Sick of lame parties and crowded bars and a night that rarely lives up to its billing? Can't bear the thought of another New Year's Eve with Ryan Seacrest? Need a place to grab a bite before hitting the dancefloor?

It's been a hard year, Houston. Why not ease your way into 2011 with a fabulous dining experience. New Year's Eve is big business for restaurants, many showcasing their talent with special menus and multi-course meals for a price-per-head charge averaging around $75 per person. The restaurants featured below are going all out on December 31 with special menus, party favors, champagne toasts, and more. But if you plan to ring in the New Year with food and drink, be sure to make reservations in advance.

*17 - Alden Houston Hotel $95 per person

Bistro Provence $42 per person

Brennan's of Houston Price per person N/A

Cafe Bello $39 per person

Haven Early Seating at ala carte prices / Late Seating $70 per person

Kiran's $95 per person

Le Mistral $95 per person

Massa's Seafood Grill $75 per person

The Melting Pot $80 per person

Mockingbird Bistro $75

Pappas Bros. Steak House $89.95 per person

Rainbow Lodge $69 per person

Ristorante Cavour - Hotel Granduca $125 per person / add $45 for wine pairing

Rudy Lechner's German-American Restaurant $50 per person

Sambuca $39 - $100 per person.

Simposio Ristorante Price per person N/A

Tila's $70 per person

Tony's Early Seating $75 / Late Seating $125

Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse $120 per person

Turquose Grill $30 per person

For a more comprehensive list of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day menus check out B4-U-Eat. Additional dining and entertainment information can also be found in our online event listings as well as our annual Houston Press New Year's Eve Guide.

• Season's Eating