December 1, 2021 — Say farewell to 2021 in style with quality cocktails and top-notch fare from Philadelphia area’s leading restaurants and bars. Toast to new beginnings and the start of 2022 with a Surf ‘n’ Turf takeaway from Square 1682, Stella of New Hope’s Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve Party, French-inspired Disco at Forsythia, and more.
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Forsythia, Chef Christopher Kearse’s contemporary bar and restaurant in Old City, is planning a totally-rad, fun-filled French Disco on New Year’s Eve with a bevy of small plates, themed cocktails, and of course – disco. Offerings served a la carte include Steak Frites with bone marrow bordelaise sauce, Oysters on Half Shell, Caviar Bao Buns with traditional accoutrements, Escargot, Black Truffle Beignets, and much more. Cost for entry is $50 per person, and tickets will be available through Resy starting on Friday, December 17.
Additionally, for those looking to spend a swanky night-in, Forsythia will offer a Black Truffle NYE Takeout for $150 per person. Chef Christopher Kearse has one carefully curated prix fixe menu planned with fare including Black Truffle Lobster Artichoke Bisque, Whole Roasted Hen of the Woods, Black Truffle Polenta Tortelloni with chestnut, poached lobster, and cured egg yolk, 72 hour Braised Short Rib composed of savoy cabbage, pumpkin, and black truffle bordenlaise, and Baba au Rhum for dessert.
Click here to pre-order Forsythia’s Black Truffle NYE Takeout. Available for pick-up on Friday, December 31 from 2 – 8pm.
Hours of operation: Wednesday through Sunday from 4 – 10 pm
233 Chestnut Street | 215.644.9395 | https://www.forsythiaphilly.com/
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Franky Bradley’s, Mark Bee’s effervescent funk- and kitsch-filled nostalgic restaurant and bar in the heart of Center City’s Midtown Village, is ringing in the new year with live entertainment courtesy of Philadelphia-based DJ Chris Urban spinning upstairs all night long starting at 10pm. Guests can sip on local brews and spirited cocktails, and enjoy a commemorative Champagne toast at midnight alongside a bevy of party favors to celebrate the start of 2022.
Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm – 2am.
1320 Chancellor St | 215.735.0735 | www.frankybradleys.com/
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REX at The Royal, the newest concept from restaurant group Sojourn Philly that showcases traditional Southern Lowcountry fare, has one deluxe, elevated multi-course meal offered in the swanky main dining room this New Year’s Eve on Friday, December 31 from 5 – 10pm. For $75 per person, the prix fixe menu features She Crab Soup, Fried Cheese Speckled Grits, Pork and Sauerkraut, Smoked Duck L’Orange, Pan Roasted Sea Bass, Slow Smoked Prime Rib, and for dessert, Bourbon Crème Brûlée and Coconut Cream Tropical Fruit Tart.
An optional wine pairing curated by General Manager Nick Baitzel accompanies each course and includes Champagne, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Vin Santo for $65.
In addition, those snagging a seat at the bar can enjoy the festive prix fixe experience or opt for a limited menu of small plates served a la carte, including the award-winning Rex Burger. Bar seating is first come, first served. To book your reservations, click here.
1524 South Street | 267.319.1366 | https://www.rexphl.com/
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Royal Boucherie, Old City’s atmospheric and lively neighborhood restaurant and bar, is bringing back burlesque for one-night-only in celebration of New Year’s Eve, on Friday, December 31. Ring in the New Year with Chef Matt Buehler and team featuring an array of new and returning French fare, served a la carte, plus exquisite French wines and Champagne for sipping. Noted burlesque performers Mika Romantic and Sophie Sucre will mingle with guests at the first-floor bar, followed by elaborate performances starting at 11pm in the upstairs dining room.
There will be a complimentary Champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight, and dinner will be served from 4 – 12pm in the main dining room. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made by clicking here, or by calling 267-606-6313.
Hours of operation: Tuesday through Sunday from 4 – 10pm, Sunday from 4 – 9pm, and brunch service Sunday from 10am – 3pm
52 S. 2nd Street | 267.606.6313 | https://www.royalboucherie.com/
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Stella of New Hope, located in the heart of bustling Main Street overlooking the Delaware River, is ringing in the new year in style, with Stella’s Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Party, on Friday, December 31 at 6:30pm. The lavish soirée includes live entertainment from Danielle Illario, a four-course dinner courtesy of Chef Michael O’Halloran, hors d’oeuvres, classic French dessert buffet, and a Champagne toast at midnight, all for $145 per person.
The sophisticated menu includes Billi Bi Soup, White Asparagus Caviar, Truffled Duck Liver Mousse or Wild Mushroom Pâté with Smoked Mushroom Chips, Butter Poached Halibut or Petit Filet Mignon, and more.
Guests are encouraged to dress in Roaring 20s attire, and reservations are required. To reserve your seat, click here.
Hours of operation: Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4 – 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 4 – 10pm, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 2pm
50 S Main Street | 267.740.2691 | https://www.stellanewhope.com/
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Ring in New Year’s Eve at Stratus Rooftop Lounge, the chic rooftop venue on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City, on Friday, December 31 with Mr. Hollywood DJ’s First Annual NYE Bash. Starting at 9pm, guests can bid farewell to 2021 under the stars with top-tier entertainment, celebratory cocktails, premium open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and more.
General Admission Gold ($150) includes entry to Stratus Rooftop Lounge and open bar, whereas General Admission Platinum ($175) includes admission, open bar, reserved pavilion food areas, and seating.
Click here for details on tickets and packages.
Current hours of operation: Tuesday, Wednesday, 4 – 8pm, Thursday, 5pm – 12am, Friday, 7 pm – 2 am, and Saturday, 8 pm – 2am.
433 Chestnut St., 11th Floor of Kimpton Hotel Monaco I 215.925.2889 I https://stratuslounge.com/
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Square 1682, the modern American kitchen located at the intersection of 17 and Sansom streets, offers folks the chance to experience an elevated evening at-home this New Year’s Eve, with the return of Surf and Turf Dinner and Takeout, available on Friday, December 31 from 5 – 9pm. For $45 per person, enjoy NY Strip Steak and Butter Poached Lobster Tail, served with Black Truffle Whipped Potatoes and Sautéed Broccolini. For an additional charge, pair with a Champagne cocktail or bottle of bubbly to complete the celebratory experience.
Surf and Turf Dinner and Takeout is available while supplies last. Click here to place an online order.
Hours of operation: breakfast and lunch served Tuesday – Friday from 9am – 2pm, dinner served from 5 – 10pm, weekend brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 2pm, and dinner served on Saturday from 5 – 11pm. Closed for dinner service on Sunday and all-day Monday.
121 South 17th Street | 215.563.5008 | https://square1682.com/
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The Twisted Tail, the popular Southern-inspired restaurant, bar, and live music venue on Headhouse Square known for its extensive array of brown spirits, is ringing in the new year in style with a Burlesque & Blues Masquerade Party on New Year’s Eve fit with live music, spirited performances, and premium open bar, in addition to a robust, prix fixe dinner, and more.
On Friday, December 31, The Twisted Tail is kicking off 2022 with a scintillating Burlesque & Blues Masquerade Party fit with elaborate performances and live music from 9pm – 1am in the expansive, second-floor space. For $150/person, VIP access includes admission to the party and a Champagne toast once the clock strikes midnight, in addition to three-hour premium open bar, reserved seating for the entire evening, and an array of festive fare to indulge in. Attendees are sure to enjoy live music courtesy of Mikey Junior, as well as superb burlesque performances from Miss V, Ashantidoll, and Ignacia. To purchase tickets to the celebratory soirée, click here.
For those looking to experience solely the burlesque show, a limited amount of general admission tickets are available for $25/person by clicking here.
Additionally, The Twisted Tail is offering a three-course, prix fixe dinner on New Year’s Eve in the main dining room on the first-floor for $75/person which includes admission to the show upstairs. Reservations for dinner service are available through OpenTable by clicking here, or by calling the restaurant.
Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 4—10pm, Friday 4—12am, Saturday 11—12am and Sunday 10—10pm
509 S. 2nd St. I 215.558.2471 I www.thetwistedtail.com
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Urban Farmer, Logan Square’s modern American steakhouse, has a bevy of high-quality, locally-sourced offerings in place for celebrating New Year’s Eve on Friday, December 31. Starters include Lobster Bisque ($17), Baked Oysters ($20), and Kanachi Aguachile ($18), while entrées feature Alaskan Halibut ($44) composed of duchess potato, haricots vert, and caviar butter, Veal Osso Bucco ($56) prepared with local mushrooms, gremolata, and demi glace, and a 12 oz., bone-in 60 Day Dry Aged Prime Tenderloin ($70). An optional add-on is Osetra Caviar ($130) with blinis, crème fraîche, grated egg, caper berries, and red onion.
Cap off the exquisite, celebratory spread with a decadent dessert in the form of Chocolate Almond Entremets ($14) prepared with almond mousse, pralines, and chocolate sucrée.
New Year’s Eve dinner service begins at 4pm, with last seating at 9pm. Reservations can be made by clicking here.
Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday from 8am – 9pm, and Sunday from 8am – 3pm
1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway | 215.963.2788 | https://www.urbanfarmersteakhouse.com/philadelphia-happenings/
-Nicole Schofield