7 Last-Minute Options for New Year's Eve

Four thousand years ago, the first New Year's celebration took place--believe it or not--in Babylon.  Ancient Babylonia, that is, and the party lasted for eleven straight days.

In modern day Babylon Village, the party is for just one night.  

And that's tonight.

So if you haven't already made plans, Patch discovered some places where you can still make reservations for New Year's Eve.  

Open the tall, impressive doors at Barrique Kitchen and Wine Bar to sample specialties such as Short Rib Crepes with apple fennel slaw ($12), and Mussels in a sauce of dijon mustard, cream, onion, thyme and white wine ($12).  On New Year's Eve, you'll get $10 off on any full bottle of wine.  At midnight, celebrate at the bar with hats and noisemakers.  The 9 p.m. dinner seating is sold out, but you can still make reservations for either 5 or 7 p.m.  69 Deer Park Avenue, 631-321-1175.

Another good choice is Horace and Sylvia's Publick House.  Gather around the crackling fireplace up front, and then dine on specialties including Surf and Turf with filet mignon and lobster tail ($24.95), and Bacon-wrapped Pork Tenderloin seared and served with smoked gouda risotto ($19.00).  Dinner seating begins at 4 p.m.  Reservations are recommended.  100 Deer Park Avenue, 631-587-5080.

At the Argyle Grill and Tavern, the air is always pungent with the smell of great cooking.  Experience the current "Argyle Trio" appetizer of grilled baby lamb chops, crispy shrimp and calamari, and black and white-striped lobster ravioli ($12.95).  Entrees include filet mignon ($29.95) and grilled marinated swordfish ($25.95).  Dinner begins at 5 p.m.  Limited space is still available; call to request a reservation. 90 Deer Park Avenue, 631-321-4900.

A longtime village favorite, The Post Office Cafe delivers up a special "New Year's Eve Party."  From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., listen to live music while enjoying complimentary champagne with any dinner special.  From 9 p.m. on, celebrate with DJ Robbie Love.  A warm fire, late-night buffet and drink specials including $5 Mixed Drinks, $4 Bottled Beers, and $1 Jello Shots should make this a fun place to be.  Call to make reservations for parties of eight or more.  130 West Main Street, 631-669-9224.

On Fire Island Avenue, the elegant Babylon Carriage House presents "New Year's Eve 2010," a five-course meal priced at $99.95.  Included in a wide selection of course choices are: Tahitian Vanilla Infused Champagne Lobster Bisque, Thai Calamari, Pan Seared Filet Mignon, and Crab Stuffed Lobster.  Desserts include Espresso Panna Cotta and Chocolate Fantasy.  The restaurant also offers a "Top Shelf Open Bar" celebration, priced at $59.95 per person, and music with a DJ.   Dinner is from 9 p.m.to1 a.m.  Call for reservations.  21 Fire Island Avenue, 631-422-5161.

Travel down toward the water and you can spend the evening at Pier 44 Restaurant.  They're serving their standard menu which includes such delicious entrees as House-smoked Prime Rib ($29), Veal Chop Milanese ($21) and Rack of Lamb ($33).  With the large accommodating bar centered among the dining tables, and hats and noisemakers at midnight, your revelry should be complete. The restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m.  Reservations are recommended.  444 Fire Island Avenue, 631-661-5999.

Finally, if you're simply in search of a wonderful meal and want to be home before midnight, the warm, intimate setting of Cafe Il Villaggio may be for you.  For New Year's Eve,  a prix fixe menu ($39.95) provides a selection of over 20 entrees, including an assortment of specialty pastas, fish dishes and other entrees.  The restaurant offers dinner seating at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.   Call for reservations.  35 Deer Park Avenue, 631-422-7037. 

Having eaten your last great dinner of 2010, you'll be home in time to see the ball drop.  Or, go straight to bed, wake up in 2011, and get busy making and breaking those resolutions.  Just like they did in ancient Babylonia.