The French snack on foie gras as they watch the Eiffel Tower ignite into one giant 1,063-foot-tall sparkler at midnight. The Brits huddle around the London Eye as they await the 12 chimes from Big Ben. The Spanish gaze up at the Casa de Correos as the clock counts down. The Russians drink “dirty water” (vodka, lime juice and tap water) at midnight. And the Irish just drink. So what do they do in Louisville, Ky.?
•BARS/CLUBS
Air Devil’s Inn
2802 Taylorsville Road, 454-4443. Live music by: T.K.O. at 10 p.m. Includes party favors, champagne toast, appetizers and more. Cover: $12 adv., $15 door.
Angels RockBar
Fourth Street Live, 540-1461, www.angelsrockbar-ky.com. New York, New York party includes party favors, champagne toast and more. Cover: $10 or $20 (gets entry into Tengo Sed Cantina, Sports & Social Club and Hotel).
Bearno’s by the Bridge
131 W. Main St., 584-7437. Live music by: Kimmet & Doug, Strumbeat and Larryoke. Includes all-you-can-eat-all-you-can-drink package, open bar with premium liquor and beer, champagne toast at midnight and complimentary rides home. Cover: $65-$75/person.
Bearno’s Highlands
1318 Bardstown Road, 456-4556. Live music at 7 p.m. Party includes $2 drafts, party favors and more. Cover: Free.
Bluegrass Brewing Co.
St. Matthews
3929 Shelbyville Road, 899-7070, www.bbcbrew.com. Live music by: Momma Thai at 11 p.m. Includes free champagne toast at midnight, $3.50 pints all night. Cover: $5.
Brendan’s
Restaurant & Pub
3921 Shelbyville Road, 895-1212. Live music by: Joey Sandalls and DJ Jeremy at 7 p.m. Includes balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight, free party favors and more. Cover: $5 after 9 p.m.
Cahoots
1047 Bardstown Road, 454-6687. Live music by Trophy Wives, The Revenants and special guests at 10 p.m. Cover: Free.
Comedy Caravan
1250 Bardstown Road, 459-0022, www.comedycaravan.com. Comedy from Bob Batch, Tim Rowlins and Barb Neligan. Includes party favors, champagne toast and more. Cover: $15 for 8 p.m. show, $30 for 10:15 p.m. show.
Connection
120 S. Floyd St., 585-5752. Live music by: DJ Tom Remix. Includes champagne toast, balloon drop, “Leboy Lefemme” show in theater and more. Cover: $20.
Dark Star
2636 Frankfort Ave., 896-2800. Live music by the White Russians. Includes $2 Samuel Smith and $3 Washington Apple shots. Cover: Free.
Dutch’s Tavern
3932 Shelbyville Road, 895-9004. Live music by Chad Graham, Thirty Spokes and Andrea Davidson. Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: $5.
Flanagan’s Ale House
930 Baxter Ave., 585-3700. NYE party features Irish New Year’s celebration at 7 p.m. with bagpipe music, drink specials, party favors, balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight, special menu and more. Cover: $3 (6-9 p.m.), $10 (9 p.m.).
Fourth Street Live (bars/clubs listed individually)
www.4thstlive.com. Fourth Street Live atrium is turning into New York’s Times Square for the evening. Includes ball drop, confetti cannons, free parking. Cover: Free.
Hard Rock Café
Fourth Street Live, 568-2202. Live Music by Edgewood and Andrew Newton Scott. Several packages: 1) Includes party favors and champagne toast. Cover: $20. 2) Includes champagne toast, party favors, two drink tickets and one appetizer. Cover: $50. 3) Includes all-access membership, champagne toast, party favors, four drink tickets, one appetizer and Classic Rock Menu Dinner. Cover: $100.
Hotel
Fourth Street Live, 540-1461. Live music by DJ PS1 (from NY). Includes admission to Sports and Social Club, Angel’s RockBar and Tengo Sed Cantina. Cover: $20. VIP packages available at $75/person.
Howl at the Moon
Fourth Street Live, 562-9400. Live music by Dueling Pianos. Package 1 includes guaranteed entry, two complimentary drinks and champagne toast at midnight. Package 2 includes all of the above, plus premium open bar and all-you-can-eat buffet. Cover: $40-$150.
The Improv/Wet Willy’s
Fourth Street Live, 581-1332. Comedy by Owen Benjamin at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Includes three-course meal (for 7 p.m. show) or chef’s hors d’oeuvres sampler (10 p.m.), champagne toast at midnight, party favors and more. Cover: $22-$247.
Golden Nugget
2922 Hikes Lane, 454-9914. Live music by The Brewskies. Includes champagne toast at midnight and party favors. Cover: $TBD.
Headliners
1386 Lexington Road, 584-8088, www.headlinerslouisville.com. Live music by Arnett Hollow, The Fervor and DJ Kim Sorise starting at 8 p.m. Cover: $15.
Hideaway Saloon
1607 Bardstown Road, 485-0114. Live music by The Thirteenth Sun at 10 p.m. Includes beer toast at midnight. Cover: $10.
Highlands Tap Room
1279 Bardstown Road, 459-BEER. Live music by DJ Joe Dubb. Includes champagne specials, champagne toast, party favors and more. Cover: Free.
Jim Porter’s
2345 Lexington Road, 452-9531, www.jimporters.com. Porter’s New Years Eve Blowout! Live music by Unknown Hinson, Bluestown, Lindsey Lane, Axis, Spare Change, and The George Brackens Blues Band, 7 p.m. Includes balloon drop and party favors. Optional: Hotel Package includes free transportation, tickets to Phoenix Hill/Jim Porter’s, as well as a shuttle between the two bars (contact Ramada Downtown North for info: 897-5101). Cover: $25.
Joe’s Older Than Dirt
8131 Lagrange Road, 426-2074. Live music by DJ. Includes party favors, champagne toast and more. Cover: Free.
Kye’s
500 Missouri Ave., Jeffersonville, Ind., (812) 285-8500, www.kye-s.com. Live music by Studley Cheese Band. Includes free draft beer and champagne, cash bar, breakfast buffet and burger bar that opens at midnight, balloon drop, party favors, free photo booth and more. Cover: $50.
Longshot Tavern
2232 Frankfort Ave., 899-7898. Live music by the Merry Pranksters at 11 p.m. Includes drink specials, party favors and more. Cover: Free.
The Lounge
947 E. Madison St., 889-5889. Live music by the Troubadours of Divine Bliss, Lizzie West & Baba Buffalo, and The Sirens. Includes a “Mystic” theme with tarot card readers, a table of “Intentions with Potions,” “high priestess Holly Clark,” healers, revelers, a “Theatre of the Absurd,” and more. Cover: $10.
Martini Italian Bistro
4021 Summit Plaza Drive, 394-9797. Masquerade Ball with live music by Bongolicious at 10 p.m. Includes complimentary champagne toast with GQ magazine’s No. 1 bartender Gary Gruver, prizes for best mask and more. Cover: $10.
Molly Malone’s
933 Baxter Ave., 473-1222. Live music by Sunday Six and DJ Ryan Cox. Includes champagne toast, party favors and more. Cover: $5.
Monkey Wrench
1025 Barret Ave., 582-2433. Live music by DJs Lady Jane, Sk8 Ninja, Dome Light DJs and DJ Fabricia from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Includes balloon drop, unlimited champagne and chocolate buffet, party favors and more. Cover: $20.
MyBar
3306 Plaza Drive, New Albany, (812) 948-6501. Live music by Mix Master Danny Williams, with DJ/video sets. Includes video countdown, 99 red balloons filled with $1,000 in cash and prizes, champagne toast at midnight, party favors and more. Cover: $10 ($200 for four tickets, bottle of liquor and table reservations).
O’Shea’s
956 Baxter Ave., 589-7373. Black and White Ball — dress in your finest black and white clothes. Live music by Soulbite and DJ in the back. Includes dinner reservations until 8 p.m., complimentary champagne toast, balloon drop, party favors and more. Cover: $10 after 9 p.m.
Phoenix Hill Tavern
644 Baxter Ave., 589-4957, www.phoenixhill.com. The Last Blast! Live music by Days of the New, Heaven Hill, Wax Factory, Naked Garden, Steel Mist, and Signal 48 starting at 7 p.m. Includes biggest balloon drop in the city, champagne toast at midnight and party favors. Cover: $25. (Hotel package available: includes free transportation, tickets to Phoenix Hill and Jim Porters, as well as a shuttle between the two bars. Contact Ramada downtown north for info: 897-5101.)
Pop’s Place
935 Goss Ave., 634-2294. Live music by Thunder Kings. Includes champagne toast, party favors and free appetizers. Cover: $10.
R Place Pub
9603 Whipps Mill Road, 425-8516. Live music by Alternate Ending. Includes party favors, champagne toast and more. Cover: Free.
RiRa Irish Pub
Fourth Street Live, 587-1825, www.rira.com. Live music by DJ at 10 p.m. Includes special menu, champagne toast, party favors and more. Cover: Free.
Rubbies Southside
Grill & Bar
6905 Southside Drive, 367-0007, www.rubbies.net. Party includes live music by Holt Brothers Band and Danny Hord on harmonica, party favors and more. Cover: Free.
Rudyard Kipling
422 W. Oak St., 636-1311, rudyardkipling.com. Live music by The Reginald Bareham Lounge Band at 7:30 p.m. Includes Champagne toast, dance party. Cover: $10.
Saddle Ridge
Fourth Street Live, 563-3507. Second annual Black and White Gala. Includes gourmet dinner buffet from 5-8 p.m., champagne toast at midnight, balloon drop and after-party breakfast at 2 a.m. Cover: $15 adv., $25 door.
Sid’s Pub
935 S. Indiana Ave., Sellersburg, (812) 246-8192. Live music by Liquid Rhythm. Includes breakfast at midnight, champagne toast and party favors. Cover: $15/couple, $8/single.
The Sports & Social Club
Fourth Street Live, 568-1400, www.thesportsandsocialclub.com. New York, New York party includes party favors, champagne toast and more. Cover: $10 or $20 (gets entry into Tengo Sed Cantina, Angels RockBar and Hotel).
Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar
230 E. Main St., 582-9945, www.stevieraysbluesbar.com. “Living in Sin 2010” party features live music by The Predators. Includes party favors, champagne toast and more. Cover: $35 ($120 for table of four, guaranteed seating, two bottles of champagne and more).
Sully’s Saloon
Fourth Street Live, 585-4100. Silver Package: Entry at 11 p.m., champagne toast at midnight. Gold Package: Entry at 9 p.m., buffet from 9-11 p.m., open bar from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., champagne toast at midnight. Platinum Package: Entry at 8 p.m., fixed plated meal, open bar from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., two bottles of your choice for the table, bottle of champagne for everyone at the table. Cover: $20 (Silver), $65 (Gold), $125 (Platinum).
Tengo Sed Cantina
Fourth Street Live, www.tengosed-ky.com. New York, New York party includes party favors, champagne toast and more. Cover: $10 or $20 (gets entry into Sports & Social Club, Angels RockBar and Hotel).
T.K.’s Pub
5442 Del Maria Way, 499-5673. Live music by Jefferson Tarc Bus. Includes champagne toast, party favors and drink specials. Cover: $5-$10.
Vernon Club
1575 Story Ave., 588-8861. “A Very Glover Cover New Year’s Extravaganza!” featuring live music by The Danny Glover Cover Band and OK Deejays at 10 p.m. Includes a specially stocked bar, party favors and a free photo booth courtesy of Magnolia Photo Booth Company. Cover: $15.
Wick’s Pizza, Baxter
973 Baxter Ave., 456-1559, www.wickspizza.com. Live music by The Boombox Saints. Includes party favors, champagne toast and more. Cover: $TBD.
Zanzabar
2100 S. Preston St., 635-ZBAR. “Disco Masquerade” party with live music by DJ Sleepy T at 9 p.m. Includes champagne toast at midnight, party favors and more. Cover: $10.
•Restaurants
610 Magnolia
610 W. Magnolia Ave., 636-0783, www.610magnolia.com. Early seating is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. — features three-course prix-fixe meal. Cost: $55/person. Late seating is from 8-9 p.m. — features six-course prix-fixe meal. Cost: $85/person. (Wine pairings are extra.)
Asiatique
1767 Bardstown Road, 451-2749, www.asiatiquerestaurant.com. Features a four-course menu. Cost: Dinner is $65/person; $50/person if seated before 6 p.m.
Blu Italian Grille
280 W. Jefferson St., 671-4265, www.blugrille.com. Evening includes six-course dinner with complimentary bottle of champagne per couple and live music by a live jazz trio. Cost: $175/couple.
Captain’s Quarters
5700 Captain’s Quarters Road, 228-1651, www.cqriverside.com. Live music by The Huckleberries in the lodge. Dinner cruise on CQ Princess yacht (8-11 p.m.) includes DJ, dancing and champagne toast. Dinner cruise: $70/person. Dinner in the lodge: $65/person.
Corbett’s: An American Place
5050 Norton Healthcare Blvd., 327-5058, www.corbettsrestaurant.com. Chef Dean Corbett presents five-course dinner. Seatings available until 10 p.m. Reservations required. Cost: $100/person.
English Grill at The Brown Hotel
335 W. Broadway, 583-1234, www.brownhotel.com. New Year’s Eve celebration includes a five-course dinner, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and dancing. Dinner seatings at 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m. Cost: $150/person.
Equus
122 Sears Ave., 897-9721, www.equusrestaurant.com. New Year’s Eve festivities include a five-course dinner and champagne toast at midnight. Seating for parties of five to 10 people available through 10 p.m. Cost: $TBD.
L&N Wine Bar and Bistro
1765 Mellwood Ave., 897-0070, www.landnwinebarandbistro.com. New Year’s Eve dinner includes four courses with options. Includes champagne toast at midnight. Reservations at 6:30 p.m. and earlier, and 8:30 p.m. and later. Cost: $55.
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.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge
Fourth Street Live, 568-9009, www.makerslounge.com. General Admission Package includes top-shelf open bar, champagne toast and party favors. Cost: $75/person. Seating 1 (6-8:30 p.m.) includes five-course meal and one bottle of wine. Cost: $100/couple. Seating 2 (9 p.m.-1 a.m.) includes three-course meal, bottle of champagne, open bar and party favors. Cost: $125/couple.
Plantation Montrose
318 W. Lewis & Clark Pkwy., Clarksville, (812) 945-3496, www.plantationmontrose.com. NYE party includes buffet dinner, two drink tickets, champagne toast, dancing and live music from Logan Street Band. Cost: $60/person.
Proof on Main
702 W. Main St., 217-6360, www.proofonmain.com. Starting at 8 p.m., Chef Michael Paley presents a special prix-fixe dinner that includes four courses, party favors, a champagne toast and access to the party at the 21c Museum Hotel. Cost: $121.21/person.
Varanese
2106 Frankfort Ave., 899-9904, www.varanese.com. NYE Party includes regular menu and specials, live jazz, champagne toast and more. Reservations recommended.
Z’s Fusion
115 S. Fourth St., 855-8000, www.zsfusion.com. NYE celebrations include party favors and champagne toast. Regular menu prices — entrees range from $18.95-$32.95.
Z’s Oyster Bar & Steakhouse
101 Whittington Pkwy., 429-8000, www.zsoyster.com. Features regular menu, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Cost: $35 and up.
•HOTELS
21C Museum Hotel
700 W. Main St., 217-6300, www.21chotel.com. Overnight package includes dinner at Proof on Main, dance party in the museum and a continental breakfast. Cost: $498/couple. Atrium Lounge party features DJ, dancing, balloon drop and champagne toast from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Cost for party only: $21.
The Brown Hotel
335 W. Broadway, 583-1234, www.brownhotel.com. Overnight packages include the English Grill Gala Package ($499/couple) and the Ultimate New Year’s Eve for Two ($2,010/couple).
Crowne Plaza Hotel
830 Phillips Lane, 367-2251, www.cplouisville.com. Live music by Caribou. Packages include room for two, dinner buffet, champagne toast and “recovery breakfast” on New Year’s Day. Cost: $TBD.
French Lick Resort
French Lick, Ind., (888) 936-9360. Live music in the Power Plant Bar. Cirque-style performances from Chicago’s Aloft Aerial Dance Group. Party includes hors d’oeuvres, a dessert buffet, balloon drop, party favors, midnight champagne toast and deluxe accommodations. Cover: $379/couple.
Galt House Hotel and Suites
140 N. Fourth St., 589-5200, www.galthouse.com. “Hollywood in the Ville”-themed party. Three packages: $349/couple (suite, dinner, dancing, drink tickets, champagne toast and New Year’s Day brunch); $299/couple (suite, dinner, dancing, champagne toast); and $259/couple (dinner, dancing, champagne toast).
Holiday Inn Airport South
2715 Fern Valley Road, 964-3311, www.holiday-inn.com. Package includes room for two, dinner buffet, drink tickets, party favors, dancing, and brunch. Cost: $229/couple.
Holiday Inn Hurstbourne
1325 Hurstbourne Pkwy., 426-2600, www.hihurstbourne.com. Package includes overnight stay, prime rib buffet, champagne toast, host bar, breakfast buffet and live music by Flashpoint. Cost: $299/couple.
Holiday Inn Lakeview
505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, Ind., 812-283-4411. Two packages, both include overnight room, champagne toast and cash bar. 1) Dinner and dance in ballroom. New Year’s Day brunch. Cost: $199.95/couple. 2) Party with a DJ in the hotel’s lounge. Cost: $119.95/couple.
Hyatt Regency
320 W. Jefferson St., 581-1234, www.louisville.hyatt.com. Package includes room for two, dinner buffet, party w/ dancing, balloon drop, party favors, open bar, “Regency Recovery Kit” and late checkout New Year’s Day. Cost: $299-$319/couple.
Seelbach Hilton Hotel
500 Fourth St., 585-3200, www.seelbachhilton.com. Party and live broadcast in Ball Room with WDJX-FM. Package includes room for two, dinner buffet, party favors and champagne toast. Cost: $199/couple. Cost without a room: $99.70/couple.
Sheraton Riverside/The Bristol Bar and Grille
700 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, (812) 218-1995, www.bristolbarandgrille.com. Event includes six-course menu by Chef Richard Doering, six wine pairings and a hotel room at the Sheraton Riverside. Also, master sommelier Scott Harper adds his expertise to the dinner. 8 p.m. Cost: $210/couple.
•And so on …
AMF Rose Bowl Lanes
2217 Goldsmith Lane, 451-5717, www.amf.com/rosebowllanesky. Two packages: 1) From 5-9 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: $60/lane. 2) From 9 p.m.-2 a.m., adult party with lane for four, shoe rental, party favors, champagne and New Year’s at midnight. Reservations required. Cost: $85/lane.
Derby Dinner Playhouse
525 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, (812) 288-8281, www.derbydinner.com. “Getaway Celebration” includes room for two at Holiday Inn Lakeview, prime rib buffet, performance of “A Wonderful Life,” party favors and breakfast buffet. Cost: $250/couple.
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. Features several overnight-stay/dinner packages starting at $469/couple.
The Gillespie
421 W. Market St., 584-8080, [email protected] New Year’s Eve Bash featuring open bar, red carpet, party favors, champagne, etc. 9 p.m.-4 a.m. Cost: $30/person.
Horseshoe Casino
(866) 676-SHOE, www.horseshoeindiana.com. Featuring over $25,000 in giveaways, live music from The Rumors, The Crashers, and Jayne Bond & the Pink Martinis, party favors, champagne toast and more. VIP room packages available.
Kingpin Lanes
9525 Taylorsville Road, 719-5464, www.bowlkingpin.com. NYE Bash includes unlimited extreme bowling, two pizzas, unlimited soda and popcorn, party favors and more. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Cost: $150/lane (5 people per lane).
Spirit of Jefferson Cruise & Gala
401 W. River Road, 574-2992, www.belleoflouisville.org. New Year’s Eve Gala boards at 9:30 p.m. and cruises till 1 a.m. Includes dinner buffet, DJ, dancing, champagne toast and party favors. Cost: $55/person. Early Dinner Cruise is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cost: $40/person.