New Year's Eve Guide 2005

Tonight is a night to celebrate the past year, and what's not to celebrate? Not only did we open our arms to our neighbors in need, but we also opened our arms to the nation to host our first World Series. This is one year the Bayou City will never forget.

In celebration, take your pick of parties. We have everything from an upscale, quiet evening to a downright dirty one. Let's raise our glasses together in gracious Houston style while we party the night away. Cheers!

BARS & RESTAURANTS

713 Restaurant and Lounge, 10001 Westheimer, suite 1040, 832-969-2082, www.houstonpwn.org

Le Femme Masquerade Soiree will be hosted at the Houston&'s newest host spot, 713 Restaurant and Lounge. Owner Peter Nguyen has graciously extended himself and his staff for the event, going as far as providing a food-tasting for the members of the organization, and assisting in the selection all hors d'oeuvres for the event. Black-tie affair with mask optional. Prices range from $35 to $200.

Arcodoro, 5000 Westheimer at Post Oak, 713-621-6858, www.arcodoro.com

Join Arcodoro in celebrating its tenth New Year's Eve in Houston! There will be early seating from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. if you plan to celebrate later somewhere else, and later seating from 9 p.m. to midnight for those who want to party with them. The á la carte menu will incorporate chef de cuisine Giancarlo Ferrara's favorite dishes of 2005 with highlights of what is to come in 2006. There will be a live DJ spinning sounds from Europe and Latin America. Party favors will be provided, and you can preorder your midnight toast. Reservations are highly recommended.

Armadillo Palace, 5015 Kirby, 713-526-9700, www.thearmadillopalace.com

Live music with Jesse Dayton from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Champagne toast at midnight and Goode Co. Taqueria breakfast tacos served from 12:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. All included in the $10 cover. No presale.

Belvedere, 1131-01 Uptown Park Blvd., 713-426-5840

Jaysen Clark, Lee Ellis and Carl Eaves are proud to bring you New Year's Eve in Black and White, featuring Blake Davidson. Attire is black and white. Call for table reservations.

Byzantio, 403 W. Gray, 713-520-OUZO (6896)

Byzantio is offering the best package deal around, with a four-hour premium free-flowing bar 10 p.m.–2 a.m., hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast and party favors. Full menu available at regular price. $75 per guest. Reservations recommended.

Café Le Jadeite, 1952 W. Gray, 713-528-4288

Preset four-course dinner includes crab cake, rib eye rolls, asparagus lobster soup, Jadeite green salad, grilled Chilean sea bass or filet mignon with brandy peppercorn sauce and mango crème brûlée or double chocolate tower. $60 per person. Reservations highly recommended. Call for more information.

Clarks, 314 Main, 713-237-8220, www.clarksrecording.com

This New Year's Eve party will be complete with favors, a champagne toast and the improvisational funk that is Little Brother Project. SkyBlue72 kicks the night off by playing at 10 p.m. Tickets are available in advance for $15 by contacting Tyson Stargel, tyson@littlebrotherproject.com. Cover at the door the day of will be $25.

Continental Club, 3700 Main, 713-529-9899, www.continentalclub.com

No cover, Allen Oldies Band. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Cosmos Café, 69 Heights Blvd., 713-802-2144

New Year's Eve Bash with the Swing Kings and Legendary Herb Remington, formerly of the Texas Playboys and a Texas music hall-of-famer. $10 cover charge or $35 for a sit-down dinner, which includes cover.

Dan Electro's, 1031 E. 24th St., 713-862-8707

A rockin' night with Carolyn Wonderland. Reservations recommended. Advance tickets available only at Dan Electro's.

Deco, 510 Gray, 713-659-4900

Get spoiled New Year's Eve at Deco. Enjoy champagne, strawberries, martinis, party favors and a New York City broadcast while enjoying the sounds of DJ Generic. VIP tables, valet parking and bottle service available. All-inclusive package $85 per person or $150 per couple.

Dog House Tavern, 2517 Bagby, 713-520-1118

Don't want to get dressed up or pay a cover? Join Dog House Tavern on New Year's Eve for $1 pints. It's Robert's last day, so come one, come all!

The Downtown Grand Room, 1521 Austin

This is a tribute to Studio 54. DJ Alex C. spinning '70s disco in the main room and a "Prince 1999" theme in the second room. New Year's Eve events include champagne toast at midnight, state-of-the-art sound system, elegant buffet from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., party favors and noisemakers. Plus, watch the ball drop on two big screens. The Four Seasons Hotel Downtown Houston has joined in and will be giving all of Elite Entertainment New Year's Eve guests discount prices on all room rental prices. 21 and up welcome. Presale general admission: $90 per couple and $165 reserved tables. $75 general admission at door (after 12:30 a.m., general admission $25).

Eb5 International Art Gallery, 22557 Aldine-Westfield, suite H, Spring, 832-483-8788, www.houstonpoets.com/eb5

Houston Poets.com New Year's Eve Poetic Bash, featuring SCEF of HoustonPoets.com, James Jones, Nef Jones, E-Dub, Shai, Vocab, Joe Lee McCoy and other invited guests. 9 p.m. Complimentary champagne at midnight. $10.

El Centro, 416 Main, 713-225-1200, www.elcentro.cc

They'll be cooking up some fun on New Year's Eve with a special prix fixe dinner for two including a champagne toast. Call for reservations.