From a down-home Chinese takeout theme to several Roaring ’20s-themed soirées across town, there are a multitude of ways (and price points) to celebrate New Year’s Eve out on the town. Have a look at a baker’s half-dozen options.
Great Gatsby-Themed Soirée at Café 44
Dust off your best tophat and tails for Café 44’s party, which hews to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous book “The Great Gatsby” while celebrating both yesteryear and what’s to come next. Nosh on the likes of oysters Rockefeller and prime rib while enjoying Prohibition-themed cocktails and bubbly. 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 401. 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $110 to $300.
Celebrate With Lebanese Flair at Zikrayet
This New Year’s Eve event has been taking place for a decade, and Zikrayet shows no signs of slowing down with it. Musicians Roni Asmar and Robert Mrad will entertain partygoers throughout the evening as guests feast on a multicourse meal. 2006 Eisenhower Ave. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. $125.
Toast the Town at Mason Social
North Old Town’s Mason Social will host a good old-fashioned social hour (or two, or three) for New Year’s Eve. Food and drink specials will persist all night, and complimentary Champagne will be poured up close to the Magic Hour. 728 N. Henry St. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $95.
Sip Wine and Munch on a Midnight Breakfast Buffet at Sonoma Cellar
A $65 wristband nets you all the wine and beer you can (responsibly) enjoy at King Street’s Sonoma Cellar. Pair your beverages with the eatery’s full dinner menu and chat the night away with friends. And once the clock strikes midnight, rekindle your appetite for a Midnight-Thirty Breakfast Buffet. 207 King St. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $30 to $85.
Roaring ’20s Party at Village Brauhaus
Kick off the 2020s with a throwback to last century’s version. Bring your best flapper dress or vintage suit and enter into Village Brauhaus’ costume contest. A little nervous about your entry into the proceedings? The open bar will probably help that. 710 King St. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $30 to $100.
House Party at Rustico
On the last day of the year, Rustico’s regular menu will be supplanted for the evening by a relaxed, Chinese-takeout vibe. With the likes of kimchi fried rice, General Tso’s chicken, pot-stickers and vegetable lo mein on offer, guests can settle in and enjoy the evening among friends old and new. Wash it all down with themed cocktails and get ready to toast to a new decade. 827 Slaters Lane. 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
Wolf Down a Four-Course Meal at Evening Star Café
Evening Star Café is pulling out all the stops for a proper New Year’s Eve feast. With four courses (each including a vegetarian option), guests certainly won’t leave hungry. Feast your way through black trumpet caviar, beef tartare, scallops over salsify, and chocolate sponge cake – to name just one possible pairing. Each course actually has several options from which to choose. 2000 Mount Vernon Ave. 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m. $75 per person; $35 for wine pairing.
Hope Nelson is the author of “Classic Restaurants of Alexandria” and owns the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.