Compiled by Lisa LeeKing and Vivian Barsanti Live Music ACTION CAT/NY WASTE ...
ACTION CAT/NY WASTE pres. night of rock 'n' roll w/Charm School, X-Possibles, Mischief, USA Wasted, Hymen Holocaust, Suicide Kings, the Bullys, Graveyard Farmers, Vanessa Daughter of Satan MCs; CB's 313 Lounge, 313 Bowery (Bleecker St.), 212-677-0455; 8:30 p.m., $15.
ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE CONCERT FOR PEACE Largest cathedral in the world hosts 18th annual concert for peace, feat. Judy Collins, Lauren Flanigan, Eugene Friesen, the New York Chamber Symphony & the New York Festival Chorus, w/Glen Barton Cortese conducting?11 p.m. service follows; Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave. (112th St.), 212-662-2133; 7:30, free, $50 for res. seats.
ANTIGONE RISING Five-(wo)man rock band plays sizzling riffs & wailing harmonies. Plus, Dr. Didg offers up didgeridoo-enhanced dance music starting around 2 a.m.; Lion's Den, 214 Sullivan St. (betw. Bleecker & W. 3rd Sts.), 212-477-2782; 8, $20.
CHELSEA COMMONS Great little neighborhood landmark celebrates the upcoming year w/a swing band, light buffet, party favors & champagne toast; 463 W. 24th St. (10th Ave.), 212-929-9424; 9:30, $25.
CHICK COREA NEW TRIO w/special guest Gary Burton, melds jazz piano w/improv, Latin rhythms & electronic innovation. Shows incl. a la carte menu, champagne toast, hats & noisemakers; Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St. (6th Ave.), RSVP 212-475-8592; First set: 7-10, $65, $45 at the bar; Second set: 10 p.m.-1 a.m., $85, $60 at the bar; Third set: 1 a.m.-4 a.m., $65, $45 at the bar.
DAVID BOWIE CLASSIC ALBUM Live bands pay trib. to Thin White Duke. Plus DJ, champagne & party favors all night long; Arlene Grocery, 95 Stanton St. (betw. Ludlow & Orchard Sts.), RSVP 212-358-1633; 9, $20.
DAVID KOLKER plays rich & dynamic blues grooves at the cozy Irish pub; Baggot Inn, 82 W. 3rd St. (betw. Sullivan & Thompson Sts.), 212-473-6658; call for time, $5.
DR. MICHAEL WHITE'S ORIGINAL LIBERTY JAZZ BAND Ring in new year w/jazz, party favors & New Orleans-style buffet (mmm, beignets!); Village Vanguard, 178 7th Ave. S. (W. 11th St.), 212-255-4037, res. req.; 9 & 11, $100.
ROSIE FLORES Ex-member of the Screaming Sirens who coincidentally looks a whole lot like Sharon Osbourne performs country numbers at the country bar that boasts "every minute's a party"; Rodeo Bar, 375 3rd Ave. (27th St.), 212-683-6500; 10, free.
PETE GALUB, LOYD MILLER, THE SPUNK LADS, FAT CITY EXPRESS Quirky pop, rock ballads, rude antics, bad-boy funk?this show's got it all, incl. free champagne at midnight; Freddy's Bar & Backroom, 485 Dean St. (6th Ave.), Bklyn, 718-622-7035; First set at 8:30, free.
GOGOL BORDELLO & FRIENDS Surrealist Ukrainian punk band Gogol Bordello most resemble a band of traveling gypsies who've discovered a cache of Clash & Stooges records. If this doesn't make any sense in print, it does at their live gigs, which are an onslaught of violins, props, dancing girls & mayhem. Not a bad way to booze up & ring in the new year so long as their "friends" are as eccentrically entertaining; Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St. (betw. Church St. & B'way), 212-219-3055; 9, $30.
GOV'T MULE along w/Peaceful Knievel (feat. Mike Farris, Charley Drayton, Audley Freed, Andy Hess & George Laks) rock Beacon Theatre, 74th St. (B'way), 212-496-7070; call for time & price.
GRANT STEWART & JOHN COHN QUINTET jazz up New Year's Eve at Smalls, 183 W. 10th St. (7th Ave. S.), 212-929-7565; call for time & price.
EARL GREYHOUND, DISTURBO, CARE FACTOR & more are playing at the midtown speakeasy hotspot. Admission incl. champagne toast & drink specials (we know you'll be needing that); Siberia, 356 W. 40th St. (9th Ave.), 212-333-4141; sets at 10, 11 & 12 a.m., free.
HAR MAR SUPERSTAR & special guests perform a bizarre r&b act tonight. We hear he often strips to his undies onstage & looks like a sexier Ron Jeremy; Northsix, 66 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), Williamsburg, 718-599-5103, 8, $18, $15 adv.
JEN DURKIN & THE BOMB SQAD Live music feat. Jen Durkin's funky vocals & late night show by improvisational jazz band OM Trio (2 a.m.-6 a.m.); Tribeca Blues, 16 Warren St. (betw. B'way & Church St.), 212-766-1070; 9, both shows $20, $15 adv.
JOEY DEFRANCESCO TRIO Singin' & swingin' soul jazz organist from Philly celebrates incoming 2003 w/style; Smoke Jazz Club & Lounge, 2751 B'way (106th St.), RSVP 212-864-6662; 8, 9:45 & 11:45 a.m., $50 & $10 drink min.
KARL DENSON'S TINY UNIVERSE Sax-o-funk master brings in 2003 w/special guest DJ Z-Trip, whom we love because he can mix Sabbath w/the Eagles. Maybe you saw him in Scratch?; B.B. King Blues Club, 237 W. 42nd St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-997-4144; 9 p.m. & 2 a.m., $37.50-$50; $125 for all-night VIP pass w/table for four or six & bottle of bubbly.
KEVIN MAHOGANY QUINTET, emiko hayashi trio Motown singer Kevin Mahogany performs w/his group at Birdland, 315 W. 44th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-581-3080; Tables: 8, $35 & $20 min.; 11:30, $70 & $20 min.; Bar: $35 for either show, adm. incl. 1 drink.
EARTHA KITT versatile singer/actor/writer/ living legend performs one show tonight, followed by one-hour open bar at 10 p.m. DJ music & dancing promised; Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette St. (betw. E. 4th St. & Astor Pl.), 212-539-8778; 8, call for price.
Luna Indie/alternative pop group crosses the line & plays in Jersey. Night incl. buffet & champagne toast; Maxwell's, 1039 Washington St. (11th St.), Hoboken, 201-653-1703, call for time, $30.
MCCOY TYNER TRIO W/MICHAEL BRECKER Revered modern jazz pianist & saxophonist, respectively, bring in the new year at Iridium, 1650 B'way (betw 50th & 51st Sts.), 212-582-2121; First Set: 7:45, $115; Second Set: 11, $215; both shows incl. dinner & a glass of champagne.
MICHAEL POWERS & THE POWDER KEG play all night long (that's more than we can say for our date last New Year's) at Terra Blues, 149 Bleecker St. (betw. Thompson St. & La Guardia Pl.), 212-777-7776, res. req.; 9, $40 per person incl. table & champagne toast at midnight, $25.
MIKE HUNT BAND Two years & going strong. Plus, free champagne as the clock gongs midnight. Be sure & document it all in their b&w photo booth; Lakeside Lounge, 162 Ave. B (betw. 10th & 11th Sts.), 212-529-8463; call for time & price.
BUDDY & JULIE MILLER Bandleader for Emmylou Harris & his wife are the sweethearts of the alt-country circuit. Plus, special guest Kim Richey; Bottom Line, 15 W. 4th St. (Mercer St.), 212-228-6300; 8, $30, call for tkts.
MURPHY'S LAW, ZOMBIE VANDALS, JOKER FIVE SPEED, PISSER, DJ BLITCH Murphy's Law returns to this East Village dive for a second year, with help from locals Joker Five Speed & the new Unband band, Pisser; Continental, 25 3rd Ave. (St. Marks Pl.), 212-529-6924; call for time & price.
NEW YEAR'S EVE AT THE CAFE WHA? Vintage funk feat. Ron Long, r&b soul-stirrers Cheryl Pepsii Riley & Mike Davis; 115 MacDougal St. (betw. W. 3rd & Bleecker Sts.), 212-254-3706; 9:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m., $7.
NEW YEAR'S EVE AT THE JAZZ GALLERY w/Leron Thomas Quintet plus special guests?three separate sets; first & second incl. Southern cuisine, beer/wine; second adds champagne; third incl. beer/wine/coffee; Jazz Gallery, 290 Hudson St. (Spring St.), 212-242-1063; 9, $65; 11, $95; 1:30 a.m., $35, all three sets $130.
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY W/LACH AND THE SECRETS & friends, offers champagne toast at midnight & door prizes; Sidewalk, 94 Ave. A (6th St.), 212-473-7373; open 24 hours 'til champagne/mimosa brunch, no cover.
NUYORICAN Poetry/spoken word/theater/ music cafe brings in the new year with a fiesta!, incl. live music, champagne toast & party favors; 236 E. 3rd St. (betw. Aves. B & C), 212-505-8183; 7, $5; 10, $25.
ORANGE PARK, SKIPPER, WE ARE SCIENTISTS Melodic rock band Orange Park is a regular favorite at this venue. Early show feat. the Scientists with Skipper headlining, champagne toast at the strike of 12, Times Square live; Luna Lounge, 171 Ludlow St. (betw. Houston & Stanton Sts.), 212-260-2323; 8:30, 9:30, & 11:30, $10, free before 9.
PHISH Dead-inspired jam band plays Madison Square Garden on New Year's Eve?expect to sniff patchouli, have your space cake & bond w/thousands; 2 Penn. Plaza, 7th Ave. (betw. 32nd & 33rd Sts.), 8, www.thegarden.com for ticket info.
PRINCESS SUPERSTAR "Blond Ambition" performer plays records for Makor's "Blow-out Party" tonight w/special guests; 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Central Park W. & Columbus Ave.), RSVP 212-601-1000; 9, $30.
RADIO 4, TED LEO/PHARMACISTS, THE ROGER SISTERS Early-80s-sounding post-punk Radio 4 headlines night of local music w/country garage rockers the Roger Sisters (who have a relatively new CD out on Troubleman Unlimited) & the always pleasing (though we liked them better with a second guitar player) Ted Leo/Pharmacists; Southpaw, 125 5th Ave. (betw. Sterling St. & St. John's Pl.), Park Slope, 718-230-0236; call for time & price.
RANA The band whose name means "frog" in Italian rock into the new year at historic CBGB, 315 Bowery (Bleecker St.), 212-982-4052; two sets at 11:30, $20.
THE REALISTICS, LONGWAVE, ADDISON GROOVE PROJECT New York rock bands bring raw energy & punk-pop sound to this New Year's Eve celebration at Mercury Lounge. Late night concert w/Addison Groove Project from 2 a.m.-6 a.m., bring canned food for the Addison Food Project; 217 E. Houston St. (betw. Ludlow & Essex Sts.), 212-260-4700; 8, both shows $25, $20 adv.
SANDBOX, SUSPECT, SEEKING HOMER perform along infamous college-dominated strip; Elbow Room, 144 Bleecker St. (betw. Thompson St. & La Guardia Pl.), 212-979-8434; 8, $30.
PATTI SMITH Legendary rocker performs her annual New Year's Eve gig. Particle takes over at 2 a.m., $30, $25 adv.; Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St. (Bowery), 212-533-2111; 9, $50, 18+.
STAR SPANGLES Sway in time w/this green garage pop band; Manitoba's, 99 Ave. B (betw. 6th & 7th Sts.), 212-982-2511; 11, free.
STUBBORN MONKEY, FLYING 66, DAYS OF THIS and many others rock the house this New Year's Eve at Acme Underground; 9 Great Jones St. (cross Lafayette St.), 212-677-6924; call for times & prices.
THE TOILET BOYS These boys along with front whoa-man Miss Guy are as fun to see as they are to hear; Don Hill's, 511 Greenwich St. (Spring St.), 212-219-2850; $30, $25 adv.
WOLLENSENS, MONIQUE DIMAT TINA 24 hours of live music incl. funky jazz by the Wollesens at 11?champagne toast & favors at midnight; 55 Bar, 55 Christopher St. (Waverly Pl.), 212-929-9883; 7:30, $20.
JOHN ZORN'S ELECTRIC MASADA plus Marc Ribot (7:30 set, $40), plus Yuka Honda (11:30 set, $50), powerhouse electric & pop music w/champagne toast at midnight; Tonic, 107 Norfolk St. (betw. Delancey & Rivington Sts.), 212-358-7501; $70 both sets.
Nightlife/Parties
ANGEL NEW YEAR'S EVE 2003 Dance yourself into a sweaty frenzy to Spin Dynasty DJ Clay's sounds of hiphop, break beats & dub during this annual after-hours party, plus champagne toast at midnight; 174 Orchard St. (betw. Houston & Stanton Sts.), 212-780-0313; 9:30, $20 before 12 a.m., $10 until 2 a.m., free after that.
ARC Tribal-tech sound & great energy at this club formerly known as Vinyl, w/party feat. Saeed & Palash, Astroglyde, & Sir Oliver. Plus complimentary champagne all night; 6 Hubert St. (Hudson St.), RSVP 212-226-9212; $36.
BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRKUS The last time we caught the Bindlestiffs, they featured fire eaters, bizarre MC Scotty the Blue Bunny (also flaming), clowns & striptease acts on a trapeze. Imagine a gleefully raunchy cross between Ringling Bros. & the Jim Rose Freak Show. This year they host a New Year's Eve Gala of alternative vaudevillian acts incl. an aerialist, juggling, contortion, glass eating, live music & more; the Palace of Variety, 125 W. 42nd St. (betw. B'way & 6th Ave.), 877-BINDLES for ticket info & reservations.
BLIND TIGER ALE HOUSE celebrates the coming year w/five-hour premium open bar, finger foods, party favors & champagne toast; 518 Hudson St. (10th St.), RSVP 212-675-3848, res. req.; 9 p.m.-1 a.m., $50.
BOWLMOR Open bar 9 p.m.-4 a.m., buffet & best of all: New Year's Eve bowling!; 110 University Pl. (betw. 12th & 13th Sts.), 212-255-8188; 9 p.m.-12 a.m., $145, $650 for private lane/up to six people; 12 a.m.-4 a.m., $115, $495 for private lane.
CAPITALE celebrates w/help from DJs Paul Oakenfold & Deep Dish, plus other DJs in the Red Room. Adm. incl. open bar from 9 p.m.-2 a.m., hors d'oeuvres, midnight champagne toast, continental breakfast, countdown on the screen; 130 Bowery (betw. Broome & Grand Sts.), 212-219-9017; 9 p.m.-4 a.m., $200.
DANCE 'TIL YOU DROP Dance all night as DJ Jazzy Nice & DJ Ram get busy w/hiphop, funk, Latin, soul & house music, champagne toast & drink specials 'til the wee hours; Sapphire Lounge, 249 Eldridge St. (betw. Houston & Stanton Sts.), 212-777-5153; 8, w/open bar 8-11: $40 ladies, $50 gentlemen, $80 couples; after 11: $20 ladies, $25 men, $40 couples.
DEWEY'S FLATIRON Bar & Grill with chill atmosphere throws its seventh annual New Year's Eve party; DJ Keith promises to play everything from the 70s till today. Open bar offered 9 p.m.-2 a.m., plus hors d'oeuvres, buffet dinner & champagne toast you know when; 210 5th Ave. (betw. 25th & 26th Aves.), 212-249-7373, res. req.; $120, $100 adv.
Electroclash NEW YEAR'S EVE Larry Tee & Spencer Product celebrate the end of another year in Williamsburg club that offers PBR in the can?if that's not hot enough for you, maybe the silver stripper poles will do the trick? Oh, and there'll be performances by fashion mavens W.I.T., Spalding Rockwell, Neon Music & more; Luxx, 256 Grand St. (betw. Driggs Ave. & Roebling St.), Williamsburg, 718-599-1000; 9 p.m. till the sun comes up, $20.
FESTIVUS MAXIMUS Celebrate the coming of 2003 w/this 24-hour party feat. "psychedelic breakfast," A440, Benevento/Russo & Motion Potion. If you last long enough, continental breakfast is served at dawn, w/bagels & cream cheese following at 8 a.m.; Tobacco Road, 355 W. 41st St. (9th Ave.), 212-244-7623; 8 p.m.-8 a.m., $25.
FIREWORKS in Prospect Park! So find a good vantage point & make a wish for the new year; Grand Army Plaza, Flatbush Ave. (Prospect Park), 718-965-8954; 11:59, free.
FRANK'S NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION DJs Kim Lightfoot & Tyrone Perkins play "a little bit of everything" this New Year's Eve. Buffets on both floors & champagne toast (natch!); 660 Fulton St. (S. Elliott St.), Ft. Greene, 212-726-1322; 9, $20.
GALAPAGOS Champagne bottles descend from the ceiling (ouch!) as resident DJ Dichotomy spins & Kinosonic's projections flicker over the happy crowd. Expect games, contests, burlesque & a more mellow back room?everything you love Galapagos for anyway; 70 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), Williamsburg, 718-782-5188; 6 p.m.-6 a.m., $20.
THE GATE Park Slope pub offers DJ, party favors, champagne toast & most importantly, no cover; 321 5th Ave. (3rd St.), Park Slope, 718-768-4329, 4 p.m.-4 a.m.
HOOKER'S BALL 4 The Happy Hookers salute red-light Amsterdam with Amber Domination, Lady Ace & Chi Chi Valenti. Plus "Dutch Pumps, Glass Doors und Blond"?a virtual peepshow installation by Tonya Knudsen, DJ (Mack) Daddy Johnny Dynell. Suggested attire: any form of sex seller; CBGB Downstairs Lounge, 313 Bowery (Bleecker St.), 212-677-0455; 10:30 p.m.-4 a.m., $15.
MARION'S CONTINENTAL Havana sound right for your noche del año nuevo? The 1950s version of the Caribbean island is recreated?think white Panama hats & strong cigars, expect rumbas, congas, sambas, Cuban cuisine & live entertainment; 354 Bowery (4th St.), 212-475-7621, res. req.; 7:15, $36; 9:45, $100.
MIDNIGHT RUN New York Road Runner's Club hosts four-mile run in Central Park, where you can pant your way to the champagne station set up halfway through the run, all while enjoying fireworks, music & live entertainment as you dodge thousands of revelers; Central Park, RSVP 212-860-4455 for info; 12 a.m., $30-$35.
MOET GALA Chic gala event feat. live music by Central Park Stompers, prix-fixe dinner, party favors, & complimentary Moet champagne. And of course, dancing 'til the sun comes up w/after-hours party from 1 a.m.-5 a.m. Bubble Lounge, 228 W. B'way (betw. Franklin & White Sts.), 212-431-0949, res. req.; 9 p.m.-1 a.m., $150.
MOTHERFUCKER New York's best traveling side-show of sleaze, sex, and the Stooges?and no, we're not talking Larry, Moe or Curly?Justine D., Michael T., Johnny T, Georgie Seville and their pals Mistress Formika and the coolest doorman ever, Thomas Onorato, return downtown for their third-annual New Year's Eve celebration. You aren't gonna find anywhere better to party because Michael T. & Justine D. spin the best punk rock 'n' roll this side of the Mississippi. Plus, guest DJ Carlos De (Interpol). Giveaways by Urban Decay Cosmetics, Matador, PowerHouse Books & the Beggars Group; Discotheque, 17 W. 19th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-352-9999; 2 a.m., $25, $20 w/invite.
NEW YEAR'S EVE CRUISE Best views of sparkling firework display at the Statue of Liberty as you cruise the Hudson munching decadent chocolate-dipped strawberries & other party favors, incl. beer/wine & music; depart from W. 38th St. (12th Ave.), or from Port Imperial in Weehawken, NJ, 800-533-3779, www.nywaterway.com, 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m., $99.
NEW YEAR'S EVE JAUNT Howard Goldberg leads five walking tours of Chinatown; stops incl. Chinese bakery, herbal shop & Buddhist temple. Walk concludes w/dinner at area Chinese restaurant; 212-265-2663 for meeting place & res.; 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, $5 for tour, $15 incl. dinner.
NEW YEAR'S EVE MAUNA Silent ritual where those wishing to avoid the craziness are invited to meditate, write, read, toast each other with chai tea (silently) & enjoy vegan delicacies until the clock strikes 12- the silence will be broken w/Om chant followed by yogi prayer of peace; Jivamukti Yoga Center, 404 Lafayette St. (E. 4th St.), RSVP 212-353-0214; 9 p.m.-12 a.m., free.
NO IDEA BAR Quirky Gramercy watering hole offers open bar w/champagne; 30 E. 20th St. (betw. B'way & Park Ave.), 212-777-0100, res. req.; 9 p.m.-1 a.m., $60, $50 adv.
PARLAY celebrates both its anniversary & the new year w/DJ & dancing, open bar 9 p.m.-2 a.m., champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres, party favors; 206 Ave. A (13th St.), 212-228-6231, res. req.; 9, $125, $100 adv.
PUCK FAIR A bar with a balcony has a room with a view to survey the scene at this Soho spot, open bar 9 p.m.-2 a.m., hot & cold buffet, DJs & lots of dancing, champagne toast; Puck Fair, 298 Lafayette St. (betw. Houston & Prince Sts.), 212-431-1200; $150, $125 before 12/29.
RED, WHITE & BLUE 2003 BASH Just wanna have fun on New Year's Eve? You could head to this 80s-inspired club for open bar 9 p.m.-1 a.m. (shots are extra), DJs, dancing, champagne toast & midnight munchies; Culture Club, 179 Varick St. (betw. King & Charlton Sts.), 212-243-1999; 9, $110, $90 adv.
RIVERSIDE CHURCH celebrates the new year with a gothic carillon recital (10 p.m.), organ recital (10:30 p.m.) & service (11 p.m.); 490 Riverside Dr. (betw. 120th& 122nd Sts.), 212-870-6722, free.
SACI has a lot going on. Meadow performs remix of "Tainted Love," artist Valeria does her thing, DJ Marc Anthony spins, live drummer (as opposed to...not live) & dancers, open bar 9 p.m.-12 a.m.; 135 W. 41st St. (betw. 6th Ave. & B'way), 212-278-0988, res. req.; 9, $125, $100 adv. by calling 212-785-3745 or e-mailing premierlistnyc@aol.com.
SHINE GBH New Year's Eve After-Hours Party w/DJs Neil Alene, Holmar Filipsson, Hiro, & Ori serving up underground house music; 285 W. B'way (Canal St.), 212-941-0900; 3 a.m.-noon, 212-539-3916 for guestlist, $20-$25.
S.O.B.'s "Into the Brazilian Rainforest" is the theme this year. "Brazooca" & "Ogans" parties offer samba bands & dancers; 204 Varick St. (W. Houston St.), 212-243-4940; Three packages: 8 p.m. $175- five course dinner & champagne toast/party favors; 10 p.m. $75 non-seated, forest delicacies/champagne toast; After midnight $30, all three incl. breakfast at dawn.
TAR BAR & LOUNGE NEW YEAR'S EVE Premium open bar (10:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m.), party favors & coat check; 1412 1st Ave (betw. 74th & 75th Sts.), 212-570-5704, www.tarbar.com; 10:30, $75.
TAVERN ON THE GREEN Gala w/entertainment provided by 17-piece band, six-course tasting menu, access to the Masquerade Ball, unlimited champagne, a light show & ice carving in sumptuous surroundings; Central Park W. (67th St.), 212-873-3200, res. req.; call for times, $190-$499.
VILLAGE IDIOT "Get crazy & wasted" this Dec. 31 at notorious dive bar that may offer some drink specials, which you'll need in order to keep up w/the patrons; 355 W. 14th St. (9th Ave.), 212-989-7334; until 7 a.m., free.
Restaurants
THE ALGONQUIN Tres chic celebration feat. cabaret w/Andrea Marcovicci, four-course dinner starting at 8, dancing in the Oak Room & champagne toast at midnight; 59 W. 44th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-840-6800; $500, $250 if you're not feeling like a cabaret show.
THE BEEKMAN RESTAURANT & PUB One of downtown's oldest pub-restaurants offers upscale fare & drinks; 15 Beekman St. (betw. Nassau & William Sts.), 212-732-7333; call for info.
CABANA NUEVO LATINO Caribbean menu; 89 South St. (Fulton St.), 212-406-1155; regular hours.
CASCINA offers special prix-fixe Italian menu for the sophisticated palate (picture lobster & porcini, then lamb & truffle ragout); 647 9th Ave. (betw. 45th & 46th Sts.), 212-245-4422, res. req.; call for time, $75.
CHELSEA BISTRO & BAR "Paris in New York"?romantic four-course French candlelight prix-fixe w/unlimited red & white premium house wines served in cabaret-style bistro. Gala dinner incl. four-course meal plus dancing, party favors, DJs & dessert extravaganza; 358 W. 23rd St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-727-2026; First seating: 5-6:30, $70; Second seating: 9, $125.
CHIN CHIN Party time! Crouching tiger prawns & hidden DJs, dancing, hats & noisemakers to go w/prix-fixe Chinese banquet dinner; 216 E. 49th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-888-4555, res. req.; 9 p.m.-3 a.m., call for prices.
CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE Cozy jazz cafe offers full menu accompanied by jazz artist Jun Miyake from 10 p.m.-3 a.m.; 2485 B'way (betw. 92nd & 93rd Sts.), 212-769-6969, res. req.; 5 p.m.-3 a.m.
CORNELIA STREET CAFE Front Page performs a musical political revue at 9 p.m. ($35, $25 if you have dinner), plus grand four-course dinner & champagne; 29 Cornelia St. (betw. Bleecker & W. 4th Sts.), 212-989-9319; dinner served from 6 p.m.-midnight, $60.
DEBORAH Prix-fixe grilled sushi tuna, Peking duck or steak frites w/appetizer, dessert & glass of champagne; 43 Carmine St. (betw. Bedford & Bleecker Sts.), 212-242-2606; call for times, $50.
DECADE Five-course American gourmet dinner w/champagne cheer & dancing to 70s tunes; 1117 1st Ave. (61st St.), RSVP 212-835-5979; 7:30-8:30 hors d'oeuvres & open bar, $175, $75 before 12 a.m., $50 adm. to bar & dancefloor after midnight.
EL TEDDY'S Mexican restaurant feat. four-course prix-fixe dinner w/champagne toast & DJ; 219 W. B'way (betw. White & Franklin Sts.), 212-941-7071; First seating: $45; Late seating: 9 p.m. on is $75.
GARAGE Three-course prix-fixe menu, party favors, champagne toast, DJs & dancing all night; 99 7th Ave. (Grove St.), 212-645-0600, res. req.; 10:30, $75.
GOOD Four-course innovative-American prix-fixe w/bubbly toast?a la carte also available; 89 Greenwich Ave. (betw. Bank & W. 12th Sts.), 212-691-8080; 6 p.m.-1 a.m., $48.
HENRY'S 3RD-ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH Everything's special from the modern-American menu to the cocktails, midnight toast & music; 2745 B'way (105th St.), 212-866-0600, res. req., call for time & price.
JOSEPHINA Deco West Side restaurant brings in the new year w/a sumptuous three-course prix-fixe, DJ & dancing. Plus the mandatory midnight champagne toast; 1900 B'way (betw. 63rd & 64th Sts.), 212-799-1000, res. req.; 9, $75.
LA COTE BASQUE Classic vivres française, three-course prix-fixe menu & dancing; 60 W. 55th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.) 212-688-6525; seatings at 5:30 & 7:30, $75; 10, $125.
LA PALAPA Mexican New Year's Eve fiesta w/prix-fixe & a la carte menu; 77 St. Marks Pl. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-777-2537; call for times, $35.
LE MADELEINE Gala event boasts five-course prix-fixe dinner, champagne toast, live band & dancing; 403 W. 43rd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-246-2993, res. req.; 9, $125.
MAN RAY Celebrate at this New York hot spot, DJ & dancing, tasting menus & bottle of Man Ray champagne; 147 W. 15th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-929-5000, res. req.; First seating: 5:30, $95: Second seating: $150, 9 p.m.-5 a.m.
MORTON'S OF CHICAGO A la carte steak menu until midnight; 551 5th Ave. (45th St.), 212-972-3315, res. req.; Seatings at 5, 7:30 & 10:30.
NINO'S RESTAURANTS Special four-course New Year's Eve menu feat. Nino's signature fra diavolo linguine, open bar, dancing & party favors; 212-988-0002 or 212-355-5540 for two locations; early seating at 5 with a la carte menu, 9 p.m., $135.
NOTARO RESTAURANT Italian Capo d'anno dinner feat. prix-fixe four-course dinner menu; 635 2nd Ave. (betw. 34th & 35th Sts.), 212-686-3400; Seatings at 5, 7 & 9, call for prices.
PICO Four-course dinner, dancing to tunes spun by a DJ, plus obligatory party favors; 349 Greenwich St. (Harrison St.), 212-343-0700; Seatings at 5 & 8, $45-$85.
THE PLAZA HOTEL Hey, if it was good enough for Led Zeppelin...seriously though, if you're having a meal out to celebrate, why not treat yourself to some luxury at one of NY's most picturesque spots w/New Year's Eve dinner in the Oak Room? Also, check out the traditional New Year's Day Brunch Buffet ($100, $55 children); 5th Ave. (Central Park S.), 212-546-5200, res. req.; Seatings at 5:30, 6 & 9 in the Oak Room; Seatings at 7 & 9:30 in the Palm Court, call for prices.
RESTAURANT CHARLOTTE Conveniently located just half a block from Times Square. Indulge in a three-course prix-fixe (w/champagne toast upon arrival) & finish in time to watch the ball drop; Millennium Hotel New York, 145 W. 44th St. (B'way), RSVP 212-768-4400; Seatings at 5 p.m., $80; 9 p.m., $120.
ROTH'S WESTSIDE STEAKHOUSE Seafood-inspired a la carte menu & champagne toast; 680 Columbus Ave. (93rd St.), 212-280-4103, res. req.; seatings at 5 & 10:30.
SAMMY'S Oy veh! This "Roumanian steak house" is one of the oldest & most entertaining dining destinations in the city... New Year's Eve feat. an eight-course meal (prior fasting advised), midnight toast, plenty of kosher, iced vodka & live music (lounge singer on keyboard who encourages audience participation & gives Sammy hats as prizes?it's awesome!); 157 Chrystie St. (Delancey St.), 212-673-0330; 9:15, $79.95.
SAUL Five-course prix-fixe among the echelons of finer cuisine on this funky foodie street? expect to dine along the lines of lobster & Kobe beef, incl. midnight champagne toast & party favors; 140 Smith St. (betw. Bergen & Dean Sts.), Carroll Gardens, 718-935-9844, res. req.; 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m., $75.
THE SCREENING ROOM Restaurant/cinema venue offers four-course prix-fixe dinner & simulcast of Time Square mayhem on a movie screen; 54 Varick St. (Canal St.), 212-334-2100, res. req.; Seatings at 6, $65; 8:30, $85; bar/music only $25.
SOHO GRAND Put on your glitzy dancing shoes & celebrate the coming of 2003 at this hotel lounge/bar. Adm. incl. champagne toast & open bar from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; 310 W. B'way (Grand St.), 212-519-6672; 9 p.m.-4 a.m., $125 incl. dinner, $150 w/table.
SPIRIT CRUISES Dinner harbor cruise around lower Manhattan on the Spirit of New York, incl. three-course dinner, open bar, cabaret show & fireworks; Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, W. 23rd St. (Hudson River), 212-727-2789, 8, $200.
STANHOPE PARK HYATT NEW YORK Cabaret w/Steve Ross, accompanied by a sumptuous four-course dinner, party favors, midnight champagne toast & dancing; 995 5th Ave. (82nd St.), 212-650-4737, res. req.; call for time, $299.
212 A cocktail a day?midnight drawing in which two lucky patrons will win a free daily cocktail FOR LIFE?can't beat that! Plus, three- or four-course French/Italian meal, DJ & party favors; 133 E. 65th St. (Lexington Ave.), 212-249-6565; Seatings at 5:30 & 9:30, $39-$89.
TEDDY's BAR & GRILL "Fight the Power Party," help Williamsburg neighborhood do the right thing, live band, all-night music, bubbly toast at midnight & special menu; 96 Berry St. (N. 8th St.), Williamsburg, 718-384-9787, res. req.; 8, call for price.
TRIBECA GRAND Live telecast of Time Square ball-drop, dancing & midnight "cheers" plus open bar from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; 26th Ave. (White St.), 212-519-6672, res. req.; 9 p.m.-4 a.m.; $125 entry, $150 w/table.
TRIO RESTAURANT & WINE BAR NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA Four-course dinner w/live DJ, early dinner w/a la carte menu from 5-8 p.m.; 167 E. 33rd St. (betw. Lexington & 3rd Aves.), 212-685-1001; 9 p.m.-2 a.m., $85.
Comedy & Performance
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATRE offers up a trib. to Dizzy Gillespie, The Winter in Lisbon, dance medley Serving Nia & masterpiece Revelations?ballet meets hiphop & traditional African dance; 130 W. 55th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-581-1212, 8, $25- $90.
BROOKLYN BRIDGE WALK Guided walk makes sure you see the fireworks from every angle?Staten Island, Brooklyn, Central Park & New Jersey (is that possible?); Dr. Phil's New York Talks & Walks, meet outside Blimpies, 38 Park Row (betw. Spruce & Beckman Sts.), 11, $25.
CAROLINES Standup feat. Patrice O'Neal, Rich Vos, Russ Meneve, Mitch Fatel, & Mike Birbiglia; 1626 B'way (betw. 49th & 50th Sts.), 212-757-4100; early show at 8, $42 & 2 drink min.; late show at 10:30, $82 & 2 drink min. w/live Times Square broadcast?plus DJ & dancing after midnight.
DANGERFIELD'S Long-running comedy club feat. stand-up by Jim Norton, Al Ducharme, Greg Rogell, Billy Burr, Steve Byrne, & Nancy Redman, champagne at 12, noisemakers & two drinks of your choice; 1118 1st Ave. (betw. 61st & 62nd Sts.), RSVP 212-593-1650; 8 & 10:30, $15-$65.
CHAKRASAMBARA BUDDHIST CENTER is holding guided meditations on compassion, resolutions & prayers for world peace?namaste?, etc.; 322 8th Ave. (betw. 8th & 7th Aves.), 212-924-6706; 9, $5 don.
COMEDY CELLAR hosts great lineup incl. Keith Robinson, Mitch Fatel, Kevin Brennan, Robert Kelly, Jim Norton & others, plus countdown & midnight toast; 117 MacDougal St. (W. 3rd St.), 212-254-3480, res. req.; sets at 8 & 10:30, call for price.
COMIC STRIP LIVE Two shows. All-star lineup incl. Karen Bergreen, William Stevenson & Tom Van Horn (7:30, $50 w/unlimited open bar & munchies); Modi, Tony Rock, Mike Britt & more (10:45, $75 w/midnight toast, unlimited open bar & munchies, favors & live Times Square broadcast); 1568 2nd Ave (betw. 81st & 82nd Sts.), 212-861-9386, res. req.
GOTHAM COMEDY CLUB Two shows w/great headliners; 34 W. 22nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-367-9000, res. req.; Early show at 8, $25 & 2 drink min.; Late show at 10:30, $109 w/open bar, snacks, party favors & toast.
JOE FRANKLIN'S MEMORY LANE Join Joe for a live New Year's Eve broadcast while you dine a la carte or prix-fixe, and you don't have to get dressed up?it's for the radio; 713 8th Ave. (45th St.), 212-977-0025, call for time & prices.
JUDY'S CHELSEA Lounge-O-Leers pop band kick things off around 10 p.m.. Also featured is a la carte dinner, wine, bubbly & favors; 169 8th Ave. (betw. 19th & 20th Sts.), 212-929-5410; 4 p.m.-8 a.m., two drink minimum, no cover.
NEW YORK COMEDY CLUB Great lineup of comedians promises to bring in the new year in high spirits; 241 E. 24th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-696-5233; shows at 8 & 10 p.m., call for price & res.
PARTY ride Riders & skateboarders invited to join Time's Up for annual ride to Central Park's Belvedere Castle to oh & ah at the fireworks; 212-802-8222; meet on north side of Union Sq. Park (17th St.), 10:45, free.