Don't you dare cross that bridge. Prospect Heights is the best place to ring in 2011, with so many different ways to do it, all while staying local. Show your commitment to your neighborhood and stay local for the big party, romantic dinner, and definitely for the champagne. Who needs that other borough when the real fun is just blocks away? Happy New Year!
- For a completely free and fantastic evening, or for a brief jaunt if you'd rather not spend hours gallivanting around town, try the Prospect Park fireworks, starting at the stroke of midnight. They're blasting off from Grand Army Plaza so bundle up in as many layers as you can find and walk on down to an open spot where you can see the night sky. And if they insist on staying up late, the kids would enjoy this one too.
- Cornelius at 565 Vanderbilt Avenue at Pacific Street has a $65 prix fix menu of three courses including terrific seafood selections. This retro-hip spot will give you a filling, relaxing evening. Send an email to sivan@corneliusbrooklyn.com to make a reservation.
- The Vanderbilt at 570 Vanderbilt Avenue also offers a $65 prix fix dinner menu, with fewer but more classic options. Try this one for the liquid intrigues. The cocktails are divine, inventive and homespun, guaranteed to give you a night to (partly) remember.
- Flatbush Farm at 76 St. Marks Avenue is hosting its 3rd annual Dance Party starting at 9 pm. There's no cover to dance to the multiple DJ's spinning all night long until 4am of 2011.
- James at 605 Carlton Avenue has a lovely prix fix menu for the evening. For $75, there's seating between 5:30-8:00 PM including 4 courses plus a champagne toast. For $95, the seating is at 10 PM, with 5 courses and a champagne toast. Call them directly for reservations.
- For laid back drinks and nothing but fun dancing, head to at 629 Vanderbilt. They'll have a big enough dance floor for every twist and shout from the always-great DJ's. The prices are right for drinks and tables abound to rest your feet post-boogie.
- Lavish cocktails mixed to perfection will ring in 2011 with proper class and pizzazz at Weather Up, at 589 Vanderbilt near Dean Street. Large and small booths, brick walls, and low lights make this a cool, intimate alternative to its raucus neighbors.
