Though some will opt for ringing in the New Year quietly from the comfort of their own homes, New Year's Eve is a time when many celebrate (or mourn) what has transpired over the past 365 days and revel in anticipation of what's to come. For those looking to welcome 2020 with a night out on the town at some of Chicago's finest restaurants, here's a variety of options for you to choose from.
Ina Mae Tavern
Party like it's 1999 at this Bib Gourmand-designated restaurant. Chef Brian Jupiter is throwing a 90s-themed New Year's Eve party to ring in the new decade featuring a DJ, 90s-themed cocktails and a Champagne toast at midnight. There's no cover and the even runs from 9:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. And to keep the party going, they're serving brunch on New Year's Day complete with $20 bottomless mimosas and live music from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.El Che
"This love letter to Argentine cooking arrives courtesy of Chef John Manion," per inspectors, is hosting two seatings for a chef's counter 10-course tasting menu for $140 per person to ring in the New Year. The menu will feature a selection of the chef's favorite dishes. The restaurant is also serving a three-course feast for $100 per person at it's hearth table. Both options include a toast with bubbles at midnight. And for not wanting to partake in one of the prix-fixe meals, the restaurant is accepting regular diner reservations as well.
Stone bass with shrimp and sauce nantu. (Photo courtesy of Sepia.)
Sepia
"Muted tones in the exposed brick walls and custom tile floors complement newer elements like floor-to-ceiling wine storage and dramatic smoke-shaded chandeliers that drip with crystals," per inspectors certainly sounds like an elegant way to celebrate the occasion. If so, head to one-MICHELIN-starred Sepia for the "Dinner of the Decade." Chef Andrew Zimmerman is serving four courses at the first seating ($90 per person with $65 optional wine pairing) and six courses at the second ($130 per person with $95 optional wine pairing). Dishes include smoked sablefish with watercress, crème fraîche, and caviar; bone marrow dumpling with braised oxtail and consommé, and stone bass with shrimp and sauce nantu.Bar Biscay
"The West Town neighborhood’s oasis of joy is ending 2019 with a New Year’s Eve five-course menu celebrating the Basque region and southern France," the restaurant shared. The $75 menu includes offerings like French onion gougères, salmon tartare, cauliflower gratin, short rib Bourguignon and fried Camembert. An optional wine pairing is available for $25 per guest.Band of Bohemia
The world's first MICHELIN-starred brewpub is the perfect spot for both beer and vegetable lovers to celebrate the end of a decade. The restaurant's New Year's Eve tasting menu highlights the best of the season for $65 per person with an optional $20 supplement for animal protein. Dishes include winter squash with persimmon, popcorn, and dark chocolate (with duck prosciutto); bok choy with shiitake mushroom, rice cracker and chive oil (with wagyu beef); and salt-cured carrot with miso caramel, cashew, coconut and beluga lentils. A beer pairing is available for $20 and a wine pairing for $45.
