After the extravagance of last year’s New Year’s Eve, many restaurants are toning things down, opting for a la carte menus and reservations throughout the night in lieu of elaborate prix fixe meals with set seatings. Several will still offer live entertainment and party favors while others will close for the night. Accordingly, our listings for the evening are not comprehensive; restaurants not listed below probably fall into one of the above categories. Prices for the evening have also come back down to earth–there are only a handful of options that hit the hundred-dollar mark, which was the norm for last year’s festivities. Prices cited are per person, exclusive of tax or tip unless otherwise noted. Reservations are required across the board. Check our Web site at www.chicagoreader.com for updates.
This recently expanded Mongolian restaurant will offer a buffet that includes filet mignon, tuna steak, scallops, and jumbo shrimp in a create-your-own-stir-fry format. It’s $20.01 per person, which includes the soup and salad bar.
1437 N. Wells, 312-587-3660
BLUE POINT OYSTER BAR
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Three seatings are scheduled at this market district steak-and-seafood house–at 6, 8, and 10 PM. Diners can order off the regular menu, but specials will also be offered. Live music and dancing will start at 10:30.
Chef Michael Altenberg’s refined Italian cuisine is offered in three seatings in the downstairs room: a $50 four-course menu at 5:30 or 7:30 PM and a $60 five-course menu at 9:30, followed by a champagne toast. The meal in the upstairs room is more elaborate; for $150 diners can enjoy a 12-course meal with live music by Stuart Rosenberg and a champagne toast. There’s only one seating, so the table is yours for the night.
358 W. Ontario, 312-266-9525
