Already have New Year’s Eve plans? Forget them. We’ve scoped out parties all over the borough to give you the best Brooklyn has to offer this Dec. 31. And, no surprise, there’s still a lot of great events to choose from. So whether you want to dress up, eat out, or get one last show in for the year, here’s our guide for ringing in 2011 in the greatest place on earth.
Wear your finest
If you want to look your best this New Year’s Eve, and want the people around you to, too, check out one of these fabulous parties, which come with the whole package. Dinner? Check. Music? Check. Dancing? Check. Open bar? You bet.
“Bootleggers Ball”
It wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve in Brooklyn without a bash from Gemini and Scorpio, and this year, the party people are reprising their “Bootleggers’ Ball,” a speakeasy-themed blowout featuring Dixieland steamboat soul from Roosevelt Dime, brass antics from the Stumblebum Brass Band, and even tarot readings and face painting, held at a church in Fort Greene. Dress in your best Depression-era duds.
Bootleggers Ball, 8 pm-6 am. Tickets $35 (before Dec. 27). Location revealed upon ticket purchase. For info, visit www.geminiandscorpio.com.
W&B Airlines Maiden Voyage
Similarly, Winkel and Bartel do it up right with their own themed party, this one for the jet-setting crew — an airline-inspired romp taking over a Sunset Park warehouse. In one corner, there’s a Frequent Flyer Lounge and Cabaret, featuring performances by the Xylopholks, the Telemeres, and the Porno Jim Show. In another, there’s the Kings County Hangar, a dancefloor manned by DJs D-Juice, Lee Mayjahs, Dhundee, and Courage.
W&B Airlines Maiden Voyage, 10 pm-sunrise. Tickets $30 (in advance). Location given upon ticket purchase. For info, visit www.wandbnyc.com.
Grand Prospect Hall
Forget warehouse parties: for a location that doesn’t need any sprucing up, there’s the Grand Prospect Hall, a majestic Victorian ballroom in Park Slope that will be hosting the Reverse Dance Band, Prospect Follies Dance Troupe, and light show for a spectacular New Year’s Eve. Even better, ticket price includes an open bar, cocktail reception, five-course meal, and breakfast to go.
New Year’s Eve at Grand Prospect Hall [263 Prospect Ave. between Fifth and Sixth avenues in Park Slope, (718) 788-0777], 9 pm-3:30 am. Tickets $175 for the complete package. For info, visit www.grandprospect.com.
Bundle up
Sure, it’s the middle of winter. But some of the borough’s best events happen out in the cold. So don’t let the cold stop you.
Prospect Park fireworks
Enter 2011 with a bang at the Prospect Park fireworks celebration. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch, which is especially radiant during the holiday season, will be the perfect backdrop for some serious end-of-year explosions. The bash will include free hot chocolate, live entertainment by the Rock ‘N’ Soul Experience, and, come midnight, plenty of pyrotechnics. The best spots to see the show are in Grand Army Plaza or anywhere along Prospect Park West, specifically from the plaza down to Ninth Street.
Fireworks at Prospect Park [Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and Ninth Street in Park Slope, (718) 965-8951] at 11 pm. Free. For info, visit www.prospectpark.org.
Sonic Uke
Join the zany ukulele-playing duo, Sonic Uke, as they strum — and drop — in the new year. The seventh-annual New Year’s Eve Ukulele Drop promises to put Dick Clark and the Times Square celebration to shame with its lighted ukulele and concert from an apartment balcony. Greenwood Heights folk and others from across the borough will gather to sing some traditional – and not-so-traditional — songs to ring in 2011. The event will conclude with a group rendition of the new year’s classic, “Auld Lang Syne.” Arrive 15 minutes before midnight and BYOB!
Ukulele Drop [in front of 321 23rd between Sixth and Seventh avenues in Greenwood Heights, (646) 257-3747], 11:45 pm. Free. For info, visit www.sonicuke.com.
Let them entertain you
Music, burlesque, dance — it’s all here. Because sometimes you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Brooklyn Soul New Year’s Eve
Two soul legends meet at the Bell House to give the new year some soul. Marva Whitney, or James Brown’s “Soul Sister Number One” is busting out her fiery funk. Bill Prince of the legendary soul group, The Precisions, will bring his brand of Mo-town to the party as well. Whitney and Prince haven’t performed in New York in over 40 years. The dance floor will continue to party with soul and funk into the night with DJs Mr. Robinson and Honky.
Brooklyn Soul New Year’s Eve at the Bell House [149 Seventh St. between Second and Third avenues in Gowanus, (718) 643-6510], 8 pm. Tickets $40. For info, visit www.thebellhouseny.com.
Mr. Brownstone
Tribute band Mr. Brownstone — the “world’s drunkest tribute to Guns N’ Roses” — will join the eclectic, accordion-playing musician, Corn Mo, for a night of revelry and madness at the Rock Shop in Park Slope. There’s also going to be plenty of drink specials to go around, including a free champagne toast at midnight. Mr. Brownstone has set the LiveNation record for most ejected fans at a show. So if that’s any indication of how wild the night might get — it may behoove you to wear a helmet.
Mr. Brownstone at the Rock Shop [249 Fourth Ave. at Carroll Street in Park Slope, (718) 230-5740], at 8:30 pm. Tickets $25. For info, visit www.therockshopny.com.
Titus Andronicus
If an all ages Bushwick show is more your scene, then you probably already know about the Titus Andronicus show at the Ridgewood Masonic Temple. These New Jersey rockers have had a pretty great year, with raves for its epic, slightly Civil War inspired sophomore album, “The Monitor,” so go help them celebrate it.
Titus Andronicus at Ridgewood Masonic Temple (1054 Bushwick Ave. at Gates Avenue in Bushwick, no phone), 8 pm. Tickets $15.
Murray Hill’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza:
This New Year’s Eve, the multi-genre venue Southpaw will host nightlife superstar: Mr. Murray Hill, a comedic wild man known for his beloved variety shows. Hill will play the wacky ringleader of a circus featuring “burlesque bombshells, ballsy and bawdy singers, legendary performance artists,” and, yes, a monkey. Don’t miss burlesque queens, pole dancing, a racy crooner, boozy acrobatics, trapeze artists, and dancing until the sun comes up with DJ Mel Huckabee.
Murray Hill’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Southpaw [125 Fifth Ave. between Sterling and St. Johns places in Park Slope, (718) 230-0236], 10:30 pm. Tickets $45-$100. For info, visit www.spsounds.com.
Floating Kabarette
Galapagos Art Space is bringing out out the most scandalous of performers. Besides the spicy performers you’ll normally find at Galapagos’ weekly variety show, there will be a bunch of additional acts to heat up the last night of the year. The evening will include unforgettable appearances by The Red Hook Ramblers, trapeze artist Jan Manke, the exotic Madame Rosebud, performer Lisa Natoli, vaudeville trouper Jenny Rocha and her Painted Ladies, and MC Bastard Keith. Throw in an extra $60 for the reserved lakeside seating and get an open bar and a free champagne toast at midnight.
Floating Kabarette at Galapagos [16 Main St. at Water Street in DUMBO, (718) 222-8500], 8 pm. Tickets $35-$95. For info, visit www.galapagosartspace.com.
‘Nutcracker Rouge’
If the thought of seeing “The Nutcracker” after Christmas seems overkill, don’t let that stop you from seeing Company XIV’s “Nutcracker Rouge” this New Year’s Eve, a decadent, sultry affair that will make you forget the original. And let us not forget, post-show features a champagne party with the beautiful company.
“Nutcracker Rouge” at Company XIV (303 Bond St. at Union Street in Carroll Gardens, no phone), 8 pm. Tickets $40. For info, visit www.companyxiv.com.
Dinner and dancing
Get the best of both worlds at these top-notch restaurants, which are also breaking out the dance floor and DJs this New Year’s Eve.
Marco Polo
Carroll Gardens’ Marco Polo will be welcoming in 2011 with some class. The Italian restaurant is spotlighting a pre-fixed menu and open bar featuring a fresh lobster salad appetizer, pear and nut tortellaci first course, lamb chops and steak fillet second course, and a frozen coffee semifreddo dessert, with an open bar from 8:30 pm-2 am. All the while, DJ George Zito will be supplying live music to get you moving. The folks at Marco Polo will also be dishing out noisemakers and other celebration gifts to complete the party.
Marco Polo [345 Court St. at Union Street in Carroll Gardens, (718) 852-5015], 8:30 pm. Pre-fixed menu $100 for adults, $50 for children. For info, visit www.marcopoloristorante.com.
‘Procrastinator’s Ball’
Another year means another reason to party at Water Street Restaurant and Lounge. The DUMBO spot will once again be hosting its fifth annual “Procrastinator’s Ball” this New Year’s Eve. There’s no cover or minimum, and all menu items are regularly priced. Plus, there’s a complimentary champagne toast at midnight! The dancing and drinking will culminate with two balloon drops — one at midnight and another at 2 am, so you can cheer all over again.
“Procrastinator’s Ball” at Water Street Restaurant and Lounge [66 Water St. between Dock and Main streets in DUMBO, (718) 625-9352], 11 pm. Free. For info, visit www.waterstreetrestaurant.com.
Just dinner
If you’re all about the food, check out these restaurants, which will be breaking out all the stops to give you a New Year’s Eve to remember.
Pan E Vino
Cobble Hill’s Pan E Vino is offering a prix-fixe menu with appetizer choices of octopus salad or burrata, homemade pasta in a veal sauce for the second course and entrée options of either filet mignon or grilled swordfish. Chocolate cake will be served for dessert. Depending on how much you want to drink, it’s $85 for the meal and a glass of wine, or $150 for unlimited drinks until 1 am.
Pan E Vino [174 Smith St. between Warren and Wyckoff Streets in Cobble Hill, (718) 501-1010], 5 pm-1 am. $85-$150. Reservations required. For info, visit www.panevinony.com.
Buttermilk Channel
Buttermilk Channel’s three-course meal features such delicacies as roasted chestnut soup, pan-roasted Atlantic halibut, duck meatloaf, and buttermilk fried chicken. Not to mention there’s a healthy selection of sparkling wine and oysters if you’re willing to dish out a few extra bucks. Corks will be popped and balloons let loose, as Chef Ryan Angulo unleashes soul-warming food at this year’s Buttermilk Channel extravaganza.
New Year’s Eve at Buttermilk Channel [524 Court St. between Huntington and Nelson streets in Carroll Gardens, (718) 852-8490], beginning at 5 pm. $55. For info, visit www.buttermilkchannelnyc.com.
Beer Table
Beer Table is going all out again this New Year’s Eve. The cozy eating and drinking spot in Park Slope is featuring a multi-course dinner, available at two times — 8 pm and 10 pm — including five courses and three beers, not to mention a midnight toast! Among the meals being served is duck confit, cassoulet, and, for you chocoholics, chocolate cake. And there’s no need to worry about beer selections. The spot features brews from all over the country, including a ton that are really hard to come by. Make sure to reserve by Dec. 28!
New Year’s Eve at Beer Table [427 Seventh Ave. between 14th and 15th streets in Park Slope, (718) 965-1196], 8 pm ($55) and 10 pm ($65). For info, visit www.beertable.com.
Just dancing
Do dinner at home and check out these parties, which will have you shimmying all night long.
Felabration
The Knitting Factory has become the home for Afrobeat in the city, so it’s no surprise that this New Year’s Eve, it’s hosting a “Felabration,” complete with members of Antibalas and the cast of the musical “Fela!” — including dancers. Get ready to sweat your way into 2011.
“Felabration” at the Knittting Factory [361 Metropolitan Ave. at Havemeyer in Williamsburg, (347) 529-6696], 10 pm. Tickets $60 (in advance), $70 (at the door). For info, visit bk.knittingfactory.com.
New Year’s Eve Built by MeanRed with the Rub
For a good ol’ fashioned dance party, head to Public Assembly, where Rub residents Cosmo Baker, DJ Ayres and DJ Eleven will be bringing soul, hip-hop, dancehall, house and rock to get you moving. Admission also includes an hour open bar and champagne toast.
New Year’s Eve Built by MeanRed with the Rub at Public Assembly [70 N. Sixth St. between Wythe and Kent avenues in Williamsburg, (718) 384-4586], 9 pm-4 am. Tickets $25-$40. For info, visit meanredproductions.com.
Just drinking
Brooklyn’s become a little Napa Valley over the past few years, thanks to efforts by Brooklyn Oenology and Brooklyn Winery. So why not celebrate its status with a little vino?
Wine(ding) Down 2010
The Brooklyn Winery is filling three rooms with festivities this New Year’s Eve. All-American wines, a jazz trio, and classic American fare will be featured in the main bar. Upstairs, traveling wine saloon, The Noble Rot, will host a European-themed affair in the barrel room, including “Old World wine, music, and charcuterie.” The wine production room is boogieing all night with old school soul and pop DJ, Miss Bliss. The $85 price of admission includes an open bar (beer and wine only), food, and a complimentary bubbly toast at midnight.
Wine(ding) Down 2010 at Brooklyn Winery [213 N. Eighth St. between Driggs Avenue and Roebling Street in Williamsburg, (347) 763-1506], 10 pm. Tickets $85. For info, visit www.bkwinery.com.
