The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

We're rounding the home stretch of the seemingly endless holiday season! After January 1st it's back to business as usual, carrying in tow millions of New Year's resolutions that were simply made to be broken. While we have complete faith in you and your ability to kick the junk food/cigarettes/crazy boyfriend to the curb, we still think any and all vices ought to be indulged to their fullest extent on New Year's Eve! Why not? 2009 will wipe your sinful slate clean, so we say, LIVE IT UP!

Take a peel through our New Year's Eve Guide below to find the perfect event to fit your personality (or level of debauchery). Enjoy a laid back evening with us at the Red Stag Supper Club, get glammed up for a gala, or dance your lights out at a glossy downtown nightclub. No matter where you end up, we hope 2009 is your best year yet!

Staying in? Try out these delightful cocktail recipes from Clubhouse Jager's Friendly Freddie!

CHILL OUT

Secrets of the City New Year's Eve

@ The Red Stag

Prix Fixe dinner 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Live music at 11 p.m.
Cost: Free

A laid back New Year's party with live music from Brad Senne and Gabe Barnett. Giveaways, complimentary appetizers, drink specials, free champagne toast at Midnight. Hosted by Secrets of the City and The Red Stag!

New Year's Eve at the Times

@ Times Bar and Cafe

Early Seating at 5 p.m., party at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Join our friends at Jazz 88 and The Times Bar this New Year's eve! Early seating at 5:00pm with Maud Hixson & Rick Carlson in a tribute to Irving Berlin. Celebration seating at 8:30pm with the Twin Cities Hot Club. Music begins at 9:45pm.

New Year's Eve 2008

@ The Dakota Jazz Club

Dinner show 8 p.m.
Cocktail Show 10:30 p.m.
Cost: Dinner Show $100, Cocktail Show $80, Both $155

Dinner show with vocal quartet Moore by Four featuring a multi-course menu prepared by Chef Jack Riebel. Cocktail show with music by The Steeles. Champagne toast and party favors.

New Year's at the Black Forest

@ The Black Forest Inn

Doors at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free

Kick back at the Black Forest Inn this New Year's. Featuring a gypsy themed party with tarot readings, live music from accordianist Mark Stillman, dancers, and a free bowl of goulash soup at midnight.

New Year's Eve at the Artists' Quarter

@ The Artists' Quarter

Live music at 9 p.m.
Cost: $40

An annual tradition since 1995, the Artists' Quarter hosts live music by Carole Martin & The Dave Karr Quartet. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and more. Reservations recommended.

New Year's at Clay Squared

@ Clay Squared to Infinity

Doors at 8 p.m.
Cost: $25

To mark the 10 year anniversary of the Handmade Tile Association, Clay Squared is hosting a show of the artists who are in the 2009 directory. Meet the artists, see and touch their art, take in fireworks at midnight, and enjoy a taste of Chowgirls Catering.

New Year's at the St. Paul Hotel

@ The St. Paul Hotel

8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Cost: N/A

JoAnn Funk perform in the The Lobby Bar of The Saint Paul Hotel. Wine, (try the flight of ports at midnight) fabulous food, people watching, cozy chairs and couches, fireplace, and great music.

Scrimshaw Brother's New Year's Spectacular
& Martini and Olive's New Year's

@ Bryant Lake Bowl

Scrimshaw Bros at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Martini & Olive at 9 p.m.
Cost: $20 for Scrimshaw, $25 for Martini and Olive

Sketch comedy team The Scrimshaw Brothers entertain into the new year with an early show and a late show. While Martini & Olive fill in the middle with "new year's booty shaking" and lots of laughs.

Tango New Year's Eve

@ Patrick's Cabaret

From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Cost: $35 dinner, $15 after 10 p.m.
Contact lois@mndance.com for reservations

This elegant evening includes dinner, a mix of DJs (who will spin classic and alternative Argentine tango), mini tango lessons, champagne, hats and noisemakers, and a countdown to midnight.

ROCK OUT

Recession Proof New Year's Eve

@ Nomad World Pub

Music at 9 p.m.
Cost: Free

This free party will feature live music from Military Special and The Invincible Kids, a disco dance party, meat raffle, and a French champagne toast at Midnight.

2009 Calling: A Transmission NYE

@ Clubhouse Jager

Music at 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Cost: $8 Advance (available at Jager) or $10 door

A special New Year's edition of Transmission with DJ Jake Rudh featuring new wave, '80s, electro, and punk. Complimentary hors d'ouevres and champagne toast at Midnight.

New Year's at Big V's

@ Big V's

Music at 9 p.m.
Cost: $5

Live music and mayhem with local bands MC/VL, Unicorn Basement, Haunted House and Beatrix Jar.

New Year's at the Hex

@ The Hexagon Bar

Music at 9 p.m.
Cost: $5 (one free drink with admission)

The Hex rocks into 2009 with live music from Dance Band, Best Friends Forever, Fort Wilson Riot, and Nyteowl.

 
New Year's Wild Eve

@ The Varsity Theater

Doors at 8 p.m.
Cost: $12

Featuring live music from Mark Mallman, E.L.nO and Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles. Look for special guests and surprises in true Mallman fashion. 18+ event.

New Year's at the Turf

@ The Turf Club

Doors at 9 p.m.
Cost: $7

Featuring local bands covering classic rock bands. Vampire Hands (as the Rolling Stones), Daughters of the Sun (as Led Zepplin), and STNNNG (As the John Spencer Blues Explosion), DJ Winship plays between sets.

Wookiefoot's New Year's Eve

@ The Cabooze

Doors at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $20

Featuring live music by Wookiefoot with special guests Heatbox and The San Souci Quartet.

Club Underground New Year's Eve

@ Club Underground

Doors at 8 p.m.
Cost: $15

Featuring Comedy Ambush with Gus Lynch, Tom Steffen, and Greg Hernandez. Performance by Foxy Tann's Twin Titties Burlesque. Live music from Lusurfer, The Anonymus, and The Spent 50's.

NYE:09:Azia

@ The Caterpillar Lounge at Azia

Live DJs at 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Cost: Free

Chill out in the Caterpillar Lounge with live DJs Nik E. Gunz, Fourfeet, and DJ Ack playing house, disco and soul. Additional sound, decor and lighting. Free Champagne toast at Midnight.

Rock New Year's Eve

@ Hell's Kitchen

Music at 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Come for dinner, stay for the entertainment. Live music from DJ Blowtorch and Maria Isa. Reservations encouraged.

Shake & Pop 2009

@ Secret Location

Doors at 10 p.m. until late
Cost: $10 with RSVP to shakemepopme@gmail.com, $15 door

Featuring the musical stylings of DJ Naughty Wood and Soviet Panda. Dance into the wee hours of 2009 at this hush-hush after hours event.

Glow in the Dark NYE 2009

@ The Dinkytowner

Doors at 9 p.m.
Cost: $10

Dance into 2009 at the Dinkytowner tonight! Glow-in-the-dark theme, great music, free food and free champagne toast.

New Year's Nation

@ Epic Nightclub

Doors at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $100-$150

Dance with 9 other cities live via sattelite as DJ AM and Travis Barker perform live from Los Angeles. Gourmet passed hors d'oeuvres and food stations, champagne upon arrival and at midnight. On site entertainment from local DJs and performers.

The Spirit of '09

@ The Loft above Barfly

Doors at 8 p.m.
Cost: Advance $30 ($45 Door) VIP $70 ($80 Door)

Probably the hippest NYE party in Minneapolis. Internationally loved DJs Hercules & Love Affair, Le Castle Vania, Klever, and a performance by local electro rockers Solid Gold. Complimentary appetizers, champagne and chocolate at midnight, giveaways, multimedia installations and more. 18+ Event.

Toy Story NYE 2K9

@ Envy Nightclub

Doors at 9 p.m.
Cost: $90

Enjoy a premium open bar all night with admission. DJs, dancing, human toy performances, sexy clown doll go-gos, live wind-up toy entertainment.

A Party We Can Believe In

@ First Avenue

Doors at 8 p.m.
Cost: $10 adv, $15 door

A New Year's dance party featuring DJs Roy Freedom, DJ Smitty, Mike the 2600 King, and Too Much Love's Soviet Panda. Hosted by Ian of Drinking with Ian. 18+ event.

In the Entry: Eyedea & Abilities
In the VIP: The One Love Movement

New Year's Eve 2009: Debauchery

@ 414 Soundbar

Doors at 9 p.m.
Cost: $60 (finger printed VIP and Pre-Sale) $75 Door

An evening of provacative indulgence. Featuring complimentary appetizers, premium open bar, live performances, surprises, global countdown and champagne toast. Music from Richie Rivera, Phil Martinez, and DJ Fresco.

New Year's Eve at Visage

@ Visage Nightclub

Doors at 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 or $40 VIP

2 Rooms, 4 DJs; Champagne toast, complimentary buffet all night, party favors, $1,000 balloon drop.

2K9: Black & White Ball

@ Myth Nightclub

Doors at 10 p.m.
Cost: $25 21+, $30 18+, VIP $50

Featuring the return of "Mythology" a fully choreographed and interactive stage show. Black and white balloon drop, giveaways, complimentary champagne toast, party favors, drink specials. VIP admission includes exclusive 2nd and 3rd floor access and midnight buffet.

GLAM OUT

New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball

@ Chateau St. Croix

Doors at 8 p.m.
Cost: $40

Join the Count and Countess von Chamberlin for the ultimate New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball at the 17th century style Chateau St. Croix. All you need is a mask and formal attire or renaissance costume to join us for an evening of elegance, intrigue & dancing on a magical winter's evening.

Decadence 2008

@ Chambers Hotel

Music starts at 7 p.m.
Cost: $25 General, $75 w/ Dinner

Enjoy three fully themed rooms with over 20 of the Twin Cities finest electronic, dance, hip-hop, and mash-up DJs. General admission includes late night appetizers, champagne toast, and a gift bag from Grey Goose.

Casino Royale New Year's Eve

@ Solera Restaurant

Doors at 7 p.m.
Cost: $45 General, $95 Dinner & Show pkg, Add $25 for Open Bar pass

All four levels of Solera will be transformed into a James Bond themed extravaganza. DJs, casino games, fire dancers, aerialists, bond villains, and bond girls!

Crystal Ball & Resolution

@ International Market Square

Doors at 9 p.m.
Cost: General $40 adv ($50 Door), VIP $80 adv ($100 door)

A dozen DJs play live, 20+ bars serving until 2 a.m., A four segment high fashion runway shows with local boutiques Drama, VState/Atmosfere, OPM.

Chamber Music society NYE Gala

@ St. Paul College Club

Doors at 8 p.m.
Cost: $100

The evening will feature a concert, dancing, silent and live auctions, champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The CMSM is proud to welcome soprano Maria Jette again as their special guest for the evening.

Moonshine on the Mississippi Gala

@ St. Main Anthony Events Center

Dinner at 6 p.m., Gala 8 p.m.
Cost: Dinner $125, Gala $75

A 1920s celebration of New Year's Eve past and New Year's to come. Five-course meal and black-tie gala with live music and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Emergency Foodshelf Network.

Vic Volare'S Fabulous New Year's Eve Gala

@ The Landmark Center

Doors at 8 p.m.
Cost: Adv $40 (before Dec 30), Door $50

This upscale extravaganza features a retro-feel, complete with stiff drinks, swing dancing, suits on every guy and swank dresses on all the ladies. Vic Volare and The Volare Lounge Orchestra perform, dance lessons,  casino tables, cash bar, complimentary champagne toast.

EAT OUT

Chino Latino

Special New Year's menu featuring the chefs' new year's favorites from their home countries.

Afton House Inn

Steaks, seafood, chicken, pasta, appetizers, salads, entertainment and complimentary champagne at 11:30pm.

Saffron Restaurant & Lounge

Celebrate News Years Eve at Saffron Restaurant & Lounge with a five course chefs tasting menu.

Whitney Bistro

all diners will receive a complimentary glass of champagne to toast 2009 and tables of 6 or more will receive an entire bottle to share! Executive Chef, Adam Levitt, has prepared an outstanding array of a la carte choices for this festive evening.

Stella's Fish Cafe

Enjoy one last night of guilt free eating, drinking, and general merriment before you set your new year's resolutions! $75 for open bar, dinner, sushi, party favors, etc.

Bellanotte

A special 3-course menu is being offered with a 3-tiered pricing structure. Each entree includes a glass of champagne or Coppola wine.

Campiello

A special multi-choice 4-course dinner for ($55/person)

Bar Lurcat

Offering a 3-course dinner in the bar and cafe 5-6:30pm ($50/person), and a 4-course dinner in the cafe 7-11pm ($65/person).

Morton's

Ring the new year with Morton's this New Year's Eve and enjoy USDA prime aged beef, succulent seafood, whole Maine lobster and decadent desserts.

Bryant Lake Bowl

Not-so-cheap date night. Soup or salad, 2 entrees (vegetarian option available), a bottle of wine or a couple of beers and 2 games of bowling $35.

Barbette

Special prix fixe menu for New Years.

For more restaurant events check out TC Originals or Open Table