parties

Skip the hoards of tourists and families trying to stake out a spot for fireworks along the Embarcadero and opt to ring in the new year at one of this year’s hip events instead. From all-out dance party to mellow beer pairing dinner, here’s our list of Top 10 NYE to-dos.

A Hip Hop Happening Affair

Filmmaker George Lucas and Tosca Cafe owner Jeannette Etheredge

Photos by Catherine Bigelow

Tosca Cafe, the most jaunty of the city’s gin joints, is also well-known as a destination for the celebrity set.

But last night in North Beach when Jeannette Etheredge celebrated the 90th anniversary of her beloved bar, the place was jammed with that most local of breed: San Franciscans.

Generations, in fact, gathered to raise a glass to this historic watering hole -- from cops, politicians, artists, ribald raconteurs to ballet dancers, theater folks, ink-stained wretches and the jet set.

Director Jerry Bruckheimer and his wife, National Trust Trustee Linda Bruckheimer at the Old Mint

Photos by Catherine Bigelow

Last month at the Old Mint on Fifth and Mission streets, guests gathered in support this 1870’s-era building and its historic marble halls.

Billed as, Sip Some Wine & Walk Through Time the reception was also a benefit for the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

A Depression-inspired cocktail party both provides and lifts spirits.

Mariah Gardner, The Bold Italic

We've already praised the smart, detailed writing of the Bold Italic, Gannett's new Web magazine, which aims to show SF from new perspectives through lengthy travelogues and hands-on experiences. But it turns out that the Bold Italites are as good at partying as they are at writing: they're throwing their first shindig tonight, a Great Depression-inspired look back at the recession glamour of 1939. A very reasonable $30 gets you two hours of access to cocktails from Distillery No.