We have some hefty issues to face in the next year, like, oh, who our next president's going to be. So tonight let it all hang out. You know half the city will be hurting tomorrow, and with so many venues vying for your attention, it's easy to see why. Here's our guide to the city's best New Year's Eve parties. Happy 2008!
Alden
1117 Prairie
832-200-8800
The acclaimed restaurant is offering an indulgent, five-course dinner for two. After your belly is full, party on the veranda, then slumber in style. Special packages available.
Armadillo Palace
5015 Kirby, 713-526-9700
This just might be the best deal in town. Only $5 for live music by Scooter Brown.
Backstreet Cafe
1103 S. Shepherd, 713-521-2239
If you're feeling more adult then kid tonight, then you'll enjoy the fireplace seating, live jazz and four-course feast at this cozy and low-key celebration. $69 per person, including a midnight champagne toast. Seating starts at 5:30 p.m.
Baker St. Pub & Grill
5510 Morningside, Suite 100
713-942-9900
www.sherlockspubco.com/Home.aspx
For an easy night of celebrating, hop over to the Village and enjoy no cover, live music, free party favors, a midnight balloon drop and a champagne toast.
The Balinese Room
2107 Seawall Blvd., Galveston
409-762-9696
Take a step back to the 1940s with all this historic building has to offer in glam and kitsch. Piano-pounding boogaloo queen Eden Brent headlines this New Year's party. Entry is $35 and includes buffet, party favors and a midnight toast. Doors open at 7 p.m.
benjy's Restaurant
2424 Dunstan Rd., 713-522-7602
This hip restaurant in the Village will offer a hearty three-course menu. Be prepared for a tough choice between tasty entrées like corn-crusted sea bass, crunchy nut-laced chicken or wild mushroom crepes. A champagne toast rounds off the night at midnight. $69 per person.
Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club
5731 Kirby, 713-523-9999
Tonight this club we've voted our "Best Blues Venue" for more than a decade will host legendary Austin blues guitarist Alan Haynes and his band. $10. 9 p.m.
Bourbon Street Sports Bar
803 S. Mason, Suite 400, 281-398-2424
www.bourbonstreetsportsbar.com
Soul Junkies will entertain you for the last few hours of 2007. At midnight, there will be a champagne toast and party favors.
Buddha Lounge
2670 Sage, 713-304-3265
www.rockstarsentertainment.com
Tonight enjoy a four-hour premium open bar, four-course Mi Luna Tapas selection and Godiva-covered strawberries. Hang around until midnight for the Veuve Clicquot champagne toast and video countdown with confetti storm.
Byzantio
403 W. Gray, 713-520-6896
$20 cover includes champagne toast, party favors and DJ. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Café Le Jadeite
1952 W. Gray, 713-528-4288
A Special Four-Course Menu prepared in a setting that CitySearch calls "astonishing...more like a museum, than eatery." Two seatings: $65, and $85 for later seating, featuring live music and a midnight champagne toast.
Café Montrose
1609 Westheimer, 713-523-1201
Tonight take your choice of venison à la parisienne or waterzooi of lobster with potato croquettes. There will be a raffle for a three-liter bottle of Chimay Grande Reserve for $5.
The Children's Museum Houston
1500 Binz St., 713-522-1138
Let the kids celebrate the New Year, but still go to bed on time. Design your own float and take part in the parade, then count down the New Year at noon. Live music by the New Birth Brass Band. $5.
Crú A Wine Bar
9595 Six Pines Dr., Suite 650
The Woodlands, 281-465-9463
Crú will ring in the New Year with food and wine, noisemakers, dancing and music. Choose a 5 p.m. seating for $50 per person, or dine at 8 p.m. and stay till late for $75 per person, including champagne during the first seconds of 2008.
The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Hotel
909 Texas, 713-227-7423
This Crystal Ball is sure to tinkle. Lavish, dramatic and rich in history, this 11,000-square-foot ballroom will have five premium bars, one DJ in the Empire Room and live music from the Shapeshifters in the ballroom.
Cypress Saloon
12710 Telge Rd., Cypress, 281-304-7766
The McClanahans will help Cypress Saloon ring in the New Year. $12 cover includes snacks, party favors and complimentary champagne toast.
Deco
510 Gray, 713-659-4900
This hip, unpretentious Midtown lounge is making it easy tonight with an all-inclusive party. Pay one fee that includes entry, food, open bar, music, dancing, champagne toast, strawberries and party favors. And don't forget entertainment with live magicians and go-go dancers. There's a reason this party sells out. $115.
Doubletree Downtown
400 Dallas, 713-759-0202
If drinking and eating aren't enough entertainment for you, then check out Keith & Margo's Murder Mystery Midnight Madness. Dress up for the occasion and enjoy dancing between mysteries. 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
