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Two Glasses Of Champagne And New Years Eve Decorations Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Where to Dine and Drink on New Year’s Eve in D.C.

Celebratory options that swing from affordable to excessive

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With December festivities winding down, it’s time to mark the end of yet another burdensome year in a safe — but equally fun — environment. Plenty of reliable D.C. establishments plan to stay open on New Year’s Eve, inviting guests to bid adieu to 2021 with prix-fixe suppers curated by top chefs, DJs spinning into the wee hours, and all-inclusive champagne toasts at midnight.

A range of eclectic New Year’s Eve spreads and parties are tailored towards cautious and big budgets alike. If dancing until 2 a.m. sounds like a dream, consider partying Studio 54 style at downtown’s Hotel Washington. If a fresh start to 2022 means celebrating when the Italians do, check out what Capitol Hill’s La Collina has in store. Splurge-worthy D.C. dinners include everything from a $200 ticket to scene-y stalwart Cafe Milano to a $600 luxurious spread at Michelin-rated Xiquet.

Here’s where to eat, drink, and party for New Year’s Eve on Friday, December 31.

Note: In light of a spike in new COVID-19 cases causing some D.C. bars and restaurants to temporarily close through the year, it’s best to check for updates on any altered New Year’s Eve plans at each and whether tickets are refundable.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Xiquet by Danny Lledó

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Chef Danny Lledo curates 14-plus courses using ultra-luxe ingredients from around the world (caviar, uni, A5 wagyu, truffles, and more). Dinner includes wine pairings that Lledo himself has paired to each dish. First seating is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and costs a whopping $600 per person. The second seating from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. is $700 per person and comes with a champagne toast.

Compass Rose

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Feast on central and South American fare with a prix-fixe meal for $75 per person.

Destino

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On New Year’s Eve, newly-opened Destino offers an a la carte menu with a sparkling toast at midnight. Chefs Robert Aikens and Ben Tenner’s spread includes mole verde and tamal, blue corn masa filled with braised beef and mole negro sauceDuring dinner, DJ Renzo will be performing in the La Cosecha market from 9 p.m. until midnight. Reservations are available on Resy.

Nina May

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On New Year’s Eve Nina May will offer a four-course menu with options like chicken ballotine Waldorf salad, bacon wrapped venison, and poached pear with rum raisin ice cream for $100 per diner.

Columbia Room

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Derek Brown’s tasting room will be open for a night filled with festive food and drink. The $150 experience includes three courses of caviar, oysters, and champagne.

Cafe Milano

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Consider a curated tasting menu and live DJ at Georgetown fixture Cafe Milano on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $200 per person and include a complimentary glass of bubbly at midnight.

Morris American Bar

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Head to Morris American Bar in Shaw for a “New Year’s Eve Cocktail Experience” from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. At $150 per ticket, Morris will treat guests to a five-hour open bar, unlimited craft cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, live jazz, and more.

Ciel Social Club

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The new Ciel Social Club atop the AC Hotel hosts a “A Night Under the Stars” rooftop soiree with a three-course, small plates prix-fixe menu and a complimentary glass of champagne from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for $100 per person. A second event starts at 10 p.m. and features passed hors d’oeuvres, one complimentary glass of champagne for a midnight toast, party favors, a live DJ, and more. Tickets start at $75.

Richard Sandoval’s modern Mexican restaurant offers a five-course dinner for $140 per person on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy popular dishes alongside new creations like grilled wagyu guacamole, crab cake tostada, carnitas duck confit, and mezcal tres leches as a sweetly spiked finale. Curated beverage pairings are available for an additional $75 per guest. Afterwards, head downstairs to imbibe over live music at its tequila den dLeña ROJA from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a complimentary midnight toast.

Immigrant Food+ at Planet Word Museum

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Immigrant Food’s new location in the Planet Word museum will host a surprise daytime dinner on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will only know details about the meal after securing their spot on Tock. The secret menu from chef Enrique Limardo and chef Mile Montezuma promises elevated takes on festive dishes and drinks enjoyed around the world, complete with a Washingtonian twist.

Duke's Grocery

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Duke’s Grocery Foggy Bottom hosts a New Year’s Eve Party featuring live music from D.C.’s beloved band Rock Creek Kings at 9 p.m. The $75 ticket includes a four-hour premium open bar, appetizer buffet, party favors, and a sparkling wine toast at midnight. Tickets jump to $95 as the date nears. In addition, the British bar’s Dupont location celebrates twice with a complimentary champagne toast at 7 p.m. (midnight in London), as well as midnight EST. No tickets required.

Centrolina

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On New Year’s Eve, chef and owner Amy Brandwein is offering a special five-course, prix-fixe menu featuring celebratory Italian dishes, as well as a vegetarian menu. It costs $225 for one person and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant directly, 

Immigrant Food at The White House

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Immigrant Food at the White House will host a surprise daytime dinner on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will only know details about the meal after securing their spot on Tock. The secret menu from chef Enrique Limardo and chef Mile Montezuma promises elevated takes on festive dishes and drinks enjoyed around the world, complete with a Washingtonian twist.

Chef Pepe Moncayo prepares a multi-course omakase feast ($150) at Michelin-rated Cranes, featuring ingredients sourced locally with an optional sake and wine pairing. Secure reservations here.

Dirty Habit

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Dimly-lit Dirty Habit in Kimpton Hotel Monaco offers two New Year’s Eve dining times. An early 5 p.m. four-course New Year’s Eve menu ($98 each) consists of dishes like garden tarts, filet mignon, and petit fours. Add a wine pairing for $45. The later, more extravagant supper starts at 8 p.m. and features a four-course spread of flamed oyster, beeswax dry aged lobster and duck en croûte ($185 each). Tack on a wine pairing for $55.

Hotel Washington

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Hotel Washington’s Vue rooftop bar turns into Studio 54 for the night, inviting revelers to travel back in time to the 70s nightclub scene in New York City. The party, hosted by JBC Events, starts at 9 p.m. and concludes at 2 a.m.; $50 tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite. Admission includes entry to the venue, a complimentary champagne toast, live entertainment by DJ Anthony Raad, and more.

Charlie Palmer Steak

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Charlie Palmer Steak DC celebrates New Year’s Eve next to the Capitol with an earlier, a la carte menu served from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Starters include a bibb salad ($13) and French onion soup ($14), while a selection of mains include lobster linguine pasta ($34), cauliflower steak ($26), and a porterhouse steak for two ($130).

The restaurant’s “Craft Your Own Four-Course Menu” kicks off at 8 p.m. For $175 a person, enjoy a four-course tasting menu with Osetra caviar to start, followed by pan-seared scallops, ricotta gnocchi and black truffle risotto, and a halibut or surf-and-turf main of filet mignon and Maine lobster. The meal concludes with a choice of dark chocolate mousse or petit fours for dessert.

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

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Ring in 2022 with the Fire & Ice party at Smokecraft. For $125, guests are treated to passed hors d’oeuvres like smoked turkey meatballs and deviled eggs with smoked pork belly. Between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., a barbecue buffet of grilled lobster macaroni and cheese, seared tri-tip, and duck fat potatoes will be served. DJ Chris Legend will be spinning the entire evening, with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets start at $125 and include a $25 gift card to dine in 2022.

La Collina

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La Collina will celebrate New Year’s Eve on Italian time, ringing in 2021 at 6 p.m. EST to coincide with the clock striking midnight in Italy. Expect a few Italian traditions on hand, like eating lentils with pork to symbolize luck and prosperity. Reservations are available for patio dining. For those avoiding crowds, La Collina also offers the same menu for takeout.

The Duck & The Peach

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The Duck & The Peach rings in the new year with a stylish to-go supper for two ($150 per person). Chef Kat Petonito’s menu includes an array of starters, entrée selections like prime rib, halibut, and mushroom risotto with accompaniments and treats from pastry chef Rochelle Cooper. Order on Tock.

Empress

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The Mandarin Oriental links up with Laurent-Perrier Champagne for its annual New Year’s Eve fete in its festive Empress lounge. Along with a Laurent-Perrier Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, the night includes canapés, a DJ, access to the hotel’s outdoor garden, party favors, and limited open bar by Simonet Blanc de Blancs Brut, concluding with a take-home treat from its top pastry team. Tickets are $158 (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.).

Little Pearl

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Little Pearl starts the party early, offering a New Year’s Eve menu from Tuesday, December 28, through New Year’s Eve. Priced at $125 per person with caviar and truffle add-ons, the six-course menu includes black bass crudo, beef rib with wasabi arugula, and chocolate and coconut rice pudding for dessert. Seatings available from 5:30 p.m. until 9:45 p.m.

Crazy Aunt Helen's

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Crazy Aunt Helen’s will offer a special four-course menu on New Year’s Eve. Dishes include shiitake mushroom and brown rice soup with chicken, strip loin, and vanilla pudding with caramelized apples. Reservations run until 10 p.m. The price: $80 per person, $40 for bottles of bubbly, or $200 all-inclusive per couple. 

MI VIDA

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Mi Vida and most Knead Hospitality + Design restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve with special holiday menus at Gatsby, Succotash National Harbor, Succotash Prime, The Grill, and Mi Casa. Mi Vida will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a shrimp and scallop appetizer, a choice between corn tortillas stacked with lobster or slow-braised short rib, and a hybrid vanilla flan-chocolate cake for dessert.

ilili Restaurant DC

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Diners can choose from two packages at the Wharf’s new Lebanese showpiece. ilili’s dinner package ($195) kicks off at 9 p.m. with a seated, five-course dinner in the dining room, including a complimentary midnight toast. Executive chef Walter Silva’s feast will jazz up some of its Lebanese favorites, with kibbeh nayeh with black truffle; crab falafel, foie gras parfaitm family-style lamb shank, and more.

For guests interested in joining the festivities after dinner, ilili has a limited amount of bar-only tickets starting at 10 p.m., featuring the same live entertainment as the dinner package and one glass of champagne for a pre-midnight toast. Those tickets are $50.

Muse Paintbar - Ballston

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Bid adieu to 2021 with a patriotic masterpiece in hand. A Muse Paintbar instructor leads a step-by-step painting course that focuses on fireworks over the monuments. The 90-minute class starts at 6 p.m. ($45).

Consider one of Eater’s Best New Restaurants in America for chef Michael Rafidi’s sofra menu of hummus and pita, kataifi pastry-wrapped scallops, duck a l’orange blossom and as a sweet finale, halva mont blanc with labne soft serve. Tickets to the Navy Yard spread start at $175 and beverage pairings are available for an extra $100.

Chef Michael Rafidi plates a dish at Albi
Chef Michael Rafidi plates a dish at Albi
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Shilling Canning Company

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Join Shilling Canning Company for a New Year’s Eve prix-fixe dinner filled with local ingredients. Four-course ($95) or eight-course ($165) options that boast a caramelized sunchoke pain perdu and a foie gras parfait. Finish with a Grand Marnier semifreido and opera cake with coffee buttercream. For those staying in, the restaurant translates the same menu to a takeout format.

Bammy's

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Chefs Chris Morgan and Gerald Addison prepare a $100 dinner for two on December 31. Dishes from the Jamaican favorite include conch fritters, jerk chicken and a whole escovitch filet of snapper that requires a preorder. Sides include chow mein and plantains. Close the meal with stewed banana caramel atop rum cake.

Head to the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City’s glam new Mediterranean restaurant for a $129, five-course dinner with party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Featured dishes include grilled oysters, caviar, and whole roasted branzino with white bean purée, shaved vegetables and tomato vierge sauce. Choose from a 5:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. seating.

The Wildset Hotel

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Venture out to Maryland’s Eastern shore and ring in 2022 at the newly opened Ruse at The Wildset Hotel. Enjoy a four-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings and truffle service at the seafood-centric restaurant that showcases the town’s history while combining global flavors with local ingredients. 

Xiquet by Danny Lledó

Chef Danny Lledo curates 14-plus courses using ultra-luxe ingredients from around the world (caviar, uni, A5 wagyu, truffles, and more). Dinner includes wine pairings that Lledo himself has paired to each dish. First seating is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and costs a whopping $600 per person. The second seating from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. is $700 per person and comes with a champagne toast.

Compass Rose

Feast on central and South American fare with a prix-fixe meal for $75 per person.

Destino

On New Year’s Eve, newly-opened Destino offers an a la carte menu with a sparkling toast at midnight. Chefs Robert Aikens and Ben Tenner’s spread includes mole verde and tamal, blue corn masa filled with braised beef and mole negro sauceDuring dinner, DJ Renzo will be performing in the La Cosecha market from 9 p.m. until midnight. Reservations are available on Resy.

Nina May

On New Year’s Eve Nina May will offer a four-course menu with options like chicken ballotine Waldorf salad, bacon wrapped venison, and poached pear with rum raisin ice cream for $100 per diner.

Columbia Room

Derek Brown’s tasting room will be open for a night filled with festive food and drink. The $150 experience includes three courses of caviar, oysters, and champagne.

Cafe Milano

Consider a curated tasting menu and live DJ at Georgetown fixture Cafe Milano on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $200 per person and include a complimentary glass of bubbly at midnight.

Morris American Bar

Head to Morris American Bar in Shaw for a “New Year’s Eve Cocktail Experience” from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. At $150 per ticket, Morris will treat guests to a five-hour open bar, unlimited craft cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, live jazz, and more.

Ciel Social Club

The new Ciel Social Club atop the AC Hotel hosts a “A Night Under the Stars” rooftop soiree with a three-course, small plates prix-fixe menu and a complimentary glass of champagne from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for $100 per person. A second event starts at 10 p.m. and features passed hors d’oeuvres, one complimentary glass of champagne for a midnight toast, party favors, a live DJ, and more. Tickets start at $75.

dLeña

Richard Sandoval’s modern Mexican restaurant offers a five-course dinner for $140 per person on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy popular dishes alongside new creations like grilled wagyu guacamole, crab cake tostada, carnitas duck confit, and mezcal tres leches as a sweetly spiked finale. Curated beverage pairings are available for an additional $75 per guest. Afterwards, head downstairs to imbibe over live music at its tequila den dLeña ROJA from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a complimentary midnight toast.

Immigrant Food+ at Planet Word Museum

Immigrant Food’s new location in the Planet Word museum will host a surprise daytime dinner on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will only know details about the meal after securing their spot on Tock. The secret menu from chef Enrique Limardo and chef Mile Montezuma promises elevated takes on festive dishes and drinks enjoyed around the world, complete with a Washingtonian twist.

Duke's Grocery

Duke’s Grocery Foggy Bottom hosts a New Year’s Eve Party featuring live music from D.C.’s beloved band Rock Creek Kings at 9 p.m. The $75 ticket includes a four-hour premium open bar, appetizer buffet, party favors, and a sparkling wine toast at midnight. Tickets jump to $95 as the date nears. In addition, the British bar’s Dupont location celebrates twice with a complimentary champagne toast at 7 p.m. (midnight in London), as well as midnight EST. No tickets required.

Centrolina

On New Year’s Eve, chef and owner Amy Brandwein is offering a special five-course, prix-fixe menu featuring celebratory Italian dishes, as well as a vegetarian menu. It costs $225 for one person and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant directly, 

Immigrant Food at The White House

Immigrant Food at the White House will host a surprise daytime dinner on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will only know details about the meal after securing their spot on Tock. The secret menu from chef Enrique Limardo and chef Mile Montezuma promises elevated takes on festive dishes and drinks enjoyed around the world, complete with a Washingtonian twist.

Cranes

Chef Pepe Moncayo prepares a multi-course omakase feast ($150) at Michelin-rated Cranes, featuring ingredients sourced locally with an optional sake and wine pairing. Secure reservations here.

Dirty Habit

Dimly-lit Dirty Habit in Kimpton Hotel Monaco offers two New Year’s Eve dining times. An early 5 p.m. four-course New Year’s Eve menu ($98 each) consists of dishes like garden tarts, filet mignon, and petit fours. Add a wine pairing for $45. The later, more extravagant supper starts at 8 p.m. and features a four-course spread of flamed oyster, beeswax dry aged lobster and duck en croûte ($185 each). Tack on a wine pairing for $55.

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Hotel Washington

Hotel Washington’s Vue rooftop bar turns into Studio 54 for the night, inviting revelers to travel back in time to the 70s nightclub scene in New York City. The party, hosted by JBC Events, starts at 9 p.m. and concludes at 2 a.m.; $50 tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite. Admission includes entry to the venue, a complimentary champagne toast, live entertainment by DJ Anthony Raad, and more.

Charlie Palmer Steak

Charlie Palmer Steak DC celebrates New Year’s Eve next to the Capitol with an earlier, a la carte menu served from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Starters include a bibb salad ($13) and French onion soup ($14), while a selection of mains include lobster linguine pasta ($34), cauliflower steak ($26), and a porterhouse steak for two ($130).

The restaurant’s “Craft Your Own Four-Course Menu” kicks off at 8 p.m. For $175 a person, enjoy a four-course tasting menu with Osetra caviar to start, followed by pan-seared scallops, ricotta gnocchi and black truffle risotto, and a halibut or surf-and-turf main of filet mignon and Maine lobster. The meal concludes with a choice of dark chocolate mousse or petit fours for dessert.

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

Ring in 2022 with the Fire & Ice party at Smokecraft. For $125, guests are treated to passed hors d’oeuvres like smoked turkey meatballs and deviled eggs with smoked pork belly. Between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., a barbecue buffet of grilled lobster macaroni and cheese, seared tri-tip, and duck fat potatoes will be served. DJ Chris Legend will be spinning the entire evening, with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets start at $125 and include a $25 gift card to dine in 2022.

La Collina

La Collina will celebrate New Year’s Eve on Italian time, ringing in 2021 at 6 p.m. EST to coincide with the clock striking midnight in Italy. Expect a few Italian traditions on hand, like eating lentils with pork to symbolize luck and prosperity. Reservations are available for patio dining. For those avoiding crowds, La Collina also offers the same menu for takeout.

The Duck & The Peach

The Duck & The Peach rings in the new year with a stylish to-go supper for two ($150 per person). Chef Kat Petonito’s menu includes an array of starters, entrée selections like prime rib, halibut, and mushroom risotto with accompaniments and treats from pastry chef Rochelle Cooper. Order on Tock.

Empress

The Mandarin Oriental links up with Laurent-Perrier Champagne for its annual New Year’s Eve fete in its festive Empress lounge. Along with a Laurent-Perrier Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, the night includes canapés, a DJ, access to the hotel’s outdoor garden, party favors, and limited open bar by Simonet Blanc de Blancs Brut, concluding with a take-home treat from its top pastry team. Tickets are $158 (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.).

Little Pearl

Little Pearl starts the party early, offering a New Year’s Eve menu from Tuesday, December 28, through New Year’s Eve. Priced at $125 per person with caviar and truffle add-ons, the six-course menu includes black bass crudo, beef rib with wasabi arugula, and chocolate and coconut rice pudding for dessert. Seatings available from 5:30 p.m. until 9:45 p.m.

Crazy Aunt Helen's

Crazy Aunt Helen’s will offer a special four-course menu on New Year’s Eve. Dishes include shiitake mushroom and brown rice soup with chicken, strip loin, and vanilla pudding with caramelized apples. Reservations run until 10 p.m. The price: $80 per person, $40 for bottles of bubbly, or $200 all-inclusive per couple. 

MI VIDA

Mi Vida and most Knead Hospitality + Design restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve with special holiday menus at Gatsby, Succotash National Harbor, Succotash Prime, The Grill, and Mi Casa. Mi Vida will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a shrimp and scallop appetizer, a choice between corn tortillas stacked with lobster or slow-braised short rib, and a hybrid vanilla flan-chocolate cake for dessert.

ilili Restaurant DC

Diners can choose from two packages at the Wharf’s new Lebanese showpiece. ilili’s dinner package ($195) kicks off at 9 p.m. with a seated, five-course dinner in the dining room, including a complimentary midnight toast. Executive chef Walter Silva’s feast will jazz up some of its Lebanese favorites, with kibbeh nayeh with black truffle; crab falafel, foie gras parfaitm family-style lamb shank, and more.

For guests interested in joining the festivities after dinner, ilili has a limited amount of bar-only tickets starting at 10 p.m., featuring the same live entertainment as the dinner package and one glass of champagne for a pre-midnight toast. Those tickets are $50.

Muse Paintbar - Ballston

Bid adieu to 2021 with a patriotic masterpiece in hand. A Muse Paintbar instructor leads a step-by-step painting course that focuses on fireworks over the monuments. The 90-minute class starts at 6 p.m. ($45).

Albi

Consider one of Eater’s Best New Restaurants in America for chef Michael Rafidi’s sofra menu of hummus and pita, kataifi pastry-wrapped scallops, duck a l’orange blossom and as a sweet finale, halva mont blanc with labne soft serve. Tickets to the Navy Yard spread start at $175 and beverage pairings are available for an extra $100.

Chef Michael Rafidi plates a dish at Albi
Chef Michael Rafidi plates a dish at Albi
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Shilling Canning Company

Join Shilling Canning Company for a New Year’s Eve prix-fixe dinner filled with local ingredients. Four-course ($95) or eight-course ($165) options that boast a caramelized sunchoke pain perdu and a foie gras parfait. Finish with a Grand Marnier semifreido and opera cake with coffee buttercream. For those staying in, the restaurant translates the same menu to a takeout format.

Bammy's

Chefs Chris Morgan and Gerald Addison prepare a $100 dinner for two on December 31. Dishes from the Jamaican favorite include conch fritters, jerk chicken and a whole escovitch filet of snapper that requires a preorder. Sides include chow mein and plantains. Close the meal with stewed banana caramel atop rum cake.

Santé

Head to the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City’s glam new Mediterranean restaurant for a $129, five-course dinner with party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Featured dishes include grilled oysters, caviar, and whole roasted branzino with white bean purée, shaved vegetables and tomato vierge sauce. Choose from a 5:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. seating.

The Wildset Hotel

Venture out to Maryland’s Eastern shore and ring in 2022 at the newly opened Ruse at The Wildset Hotel. Enjoy a four-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings and truffle service at the seafood-centric restaurant that showcases the town’s history while combining global flavors with local ingredients. 

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