New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Looking for something last-minute to do this New Year’s Eve? Several Chicago establishments are throwing their own bashes with food buffets and midnight champagne toasts.

Here’s a sampling of some fun New Year’s Eve party options in Chicago to ring in 2011 in style. Because costs can change, please check with the establishment for their New Year’s Eve party prices.

The festivities at Joe’s Bar (940 W. Weed Street; map) starts at 9 p.m. and includes live music by Wedding Banned, an open bar, and dinner and breakfast buffets.

Celebrate the New Year at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago (160 East Pearson Street) with a two-bedroom suite that overlooks Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and the Magnificent Mile, as well as roundtrip transportation for four in a limousine from the airport or a local destination with a VIP escort to the suite upon arrival; a champagne and caviar toast for four people while watching the fireworks over Navy Pier (Your suite will have a view of the pier.); a five-course dinner for four in the hotel’s deca RESTAURANT; a glass of champagne per person and dancing to the Becca Kaufman orchestra in the Ritz lobby; four (55 minute) spa treatments; and a Midwest Breakfast for four to be enjoyed on New Year’s Day either in-room or in deca RESTAURANT.

Le Bar (20 East Chestnut Street) at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower is throwing a New Year’s Eve party from 3 p.m. – 2 a.m., including a midnight champagne toast.

Looking for a romantic New Year’s Eve? Geja’s Cafe (340 West Armitage Avenue), which was recently named one of Illinois’ “Top Ten Most Romantic Restaurants” as voted by OpenTable diners, will have a New Year’s Eve dinner featuring fondue (cheese, meat, and chocolate) and champagne all serenaded by live classical/flamenco guitar music. Seatings will be at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 10 p.m.

Spend New Year’s Eve at the friendly Irish bar Division Ale House (1942 West Division Street) and munch on Irish faves (Cornbeef and hash anyone?), fourteen draft beers, and a whiskey menu.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Bernie’s Tap and Grill (3664 N Clark Street), a Cubs fans’ fave in Wrigleyville, and enjoy an open bar from 8 p.m. until 1:30 a.m., appetizers, a champagne toast at midnight, and party favors.