBD (no cover before 8 p.m.).

Bud’s Tavern
4014 Dixie Highway, 448-0877. Live music/karaoke by TBD. Party includes champagne toast and party favors. Cover: TBD.

Cafè Kilimanjaro
649 S. Fourth St., 583-4332. Dinner and dancing party including special dinner menu, party favors and champagne toast. Cover: $25 advance, $30 door.

Club Glow
1335 Story Ave., www.glow-louisville.com. Grand opening of new club. Live music/entertainment by Dajae and Lady D. Tickets include invitation to VIP event on Dec. 30. Cover: TBD (available online).

Comedy Caravan
1250 Bardstown Road, 459-0022. Featuring comedians Marty Pollio and Roy Wood Jr. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Two shows: 8 p.m., $15; 10:15 p.m., $30.

Connections
120 S. Floyd St., 585-5752. Live music by guest DJ. Featuring drag show and two new productions at 10:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. Balloon drop and champagne toast. Cover: $20.
Coyote’s/O’Malley’s
133 W. Liberty St., 589-3866. Live music by Pure South. Champagne toast at midnight and party favors. VIP available in all rooms. Cover: $15 advance, $20 door; reserved seats: $20 advance, $25 door.

Creeker’s Bar & Grill
6330 Bardstown Road, 762-0370. Live music by Ask Bradley, 10 p.m. Featuring a “light buffet” from 7-9 p.m, karaoke before band, party favors and champagne toast. Cover: $20/person, $30/couple.

Dutch’s Tavern
3922 Shelbyville Road, 895-9004. Live music by Kimmet & Doug. Party favors, drink specials, champagne for sale. Cover: TBD.

Elmo’s on Main
308 E. Main St., 568-9133. “Martini Masquerade Ball.” $5 martinis all night and free champagne toast at midnight. Cover: $10.

Expo Dome
2900 S. Seventh St., 636-3532. Live music by the Velcro Pygmies. Party favors, drink specials. Cover: $15 advance (from www.ticketweb.com), $20 door.

Fourth Street Live
(bars listed individually)
www.4thstlive.com. Hosting the “Fire & Ice” party featuring ice sculptures, fire performers and DJ Ben Man. Party favors, drink specials, champagne toast. Cover: TBD.

Flanagan’s Ale House
930 Baxter Ave., 585-3700. Party with the Ancient Order of Hibernians from 5-8 p.m., with a “midnight in Ireland” observance and toast at 7 p.m. Cover: $3. After 8 p.m., party includes typical chamapgne toast, party favors and balloon drop. Cover: TBD.

Gerstle’s Place
3801 Frankfort Ave., 899-3609. New Year’s Eve celebration. Cover: Free.

Golden Nugget
2922 Hikes Ln., 454-9914. New Year’s Eve Bash — Live music by Speed of Sound. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: TBD.

Hideaway Saloon
1607 Bardstown Road, 485-0114. Live music by Sativa Gumbo. Champagne toast at midnight. Cover: $5.

Highlands Tap Room
1279 Bardstown Road, 459-BEER. Live music by Pagoda Treehouse. Champagne toast at midnight. Cover: Free.

Howl at the Moon
Fourth Street Live, 562-9400, www.howlatthemoon.com. Live music by the dueling pianos. VIP Package ($375 for four people; $200 for two) includes appetizer buffet, reserved seating, open bar from 7 p.m.-midnight and champagne toast. General admission: $15 advance, $20 door.

Jazz Factory at Glassworks
815 W. Market St., 992-3242. “Dance & Dinner Extravaganza” — Live music by the Jerry Tolson Jazz Orchestra with singer Jennifer Lauletta. Includes dinner by Chef Jeff Jarfi, party favors and champagne toast. Cover: $100 advance, $120 door.

Jerry Green & Friends
4805 Brownsboro Road, 897-7753. Live music by Jerry Green & Friends. Hors d’oeuvres from 7-9 p.m., party favors and champagne toast at midnight. Rooms available in hotel. Cover: $40/person, $80/couple.

Jim Porter’s
2345 Lexington Road, 452-9531. “New Year’s Eve Blowout” — Live music by The Diamondbacks, Rock Station, The Boogie Men, and a “special guest.” Features party favors, champagne toast, TV screens for the Times Square countdown and balloon drop. Cover: $25. Hotel package available with Ramada Downtown North. Includes free admission into Jim Porter’s and Phoenix Hill, and shuttle between the two all night. Cost: $160/couple.

Jimmy & Richie’s
813 Lyndon Ln. 423-7774. Live music by Robbie Cox, 9 p.m. Party favors and champagne toast. Cover: Free.

Joe’s Older Than Dirt
8131 Lagrange Road, 426-2074. Live music by DJ. Party favors and champagne toast. Cover: Free.

Legends at Caesars Indiana
Elizabeth, Ind., (888) ROMAN-4U. “New York, New York”-themed New Year’s Party. Live music by Endless Summer, 10:30 p.m. Featuring special menus and prize giveaways. Cover: $40 from 5-10 p.m., $50 after.

Lisa’s Oak Street Lounge
1004 E. Oak St., 637-9315. TBD

Longshot Tavern
2232 Frankfort Ave., 899-7898. Live music by the Merry Pranksters. Cham-pagne toast at midnight. Cover: Free.

Lucky Strike/Felt
Fourth Street Live, 560-1400. Live music by DJ K Dawg. Includes champagne toast and party favors. VIP service available at Felt. Cover: $10/Lucky Strike, $20/Felt.

Main Street Lounge
104 W. Main St., 595-6001. TBD

Maker’s Mark Lounge
Fourth Street Live, 568-9009, www.makerslounge.com. Celebrating “Fire & Ice” party. Featuring premium drink package (free drinks from 8 p.m.-1 a.m., shots not included), free appetizer buffet, party favors, champagne toast. Admisson into Sully’s, too. Cover: $100.

Molly Malone’s
933 Baxter Ave., 473-1222. Live music by Sunday Six. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: $10.

Monkey Wrench
1025 Barret Ave., 582-2433. “Mighty Barret Avenue Shake.” Live music by DJs Matt Anthony & Woodrow on the Radio, 9 p.m. Includes champagne toast, party favors, hors d’oeuvres buffet and chocolate fountain. Cover: $10 advance (tickets at ear X-tacy or Monkey Wrench), $15 door.

Monon Station
2310 State St., New Albany, (812) 945-2460. TBD

O’Shea’s
956 Baxter Ave., 589-7373. Live music by This Side Up. Includes balloon drop, party favors and champagne toast. Dinner reservations now being accepted prior to 8 p.m. Cover: TBD (no cover before 8 p.m.).

Parrot Beach
Fourth Street Live, 569-5336. Participating in “Fire & Ice” party at Fourth Street Live. Cover: TBD.

Petrus
116 E. Main St., 583-3772.
  TBD
Phoenix Hill Tavern
644 Baxter Ave., 589-4957. “The Last Blast” — Live music by Blowfly, Dem Reggae Bon, Heaven Hill, See Emily Play, 99 MPH, Plan of Man and Wax Factory. Features party favors, champagne toast, TV screens for the Times Square countdown and balloon drop. Cover: $25. Hotel package available with Ramada Downtown North. Includes free admission into Phoenix Hill and Jim Porter’s, and shuttle between the two all night. Cost: $160/couple.

Pour Haus
1418 S. Shelby St., 637-9611. Live music TBD. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: TBD.

The Pub
412 S. Fourth St., Fourth Street Live, 569-7782. TBD

Quarter Pole Lounge
(Holiday Inn Lakeview)
505 Marriott Dr., Clarksville (800) 824-7740. Live music by John Colson & Friend. Featuring party favors and more. Hotel packages available (see listing below). Cover: TBD.

R Place Pub
9603 Whipps Mill Road, 425-8516. Live music by the Big Rock Show. Party favors, drink specials, champagne toast. Cover: $5.

Red Star Tavern
Fourth Street Live, 568-5656. Late-night party with live music by DJ. Includes drinks, appetizers and champagne toast. Admission: $99.95 for dinner hour, $75 for late-night party (10 p.m.-2 a.m.).

Rubbie’s Barbecue & Brew
6905 Southside Drive, 367-0007. Live music by Smooth Blvd. ’80s-themed party includes party favors and more. Cover: Free.
Rustic Frog
1720 Old River Road, (812) 944-0576. Live music by Hookah Juice. “Hot Body” contest and karaoke contest. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: $10-$15.

Saddle Ridge
432 S. Fourth St., 569-3507. Participating in “Fire & Ice” party at Fourth Street Live. Cover: TBD.

Seidenfaden’s
1134 E. Breckinridge St., 582-9217. Live music by Johnny Berry & the Outliers. Includes party favors and champagne toast at midnight. Cover: $10.

Shannon’s Bar and Grill
4113 Murphy Lane, 429-7056. Live music from Shadowbox (on Saturday night, New Year’s Eve Eve, and on New Year’s Eve). Party starts at 10 p.m. Cover: TBD

Shenanigans Pub
1611 Norris Pl., 454-3919. Live music TBD. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: Free.
Smyrna Inn
8201 Smyrna Pkwy., 969-2248. Live music by Skin & Bones. Party favors, champagne toast and breakfast at 1 a.m. Cover: $5.

Steinert’s
2239 Charlestown Road, New Albany, (812) 945-8827. Live music by Screams from the Mailbox. Champagne toast. Cover: TBD.

Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar
230 E. Main St., 582-9945. “Going to Heaven in 2007” — Live music by The Predators, 9 p.m. Reserve table for four ($120), includes two bottles of champagne and guaranteed seat. General admission includes balloon drop, champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $25.

Sully’s Saloon
Fourth Street Live, 585-4100, www.sullyssaloon.com. Celebrating “Fire & Ice” party. Featuring premium drink package (free drinks from 8 p.m.-1 a.m., shots not included) and free appetizer buffet. Admisson into Maker’s Mark Lounge, too. Cover: $100.

The Colosseum at Caesars Indiana
Elizabeth, Ind. (888) ROMAN-4U. “New York, New York”-themed New Year’s Eve party. Live music with The Monarchs. Party favors, drink specials, balloon drop, champagne toast. Cover: $75/person, $150/couple.

The Grand
138 E. Market St., New Albany, (812) 949-8888. Live music by Raising Einstein. Party favors, two free drink tickets, champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, breakfast. Suit and tie required. Admission: $50.

The Place to Be
8807 Third Street Road, 933-7715. Live music by Mail Order Bride. Party includes breakfast, party favors and champagne toast. Reservations accepted. Cover: $20.

The Swamp
5300 Cane Run Road, 449-0203. Live music by Month of Cocktail. Featuring party favors, drink specials and more. Cover: TBD.

Third Base Tavern
134 Spring St., Jeffersonville, (812) 283-4947. Live music by Hired Gun. Party includes balloon drop, champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $5.

Third Street Dive
440 S. Third St., 587-0706. Live music by Stoner Moms, The Guttersluts, Beyond A Grey Skye, Gay Black Republican. 10 p.m., 21 and over. Cover: Free

T.K.’s Pub
5442 Del Maria Way, 499-5673. Live music TBD. Includes party favors, drink specials and champagne toast. Cover: TBD.
Tink’s Pub
2235 S. Preston St., 634-8180. Live music by DJ. Party includes drink specials, party favors and champagne toast. Cover: Free.

Uncle Pleasant’s
2126 S. Preston St., 634-4147. TBD

Wick’s Pizza, Baxter
973 Baxter Ave., 456-1559. Live music by Digby. Party favors, drink specials, champagne toast. Cover: Free.

Wick’s Pizza, Goose Creek
2927 Goose Creek Road, 327-WICK. Live music by DJ Relic. Includes party favors, champagne toast and a “hottest couple/sexiest single” contest with prizes. Free pizza buffet from 9-11 p.m. Cover: $3.

Wick’s Pizza, Middletown
12717 Shelbyville Road, 213-WICK. Live music by a DJ. “Mascarade”-themed party includes party favors, champagne toast and a $50 gift certificate to the winner of “best mask.” Cover: Free.

ZaZoo’s
102 Bauer Ave., 894-8030. TBD

Zena’s Café
122 W. Main St., 584-3074. TBD

RESTAURANTS

Artemisia
620 E. Market St., 583-4177, www.artemisiarestaurant.com. New Year’s Eve party with an a la carte menu and live jazz. Cost: TBD.

Asiatique
1767 Bardstown Road, 451-2749, www.asiatique.bigstep.com. Featuring a special prix fixe four-course menu with complimentary glass of champagne. Live music: TBD. Cost: $40/person before 7 p.m.; $50/person after.

Captain’s Quarters
5700 Captains Quarters Road, 228-1651. Live music by the Rigbys at restaurant. Two dinner cruises include champagne toasts. Cost: $95 for cruise, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Lynn’s Paradise Café
984 Barret Ave., 583-3447, www.lynnsparadisecafe.com. Annual Pajama Party on New Year’s Day.

Park Place on Main
401 W. Main St., 515-0172. Live music by Steve Cruise. Menu by Chef Anoosh Shariat includes five courses and champagne toast at midnight. Dinner seatings at 5-6:30 p.m. and 8-8:30 p.m. Cost: $100/person.

Primo
445 E. Market St., 583-1808. Features special New Year’s Eve menu. Two seatings at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Cost: $65/person.

Proof on Main
700 W. Main St., 217-6300, www.21chotel.com. Includes five-course dinner by Chef Michael Paley and one signature cocktail, The Red Penguin. Live music by R&B hipsters Leo & the Moonlighters (9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.). Cost: $121.21/person.

The English Grill at Brown Hotel
335 W. Broadway, 583-1234. New Year’s Eve Gala includes Chef Joe Castro’s five-course dinner, champagne toast, party favors and more. Live music by pianist John Linton. Dinner seatings at 7:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. Cost: $125/person.

Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant
150 S. Fifth St., 580-1350, www.vincenzositalianrestaurant.com. New Year’s Eve Celebration includes live music by Boogie Morton & Gang, three-course meal, dancing and champagne toast. Seating from 9-11 p.m. Reservations recommended (reservations can also be made for seating times before 9 p.m.). Cost: $75/person.

Volare
2300 Frankfort Ave., 894-4446, www.valare-restaurant.com. Party includes live swing jazz, party favors, champagne toast and “surprises.” Reservations recommended. Cost: TBD.

HOTEL PACKAGES

21C Museum Hotel
700 W. Main St., 217-6300, www.21chotel.com. Package includes five-course dinner at Proof (see entry above under “restaurants”), one-night stay for two, champagne, late check-out New Year’s Day, “morning-after” breakfast at Proof. Cost: $521.21/couple.

Executive Inn — Rivermont
Owensboro, Ky., (800) 626-1936, www.atthebige.com. Live music by The Van Dells, The Velvet Bombers and V-Groove. Packages include two tickets to the show, room for two, dinner for two, champagne toast, party favors and breakfast buffet on New Year’s Day. Cost: Packages start at $235/couple.

Executive West
830 Phillips Lane, 367-2251, www.executivewest.com. Package includes dinner buffet, dancing, champagne toast and breakfast brunch on New Year’s Day. Live music by Joey & the Cruisers. Check-in at noon, party begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $269/couple.
Galt House Hotel and Suites
Fourth Street at the river, 589-5200, www.galthouse.com. “Under the Big Top”-themed party. Featuring four packages, from $239/couple to $359/couple. Most feature buffet, dance party, live music, champagne toast, party favors and New Year’s Day brunch.

Holiday Inn Airport South (ballroom)
2715 Fern Valley Road, 964-3311, www.holiday-inn.com. Live music by The Marlins. Packages include overnight stay, party with champagne toast and more. Cost: $169.95 (for room and party), $249.95 (for room, party, buffet dinner and breakfast).

Holiday Inn Lakeview
505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, (812) 283-4411. Packages include room for two, cash bar, party favors, champagne toast and New Year’s Day brunch. Package 1: $219/couple featuring dinner buffet, reserved seating and live music by Pawn Shop Guitar; Package 2: $159/couple featuring reserved seating in Quarter Pole Lounge. Reservations necessary.

Holiday Inn Southwest (ballroom)
4110 Dixie Highway, 448-2020, www.holiday-inn.com. Package includes room for two, early check-in (2 p.m.), prime rib buffet, four drink tickets, party favors, champagne toast and New Year’s Day breakfast. Live music by FM Logic. Reservations necessary. Cost: $159/couple.

Hyatt Regency
320 W. Jefferson, 581-1234, www.hyattregencylouisville.com. Package includes a top-shelf open bar, a dinner buffet featuring prime rib, seafood and more, 20,000 balloon drop, party favors and more. Live music by This, That and the Other. Late check-out New Year’s Day. Cost: $325/couple.

Seelbach Hilton Hotel
500 S. Fourth St., 585-3200, www.seelbachhilton.com. Annual New Year’s Eve celebration with live music by The Names. Package includes overnight stay, four-course dinner (7:30 p.m.), four drink tickets, champagne toast, party favors and balloon drop. Cost: $309/couple.

AND SO ON …

AMF Rose Bowl Lanes
2217 Goldsmith Lane, 451-5717. Two packages: 1) From 6-9 p.m., includes shoe rental, five 22-ounce drinks and popcorn. Cost: $54.95 per lane for five people; 2) From 10 p.m.-1 a.m., includes same as Package 1 plus champagne toast and party favors. Cost: $74.90 per lane for six people. Prepaid reservations required.

City of Louisville Official New Year’s Eve Party
Louisville Gardens, 525 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 574-5220, www.louisvilleky.gov. “Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Party” — annual kid-friendly party with games, live music, balloon drop, inflatables, Radio Disney films and more. 8 p.m.-midnight. Cost: Free.

Executive Strike and Spare
911 Phillips Lane, 368-1651. Party package includes shoe rental and bottle of champagne or sparkling grape juice, with drink specials, prize giveaways and a grand prize at the end of the night. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Reservations required two weeks prior. Cost: $100 per lane for six people.

Holiday Inn
2715 Fern Valley Road, 736-7600. New Year’s Eve Singles Dance. Live music by Kenny Sauter’s Masters of Music DJ Service. Features door prizes, party favors and more. Cover: $15 advance, $20 door.

Shark Tank Theater
414 Baxter Ave. (third floor), 540-4977. Squallis Puppeteers present “Monstruppets,” scary tales told in a variety show. Chapters include “Iota Mae and the Giant Head,” “Witches from Macbeth,” “Revenge at Fenian’s Cove,” “Golem of Prague” and “Zuppet Moon.” Also includes live music by Ut Gret. Show may not be suitable for children. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Cost: $15.

Thrust Theatre (U of L)
Corner of Floyd & Warnock streets, 216-55020, www.pandoraprods.org. Pandora Productions presents “Don We Now Our Gay Apparel” theater production. 7 p.m. Cost: $13 advance, $15 door.