Why seek big city excitement—and the crowds and stop-and-go traffic that come with it—when you can spend the last few hours of 2010 and ring in the initial hours of 2011 at a popular Fair Lawn eatery? Here's a guide to local New Year's Eve celebrations that won't disappoint:
- The (14-19 Parmelee Avenue) will feature music from the 1950s until today and, for $75 per person, guests can enjoy a dinner buffet of filet mignon, fish, pasta, and chicken, along with an open bar. There will also be a happy hour with hors d'oeuvres. All proceeds go to the Fair Lawn Food Pantry. "It's a good time, and a positive for the food pantry in Fair Lawn," says general manager Roddy Hughes. For tickets, call (201) 796-9771 or 201-637-0177.
- "We're having a closed party on New Year's Eve," says (25-01 Broadway) owner Eddie Guy. "The first 50 people to buy tickets priced at $45 will be entitled to an open bar and buffet, and champagne toast." The party runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., and for more information, please call 201-796-4082.
- (11-04 Saddle River Road, www.rivaras.com) will have its dining room open on New Year's Eve, where revelers can enjoy regular menu items or choose from 10 evening specials, according to owner Frank Rivara. "Our lounge will have karaoke with no cover charge," Rivara said. "Also, upstairs we will have a special buffet for late night revelers. From 9 to 1 we will have a hot and cold buffet, four-hour open bar, and champagne toast." Partiers will also enjoy tunes spun by a DJ, and will receive party hats and noisemakers. The cost is $60 per person. Call (201) 791-0730 for more information.
- Not to be outdone is (12-56 River Road, 201-791-0005), where the celebration will start a day early and finish up on New Year's Day. On Dec. 30, "Get Into New Year Mode" will begin at 8 p.m. and feature a four-course dinner with music and dancing for two for $79.95. A Dec. 31 New Year's Eve party will feature a Grand Banquet International Cuisine with dinner and dancing. Seating is limited to 50 people, and seatings are by reservation only. Reserve prior to Dec. 26, or call after Dec. 26 for availability. The following afternoon, a New Year's Day Brunch will be offered at 1 p.m. Call for more information.
- (6-09 Fair Lawn Avenue, www.daviarest.com) has been offering a special New Year's Eve menu for 12 years, and 2010 is no different. Three separate seatings at 5, 7 and 10 p.m. will feature a special menu of 25 different entrees ranging from $17 to $40 per person. Call 201-797-6767 for more information.
- DJs Likkle Ras and Imajah of Jamminz Radio 96.7 FM will bring their soundsystem to the Krazy Coconut (22-08 Morlot Avenue, 201-794-6887) and present a tropical New Year's from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. "The $25 cover charge," says owner Lemard Clark, "will include the music, foods like Caribbean jerk chicken, and an open bar with homemade drinks. We encourage people to reserve as soon a possible because we do get booked."
