Gay List Daily’s New Year’s Eve 2008 recommendations

by Staff of of Gay List Daily

Little did you know, Monday is one of the most wonderful holidays of the entire year. Yes, it’s National Pumpkin Pie Day (seriously).

So to celebrate all things made of custard and crust, we’ve got a few thoughts on places to go the final day of the year because we know you’ve already got plans for National Fruitcake Day (you can write your own joke for that one). Oh, and National Bicarbonate of Soda Day if you’re feelin’ extra gassy.

But we know all you really care about is New Year’s Eve so you can blow a horn while wearing a silly hat. So here are some top picks for hotel packages, elegant dinners and places to party.

In Living Color: Black & White New Year’s Celebration at NYLO

Wednesday, December 31, 7:00 p.m.

We love NYLO, mainly because for those of us in Dallas it gives us a really affordable excuse for a road trip to Plano. But for New Year’s Eve, we really like it because we don’t have to drive home after breaking out our champagne bong. This year, they’ve got a great deal on a full package for ringing out ‘08 and welcoming ’09 in style. For two people, you’ll get a loft-style room, admission to the private party, dinner buffet, alcoholic beverages, champagne toast at midnight, full breakfast the next day and even late check-out. Now we don’t know about you, but we can get our money’s worth on the included alcoholic beverages alone. NYLO, prepare to lose your shirts!

$275 per couple; www.nylohotels.com/plano

Melrose Place: New Year’s Eve at the Warwick Melrose

Wednesday, December 31, 6:30 & 9:00 p.m. dinner seatings

If you plan to party on the strip on the last night of the year, may we suggest taking your tricks back to the Melrose Hotel. Or play it safe and take the one whose name is also on your mortgage. (Or, both!) Grab a fantastic dinner in the Landmark Restaurant (Foie Gras Parfait, anyone?), then hit the bars until the wee hours and stumble back down Cedar Springs to your luxury room. Who you take with you is completely your choice. Or Jack Daniel’s.

Dinner only: $85 per person; Package (including dinner, valet parking and King or Double room): $329 per couple including all taxes, fees and gratuities; (214) 521-5151 for complete package reservations, (214) 224-3152 for dinner-only reservations; www.warwickmelrosedallas.com

Goodbye 2008, Hello Dali!: New Year’s Eve Dinner at Dali

Wednesday, December 31, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. dinner seatings

Everybody knows that 2008 divided by 401.6 equals five. So naturally, a five-course menu makes a lot of sense for ending the year on a full note. We also know that in addition to some great food, you’ll toast in the New Year with a really amazing glass of Champagne at this place. It’ll be the real thing. Like from France and everything. No André here, sister.

Five-course menu: $95 per person with Champagne toast and party favors; www.daliwinebar.com

New Year’s Eve Party on the Block: JR’s, S4, Sue Ellen’s and TMC

Wednesday, December 31

Four bars. One block. 2008 reasons to party. It’s the 1980s again all night at Sue Ellen’s for the ladies, or party present-day at S4 while dancing the year away to a countdown of the year’s hottest hits. Discounted cover between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. Or just hang out at JR’s or The Mining Company and pay no cover whatsoever (save that money for a cab)!

Please, you know where they are; www.partyattheblock.com

Boot-scootin’ New Year’s: Round-Up Saloon

Wednesday, December 31, 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Two-steppin’ makes you hungry, so thankfully the Round-Up’s NYE party features an all-night buffet and breakfast after midnight. Champagne, favors and balloons filled with cash dropping at midnight. It’s the only party in town where you could leave with more money than you came. And possibly a cowboy or two, as well.

Tickets: $10 in advance (from your favorite bartender), $12 at the door; www.roundupsaloon.com

Tonight We’re Gonna Party Like We’re Straight: Big D NYE 2009 in Victory Park

Wednesday, December 31, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Catch a little hockey or simply hang out on the plaza for great live concerts all night long. House of Blues also has music pumping to give you new life. You’re a superstar, yes, that’s what you are. Then at midnight, kiss your man or woman and see fireworks. Literally. You know, in the sky. Fireballs and the like.

Victory Park, Dallas; www.wfaa.com/bigdnye

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