It’s the most stressful time…of the year. Yes, we’re talking about New Year’s Eve planning. Luckily, we have rounded up some of the hottest spots to ring in the new decade. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two, or a raging party that ends with a firework display overlooking Lake Michigan, Chicagoans can rest easy that no matter where they choose, 2020 will start off on an unforgettable note.
Take a trip to Monte Carlo and enjoy gaming tables, acrobats, and an open platinum bar at Chicago’s original and recently renovated rooftop, ROOF on theWit
ROOF on theWit, sitting 27 stories above the city, is ringing in the new year and the new decade with their 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Monte Carlo celebration, one of the hottest events in all of Chicago. Featuring a 4-hour platinum bar, gaming tables, upscale food choices throughout the night, and live entertainment with acrobatic performances, this black tie affair will be welcoming in the new year on Tuesday, December 31st from 9pm to 1am. When the clock strikes midnight, memorialize the New Year with a classic G.H. Mumm Champagne toast and take a photo in the complimentary photo booth. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Make it an extravagant night with Navy Pier’s firework display and ABC7’s live Countdown at Offshore
Offshore, the city’s most buzzed about new year round rooftop, is ringing in 2020 with an extravagant New Year’s Eve event from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019. With a DJ spinning live beats throughout the evening, delectable appetizers, a live band, and iconic views of Navy Pier’s firework display at midnight NYE 2020: The Best Go Out On Top will be the place to see and be seen on the biggest night of the decade. Tickets to the black tie event are $125 each for general admission, where guests will celebrate the New Year and the new decade live with ABC 7’s Countdown Chicago.
The night will feature a premium open bar with a live band and a DJ performance. Appetizers and chef stations will showcase the high talents of the great Executive Chef Michael Schrader. Fireworks over the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan will welcome in the year 2020 while guests enjoy from the terrace, or under the beautiful glass roof of the indoor space. Tickets are available now at DrinkOffshore.com. Black tie is recommended, and cocktail attire is required.
Enjoy a romantic date night for two at the city’s most romantic restaurant, Geja’s Café
Geja’s Café, the most romantic restaurant in the city, is offering a special way to greet the new decade by featuring three special reserved seatings on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. Reservations are available for 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
All guests will enjoy a four-course fondue dinner complete with a Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue appetizer, salad, lobster, shrimp, and beef entree along with Geja’s famous flaming Belgian chocolate dessert fondue. The evening’s packages also include champagne, tax, and gratuity. The 5:00 p.m. seating is $105 per person and includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut Champagne. The 7:30 p.m. seating is $125 per person and includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose Champagne. The 10:00 p.m. seating is $135 per person and includes a bottle of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut Champagne per couple with party favors galore for the countdown to midnight. To make a reservation, please visit www.gejascafe.com or call Geja’s Café at 773-281-9101.
Cheers to the New Year 22 stories above the city with unprecedented views at VU Rooftop Bar
Join VU Rooftop Bar as they ring in the New Year 22 stories above the city with views from the South Loop, a premium bar, chef’s hors d’ oeuvres, live music & DJs throughout the night. Tickets will grant guests access to a 4-hour open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment. Get ready to dance the night away at one of the city’s hottest rooftop bars. Doors to the unforgettable night open at 9:00 p.m. Black Tie recommended, cocktail attire is required. VIP IGLOOS are also available with space for up to 15 guests. Please email events@vurooftop.com for large group bookings or purchase tickets by clicking here.
Ring in 2020 with one of the hottest restaurants to open their doors in 2019, ROOH Chicago
One of the top Indian restaurants in Chicago, ROOH, situated on “Restaurant Row” at 736 W. Randolph, will be hosting an over-the-top celebration to ring in the New Year including a DJ, special tasting experience and much more. On Tuesday, December 31, ROOH’s menu will offer an elevated experience through a four course, family style dinner.
Curated by Executive Chef Sujan Sarkar and Chef de Cuisine Sahil Sethi, the menu includes the following:
• 1st Course: Pumpkin Mulligatawny and Black Rice Papad.
• 2nd Course (Choose One): Brie – Pakoda with Beetroot Murabba and Spiced Persimmon Chutney; Tandoori Yam served with Asparagus Pepper Fry and Tomato Pachadi; Tuna Bhel prepared with Green Mango, Avocado, Tamarind, Radish and Semolina Papad; Malai Chicken Tikka Terrine offered with White Asparagus and Truffle; and Lamb Keema served with Potato Mousse and Buttered Pao.
• 3rd Course (Choose One): Paneer Pasanda prepared with Awadhi Cashew Nut Gravy and Caramelized Onion; Tandoori Mushroom Wellington with Parmesan Yakhni and Truffle; Butter Poached Lobstertopped with Seafood Alleppey Curry, Green Mango and Ginger; or Stuffed Chicken Breast with Red Pepper Makhani and Fenugreek.
• 4th Course (Choose one): Coconut Phirni Mousse with Toasted Sesame Ice Cream and Khubani; or a Chocolate Rum Ball prepared with Milk Ice Cream, Kumquat Chutney and Gold.
Reservations are classified as an early tasting experience or a late-night reservation. The early tasting experience will be offered from 5-6:30PM with a price of $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and includes occupancy of the table for a maximum of two hours. Late-night reservations begin at 8:30PM for $105 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and includes possession of the table for the entire night. The DJ begins at 10:30PM and the evening will conclude with a champagne toast at 12AM to commemorate the New Year. Foodies may indulge in this special culinary journey by making a reservation at https://www.roohchicago.com/ on New Year’s Eve.
Celebrate the New Year on the North Shore at Hilton Chicago Northbrook
Hilton Chicago Northbrook, 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave, is thrilled to welcome guests to attend their annual New Year’s Eve Gala to end 2019 on the most festive of notes. The award-winning North Shore property will offer non-stop entertainment with their range of deluxe package offerings including dinner, dancing and so much more (detailed below). For guests arriving early or looking to extend their stay, the property is offering a special rate of $89 per night. In addition to the celebrations, guests may take full advantage of the hotel’s on-site amenities including an indoor pool, whirlpool spa, 24-hour business center, fitness center and sauna. Located near the most iconic North Shore spots including Northbrook Court, Kohl Children’s Museum, Chicago Botanic Garden and just a short drive to the city, Hilton Chicago Northbrook is the ultimate staycation destination.
Guests have the option between three exciting packages to plan the perfect evening, including:
• NYE Gala Package ($442 per couple)
o Deluxe Overnight Accommodations with Late Checkout, Passed Hors d’Oeuvres, Decadent Four Course Dinner with Wine Service, Five Hours of Open Bar, Non-Stop Dancing with an Elite DJ, Party Hats and Favors.
• NYE Party & Room Package ($325 per couple)
o Three Hours of Open Bar from 10 p.m. – 1 p.m., Dancing and Overnight Accommodations.
• NYE Dinner Package ($317 per couple)
o Passed Hors d’Oeuvres, Decadent Four Course Dinner with Wine Service, Five Hours of Open Bar, Non-Stop Dancing with an Elite DJ, Party Hats and Favors.
These offerings are available for guests 21 and over. For more information, please call 847.509.70702 or visit www.chicagonorthbrook.hilton.com.
Art and science lovers, start the new decade with a decadent 7-Course Chef’s Tasting Menu at Hotel EMC2
Celebrate the start of the new decade with Hotel EMC2, the art and science inspired hotel located in the heart of Streeterville. They will be offering a 7-Course Chef’s Tasting Menu in the hotel’s restaurant, the Albert, that will honor dishes from historical Chicago venues found in the Archives of the New York Public Library. Containing over 12,000 carefully-selected art and science novels lining the walls of the airy, double-height space, the Albert’s menu will similarly include dishes that pay homage to many iconic venues including Chicago Beach Hotel, Chicago Jewelers Association and The Drake Hotel in thoughtful, creative ways available for $125 per person.
The full menu includes:
• Blue Point Caviar Red Snapper, Chicago Beach Hotel 1901
• Salad Monegasque, The Drake Hotel 1964
• Chinook Froid, Sauce Verte, The Drake Hotel 1964
• Sweetbread En Brochette, Chicago Athletic Club 1908
• Royal Squab Au Cresson, Lettuce, Grapefruit, Chicago Jewelers Association 1906
• Sorbet & Cigarette, Chicago Jewelers Association 1906
• Glace en Surprise Fancy Cake Roquefort Coffee, Chicago Beach Hotel 1901
The hotel will be offering a special guestroom package for those looking to extend the celebrations. For $439 per night per couple, the package will include the Chef’s Tasting Menu and overnight accommodations. This special offering is valid on New Year’s Eve only. For more information or to book a reservation, please visit the hotel’s website. To make a reservation for the Chef’s Tasting Menu, please visit the restaurant’s website.
Cheers to a prime dining experience at Chicago’s premier destination for seafood and steak, Ocean Prime
Cheers to a Prime Dining Experience with Ocean Prime, 87 E. Wacker, Chicago’s premier destination for seafood and steak. Featuring unparalleled views of both the festive magnificent mile and Chicago river, the unapologetically luxe restaurant features elegance at every turn and quality service that is second to none. The restaurant is now accepting reservations for New Year’s Eve dining via their website.
Enjoy a tribute to the classic Friends episode “The One With the Routine” with a one-night-only pop up at Replay Lincoln Park
Could we BE any more excited? This New Year’s Eve, Replay Lincoln Park is offering a tribute to the classic Friends episode “The One With The Routine,” by hosting a one-night-only mini pop-up for New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $40, and include appetizers, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and an open bar featuring sparkling wine and craft beers. Premium cocktails are also available for just $2. To purchase tickets, please click here.
Avoid covers and bar packages and enjoy views of the city’s skyline as the backdrop at Raised and Staytion Market & Bar
Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, 1 W. Wacker Drive, is inviting Chicagoans and visitors alike to ring in the new decade on Tuesday, December 31. Perfect for those looking to avoid outrageous covers and bar packages, the third-floor rooftop destination, which boasts panoramic views of the Chicago river and city skyline, will be offering live beats from DJ Marc Adam from 9 p.m. to Midnight. Guests will pay $20 at the door and will receive a $20 voucher for food and drinks that goes directly to your NYE bill.
Additionally, Staytion Market & Bar, located on the first floor of Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, will celebrate New Year’s Eve with delicious cocktails, signature menu items and live entertainment for adults and children alike to enjoy. Live beats will be provided from Aly Jados from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and DJ Marc Poise from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a special New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu with items such as Smoked Lamb Loin, Honey Brined Chicken, and Mushroom Truffle Bisque. Children aged 11 and younger will also enjoy a special menu with favorites such as White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Grilled 4 oz. Bistro Filet, Oven Roasted Chicken, and more. For more details, please visit raisedbarchicago.com or call (312) 795-3444.
Enjoy a hotel package complete with a “hang-over” breakfast delivered straight to your door at The Ivy Hotel, just steps away from the Mag Mile
The Ivy Hotel, 233 E Ontario St, just steps from the Magnificent Mile and all of the action on New Year’s Eve, is ringing in 2020 in style with their New Year’s Eve Celebration at the IVY package. Offering guests complimentary valet parking, poppers and party hats in room, and a glass of sparkling wine and a round of appetizers at the Divine Lounge, the package is complete with a satisfying “hang-over” breakfast delivered to the guestroom the next morning. For more information or to book the package, please click here.
Strike up a game of bowling and a champagne toast at the ultimate entertainment destination in Wrigleyville, Lucky Strike Social
Lucky Strike Social at Wrigleyville, 1027 W. Addison St., is gearing up to ring in the new decade by offering two packages for adults and children alike on December 31. The Daytime Family Package is available from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and includes a reserved bowling lane for two hours, shoe rental, a One Hour Time Play game card, soft drinks, party favors, and a champagne toast for the adults. Tickets are $20 per person, children under three are free. Must conclude by 7 p.m.
The Evening Package is available from 6 p.m. until close, for $40 per person. The Evening Package includes a reserved bowling lane for two hours, also with shoe rental, a One Hour Time Play game card, chips and salsa, soft drinks, two drink tickets for call liquor, a selection of beer or wine, party favors, and a champagne toast.
Pricing for both packages includes tax and service fees. Minimum of four guests, maximum of eight guests per bowling lane. For more information, please call the venue at (872) 206-6740.
