Ring in a Stylish New Year at Atlanta Restaurants

The holidays have been fun, but yikes! They’re not done! Now, you’re staring at the calendar (the one received as a gift), realizing New Year’s Eve is almost here and your plans are still up in the air. Rein it in, focus and circle around to our blog to see which Atlanta restaurants are planning parties, specials and popping open the Champagne on New Year’s Eve. After that, it’s just a matter of calling or clicking links to secure a spot at the table or party. Happy New Year and all the best in 2018.

Ring in the New Year at Atlanta Restaurants

Santa hats and elf ears go back in the box this week as ringing jingle bells morph into ringing in the new year. Polish the baubles and get ready to pop open some bubbly because Atlanta restaurants have big plans and they’d love for you to join them. Our blog rings true with celebratory dos, whether the preference is a quiet dinner, cocktails on a rooftop patio or dancing your way into 2017.

What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? Celebrate All Around Town

Amid all of the holiday season rush and crush, it’s easy to lose sight of what comes next. Like New Year’s Eve. Fear not. Atlanta restaurants have big plans and welcome you to join them in ringing in 2017.
 
Intown/Midtown/Virginia-Highland
 
5Church Atlanta has a three-course dinner on New Year’s Eve with a half bottle of Champagne for two or a full bottle for four. Seatings are from 5-5:45 p.m. ($75), 6-6:45 p.m. ($80) and 7-7:45 p.m. ($90). Reservations after 8 p.m. include post-dinner dancing and cost $120, with a $50 upgrade after dinner for an open bar. A festive party starts at 10 p.m. and features open bar and buffet, a DJ on two floors, a live countdown to the ball drop and a Champagne midnight toast. General admission is $80. Tickets to the party can be purchased here. Make dinner reservations online or by calling 404-400-3669. Beat the impending hangover with brunch on New Year’s Day. 5Church opens at 9 a.m. and will be serving their regular brunch menu.
 
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with an à la carte dinner menu featuring such items as shredded confit duck leg, crispy rock shrimp spring rolls, pan-roasted halibut and smoked prime rib, as well as Jägermeister drink specials and live music by DJ Lion beginning at 10 p.m. On New Year’s Day, enjoy the full brunch menu along with a special dish of roasted pork loin, hoppin’ John rice, braised greens and cornbread ($14). Call 404-876-7249 for reservations.

The Federal, the new neighborhood restaurant from Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere, is open for business as usual on both days, offering food specials on Dec. 31 and its signature weekend brunch on Jan. 1, with such Southern staples as chicken and waffles and brisket skillet hash. Reservations: 404-343-3857.

Gunshow is open for extended hours on New Year’s Eve, seating every half-hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. through 10 p.m. The Glenwood Park restaurant offers its singular dining experience, with chefs rotating selections tableside, and guests also can enjoy premium wines and cocktails. Make reservations online or at 404-380-1886.
 
Hand in Hand is the perfect spot for a low-key New Year’s Eve experience. The neighborhood pub will be featuring its regular food and drink menus with no cover and also is open on New Year’s Day with Sunday specials.
 
Ring in New Year’s with a never-ending pizza party at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern. The ever-popular Midtown hangout is open normal hours on New Year’s Eve, offering its regular menu until 10 p.m., when guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza and endless beer and Champagne, plus live music, a balloon drop, Champagne toast and party favors. Tickets are $49 per person in advance and $55 at the door. HOBNOB is also open regular hours on Jan. 1. Call 404-968-2288 for reservations.
 
Buckhead
 
American Cut is serving its menu of signature steakhouse favorites like filet mignon, New York strip, porterhouse and the Tomahawk Chop on Dec. 31 from 5:30-10 p.m. with $15 glasses of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut available throughout the evening. Guests dining 8:30 p.m. and later receive entry to the restaurant’s separate rooftop bar, The Regent Cocktail Club, which is open to the public from 5-9 p.m. serving top-flight cocktails in an elegant setting, then hosting only American Cut patrons and celebrating midnight. Space is limited! Call 770-415-9766 for reservations.
 
Celebrate the arrival of 2017 in the newly redesigned dining room of Aria. Enjoy a four-course meal creatively prepared by chef Gerry Klaskala and pastry chef Kathryn King on Dec. 31 from 5:30-10 p.m. $95 per person. Find the perfect wine pairings for your meal with the help of general manager and wine director Andrés Loaiza. Reservations by phone only at 404-233-7673.
 
Dolce Italian welcomes guests with $15 glasses of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut. New Year's Eve reservations are available from 5:30-10 p.m. and diners can order items from Dolce’s à la carte menu or order a special four-course prix fixe menu; includes a glass of prosecco and dessert ($125 per person). There will also be a DJ starting at 10:30 p.m. with a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. Reservations: 678-686-2267.
 
Gypsy Kitchen and The Southern Gentleman are offering limited à la carte menus with special chef features. Music at both – a DJ at Gypsy Kitchen and a live band at The Southern Gentleman -- as well as party favors, a balloon drop and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. The Southern Gentleman also is open for brunch on Jan. 1 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. with $5 mimosas and live music. Gypsy Kitchen: 404-939-9840; The Southern Gentleman: 404-939-9845.
 
There’s nothing quite like dancing away the New Year’s count down at Johnny’s Hideaway. $40 per person includes your reserved seat for the evening and party favors at midnight. Reserve by phone at 404-233-8026.
 
New Year’s Eve at Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorantebrings a five-course meal of Old World Italian favorites for $80 per person, plus tax, gratuity and alcohol. There’s also a children’s menu available for $30 per child. Reservations can be made by phone at 404-500-2181 or on OpenTable.
 
Marietta
 
Chicken and the Egg is serving a New Year’s menu with options including hangar steak, a filet with fried Maine lobster tail or snow crab legs, grouper, shrimp and grits and the restaurant’s famous buttermilk fried chicken. The menu is available 5-10 p.m. Dec. 30 and 31. Start the new year with brunch on Jan. 1 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations: 678-388-8813.
 
Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar has a New Year’s Eve $75 prix fixe menu with such offerings as Atlantic grouper, jumbo lump crabcakes, butter-poached Maine lobster and wood-grilled Bay of Fundy salmon, with wine pairings available for an additional $25. Regular menu not available. Call 770-635-7641 for reservations.
 
Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar, located next to each other in Marietta’s Merchant’s Walk retail center, are featuring a $75 four-course prix fixe menu on Dec. 31 with such selections as sweet potato ravioli, Boston blue cod, Maple Leaf Farms duck breast and grilled center-cut filet mignon. Wine pairings are available for an additional $25. For reservations, call 678-214-6888.
 
Decatur
 
Kevin Gillespie’s Revival has both family style and à la carte menus of traditional Southern favorites such as black-eyed peas, cornbread, pork, roasted prime beef and fried chicken. Dinner reservations for New Year’s Eve are available from 5-10 p.m. In addition to the restaurant’s regular cocktail, wine and beer lists, guests also can enjoy prosecco for celebratory toasts. Make reservations by calling 470-225-6770.
 
OTP/Multiple Locations

Celebrate 2017 early at Atlanta's favorite neighborhood tavern. Marlow's Tavern is dishing out a prix fixe menu on Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31 for $39 per person or $59 per person with pairings. First tastes include your choice of Maine Lobster & Shrimp Chowder or MT Winter Salad. Main plate options include Marlow's Surf & Turf or Crab Stuffed Trout and end the night with The Perfect Sweet Plate or Holiday Spiced Martini. 

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails is serving a $65 prix fixe menu on Dec. 31 to ring in the new year. Call 770-817-0161 for reservations.
 
Don your best duds and flapper dresses for a New Year’s Eve Great Gatsby Gala at Ray’s on the River. Rollicking in the Grand Pavilion from 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m., this one-of-a-kind event features an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvre, dancing to live music from Jennifer Hanson’s five-piece live band, a Champagne toast and a midnight balloon drop. $130 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required: 770-955-1187.
 
Ray’s on the River, Ray's at Killer Creek and Ray's in the Cityare each serving a $70 three-course prix fixe menu on New Year’s Eve. Selections are subject to change but are expected to include such offerings as artisan field greens, a broiled seafood platter, filet mignon, pan-seared Chilean sea bass, rib-eye and Ray’s signature praline basket dessert. Each restaurant also is serving a limited dinner menu. Live music is in the lounge at each restaurant. On New Year’s Day, all three restaurants have a brunch buffet from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ($39.95 at Ray’s in the City and Ray’s at Killer Creek; $45.95 at Ray’s on the River) and an à la carte dinner menu from 5-9 p.m. 

What’s New on Pinterest

Watch out for flying corks, it’s New Year’s Eve! Time to Break out the Bubbly. Set aside a bottle for traditionalists and entice the rest with sparkling cocktails such as Bubbles & Smoke, The Countdown and Champagne mojitos. Elderflower, cranberry and pear-ginger-sage flirt with healthy-sounding botanicals while a cotton candy sparkler exudes frivolity.  

Exciting Downtown Restaurant Opens Just in Time for New Year’s Eve: Celebrate at JP Atlanta

JP Atlanta, John C. Portman, Jr.‘s luxury dining experience, will open for dinner on Dec. 31, making this one of the hottest spots in the city to ring in the new year. The stunning new restaurant is located in the 230 Peachtree building in Downtown, just minutes away from the Peach Drop and the Chick-Fil-A bowl game. Celebrate 2016 with a $65 prix-fixe three-course meal prepared by culinary award-winning executive chef Julio Delgado and end the night with a glass of sparkling wine and a delectable dessert from talented pastry chef Megan Brent (tax and gratuity not included). Think butternut squash soup with cinnamon caraway marshmallow, slow-braised lamb with lemon-ricotta cavatelli and a triple chocolate mousse with praline crunch. Take a peek ahead of what’s going on in the kitchen by following executive chef Julio Delgado on Twitter and pastry chef Megan Brent on Instagram. Read more about Portman’s legacy on our blog. Reservations are required in the dining room from 6 - 10:30 p.m. and can be made by calling 404.523.7600 or via OpenTable. Night owls can stay late and grab a signature cocktail in the lounge. Valet is available.

Get Ready for a Sweet ’16 with The Dish

Ho, ho, ho into the new year we go! Candlelight and silent night segue into sweet ’16 this weekend. Those still wondering while wandering around about ways to ring in the new year can launch over to our blog for a swinging list of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day dining options, from elegant to easy-at-home takeaway. Hosting or toasting? Bedazzle guests with bubbly Champagne cocktails. Find recipes on our Pinterest board (more below).

Eat, Drink and Be Merry When 2015 Turns into Sweet ’16

Those who’ve dropped the ball on planning where to ring in 2016 still have time to make reservations at Atlanta restaurants. Elegant dinners, Champagne toasts and traditional New Year’s Day dishes await, but hurry, the clock’s ticking.

New Year's Eve

10th & Piedmont welcomes guests with a complimentary glass of Champagne and a four-course menu including country ham and black-eyed pea soup; pan-seared crab cake on wild greens; a surf-and-turf “three way;” and salted caramel crème brûlée parfait. $45 per person (not including tax and gratuity). Call 404-602-5510.

Toast to midnight at Aqua blue where a special three-course prix fixe menu features lobster bisque or lobster and shrimp salad; seafood-stuffed Maine lobster tail or Angus beef rib-eye and tempura shrimp; and warm chocolate cake or chocolate mint crème brûlée. This $55 per person dinner menu is available December 26-31. Call 770-643-8886.

Celebrate an elegant New Year’s Eve at Aria in Buckhead with a four-course meal for $95 per person. Reservations: 404-233-7673.

Chef Kevin Gillespie’s celebrated Gunshow rolls through extended hours on New Year’s Eve, seating every half hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. through 10 p.m. Enjoy the Glenwood Park restaurant’s signature table-side rotation of chefs selections, at an elevated price point for the holiday. Guests also can enjoy premium wines and cocktails. Call 404-380-1886 for reservations.

Gypsy Kitchen plans a New Year’s Eve menu of family style pinchos (almonds, olives, chicken croquetas and pickled beets) plus a supplemental course of uni-stuffed eggs (add $10) and foie gras (add $15); a mixed-green salad and tortilla Espanola; and an entrée of cod pil-pil or braised beef chunks (add burgundy truffles for $15). $65 per person. Reservations: 404-939-9840.
 
Johnny’s Hideaway rings in the New Year with a special celebration for $40 per person, which includes seating and midnight party favors. Arrive by 9:30 p.m. or forfeit your seat. Reserve in person or by phone by calling 404-233-8026.
 
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern ushers in 2016 with all-you-can-drink SweetWater 420 and all-you-can-eat pizza specials from 10 p.m. to close, along with live music, DJ tunes from James Patrick Morgan and a midnight Champagne toast and balloon drop. The regular dinner menu also is available until 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door; limited to the first 100 guests. Call 404-968-2288 for reservations.
 
Le Fat is open from 5-10 p.m. for a Vietnamese fix of shaking beef and other favorites. Reservations: 404-439-9850.
 
Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails is open until midnight to ring in the New Year and is serving a $65 prix fixe menu from 5-10 p.m. Live music begins at 8 p.m., hang on for party favors and a complimentary Champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. Call 770-817-0161.
 
Ray’s on the River, Ray’s at Killer Creek and Ray’s in the Citywill serve a limited dinner menu alongside a $65 three-course prix fixe menu on New Year’s Eve with selections such as a broiled seafood platter, filet mignon, Bay of Fundy salmon Oscar, pan-seared Chilean sea bass and rib-eye (selections subject to change). Reservations required. Lounges at all three locations remain open until 1 a.m.
 
Ray’s on the River unmasks 2016 at a New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball from 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. in their riverside grand pavilion with dancing to tunes by a five-piece band, open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvre, a Champagne toast and midnight balloon drop. $130 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations required: 770-955-1187.
 
In Decatur, Revival offers both family style and à la carte menus of house favorites and traditional Southern dishes such as black-eyed peas, local greens, cornbread, pork, roasted prime beef with caramelized onion jus and fried chicken. The restaurant will pour cocktails, wine and beer, along with prosecco for celebratory toasts. Dinner seatings available from 5-10 p.m. Reservations: 470-225-6770.
 
Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar in Marietta are both offering a four-course prix fixe menu as well as an à la carte menu for New Year’s Eve. Seed’s menu is $69 per person plus $25 for wine pairings; Stem’s menu is $79 per person plus $29 for wine pairings. Call 678-214-6888 for reservations.
 
The Southern Gentleman gastropub in Buckhead is serving up a suitably sophisticated prix fixe menu on New Year’s Eve for $65. Deviled egg with applewood-smoked trout caviar precede a first course of either salt-and-pepper corn fritters or confit pork belly; a second course of roasted kabocha squash salad, beef tartare or Belgian endive and apple salad; and an entrée of Gulf shrimp, skillet-roasted young chicken, braised Creekstone Farm beef cheeks or foraged mushroom risotto. Dessert calls for foie blonde (liquid graham cracker, vanilla bean ice cream and essence of foie gras) or the Southern Gentleman candy bar with chocolate crémeux, caramel and roasted peanuts in a butter crust. Reservations: 404-939-9845.
 
New Year's Day
 
10th & Piedmont is serving its regular weekend menu of brunch favorites and cocktails.  Call 404-602-5510 for reservations.
 
Visit Aqua blue for your first dinner of 2016. The Roswell restaurant is serving its regular dinner menu from 4-11 p.m. on New Year's Day. Reservations: 770-643-8886.
 
Chick-a-Biddy and all locations of Bantam + Biddy will be open normal hours on January 1 and serving regular brunch until 3 p.m. along with a special New Year’s Day offering of honey-glazed ham, stewed black-eyed peas, braised collard greens, cornbread and country gravy priced at $16. Toast 2016 with $5 bloody marys and mimosas.
 
Enjoy brunch at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Choose the regular brunch menu or a special $12 New Year's Day dish of scrambled eggs, black-eyed peas and collard greens. Regular dinner service follows. Call 404-968-2288.

Not a believer in hoppin' John on New Year's Day? As with New Year’s Eve, Le Fat is open normal hours to satisfy cravings for Vietnamese banh mi and more. Call 404-439-9850 for reservations.

Brunch in the new year from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Ray’s on the River followed by regular dinner service from 5-10 p.m.Ray’s at Killer Creek and Ray’s in the City will be open 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Ray’s at Killer Creek will offer its usual Friday “Wine” Down special of 50 percent off bottles of wine ($200 and under; excludes reserve).

Check Our List Twice -- Once for Christmas, Once for New Year’s Cheer at Atlanta Restaurants

Cue the lights, Christmas music and fireworks. With Christmas and New Year’s Eve approaching at a rapid rate, Atlanta-area restaurants are preparing to bring the holiday cheer with specials and events galore to celebrate the arrival of Saint Nick and 2015. Reservations will fill up fast, so be sure to call the numbers below for more information and to reserve your spot.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:

• 10th & Piedmont (404-602-5510) will be open on Christmas Eve, and sister restaurant G’s Midtown (404-872-8012) spreads the Christmas Day love with its popular bar menu available from 6 p.m. – midnight on December 25; communitashospitality.com

• Indulge in everyone’s Yuletide favorites at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland for Christmas Day dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Pricing is $28 for adults, $18 for young adults and $10 for children under 10, and tax and gratuity are not included. Menu highlights include a Big Green Egg smoked turkey breast with caramelized apple and sage stuffing, and classics such as green bean casserole, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry Gran Marnier compote and sweet potato biscuits. Finish it off with a sweet slice of pumpkin cheesecake or Southern pecan pie. Wine pairings are also available to put the cherry on top of the perfect holiday meal. Prefer to bring Christmas dinner home? The carry-out option is $175 for a dinner serving six-eight people and includes an oven-ready turkey, gravy and delicious dressing, potato and casserole sides. There is also a turkey-only option for $70. The 12-pound turkey comes roasted, smoked or fried and is in the pan ready to re-heat. Orders must be placed by December 21 and picked up by December 24 at 6 p.m. 404-876-7249; atkinspark.com

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day:

• Both 10th & Piedmont (404-602-5510) and G’s Midtown (404-872-8012) will celebrate New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Guests can choose from the regular selection or a special menu for $45 per person. Highlights include smoked salmon mousse cups, mini crab cake bites, scallops and caviar, lobster tails, roasted lamb loin, Napa Valley cheesecake and carrot cake. The first course includes a glass of Champagne. Munch on brunch at both restaurants on New Year's Day from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; communitashospitality.com

• Buckhead restaurant Aria is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a $95 per person four-course meal. The second, third and fourth courses give diners the choice of meal option. 404-233-7673; aria-atl.com

• Once Christmas 2014 is in the books, head to Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland on New Year's Eve for several treats, such as shredded confit duck leg ($12), pan-roasted halibut ($24) or smoked prime rib ($26). On New Year's Day, a $12 brunch featuring roasted pork loin with hoppin' John, braised local greens and cornbread will be served starting at 11 a.m. 404-876-7249; atkinspark.com

• Join Bantam + Biddy for New Year’s Day fun. For just $25 on January 1, the restaurant is serving up honey-glazed ham, stewed black-eyed peas, braised collard greens, cornbread and country gravy, and sweet potato pie or carrot cake. Breakfast, including $4 Bloody Marys and mimosas, is served until 3 p.m., but this featured menu is only available while supplies last. All locations are participating; bantamandbiddy.com

• Chick-a-Biddy will begin the first day of 2015 serving brunch. From 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on January 1, guests can enjoy classic brunch items such as fried chicken and waffles with honey butter and maple syrup, almond pancakes with ginger apples and maple syrup, and The Southern, including three JB Farm eggs, grits and black pepper bacon, pimento cheese and toast. 404-588-1888; chickabiddyatl.com

• Keven Gillespie is ready to launch 2015 with a New Year's Eve seven-course tasting menu at Gunshow. The price is $125 per person seven beverage pairings available for an additional $65. 404-380-1886; gunshowatl.com

• Gypsy Kitchen celebrates its first New Year’s Eve with a featured dinner menu for $75 per person. Highlights include NYE Spanish toast, chicken croquetas and a shrimp duo of garlic shrimp and crispy Kataifi-wrapped shrimp. For the entrée, guests will choose among Rioja-braised short ribs, a Catalan-style seafood stew or veggie paella fried rice. 404-939-9840; gypsykitchenatl.com

• HOBNOB is open for dinner New Year's Eve and is offering a special menu in addition to its regular fare. A late-night party kicks off at 10:30 p.m. and includes all-you-can-eat pizzas, beer and Champagne. Tickets are $25 in advance here; $35 tickets at the door. James Patrick Morgan will play the tunes until 12:30 a.m. Festivities include a balloon drop, party favors and a Champagne toast. HOBNOB will also serve New Year’s Day brunch. 404-968-2288; communitashospitality.com

• Toast the New Year from the top of the Hilton Atlanta at Nikolai’s Roof. For $110 per person, diners enjoy an elegant menu including roasted diver scallop, rye crusted halibut and seared beef tenderloin, with the option to include a four- or five-glass wine pairing for additional purchase. 404-221-6362; nikolaisroof.com

• The Pig and the Pearl is offering both their regular menu and a special menu for a New Year’s Eve celebration to remember. For $50 a person, indulge in four courses and bubbly with dessert. Menu items include oysters, smoked prawn and octopus, coffee-rubbed lamb ribs and flourless tuxedo chocolate cake. 404-541-0930; thepigandthepearl.com

• Ring in the New Year with Ray’s. All Ray’s Restaurants locations will be open on New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m.-11 p.m. serving a prix fixe dinner menu. The bars stay open until 1 a.m. Festivities at Ray’s on the River take place in the Grand Pavilion from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Riverside New Year’s Eve Celebration. For $135 per person (plus tax and gratuity), attendees will enjoy a premium open bar, live music and dancing, an all-you-can-eat buffet with live action stations, a balloon drop and Champagne toast at midnight. Parties of 10 or more purchasing tickets by December 15 receive 10% off. 770-955-1187; raysrestaurants.com

• The Shed celebrates New Year’s Eve with a four-course prix fixe meal with bubbly and a toast at midnight. Menu items include tuna tartare, pumpkin ravioli, hot smoked salmon, saffron risotto and vanilla crème brulee. 404-835-4363; theshedatglenwood.com

• The Southern Gentleman offers a $75 five-course menu for New Year’s Eve dinner. Guests will nosh on favorites including pimento cheese gougeres, she-crab bisque and filet mignon. 404-939-9845; thesoutherngentlemanatl.com

• At Trader Vic’s, New Year's Eve dinner is accompanied by live music from Bogey and the Viceroy Quartet from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. The special menu, available for $60 per person, starts with Thai pepper shrimp, followed by Trader’s crumbled goat cheese salad and smoked Maple Leaf duck breast or Asian stir fry beef. The grand finale is coconut and cardamom pudding. 404-221-6339; tradervicsatl.com

What's New on Pinterest: Toast to the New Year

We're ready to pop the cork on the new year and are on the lookout for some colorful new ideas to help celebrate. Raise a glass to all the ideas on our "Toast to the New Year" Pinterest board, then shake up your glasses with candy cane cocktails, gingersnap martinis, caramel apple hot toddy or a champagne-inclusive cocktail sure to tickle the fancy of champagners everywhere. 2014, here we come!

We Won't Let You Drop the Ball on Making Plans to Welcome 2014

  

The holiday season seems compacted this year (remember, Thanksgiving came late in November). If it's been a blur and you're juggling a full holiday load, remain calm and click on our blog roundup of places to celebrate. Your plans may be up in the air today, but let someone else drop the ball on New Year's Eve.

New Year's Eve news flash - here's the word on more places to enjoy a special New Year's Eve dinner:

Article 14 in Midtown has a special menu for New Year's Eve. Salads include a simple garden, Little Gem and Kale Yeah ($7-$10). Then move on to starters of soup, bacon-wrapped dates or she-crab mussels ($6-$13) and small plates such as housemade chips with Vidalia onion dip, okra chips, southern spiced Georgia pecans, pimento cheese, salumi, deviled eggs, chopped chicken liver and a duck confit slider ($3-$11). Among the evening's entrées are a farmers market risotto with poached farm egg, pan-roasted sea scallops with pulled duck and crispy bacon, pan-roasted chicken with Anson Mills grits and grilled skirt steak. Reservations: 404-443-8432.

All night long on New Year's Eve, Marlow's Tavern locations are offering a three-course, prix fixe menu for $36 per person. Each location has its own menu variation, but you just might find a first taste of lobster and shrimp chowder or winter tavern salad before sailing into the 'MT' Surf & Turf of grilled filet mignon and jumbo tempura shrimp or cumin-scented sea scallops. Options for finishes include warm chocolate cake, chocolate crème brûlée or a spirited holiday spice martini. Call your favorite Marlow's Tavern location for more information.

G's Midtown is serving their regular menu on New Year's Eve. At 10 p.m., a DJ starts spinning tunes and party favors are passed out to guests. The ball drop will be on all television screens along with an in-restaurant balloon drop to celebrate the new year. For more information, call 404-872-8012.

 

Buckhead's Seven Lamps celebrates the New Year in style with a $75 four-course prix fixe menu. Sample menu items include Bramlett Farms trout with smoked potato, Georgia shrimp, confit carrots and shrimp bisque, and Wagyu beef flat iron steak with potato gnocchi, grilled romaine lettuce, braised cipollini onions with red wine bacon jus is served. Diners can sip on beverage pairings for an additional $35. An a la carte menu is served as well. For more information and to make a reservation, call 404-467-8950.

Where to Celebrate What's Out (2013) and in (2014) on New Year's Eve and Day

 

Adios, twenty-thirteen! 2014 is nipping at your heels. Join in the chase and welcome the new year over dinner, brunch and bubbly at these Atlanta restaurants.

10^th & Piedmont serves its regular menu on New Year's Eve, abundant with sharables for before-party dining. The Midtown restaurant will serve a New Year's Day brunch buffet for $19 per person. Info: 404-602-5510.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland is hosting a New Year's Day brunch beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1. Reservations are recommended: 404-876-7249.

Aqua blue in Roswell is offering a three-course menu for $49 per person including Maine lobster bisque, five-spice New York strip and crispy shrimp, classic crème brûlée, plus much more. The restaurant is also serving an à la carte menu. Ring in the new year with a champagne toast and party favors. Reservations: 770-643-8886.

Aria in Buckhead is celebrating New Year's Eve with a $90 per person four-course meal. Diners have options for their second, third and fourth courses. Reservations: 404-233-7673.

G's in Midtown is serving a New Year's Day brunch buffet for $19 per person. Info: 404-872-8012.

Gunshow celebrates New Year's Eve with a special ticketed dinner event. On Tuesday, December 31, the restaurant pulls out all the stops with eight dishes, two sweets and wine and champagne pairings with an option of beer available. Seating reservations can be made for 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8:45 or 9:15 p.m. The dinner is $200 per person (including tax and gratuity), and tickets must be purchased by Saturday, December 28 by phone or in person at the restaurant. Tickets are non-refundable; however, if guests need to cancel, tickets are accorded gift card status for a future visit. Reservations: 404-380-1886.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown is celebrating New Year's Eve with all-you-can-eat pizza and all-you-can-drink beer and champagne for $25 per person. Info: 404-968-2288.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar rings in the holidays in West Midtown with a four-course menu offering multiple options per course; supplemental items also are available for an additional fee. $65 per person. Reservations and info: 404-355-2252.

Buckhead's King + Duke hosts a four-course prix fixe New Year's Eve dinner on Tuesday, December 31. Three to four selections per course are offered, and a wine pairing with each dish is an option. At midnight, toast to 2014 with a complimentary glass of champagne. Dinner is $70 per person. Reservations and info: 404-477-3500.

  

The Mill Kitchen & Bar in Roswell hosts a New Year's Eve bash beginning at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, complete with live music, a champagne toast and a midnight balloon drop that encompasses Mill dollars, discounts and freebies. Info: 770-817-9345.

In historic Crabapple, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails rings in a stylin' new year beginning with a special prix fixe menu from 5-10 p.m. for $65 per person. Live music starts at 8 p.m. and plays until the party stops. Toast midnight with a complimentary glass of champagne and party favors. To reserve a table, call 770-817-0161. For parties of eight or more, email Heather@miltonscuisine.com or call 678-431-8753.

On New Year's Eve, Decatur's No. 246 hosts a four-course dinner that lets guests choose from multiple rustic Italian dishes. $60 per person with 20 percent gratuity for parties of six or more and a $10 corkage fee per bottle. Reservations and info: 678-399-8246.

The Optimist hosts a four-course dinner on New Year's Eve that gives guests multiple options per course. Supplemental items are available for an additional fee. $65 per person. Reservations and info: 404-477-6260.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant celebrates a RAckin' New Year's Eve party on Tuesday, December 31 from 7 p.m. to close. Look forward to a DJ spinning party-worthy beats plus food and drink specials such as bonfire shrimp, the crunchy shrimp tempura roll, Tootsy Maki and edamame dip joined by Kirin/Kirin Light bombers, hot sake and more. Info: 404-267-0114.

Ray's Restaurants offers diners three warm holiday gathering spots. Ray's on the Creek's dining room is open from 5-11 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 for New Year's Eve, and the bar will remain open until 1 a.m. On Wednesday, January 1, the restaurant is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Reservations: 770-649-0064. Ray's on the River's dining room is open from 5-11 p.m. for New Year's Eve, and the bar will remain open until 1 a.m. on New Year's morning. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1. Reservations and info: 770-955-1187. Ray's in the City is celebrating New Year's Eve from 4-11 p.m. on December 31. Reservations and info: 404-524-9224.

Sweet Dee's Bakeshop in Tucker helps hosts uphold their resolution to serve delectable desserts over the holidays. New Year's Eve orders must be picked up before or on Tuesday, December 31. For orders and special holiday hours, call 770-696-4461.

Drink a Cup of Cheer with New Winter Cocktails and More in this Week's Dish

Still have no idea what you are going to do for New Year's Eve? Do not fret! There is still time to plan an extravagant evening with Atlanta-area restaurants. Plus, wintertime cocktails are being offered at many restaurants to warm up guests through the chilly weather. There's plenty to keep you busy and more in this week's Dish! 

Pop the Cork on New Year's Plans and More in this Week's Dish

Leave the cooking and party planning to Atlanta restaurants this New Year's Eve and Day. Check out the offerings from some of the top dining spots in the city, plus plenty more to celebrate in this week's Dish!

Pop the Cork on New Year's Eve Revelry and New Year's Day Dining to Usher in 2013

  

  

  

Atlantans looking for a reason to celebrate Mondays have a big one: New Year's Eve falls on a Monday this year. Our city's restaurants are ready with parties and dinners both elegant and casual. If a resolution is to try out more restaurants, go ahead and start on New Year's Day with some of these suggestions.

Welcome the New Year with the new kid in Midtown, 10^th & Piedmont, which is already quite at home on the corner that formerly housed Outwrite bookstore. Food and drink specials, the regular menu and a DJ are part of the plan. Reservations accepted for parties of eight or more. Rent out a booth in the "celebration lounge." Call 404-602-5510 for details and minimums.

Aqua blue in Roswell is hosting a festive Blue Year's Eve celebration. A special three-course prix fixe menu is available for $49 per person in addition to the full à la carte menu. Enjoy menu items like the Maine lobster bisque, five-spice New York strip and crispy shrimp and house-made warm chocolate cake. DJ starts up at 9 p.m. followed by a champagne toast and party favors at midnight. Reservations: 770-643-8886. 

In the heart of Midtown, Ecco rings in the new year with special menu items on Monday, December 31. The special additions include beet velouté with pears, nasturtium, bay scallop crudo and smoked paprika ($13); baked farm egg with charred duck liver, preserved lemon, lavender cream and celery leaves ($10); roasted quail with chestnut risotto and black currant gastrique ($18); wood-grilled rib-eye with smoked cauliflower, crisp chanterelle mushrooms and béarnaise ($58); steelhead trout with scarlet queen turnips, roe, saffron and arugula ($29), and milk chocolate torte with spiced pineapple and pine nut tuile ($9). The regular menu is available in addition to these one-night-only dishes. For reservations, call 404-347-9555.

Ring in the New Year over a weekend-long celebration at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. From 4 p.m. on Friday, December 28 until Tuesday, January 1, indulge in festive holiday cocktails or featured bubbly and then dine from the New Year's menu or famous à la carte menu. The special New Year's menu starts with poached gulf shrimp over Southern-style goat cheese grits, included with entrée price. Entrées include Delmonico steak with blue crab and Gruyère glassage for $74.95, filet mignon and lobster brioche bread pudding for $69.95 and lobster tail with mac and cheese for $79. Chocolate budino finishes the meal for $9.95. Tax and gratuity not included. Reservations: 770-698-8112. 

JCT. Kitchen & Bar is serving a Southern dinner this New Year's Eve on Monday, December 31. For $65 per person, the restaurant is offering a taste plus a three-course meal. Diners begin the meal with the featured taste of aged goat cheese with country ham and garlic herb toast. Other sample items from the menu include smoked baby beets with watermelon radish, Asher Blue, tiny croutons and green goddess; hickory smoked beef short ribs and seared sea scallops with root vegetable Gouda gratin and braising reduction; and "nearly" flourless chocolate cake with milk chocolate ganache and white chocolate sorbet. There is a corkage fee of $10 per bottle. For reservations or more information, call 404-355-2252.

The second annual New Year's Eve party at Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub happens Monday, December 31, beginning with dinner service from 5 p.m. on and an optional three-course meal for $20.12. Food and drink specials roll all evening, and DJ B-Dub starts spinning tunes at 10 p.m. Champagne is available for a midnight toast, and the bar is open until 2 a.m. No cover charge.

Atlantans can bite into the New Year with Little Cake Bakery's strawberry and champagne cupcakes. These sweet confections pair perfectly with a glass of bubbly. For more information or to place orders, call 404-841-8856.

Visit your neighborhood Marlow's Tavern this New Year's Eve for a chef-driven, prix fixe menu for $37 per person. Start with Maine lobster and shrimp chowder or the winter tavern salad. The main plate is a grilled veal chop with Canadian milk-fed veal, harvest vegetable and lump crab hash, dried cranberry, beurre blanc, asparagus and cranberry veal demi. Chocolate crème brûlée fulfills the sweet tooth. More information and locations are on the website. The newest Marlow's Tavern in Emory Point will be open on New Year's Eve.

Add an Italian twist to New Year's Eve at Decatur's No. 246. Their four-course menu is $55 per person and features local cauliflower panna cotta with frothy sea urchin sweet butter, Osetra caviar, soft herbs and brioche; Nantucket Bay scallop carpaccio with Meyer lemon; local crispy parsnips with Tennessee black truffles; butter-poached Maine lobster with young fennel, blood orange, tarragon, olives and arugula; and brie and white chocolate cheesecake with roasted pears and walnut nougatine. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day. Reservations: 678-399-8246.

In West Midtown, The Optimist will ring in 2013 with a four-course prix fixe menu on New Year's Eve for $65 per person. Menu items include shrimp pop tarts; baked Virginia oysters with spinach, bacon, preserved lemon and parmesan cheese; grouper with white wine-steamed clams, lump crab meat, leeks, baby bok choy and lemon; and banana custard pocket pie with pralines, pralines and cream ice cream and salted pecans. Reservations: 404-477-6260.

Midtown's RA Sushi Bar Restaurant throws a RAckin' New Year's Eve party from 7 p.m. to close. Evening-long food specials include Firework shrimp, "RA"solution roll, Stroke of Midnight maki and Edamame Eve dip. Party drinks include half-price sake and specialty cocktails. Note: RA Sushi is open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day. More information: call 404-267-0114.

Ray's Restaurants offers diners a warm place to gather this holiday season. Ray's on the Creek in Alpharetta is open from 5-11 p.m. on New Year's Eve, and the bar will remain open until 1 a.m.; New Year's Day hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Reservations: 770-649-0064. Ray's on the River is throwing a New Year's Eve party from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. in the Grand Pavilion. Guests can partake of the premium open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvre, oyster shucking station, six-piece live band with dancing plus a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast. $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 770-955-1187 or email ali@raysrestaurants.com; credit card number required to hold reservations. The restaurant itself is open from 5-11 p.m. on New Year's Eve, and the bar will remain open until 1 a.m. They also will be open New Year's Day from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Ray's in the City is open New Year's Eve from 4-11 p.m. and New Year's Day from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Reservations: 404-524-9224.

On Monday, December 31, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings  are celebrating New Year's Eve with a special three-course prix fixe menu at $42 per person. Both locations are offering options such as house-made pimento cheese with toasted corn crackers, butter pickles and celery hearts, pan-seared duck breast with butternut puree, mustard greens and sweet garlic jus, and Velvet Elvis Cake, banana-chocolate mayonnaise cake with peanut butter icing. For more information or to make reservations, call 404-873-7358 for the Midtown location and 770-435-0700 for the Vinings location.

Woodfire Grill is offering several five-course menu options on New Year's Eve. The chef's tasting menu and pescatarian option are priced at $115 per person and the vegetarian menu is $100. Wine pairings are also available for $12 per glass or $20 per glass for premium wines. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 404-347-9055. 

Celebrate New Year's Day with Bantam + Biddy's special menu or order from the regular menu. On Tuesday, January 1, the restaurant offers a traditional Southern special of corned Brasstown ham and ham gravy, stewed organic black-eyed peas, braised collard greens, Buckeye Creek grits and sweet potato pie, all for $20. Bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas are offered all day for $10. Call 404-907-3469 for more information.

Goodbye Christmas Elves, Hello Baby New Year

Partiers, if you want to whoop it up with live entertainment, champagne toasts and kisses at midnight, we have options. Those of you who envision a peaceful fine dining experience, Atlanta restaurants can fulfill your wish. And, if you are working New Year's Eve or want to celebrate after you do that resolution run or polar bear jump, you, too, are covered. Happy New Year!

After achieving Elvis' "Blue Christmas" music overload, it's time to move on to a totally different tune in Aqua blue's Blue Year's Eve. The Roswell restaurant is planning a prix-fixe, three-course menu plus an à la carte menu available at three seatings -- 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $49 per person; $69 with chef's wine pairing. Stay on for the DJ and party favors, and raise a champagne toast at midnight. For reservations, call 770-643-8886.

The tables are set for an elegant four-course dinner at Aria, one of Buckhead's finest restaurants. Executive Chef/Owner Gerry Klaskala has a first course in mind then lets you choose from several options for the remaining courses. At $85 per person, tax and gratuity not included, seats will go quickly. Reservations are strongly suggested; call 404-233-7673.

Holiday merry making continues on New Year's Eve at Atkins Park - Smyrna with a champagne toast at midnight and music from The Good People. Starting at 5 p.m., guests can sit down to a chef-prepared, four-course meal for $48.50 per person, tax and gratuity not included. Reservations: 770-435-1887.

Across town at Atkins Park - Virginia Highland, guests can sip Absolut Vodka drink specials while listening to music from Rare Form DJs. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Special menus will be available at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve and at 11 a.m. on New Year's Day. Reservations: 404-876-7249.

No need to break any New Year's diet resolutions when guests indulge in the rich pre-resolution menu Briza is offering on New Year's Eve. On the last night of 2011, pamper your palate with dishes such as vanilla butter-poached lobster and Kurobuta pork belly "carbonara" and leave no morsel behind! $75 per person. Reservations: 678-412-2402.

Marietta favorite, Chicken and the Egg, is celebrating New Year's Eve with a three-course menu. After a lagniappe of Georgia shrimp and grit cake, choose tempting items like crispy pork belly, lobster and praline bread pudding to complete your meal. The cost is $35 per person, and sparkling wine will be available to purchase by the glass or bottle. For reservations, call 678-388-8813.

Usher in 2012 with three courses of southern Italian dishes on the prix-fixe menu at Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs. Dinner will be served from 5 - 8 p.m. and costs $55 per person. Each guest receives a gift bag containing a split of Prosecco, champagne flutes and a special gift from the Castellucci Hospitality Group. Reservations: 404-991-3666.

Talk about being pumped up for 2012! Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Dunwoody is giving guests three opportunities to celebrate New Year's Nights at Fleming's: Thursday, December 29 from 5 - 10 p.m., Friday, December 30 from 5 - 11 p.m. and Saturday, December 31 from 4 - 11 p.m. Moët and Chandon Impérial champagne will be served from magnum bottles all night, each night. A special New Year's celebration menu with three exceptional steak and seafood entrées, each priced at $69.95, will be available in addition to the regular menu. Reservations: 770-698-8112.

For an early taste of 2012, enjoy a "taste" and three courses of Chef Ford Fry's Southern favorites at JCT. Kitchen & Bar. The $65 four-course menu includes samples of hickory-roasted Berkshire pork tenderloin and "chicken stand" fried Georgia quail. Dinner will be served from 5 - 11 p.m. Reservations: 404-355-2252.

In Decatur, the New Year's Eve menu at No. 246 offers a great example of how to step out beyond the expected in 2012. Try something unexpected such as squid ink spaghetti with Dungeness crab and braised Brasstown beef cheeks -- two of the items on their special $55 per person New Year's Eve menu. Dinner is from 5 - 11 p.m. Reservations: 678-399-8246.

Rockin' RA Sushi looks out for those who work on New Year's Eve by throwing a New Year's Eve Remix party -- on New Year's Day! From 8 p.m. to close on Sunday, January 1, guests at the Midtown restaurant and bar can nosh on Sunday Night's Flying Fish Lounge specials with select sushi, appetizers and tapas priced from $2-$7 and drink specials starting at $3. For more information or to RSVP, visit Facebook.

Pick your party at Ray's Restaurants. Ray's at Killer Creek in Alpharetta is offering a special appetizer menu and three different prix-fixe menus from 5 - 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Reservations: 770-649-0064. Downtown, city dwellers can head to Ray's in the City's to celebrate over one of three prix-fixe menus. Reservations: call 404-524-9224. Ray's on the River is hosting a classic night of dinner and dancing at the restaurant's riverside pavilion. Ring in the new year enjoying the special menu, five-piece band, champagne toast, party favors and a balloon drop. Festivities start at 8 p.m. with dinner service at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $95 per person, or purchase a table for 10 guests for $850. Tax and gratuity are not included in pricing. More information and reservations: 770-955-1187.

Toast first! At Spice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown, the bar and lounge bubbles with specials on champagne from 4 - 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The restaurant itself will serve a New Year's Eve five-course menu for $68 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations: 404-724-2550.

Everyone knows that the pre-party is just as important as the main event on New Year's Eve. That's why Truffles Grill in Buckhead is getting the night off to a tasty start from 6 - 9 p.m. with complimentary heavy hors d'oeuvres. Need a drink to practice your midnight toast? Try one of the restaurant's $5 Absolut specialty martinis. Reservations: 404-364-9050.

Carnivores, vegetarians and pescatarians will all find dinners to please among Woodfire Grill's three special five-course menus on New Year's Eve. The regular and pescatarian menus are priced at $115 per person, and the vegetarian menu is priced at $105. Wine pairings also are available for $6 per course for a half glass or $12 for a full glass. Reservations are required: 404-347-9055.

Of course, we didn't forget about Christmas. Read here for all the fun festivities going on this weekend!

It's Not Too Late to Make New Year's Eve Plans

You may be thinking you've missed the boat on making plans to ring in 2011, but there are still plenty of options to pick from. Check out last week's New Year's Eve post with all the info on what's going on this Friday. You've got plenty of time (two full days!) to plan your celebration, so get going!

This just in....Atkins Park in Virginia-Highland has finalized its chef's specials for New Year's Eve. Menu items include:

Appetizers
• Oysters: raw, with a champagne mignonette; crispy, with a spicy three-pepper remoulade; and baked, with house-smoked bacon and Parmesan

• Charcuterie: potted chicken livers, grass-fed beef tartare and quail egg and foie gras bonbon with vanilla apple cider gelee served with micro radish salad and toasts

Entrees
• Caramelized bay scallops and chanterelles over creamy Parmesan polenta

• 20 oz. bone-in grass-fed rib-eye, seared on the Big Green Egg @ 700° and served with creamy potatoes and a Cabernet reduction

Dessert
• Doughnuts: cinnamon holes filled with espresso cream, banana rum and chocolate orange