Unlike other holidays, virtually every restaurant is open for New Year’s Eve. And also unlike other holidays, many exclusively serve pricey prix-fixe menus. For those of us who want to go out, but not splurge for a multi-course meal—or do it up on our own accord—check out these great restaurants.
1833 14th St., NW
At Bar Pilar, you can order off the regular menu, or try one of executive chef Jesse Miller’s festive additions like marrow- poached lobster tail. Also look for a special cocktail menu, house-made fortune cookies, a complimentary Champagne toast, and a DJ–all with no cover charge.
1926 14th St., NW
The regular à la carte menu will be available at Michael Schlow’s 14th Street eatery, along with two special dishes added for the occasion: bone marrow with watermelon radishes, sherry-onion jam, and toasted bread, or Rappahannock oysters with preserved meyer lemons and herb oil.
777 I St., NW
Going out in the downtown/Penn Quarter area? Then Del Campo will be in the heart of your New Year’s festivities. In addition to a prix-frixe asado tasting menu, the restaurant offers regular dinner options, complete with ceviches, seared Iberico pork loin, and other South American flavors.
974 Palmer Alley, NW (CityCenterDC)
Chef Amy Brandwein’s osteria will be open for the final dinner of 2015, with a selection of dishes like jumbo lump crab with salmon caviar, or balsamic0glazed duck. Sparkling wine flights are also available for $45.
108 Rhode Island Ave., NW
Bloomingdale’s Mexican cantina serves tacos, tamales, and all the usual à la carte choices, plus a few extras from chef Adrian Salazar. A DJ plays late-night tunes to help you dance your way into 2016.
1330 U St., NW
This U Street gastropub hosts a “no-fuss, no-cover laid back New Year’s Eve” with the regular dinner menu, plus retro specials from chef Nathan Beauchamp like lobster, prime rib and baked Alaska. Cheers with a Champagne toast at midnight.
5120 MacArthur Blvd., NW
At this Belgian-French bistro in the Palisades neighborhood, you can expect a few holiday dishes plus an à la carte dinner menu from chef/owner Claudio Pirollo. Pair it with a Billecart Salmon Brut Reserve ($125 a bottle) or a Moscato D’Asti ($24 for half a bottle).
2201 14th St., NW; 4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
At chef Mike Isabella’s Greek-Mediterranean restaurants, you can go all out from the regular menu with a whole lamb shoulder (DC) or shellfish plateau (VA), or share a few small plates with friends. Either way the restaurants serve complimentary prosecco at midnight.
931 H St., NW
Chef Daniel Boulud’s CityCenterDC restaurant invites guests to savor the last moments of 2015 with classic French dishes, specialty sausages, and a few holiday extras.
1117 V St., NW
In addition to their regular stellar dishes, Izakaya Seki will serve osechi boxes with their NYE dinner. A Japanese tradition, the lacquered boxes are filled with dishes typically only eaten at New Years.
4220-A Annandale Rd., Annandale
We’d be happy to ring in the New Year with delicious Korean barbecue. Lucky enough, Koyiga will be open on New Year’s Eve, and serving its regular feast of meats grilled at your table.
1520 14th St., NW; 1800 14th St., NW
The 14th street corridor is a happening place for New Year’s Eve, but you can still go à la carte casual at sister restaurants Estadio (Spanish) and Doi Moi (Southeast Asian). Expect great cocktails, an upbeat atmosphere, and creative cooking at both.
633 Pennsylvania Ave., SE; 1624 Q St., NW; 1026 King St., Alexandria
Ring in the New Year with delicious lobster rolls, fresh-shucked oysters, and a bounty of fried seafood at this trio of New England-style seafood spots. Stick around for a free glass of bubbly at midnight.
301 Water St., SE; 202-484-0660
Head to the Capitol Riverfront for great, no-fuss Italian on New Year’s Eve. Chef Matt Adler adds two specials to the regular menu for those looking to do it up: lobster ravioli with caviar, and a 24-ounce dry-aged Creekstone Farm ribeye with bone marrow sugo.
