Believe it or not, 2014 is quickly coming to a close. So, we rounded up the top 50(!) events around the Bay Area to ensure you kick off 2015 in style.
SAN FRANCISCO
Party favors, midnight balloon drop, confetti launch, and live DJ sets are what you can expect from the W San Francisco. Don your favorite sparkly cocktail attire and get there early to take full advantage of the four hours of open bar. 9:00pm-2:00am, $140-$3,000, 181 3rd Street. Get tickets here.
The sixth annual Streets Of San Francisco—recognized by Vice and Rolling Stone as the "Best Event in SF"—will include performances by Chromeo and Kill Paris, dancing (duh), and a premium open bar. 9:00pm-2:00am, $160-$225, 2 Marina Blvd. Get tickets here.
The third annual “Brava’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Fiesta” is the Mission's number one New Year’s Eve destination for stand-up comedy lovers, dancing fools, and progressive party animals. Featuring Verguenza Marga Gomez, Diane Amosand ,and the hilarious Betsy Salkind, the show will be followed by "Brava's Countdown Dance Party" and a no-host bar with snacks, party hats, and free midnight champagne. 9:00pm-1:00am $35/ $50 VIP, 2781 24th Street. Get tickets here.
Head to Abbot's Cellar on New Year's Eve for your choice between a 3 or 5 course tasting menu with beer pairings. Choosing between their venison or dry boat scallops may be the hardest decision you make in 2014, but take comfort in the gingerbread dessert waiting for you at the end. 5:30pm- 12:00am, $65-115 per person, 742 Valencia Street. Make reservations here.
NYE revelers are invited to join the “New Year’s Eve by the Bay” spectacular, complete with live entertainment and a great view of the Bay Bridge fireworks. The Japanese-rooted restaurant hosts two seatings on December 31, during which guests can toast to the new year with Franco-Japanese creations. 5:30pm-10pm, $85-$185, 132 The Embarcadero. Call for reservations: 415-777-8688
Celebrate the New Year with champagne and caviar at one of San Francisco's hottest clubs. Theres no cover for general admission so you can save your cash for the bar, or, splurge on the VIP treatment. 7:30pm- 1:00am, VIP $120, 12 Fourth Street. Get tickets here.
Skip the cocktail party small talk and celebrate the New Year with the naughty puppets and delightful songs of the one and only Avenue Q. Your life definitely won't suck when you kick off 2015 with this Triple Crown Tony Award-winning musical and laugh along with the puppets searching for the purpose in life. Ticket includes champagne toast with cast post-show. 7:30pm, $50, 25 Van Ness Ave. Get tickets here.
Lusk's lounge—decorated in the spirit of the New Year—will offer party favors and an upbeat modern soundtrack to accompany the four or five course tasting menus. Main course choices include a roasted 38 North Duck with confit croquette, ginger apple coulis, and a red currant reduction. 5:00pm-1:30am, $110.00-$135.00, 25 Lusk Street. Call for reservations: 415-495-5875.
One of San Francisco's hidden gems is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a special menu created by new Executive Chef Jason Tuley. The restaurant and bar promises exceptional food and playful cocktails, in addition to one of the largest sherry lists SF has to offer. Be sure to save room for dessert—their Persimmon Olive Oil Cake is exactly how you want to kick off 2015. Vegetarian options are available for any omnivores in the group. $75-$95, 5:30pm-10:00pm, 6 Claude Lane. Make reservations here.
Men in Suits, Women in Dresses
This New Year's Eve, settle for nothing less than exquisite, and experience the 8th annual Men in Suits Women in Dresses New Years Eve Affair inside the elegant Terra Gallery. Conveniently located in SoMa, there are several BART stops within walking distance for those of you without a designated driver. 9:00pm-2:00am, $40-$1,200, 511 Harrison Street. Get tickets here.
In addition to serving their regular a la carte breakfast, lunch, dinner and lounge menus, Urban Tavern is hosting a special dinner from 6:30 to 10:30pm featuring a six-course prix fixe menu. Diners still feasting at midnight will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. A children's menu for $25 is also available for those celebrating with a family outing. 6:00am-2:00am, $24.99- $99.95, 333 O'Farrell Street. Make reservations here.
Vessel welcomes back Australian house phenom, Hook N Sling for your New Year's celebration. Lauded as one of the most talented artists to ever perform on the Vessel stage, the venue found it fitting to bring him back on the biggest night of the year. 9:00pm-2:00am, $25 - $50, 85 Campton Place. Get tickets here.
Julia Morgan Ballroom Grand Gala
Prepare to walk the red carpet and ascend one of San Francisco's most lavish New Year's celebrations. The historic Julia Morgan Ballroom, on the 14th floor of the Merchant Exchange building, boasts incredible views of the city's skyline—prime real estate for firework sightings. 9:00pm-2:00am, $40-$700, 465 California Street. Get tickets here.
Claiming to be the largest upscale NYE party in SF for the last 9 years, Passport to the world boasts 30,000-plus square feet of live bands, DJs, open bars, stilt walkers, and live art. Though pricier than other alternatives, The Westin Saint Frances and Passport To The World promise a night of lavish debauchery you wont be able to find anywhere else. 9:00pm-2:00am, $120-$900, 335 Powell Street. Get tickets here.
Bar Agricole's new chef, Melissa Reitz, has earned praise for her deceptively simplistic cooking. Dinner is family style, so round up your nearest and dearest to partake in the festivities. Entertainment will include a photo booth and live music from a gypsy jazz guitar trio starting at 7pm. 6:00pm-10:45pm, $120, 355 11th Street. Make reservations here.
The evening includes an all-you-can-eat-and-drink menu of the gastropub's extensive draft beer selection, as well as abundant passed plates and platters of gourmet fare. When the countdown hits zero, toast the New Year with a glass of Malheur Brut, a special sparkling beer befitting the Monk's Kettle's status as a revered brew haven. Starts at 8:00pm, $175, 3141 16th Street. Get tickets here.
San Francisco's homegrown North Beach Brass Band is playing early New Orleans jazz, classic show tunes, and electrified instrumental funk that morphs into a classic Motown soul band. The night is a steal with all food, drink, and entertainment included in the ticket fee. Doors open 8:00pm, show starts 9:00pm, $150, 124 Columbus Ave. Get tickets here.
The Parisian-inspired eatery has created a 4-course menu including brandy scented poached lobster, traditional holiday white sausage with shaved black truffle, and other decadent dishes. For dessert, we recommend you go with the cocoa “puffs”. 6:30pm-12:00am, $75-$95, 185 Sutter Street. Make reservations here.
Piperade Restaurant will be serving their regular lunch and dinner menu plus, in the evening, guests will receive complimentary party favors and a glass of sparkling wine amidst festive holiday decor. 11:30am-10:00pm, $31-$60 per entree, 1015 Battery Street. Make reservations here.
For your New Year's Eve celebrations, Bobo's Lounge will be serving their signature menu, plus fresh Alba tartufo truffle shavings as an optional extra to any steak and, beginning at 11:30pm, complimentary party favors and a glass of bubbly. 5:00pm- 1:00am, $31-$60 per entree, 1434 Lombard Street. Make reservations here.
The decadent seafood fare fused with aquatic décor is the ideal opportunity to employ the age old sequin trend for the Farallon's under the sea, six-course tasting menus from Ryan Simas. 5:00pm-12:00am, $120- $155, 450 Post Street. Call for reservations: 415-956-6969.
The Warwick is doing NYE the right way with 12 newly renovated guest rooms, celebratory welcome amenities, and exclusive access to The European’s swanky lounge, complete with bubbles and bites. If there was ever a day to sleep in, New Year’s Day is it; thus late check-out is absolutely guaranteed. Checkout 2:00pm, $10,000, 490 Geary Street. Call for reservations: 415-345-2310.
The swanky lounge will be decorated with champagne and treats to get the night’s festivities started in style. While you're there, be sure to try the lounges' Campari based, namesake cocktail. 5:00pm-12:00am, $11-$30 menu options, 490 Geary Street.
The famed hotel is celebrating its 100th anniversary at the turn of midnight with a red carpet event (black tie optional). Come garbed in your early 1900s finest: the four areas of festivities include a special musical performance by a Billie Holiday tribute and a silent film showcase. Guests are also invited to enjoy a champagne reception with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a glass of bubbles from 8-9pm. 8:00pm-2:00am, $60-$200, 495 Geary Street. Get tickets here.
Reggae, salsa, hip hop, and merengue lovers look no further. Pura nightclub is throwing a Latin style NYE celebration and invites you to join them in their three-level, five-bar, dance party featuring some of the area's best DJs and performers. 9:00pm-4:00am, $50-$1,300, 1015 Folsom Street. Get tickets here.
Luce at the InterContinental San Francisco
Ring in the New Year with dinner prepared by a Michelin-star chef and live entertainment from jazz group The Steve Carter Trio kicking off at 8:30pm at the InterContinental San Francisco. 6:30pm–12:30am, $125-$195, 888 Howard Street. Call for reservations: 415-616-6566.
Nob Hill Club at InterContinental Mark Hopkins
Raise a glass to the New Year at the Nob Hill Club at Intercontinental Mark Hopkins. Guests are invited to enjoy a sophisticated evening full of California wines and bites prepared by Chef Nenad Stefanovic. Stick around for the Valrhona Chocolate with whiskey and sea salted caramel and praline. 7:30pm-1:30am, $79-$109, 999 California Street. Call for reservations: 415-392-3434.
Join Crossroads, Vintage415, and friends for a return of their annual NYE gala "No Resolutions" at the Hotel Vitale and Americano Bar. Front row seats to the fireworks and expansive views of the bay, dancing under the stars on the outdoor patio of the Americano bar, and a rooftop bar in the VIP section, are just a few lavish amenities the event has to offer. Keep it classy and don your favorite suit, ball gown, tux, or cocktail dress and be prepared to dance. 8:00pm-2:00am, $70-$1,200, 8 Mission Street. Get tickets here.
Enjoy sweet and savory holiday menus, cocktails, and dancing at one of SF's oldest speakeasies. Music will be provided by DJ Risk and you can cheers at midnight under a shower of shimmering confetti. Remember, if you're planning on riding the slide which the club gets its name from, opt for pants instead of a dress or security won't let you on. 9:00pm-2:00am, $35-$55, 430 Mason Street. Get tickets here.
On December 31, chef Accarrino will prepare a nine-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings from Wine Director Shelley Lindgren. 5:30pm- 12:00am, $160+, 1911 Fillmore Street. Make reservations here.
Revel in the Havana Nights themed evening, an homage to PalmHouse's island influences. Guests can enjoy two options: an early seating with a three-course menu or a late night all-out bash including the three-course menu and access to the after party. 10:00pm-2:00am, $95-$145, 2032 Union Street. Make reservations here.
Conveniently located in Union Square, E&O Kitchen and Bar is an ideal place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Groups can enjoy E&O's la carte meal full of bold Asian flavors without the hassle or expense of a pre-fixe menu. 4:00pm-10:00pm, entrees $11-$30, 314 Sutter Street. Make reservations here.
Dosa's NYE event promises to take diners on a trip from "Goa to Pondicherry," a.k.a. from Portuguese to French. The complex menu is ideal for vegetarians with a sense of adventure when it comes to their meals. 5:30pm-12:00am, $95, 1700 Fillmore Street. Make reservations here.
Executive Chef-Owner, Robert Sundell, has created a 5-course New Year’s Eve menu including special extra bites such as fresh oysters and a caviar and roe tasting from Scandinavia. 5:00pm-10:15pm, $110+, 333 Fulton Street. Call for reservations: 415-294-8925.
On New Year's Eve La Mar will be serving the regular a la carte menu plus holiday specials. Tap along to the DJ playing in the bar and lounge beginning at 9:00pm and enjoy the ideal location to view the celebratory fireworks while enjoying a complimentary glass of sparkling wine at midnight. 5:30pm-12:00am, $31-$60 per entree, Pier 1 ½, The Embarcadero. Make reservations here.
EAST BAY
This New Year’s Eve, Skills is proud to present another colorful countdown experience at Oakland’s Oracle Arena. Expect the long awaited 360 degree, full color laser show, Budweiser and Stella lounges, and several outdoor areas for when you need a break from the dance floor. 6:00pm-2:00am, $50-$180, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. Get tickets here.
From the man behind the Stevie Wonder “Wonder-Full” parties and Prince vs Michael nights at Mezzanine, OAKNYE will be hosting a celebration at Parliament in downtown Oakland. Debuted one year ago on New Year’s Eve, the intimate bar is stocked and offers a premium bottle service program. If you're making the most of it, you'll secure one of their banquettes for an easy evening of people watching, your favorite cocktails, and maybe a new friend or two. 8:00pm-1:45am, $20-$50, 811 Washington St, Oakland. Get tickets here.
The Winemakers Studio at Wente Vineyards
What's better than a nice bottle of wine? One that you can Instagram while making yourself. This year, celebrate the holidays by gathering your friends and family and becoming winemakers for a day (You even get to bottle it, label it and take it home). $125, 5565 Tesla Rd., Livermore. Call for reservations: 925.456.2385
Gather Restaurant in Berkeley will be serving a twist on their regular menu with ocean-inspired specials including local black cod with broccoli di ciccio. The bar will be crafting unique cocktails specifically for the evening and will also be open for lunch. 5:00-10:00 PM, $11-$30 entrees, 2200 Oxford Street, Berkeley. Make reservations here.
Desco in Old Oakland will be open for dinner serving their regular a la carte menu plus a four-course prix fixe. Highlights include the merengue and dark chocolate mousse with winter fruit salad, tossed in orange liquor. The restaurant's regular lunch menu will also be available earlier in the day. 5:00pm- 11:00pm, $54.00+, 499 9th Street, Oakland. Make reservations here
For the younger crowd, this all-ages music festival provides some New Year's excitement for those not yet able to partake in cocktail events. The event will feature electro, dubstep, and trance artists from around the Bay, as well as a balloon and confetti drop at midnight. For those attending over 21, there is also a private bar area to clink glasses away from the kiddies. 8:00pm-2:00am, $20, 420 14th Street, Oakland. Get tickets here
Ring in 2015 at Oakland's newest gaming and dining destination – plank. Their New Year's Eve party package promises a night of entertainment with live music, a $20 game card, prizes, and a balloon drop with champagne toast at midnight. 8:00pm-1:00am, $60 per person $110 per couple, 98 Broadway, Oakland. Make reservations here.
Hopscotch is worth the drive across the Bay Bridge to celebrate 2015. Start with an osechi-themed amuse and choose any four dishes off the menu. Executive Chef-Owner, Kyle Itani, has created a delicious menu with choices including the oyster plate with four Shigoku oysters. 5:00pm- 11:00pm, $75-$120,1915 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Make reservations here.
District in Oakland will be serving a five-course prix fixe menu and a limited a la carte menu for walk-in guests. At 10:00pm, the countdown party begins ($20.00 cover charge/prix fixe menu dinner guests and those arriving before 10:00pm admitted at no charge) with entertainment by DJ Malachi. 5:00pm to 2:00am, $85, 827 Washington St., Oakland. Make reservations here
Ajanta Restaurant in Berkeley will be open for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm and for dinner from 5:30 to 9:00pm serving their standard menus plus a $28.50 Chef’s Tasting Menu for dinner with three appetizers, four main dishes and sides of rice, naan bread, chutneys, and pickles. Vegetarians also welcome with a special tasting menu at $25.50. 11:00am-9:00pm, $25+, 1888 Solano Ave., Berkeley. Make reservations here.
NORTH BAY
What better way to say farewell to 2014 than with a mariachi performance, enchiladas galore, and a decadent Oaxacan chocolate milkshake? Make the trip up to the modern Mexican restaurant and tequila bar located in the heart of downtown Sausalito and stick around for their hangover brunch the next day. 5:00pm-10:00pm, $65, a la carte optional, 739 Bridgeway, Sausalito. Make reservations here
Ring in the New Year at Etoile in Wine Country. Decadently dine on a five course Chef's Tasting Menu before dancing the night away to a live band. The evening includes a formal portrait, party favors, and a midnight toast. 7:00pm-1:00am, $300, 1 California Dr., Yountville. Get tickets here
The night will include sweet bites, music, dancing, a champagne toast at midnight, and a cash bar for libations. A VIP/Bubble Lounge is available, which includes access to the Bubble Lounge and bottle service, lounge style seating, and small bites. 6:00pm- 1:00am, $145, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa. Get tickets here
Prepare to be greeted with a champagne and hors d'ouevres reception followed by a sumptuous five course La Toque Dinner. After dinner, join the other guests at the Red Tie Affair party at BANK Cafe and Bar inside the Westin Verasa Napa for DJ dancing until 1am. 7:00pm-1:00am, $40-$274, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa. Get tickets here.
Brannan Cottage Inn – Calistoga – Winter in the Wineries
Brannan Cottage Inn's “Winter in the Wineries” is an appropriately festive excuse to indulge in either a mud or mineral bath for two at Baths at Roman Spa and enjoy relaxed wine tasting—a laid back way to take in 2015. Through February 9th, $50+, 109 Wappo Ave., Calistoga. Make reservations here
