Oh my liver. The UK/U of L game is at noon on Saturday … might as well pick a spot and prepare to drink the day away at my favorite dive bar. But for all you planners and people who like to play dress-up out there, here’s a highlight of some sweet New Year’s Eve happenings around town. As Mom says, “Plan ahead … and don’t kiss the first bartender you see at midnight.” —Sara Havens
•BARS/CLUBS
Billiards Club of Louisville
5404 Bardstown Road, 491-3810, myspace.com/billiardscluboflouisville. Live music by The Dallas Moore Band, Jefferson Tarc Bus, Big Rock Show, Stone the Crow and Dangerous Liaison at 8 p.m. Cost: $25.
Butchertown Pub Studios
1335 Story Ave., 777-8749, butchertownpub.com. Live music by The Pass, Nerves Junior and Bootysweat at 8 p.m. Cost: $12 (adv.), $15 (door).
Comedy Caravan
1250 Bardstown Road, 459-0022, comedycaravan.com. Live comedy by Keith McGill, Paul Strickland and Mark Parris, plus a champagne toast, streamers, party favors and goofy hats at 10 p.m. Cost: $35 (late show).
The Connection
120 S. Floyd St., 585-5752, theconnection.net. Syimone at 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m. Cost: $TBA.
Fourth Street Live
4thstlive.com. Live music by 100% Poly at 9 p.m. Includes “Times Square” ball drop. Cost: Free.
German-American Club
1840 Lincoln Ave., 451-3100, german-americanclub.com. Live music by The Rheingold Band at 9 p.m. Cost: $TBA.
Gerstle’s Place
3801 Frankfort Ave., 742-8616, gerstles.com. Live music by The Compromise at 10 p.m. Cost: $10.
The Grand
138 E. Market St. in New Albany, 812-949-8888, 8129498888.com. Live music by The Louisville Crashers, snack bar and cash bar, complimentary champagne toast at 9 p.m. Cost: $30.
Headliners Music Hall
1386 Lexington Road, 584-8088, headlinerslouisville.com. WFPK New Year’s Eve Live Broadcast: Live music by Cosa Seria, DJs Woodrow on the Radio and Matt Anthony at 9 p.m., free memento photos from Photo Booth Photos, dance lessons at 8 p.m. by Me Salsa es su Salsa Dance Company and a balloon drop at midnight. Cost: $10 (adv.), $12 (door).
Hideaway Saloon
1607 Bardstown Road, 485-0114, hideawaysaloon.com. Live music by Canago at 10:30 p.m. Cost: $TBA.
Improv
441 S. Fourth St., 581-1332, improvlouisville.com. Live comedy by Bryan Callen, plus party favors, at 9:45 p.m. Cost: $23.
JazzyBlu
815 W. Market St., 992-3243, jazzyblu.com. Live music by Bashiri Asad at 8 p.m. Cost: $20.
Jeff Ruby’s
325 W. Main St., 584-0102, jeffruby.com/louisville.php. Live music by Robbie Bartlett at 9 p.m.
Jim Porter’s
2345 Lexington Road, 452-9531, jimporters.com. Live music by Cosmo & the Counts, Lindsey Lane & Axis, The Flying Martinis and Bluestown at 8 p.m., plus a balloon drop, party favors, streamers, confetti and a champagne toast. Cost: $20.
Molly Malone’s, Highlands
933 Baxter Ave., 473-1222, mollymalonesirishpub.com. DJ on the Dance Floor at 10 p.m. Cost: $TBA.
Monkey Wrench
1025 Barret Ave., 582-2433, monkeywrench.com. Live music by She Groove. Party includes chocolate buffet, party favors and champagne toast. Starts at 7 p.m. Cost: $15-$25.
Mozz
445 E. Market St., 690-6699, mozzlouisville.com. Live music by Carly Johnson & Craig Wagner at 7 p.m. Cost: Free.
Mulligan’s Pub & Grille
1801 Newburg Road, 632-2818, facebook.com/pages/Mulligans-Pub-Grille/144873098461. Live music by Logan Street at 9 p.m. Cost: Free.
Patrick O’Shea’s
123 W. Main St., 813-3226, osheaslouisville.net. Live music by Freddie and the Kruegers, plus Ben Davis and Kelly K from WDJX, contests, party favors, and a champagne toast. Doors at 6 p.m. Cost: $15-$325.
Phoenix Hill Tavern
644 Baxter Ave., 589-4630, phoenixhill.com. Live music by Sponge, The American Dream, Centerfold, Wax Factory, Kirby’s Dreamland and King Sonic at 9 p.m. Cost: $TBA.
The Rudyard Kipling
422 W. Oak St., 636-1311, therudyardkipling.com. “The End is Near! Medicine Show” presented by Blue Moon Circus. Fire, burlesque, live music by Lotus Blake, snake belly dancers, aerial acts, comedy, juggling and side show stunts with audience participation, Kentucky burgoo, homemade pizza, drinks, fortunes told by Kentucky Mary and door prizes at 9:30 p.m. Cost: $10
Seelbach Bar
500 Fourth St., 800-333-3399, seelbachhilton.com. Live music by Dick Sisto at 10 p.m. Cost: Free.
Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar
230 E. Main St., 582-9945, stevieraysbluesbar.com. Live music by The Predators at 9 p.m. Cost: $20-$120.
Third Street Dive
442 S. Third St., 749-3483, reverbnation.com/venue/thirdstreetdive. Live music by The Art Adams Band, Slithering Beast and 3GC, plus party favors and champagne toast at 9 p.m. Cost: $12.
Wick’s Pizza, Goose Creek
2927 Goose Creek Road, 327-9425, wickspizza.com/gc.stm. Music by Project DJ at 10 p.m. Cost: $TBA.
Wick’s Pizza, New Albany
225 State St. in New Albany, 812-945-9425, wickspizza.com/na.stm. Live music by Eight Inch Elvis and Dev & Doug at 10 p.m. Cost: $TBA.
ZaZoo’s
102 Bauer Ave., 384-8478. Live music by The Broken Spurs and The Bad Reeds, plus DJs and a champagne toast at 9 p.m. Cost: $10.
•RESTAURANTS
610 Magnolia
610 W. Magnolia Ave., 636-0783, 610magnolia.com. Early seating is from 5:30-6 p.m. — features four-course menu. Cost: $75/person. Late seating is from 8-8:30 p.m. — features six-course menu. Cost: $100/person (includes midnight champagne toast).
Asiatique
1767 Bardstown Road, 451-2749, asiatiquerestaurant.com. Features a four-course menu. Cost: Dinner is $60/person; $45/person if seated before 6 p.m.
Blu Italian Grille
280 W. Jefferson St., 671-4265, blugrille.com. Evening includes room at the Hyatt Regency, prix-fixe surf ’n’ turf meal, live entertainment and complimentary bottle of champagne. Cost: $299/couple.
Captain’s Quarters
5700 Captain’s Quarters Road, 228-1651, cqriverside.com. Live music by The Huckleberries, dinner specials and champagne toast at midnight in the lodge. Dinner cruise on CQ Princess yacht (8 p.m.) includes premium open bar and grand buffet dinner. Dinner cruise: $80/person.
Corbett’s: An American Place
5050 Norton Healthcare Blvd., 327-5058, corbettsrestaurant.com. Unique seven-course menu. Reservations required. Cost: $100/person.
Bristol Bar and Grille
700 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, 812-218-1995, bristolbarandgrille.com. Special event features a celebration of Napa Valley wine and cuisine. Master sommelier Scott Harper will lead a wine presentation and tasting that explores six varietals from America’s famous wine region, followed by a gourmet Wine Country buffet created by chef Richard Doering. Cost: $160/couple. For an additional $110, you can add a deluxe guest room at the Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel.
English Grill at The Brown Hotel
335 W. Broadway, 736-2998, brownhotel.com. New Year’s Eve celebration includes a five-course dinner, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and dancing. Dinner reservations are available from 8-9 p.m. Cost: $115/person.
Equus & Jack’s Lounge
122 Sears Ave., 897-9721, equusrestaurant.com. New Year’s Eve festivities include a four-course menu prepared by Executive Chef Tavis Rockwell. Cost: $50/person.
Lynn’s Paradise Café
984 Barret Ave., 583-3447, 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, live entertainment and drink specials all day. Reservations recommended.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge
Fourth Street Live, 568-9009, makerslounge.com. This year’s theme is “Bourbon Empire,” and the restaurant is offering seven packages that range from dinner and drinks to an open bar. Champagne toast included with all. Cost: $32.50-$240.
Proof on Main
702 W. Main St., 217-6360, proofonmain.com. Starting at 8 p.m., there will be 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: $131/person.
Sitar
1702 Bardstown Road, 473-8889. Live music by Four Shillings Short at 7 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Varanese
2106 Frankfort Ave., 899-9904, varanese.com. Party includes regular menu and specials, live jazz, champagne toast and more. Reservations recommended.
•HOTELS
21c Museum Hotel
700 W. Main St., 217-6300, 21chotel.com. Overnight package includes dinner at Proof on Main, dance party in the museum and complimentary late check-out. Cost: start at $499. Atrium Lounge party features DJ, dancing, balloon drop and champagne toast from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Cost for party only: $31.
The Brown Hotel
335 W. Broadway, 583-1234, brownhotel.com. Package includes your choice of overnight accommodations, valet parking, sparkling wine, entertainment by the Robert Whitmer Jazz Trio and late check-out. Cost: $179/room, in addition to the $115 dinner reservation.
Crowne Plaza Hotel
830 Phillips Lane, 367-2251, cplouisville.com. Features an overnight stay, live entertainment from Caribou, dinner buffet, casino tables, raffle prizes, drink tickets, champagne toast at midnight, “recovery” breakfast buffet and late checkout (6 p.m.). Cost: $299/couple.
Fern Valley Hotel & Conference Center
2715 Fern Valley Road, 964-3311. Package includes room for two, party in the lounge (9 p.m.-1 a.m.), hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast, party favors and breakfast the next day. Cost: $135/couple.
French Lick Resort
French Lick, Ind., 888-936-9360, frenchlick.com. Celebrate at party Planet New Year’s Eve 2011, which will feature music by Souled Out and the Hunt Butler Band, hors d’oeuvres, dessert buffet, cash bar, party favors, champagne toast and more. Overnight Package: $469/couple, $369/person.
Galt House Hotel and Suites
140 N. Fourth St., 589-5200, galthouse.com. “Night of All Nights” theme party features music by Burning Las Vegas. Four packages: $129/person (dinner, reception, dancing, champagne toast); $175/couple (executive suite, two receptions, dinner, dancing, two drink tickets, New Year’s Day brunch, champagne toast); $212/person (two-night stay executive suite, two receptions, dinner, dancing, two drink tickets, champagne toast, breakfast, brunch); $275/couple (dinner-only package), $375/couple (dinner & dancing package) — both include one-night stay, dinner for two, champagne toast at midnight, room service, breakfast and complimentary parking.
Holiday Inn Hurstbourne
1325 Hurstbourne Pkwy., 426-2600, hihurstbourne.com. Package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, dinner buffet, music from DJ, drink specials, champagne toast and breakfast buffet. Cost: $229/couple.
Holiday Inn Lakeview
505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, Ind., 812-283-4411. Package includes room for two, live entertainment from This Side Up, party favors, balloon drop, champagne toast and brunch the next morning. Cost: $119/couple.
Hyatt Regency
320 W. Jefferson St., 581-1234, louisville.hyatt.com. Package includes room for two, entry to Fourth Street Live’s NYE Party, open bar at Hotel, Angel’s Rock Bar, Tengo Sed Cantina, and Sports and Social Club. Cost: $279-$319.
Ramada Plaza Hotel & Triple Crown Pavilion
1776 Plantside Drive, 491-4830, triplecrownpavilion.net. Party includes a New York nightclub atmosphere of music and dancing with Creative Entertainment Solutions, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, six bars, a laser light show and confetti cannons. Cost: $25/person.
Seelbach Hilton Hotel
500 Fourth St., 585-3200, seelbachhilton.com. “Retro New Year’s Eve” party hosted by 102.3 The Max Retro Package includes room for two, dinner buffet, party favors and champagne toast. Cost: $319/couple. Cost without a room: $159/couple.
Sheraton Riverside
700 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, 812-218-1995, bristolbarandgrille.com. Package includes dinner reservation at the Bristol Bar & Grille in Jeffersonville for their Napa Valley Wine Country New Year’s Eve party, plus a room for two. Cost: $270/couple.
•AND SO ON ...
AMF Rose Bowl Lanes
2217 Goldsmith Lane, 451-5717, amf.com/rosebowllanesky. Three packages: 1) From 2-5 p.m., pizza party with lane rental for up to six people. Cost: $85/lane. 2) From 6-9 p.m., lane rental for up to six people and buffet. Cost: $105/lane. 3) From 10 p.m.-2 a.m., lane rental for up to six people, buffet and champagne toast at midnight. Cost: $125/lane.
Executive Strike and Spare
911 Phillips Lane, 368-1651, strikeandsparebowling.com. Party package includes four hours of bowling for up to six people, party favors, champagne or sparkling grape juice and prize giveaways. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Cost: $90/lane.
Horseshoe Casino
Elizabeth, Ind., 866-676-SHOE, horseshoeindiana.com. Featuring $45,000 in giveaways, live music from The Rumors, The Atlanta AllStars and Super 69, party favors, champagne toast and more. VIP room packages: $569.99/couple.
Kingpin Lanes
9525 Taylorsville Road, 719-5464, bowlkingpin.com. New Year’s Eve Bash includes unlimited extreme bowling, two pizzas, unlimited soda and popcorn, party favors and more. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Cost: $150/lane (five people per lane).
Spirit of Jefferson Cruise
401 W. River Road, 574-2992, belleoflouisville.org. New Year’s Eve Early Dinner boards at 5 p.m. and cruises till 7:30 p.m. Cost: $40/person. New Year’s Eve Late Night Bash boards at 9:30 p.m. and cruises till 1 a.m. Features buffet, champagne toast and party favors. Cost: $60/person.
