By Brian Cognato > University of Maryland
Tired of watching the ball drop on New Year’s Eve? We don’t blame you. We were pretty much done with Carson Daly by 8th grade too. Luckily, New Year’s Eve parties at clubs, hotels, restaurants and bars abound, so you just might be able to escape another night of New Year’s mediocrity.
Let’s go over some of the basics first. Your New Year’s Eve out will not be cheap. Expect to pay a minimum of $20/person, with average prices coming in at about $35. These costs typically include at least a champagne toast at midnight and can even extend to an open bar though, so it’s definitely possible to get your money’s worth.
If you’re a freshman or sophomore, you may want to wait till next year. Nearly all New Year’s parties are 21+, and they mean it. This is not a good time to test out your new fake or attempt flirt your way in; simply put, these venues are too busy to deal with it and don’t need your business on the biggest partying night of the year. And, even if you find a venue hosting an 18+ party, you’ll miss out on any drink deals included in the price of tickets.
Dress to impress. New Year’s Eve is firmly an “occasion” night, and you shouldn’t expect to get by in your old Chucks and an intramural t-shirt. (Note to guys) Find real shoes, find a collared shirt and find some jeans without holes, and you should be alright, but be sure to check the specific guidelines of wherever you decide to go first.
Here are some places to look for your ideal New Year’s Eve (Scroll down for Baltimore):
Washington, DC
Best Extras
Tuscana West – At $45 advance or $55 at the door, this venue on I Street NW isn’t cheap, but every two tickets comes complete with a free bottle of champagne – not Andre, we trust – and, for the more sensual among us, a chocolate-covered cherry.
For Serious Clubbers Only
Club 24 – A brand new club on New York Ave., just over the Maryland border. With $30 pre-sale tickets available, it’s not prohibitively expensive. Expect house and international beats thumping all night long.
Most Options
Ultra Bar – On F Street near Chinatown, Ultra Bar sports three different dance floors, with a Top 40 mix on the main floor, “old school” hip hop on top and house below. And that doesn’t even count Chroma, it’s super-elite VIP lounge. At $35, tickets are also a relative bargain.
Super-saver
Café Saint Ex – No cover. That’s right. Totally free. Prepare to get there early and stay in line late, but once you’re in this U Street-Cardozo bar and lounge, enjoy a (free) night of dancing to soul, funk and hip-hop.
18+
Fur Nightclub – Tucked near the intersection of Florida Ave. and New York Ave. in the Northeast, Fur’s co-hosting its New Year’s Eve Party with hot 99.5 FM. 18 to enter, 21 to drink, with $25 tickets. If you’re of age, Fur also offers an open bar for $80.
Baltimore
Best Extras
Mex – This night spot in Power Plant Live offers a $60 open bar - $100 for two tickets. Take a date, suck it up, fork it over, and then drink it down. The midnight toast? Tequila, por supuesto.
Super-saver
Ottobar - $20 gets you entry to the party, live music and an open bar. An excellent choice for those of us allergic to the effort of so many New Year’s Eve parties. Rock and roll and all the domestic beer and generic whiskey you can drink – sounds like a winner to me.
Most Options/Best Live Act/18+
Sonar – As a wise man once said, “Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nothing to fuck with.” The Rza, the Gza, Inspectah Deck, Ghostface and all the rest bring the ruckus to Charm City on New Year’s Eve. Ticket options range from $95 for admission to the Wu Tang show, entrance to a separate dance party hosted by Baltimore dance mavens TAX LO and an open bar, down to $10 for admission to the dance party alone. But seriously, who’s gonna turn down the Wu? Also, 18+. Sonar’s damn near got it all.
When All Else Fails
Dress up, bring lots of cash and go to Power Plant Live – virtually every venue there has its own deal, and they all have something to offer. Or, bundle up, drink hot chocolate or a flask (whatever suits your fancy) and check out the fireworks over the Inner Harbor.
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