From the ancient Babylonians to today’s Times Square revelers, the arrival of a new year has long been a reason to celebrate. And for those looking to ring in 2017 in the Washington, D.C. these are some of your best options:
Ambar Capitol Hill
Ambar Capital Hill is offering a “Balkan Experience,” which includes unlimited small plates and drinks. It has three options: early dining area seating starting at 5 p.m. for $69 per person (two hour limit), bar seating starting at 9 p.m. for $79 per person; and late dining area seating starting at 9 p.m. for $99 per person.
iCi Urban Bistro
Executive Chef Gyo Santa at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square’s iCi Urban Bistron has an elegant three course menu with dishes that are sure to delight your palette. Branzino ceviche with chives and Espelette pepper and roasted venison with a winter medley of fruits and vegetables are just a preview. The meal is $90 per person.
Bangkok Joe’s
Bangkok Joe’s has enjoyed a great 2016 in the Georgetown Washington Harbour and is ready to celebrate the arrival of 2017 with patrons new and avid followers. Chef Aulie Bunyarataphan has prepared a special menu that reflects the delicious flavors of Bangkok Joe’s with a four-course prix fixe dinner menu available from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at $55 per person. A glass of champagne will be served to guests welcoming in the New Year.
The Gibson
In the spirit of such films as Logan’s Run, A Clockwork Orange, and The Fifth Element, The Gibson is celebrating “The Future” this New Year’s Eve. It is hosting an open bar, small bites, and a champagne toast at midnight. In addition, there will be a photo booth and special performance by burlesque star, Reverend Valentine. The price is $130 per person, and costumes encouraged (let the films mentioned above inspire).
Cafe Dupont
Guest will celebrate New Year’s Eve and welcome 2017 with a full stomach at Cafe Dupont. Chef Laurent Aubel has prepared a multi-course prix fixe dinner. Available entrees include Shenandoah Valley Venison, Maple Leaf Farms duck breast, wild Alaskan salmon, Maine scallops, and butternut squash gnocchi. The special menu is $70 per person, and $100 with a wine pairing.
Bar Pilar
Bar Pilar will offer a special “Chef’s Tasting Menu” in the main dining room on New Year’s Eve. The $75 dinner will feature multiple courses curated by Chef Jesse Miller, and a complimentary glass of bubbles. There will be two seatings, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Bar Pilar will open its dance floor around 11:30 p.m. and host a midnight toast.
City Tap House
This New Year’s Eve, City Tap House is inviting guests to visit for dinner or drinks or both. They will have the options to dine on a $65 three course menu from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., enjoy a $40 open bar from 10 p.m. to midnight, or order plates and drinks a la carte. There will also be a DJ keeping the energy up from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., dedicating the last hour of music to the iconic artists lost in 2016 such as Prince, David Bowie, and Sharon Jones.
Grilled Oyster Company
It’s all about oysters and bubbly this New Year’s Eve at Grilled Oyster Company’s Cathedral Commons location. with an oyster & bottomless champagne special. For $45, guests can enjoy a dozen raw oysters with two types of caviar and accoutrements and bottomless champagne from 9:30 p.m. until midnight.
Equinox
For chef Todd Gray, New Year’s Eve is an opportunity to offer a creative menu with a touch of elegance. Which is exactly what he is has done with Equinox’s decadent “Black and White Truffle Dinner” featuring such dishes as lobster salad with truffled citrus cream and porcini and truffle crusted halibut. There will also be plant-based options for every course. The price is $80 per person for four courses and $110 for six courses.
14K Restaurant
A Champagne bar with 14 different bubbly cocktails will accompany a four course prix fixe meal at 14K Restaurant at the Hamilton Hotel. The special dinner and endless drinks is $90 per person. Guests will be able to enjoy live piano music in the lobby and a three-piece band in the restaurant from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.. There will also be a feed for the Times Square ball drop and a DJ from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All Set Restaurant & Bar
Guests are invited to ring in the New Year with a special masquerade party at All Set Restaurant & Bar in Silver Spring, Md. Chef Edward Reavis has prepared a three-course culinary experience, followed by a night of lively music and dancing, along with a Champagne toast at midnight to welcome 2017. Dinner will be available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is priced at $60 per person.
Boqueria
Unlimited tapas and select drinks (draft beer, red and white wine, cava, and red, white and rosé sangriea) are on the New Year’s Eve agenda at Boqueria. The popular Spanish restaurant is hosting two seatings: the first from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m for $90 per person, and the second from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. for $125.
Marriott Marquis
The International Club of DC is hosting a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration of international culture, music, cuisine, and dancing at the stylish Marriott Marquis. Dining options include a three-course meal or a buffet. The after dinner festivities include sumptuous dessert buffet, open bar with midnight Champagne toast, spectacular balloon drop, live bands and DJs, karaoke, mock casino gambling, party favors and more. Tickets start at $105 per person.
Espita Mezcaleria
Located in the booming Shaw neighborhood, Espita Mezcaleria is offering a six-course, prix fixe menu showcasing the best dishes of Southern Mexico from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Prepared by chef Alexis Samayoa, the New Year’s Eve menu is priced at $80 per person or $130 with beverage pairing. Those who wish to forgo dinner can swing by Espita for a Mexican Cantina Party, with complimentary cocktails, wine, beer, select mezcals, midnight Champagne toast, snacks, and DJ. The party starts at 10 p.m. and is priced at $100 per person or $50 per person after midnight. Also available is a deluxe Cantina experience that includes the prix fixe menu and open bar is priced at $200 per person.
Felt Bar & Lounge
One of the hottest venue’s in town, Felt Bar & Lounge at MGM National Harbor is hosting a Vegas-style New Year’s Eve celebration complete with a Moet Hennesy Open Bar and DJ. Individual tickets start at $175 and VIP table service packages will set you back $3,000. Party goers will be steps from the luxury resort’s 125,000-square-foot casino floor.
