No Cover
A special night calls for special beers, and Big Star is bringing in the big guns with a Three Floyds tap takeover. Ditch the champagne at midnight and cheers with Rye Da Tiger or barrel aged Black Sun Stout. The best part is there is no need to commute for drunken munchies, because tacos will be served all night. (773-235-4039).
Bargain
Ring in the new year with video games. The standard booze and food packages don’t come much cheaper than at Headquarters Beercade. $25 gains entry all night, passed appetizers, one craft beer and a champagne flute filled with a special Solemn Oath brew at midnight. Email carly@capacitybars.com to RSVP.
DIY
Skip the champagne waterfalls and the chocolate fountain and the endless shrimp platters with a simple evening at Union Sushi + BBQ Bar. There is no prix fixe menu and no cocktail specials, just the regular menu at the normal price whenever diners choose to enjoy it. (312-662-4888).
Exotic
The year 2013 is sure to bring good fortune, but give it a little nudge with Yusho’s“Lucky ‘13” menu. A different region of Japan inspires each of the eight courses, and the final course will be a Logan Square original. The prix-fixe menu costs $100 with beverage pairings for an additional $50. (773-904-8558).
Elegant
How does Acadia plan on topping a full marching band parading through the dining room at midnight during last year’s celebration? By transforming the space into a Shakespearean production with costumed performers and “A Midwinter’s Night Dream” menu with wine pairings. The 6 PM seating costs $150 and the 9 PM costs $175. (312-360-9500).
Extravagant
For an all-inclusive cocktail-driven, ten-course meal complete with magicians, electronic cabaret music, a male bell dancer, and the sideshow troupe “Cirque de la Femme” go to the Aviary. The event that will take over the exuberant cocktail bar costs $325. Email nye@theaviary.com for tickets.