NYC New Year's Eve Ideas for 2010 at Reasonable Costs

You're not going to find a party in Manhattan at early bird special prices or for $50 or less, but there are a bunch of options for reasonable NYE prices for what the venue is offering.

Unique Ideas

La Pomme. Both economical and unique, the Flatiron district venue has above average ratings and a very interesting theme. The 26^th Street joint is blanketing the entire floor in 300+ pounds of artificial snow. If this doesn't entice you, they will also have a "scent machine" with smells of pine needles and candy canes being sent into the club. There is a five and a half hour open bar between 8:30 pm and 2:00 am for a mere $89. The event is 21+ and if you want to drop a couple more bucks for only $169 per person you can get a VIP ticket which includes bottle service, priority admission (no or shorter lines), and a private table. Parties of 4-6 will get 1 bottle of grey goose and one bottle of champagne for a VIP seating. The DJ plays Top 40, hip-hop, pop, dance, and 80's music.

Bourbon Street Bar + Grille. Okay, it may be touristy and cheesy but if you can't actually get to Bourbon Street drinking hand grenades and hurricanes at this faux New Orleans bar is the next best thing. The Hell's kitchen bar is located on 46^th street between 8^th and 9^th Ave and is offering a decent party on New Years Eve for $125 general admission. The 21+ event includes open bar from 8pm-4am (6 hours), a champagne toast, and passed hors d'oeuvres. For a bit more at $155 you get all that plus VIP balcony access or seated VIP for $225. The bar holds 360 people and will be open until 8 am on New Years.

Posh Ideas

One Little West 12. Located in the trendy meatpacking district, and owned by the same people of STK, this 21+ lounge offers a decent deal at $100 for a general admission pass for five hours of open bar between 9pm and 2 am. Passed hors d'œuvres will be served between 9:30 and 12 am including finger foods like tomato and mozzarella bruschetta and spicy chicken dumplings. There is a champagne toast at midnight, a live DJ and you can upgrade at a VIP table ticket for only $165.

Prince George Ballroom. The name alone sounds posh, but it is difficult to determine if this enormous club will be a hit or miss. At $85 for general admission, which includes 5 and a half hour of open bar, it is mentioning. Open bar is available between 9 pm and 2:30 am and hors d'œuvre will also be served until 11 pm. Located inn Madison Square North's district, the club has a 4,800 sq foot "party room" ad a 3,000 sq foot gallery. For $135 you can upgrade to a seated VIP ticket which includes reserved banquet seating or to $155 for an ultra VIP ticket. (They even offer another tier at $175 which gets out your of waiting on any admission lines). With these prices and the enormity of the club, it is likely to be extremely crowded, so the upgrade may be worth the money.

Roam. Reviewed by GQ, the 19^th street flatiron lounge is designed with Kurt Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions in mind. For $90 general admission you get a 5 hour open bar, or for $150 you may have VIP priority admission, and table service which includes 2 bottles of grey goose and 1 bottle of Veuve Cliquot yellow label, which nearly justifies the cost.

Wild Card

Villa Between the reviews and the description, this Murray Hill lounge appears to sound like a diverse/urban scene, but having never been there one can only assume. For a paltry $75 you get a three hour open bar between 10 pm and 1 am and the club capacity is 250+. Music played includes hip-hip, salsa, reggae, and old school and the age range is 25+. If you are looking for something a little for VIP there are two ticket tiers you may upgrade to. For $125 you can get a VIP ticket and avoid waiting in lines at the entrance including secure a private table. For $200 you can get a VIP silver ticket which includes seating and bottle service. The dress code states: no sneakers, work boots, baseball caps, doo-rags, t-shirts, or jerseys.

Tickets and more information for these events, and more can be found at http://www.newyears.com/