Our statewide guide has you covered for the biggest party night of the year.
New Year's Eve -- it's the best way to begin and end a year. The night where you don't mind getting dressed up to go or pay a cover. The night where bars, clubs, venues, and restaurants pull out their finest dishes, their top shelf liquor, top flight entertainment, and sometimes a couple of cool little wrinkles to make the party the perfect book end to your year.
Or at least that's the eternal hope.
So here's a list of 40 or so bars around the state that will be throwing some major parties. Obviously, these are 40 out of the hundreds of bars in this state. If we're missing something, let us know in the comments section below.
And remember please make sure you have a ride home or a designated driver if you head out drinking.
NORTH JERSEY:
RUBY'S LOUNGE: A $20 admission fee gets you in to Totowa's new nightclub, lounge, and restaurant. Doors open at 8 p.m. and there's free parking, a light buffet from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. and a continental breakfast after midnight. There will be music by spun by DJ Morgan and DJ Frank all night. Ruby's is located next to the Holiday Inn, so there's a convenient place to crash after partying all night. Limited tickets are available at Eventbrite, while some remain at the Holiday Inn next. 1 U.S. Highway 46, Totowa, 973-785-9000.
HOUSE OF QUE: It's a big country New Year's at the Hoboken BBQ smokehouse run by Texas pitmaster Mike Rodriguez (of The Salt Lick in Austin, Texas). New York country radio station 94.7 NASH will be broadcasting live throughout the night while popular country cover band Big Hix provides the soundtrack. Patrons can watch the ball drop on the House of Que's 200-inch video wall. A $75 "general admission" ticket gets you a four hour open bar, a champagne toast, a 3 a.m. buffet breakfast. The $125 "VIP" ticket gets you all of the general admission perks us a full BBQ dinner. 340 Sinatra Boulevard, Hoboken, 201-706-8755.
Modern country rock cover band Big Hix will perform at The House of Que's country themed New Year's Eve in Hoboken, ZEPPELIN HALL: The Jersey City beer garden, recently named the #1 bar in New Jersey by Buzzfeed, will ring in 2016 with a dance party filled with beers and brats. There's no cover, free parking, and complimentary hats and noisemakers to go along with DJs spinning all the party favorites. 88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City, 201-721-8888.
MIAMI MIKE'S SPORTS ZONE: The famed Morris County sports bar presents a night of comedy in conjunction with Uncle Vinnie's Comedy Club of Point Pleasant Beach. The comedy night will feature two hilarious, no holds barred comedians, Vic Dibitetto and Ryan Maher, from 9:45 p.m. to 11:10 p.m. After the comedy show, you can head over Miami Mike's Sports Bar to watch the ball drop and continue to party. Patrons can grab a room at the Ramada Inn next door. There are two ticketing packages: Dinner & Show (Four course dinner, top shelf open bar 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ) and Appetizer (Family-style appetizer course, top shelf open bar 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.) 130 Route 10, East Hanover, 973-888-1300.
PIG & PRINCE RESTAURANT: The Pig & Prince Restaurant presents a "Re-Envision Prohibition" speakeasy-themed party. The gastro-lounge will be serving up "top notch" drinks, a light buffet, a sushi bar, and a raw bar. Father Thyme and His Royal Swine will provide the soundtrack for the evening. Guests are encouraged to dress in their very best "speakeasy-inspired attire." Tickets are $99 plus tax and gratuity and can be purchased via e-mail at tickets@pigandprince.com. The Historic Lackawanna Railroad Station, 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, 973-233-1006.
GRASSHOPPER OFF THE GREEN: The Irish know how to throw a party, so it comes as no surprise that this Morristown pub is throwing a party on all three floors. This is an open house event, which means no cover at all. There will a special dinner menu available for those coming for a NYE dinner. DJ Jess will spin music throughout the night, and there will be a live countdown from NYC. There's also giveaways throughout the night. 41-43 Morris Street, Morristown, 973-285-5150.
REIGN NIGHTCLUB: "The only night club in Hoboken" is asking you to don a mask and head out to their first annual Masquerade New Year's Eve Ball. (Dress code will be enforced). Reign will be offering a five-course dinner from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and a four hour premium open bar from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. In the Front Lounge resident DJ Benny B and special guests will be mixing it up while DJs Ton-E and Vito G spin in the main room. 92 River Street, Hoboken, 201-932-5381.
PIER 115: This modern waterfront American gastropub takes New Year's Eve back to the '80s. There will be a four hour premium open bar and two hour course of passed hors d'ouerves while a special guest DJ, and performer provide an 80s soundtrack. There will be a live broadcast of the NYC ball drop, and a complimentary champagne toast. Costumes are recommended, but not required. 115 River Road, Edgewater, 201-313-2155.
THE IRON BAR: The Iron Bar will be taking the party to three rooms on two levels. Longtime Mo-town mixmaster DJ Dave the Rave and Jersey Shore favorite DJ Mike West will be providing the soundtrack for the evening. VIP and bottle service are available. Admission is $20. 5 South Street, Morristown, 973. 455-7111
WILLIE MCBRIDE'S: You can always gets your Irish up on New Year's Eve at Willie McBride's where Almost Easy rocks Willie's stage. There's an open bar from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., but this only includes all bottle and draft beer, wine, soda and premium mixed drinks -- no shots or top shelf liquor is included. A hot buffet will be served from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 a person, and all tickets must be picked up by 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve. 616 Grand St, Hoboken, 201-610-1522.
WICKED WOLF: The Wolf is offering not one, but two New Year's parties. The first, dubbed "New Years Eve 2016 on The Waterfront" runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. There's a five hour premium open bar, hors d'oeuvres, a full dinner buffet, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, coat check, and a DJ and MC holding it down all night. The second party is the "NYE After Party" which starts at 1:00 a.m. and runs till 4 a.m. DJ Richie Rocks will be spinning to the break of dawn while the kitchen serves up late night snacks and a sandwich buffet. 120 Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, 201-659-7500.
The Barcade has 34 gaming machines with 25 rotating beers on tap. BARCADE: The video arcade and bar will be things a little differently for NYE. There will a celebratory tap list of rare and retro kegs. On the list so far is: Carton Gilded Lily, Two Roads Geyser Goose, Founders KBS, and Kane Mllus amongst others. There will also be an oyster special for those with the munchies. Barcade will not be charging a cover, and there will be a complimentary champagne toast. 163 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, 201-332-4555.
CENTRAL (ISH) and WESTERN JERSEY
THE GRAND CENTURIONS: The Grand Centurions is traditionally known as a banquet and wedding reception venue, but on New Year's Eve it becomes "the house that B Street built." The B Street Band, the longest running tribute to Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, will perform at the venue for a special NYE dinner show. The party starts at 8 p.m. with a deluxe all-you-can-eat buffet followed by music from the band. Tickets are $75 plus tax gratuity, and there is a cash bar. 440 Madison Hill Road, Clark, 732-382-1663.
STRESS FACTORY: New Brunswick's comedy club will have two shows featuring comedienne Jessica Kirson ("Last Comic Standing"). The first show takes place at 7:30 p.m., and for the $59 ticket you get show tickets and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Tickets for the 10:30 p.m. show are $109 and gets you show tickets, an all-you-can-eat buffet, open bar, a champagne toast and dancing after the show. There are hotel discounts at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick if you purchase tickets to the show. 90 Church Street, New Brunswick, 732-545-4242.
GABRIELE'S BAR & GRILL: One of Jersey's most beloved cover outfits, The Benjamins, will perform at Gabriele's Bar & Grill in Piscataway this NYE. Presale tickets are $40, regular price are $75. Tickets get you entrance to the party plus a two hour open bar, a complimentary buffet and a champagne toast. There will be shot specials throughout the night as well. The bar is attached to a Motel 6 so, there's a convenient crash spot if you need it. 1351 Centennial Avenue, Piscataway, 732-981-1234.
PERLE NIGHTCLUB and GLO LOUNGE: One ticket ($55) gets you into two New Brunswick nightspots on New Year's Eve. Perle, a nightclub and lounge, will feature Top 40, hip-hop, and club music from DJ Johnny FX, DJ Jae T and MC URO. At Glo, a lounge and tequila bar up the block from Perle, DJ Tha Editor drops a party atmosphere for bar goers. There's a three-hour open bar at both venues, and they will be open until 6 a.m. Perle Nightclub, 13 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, 732-261-4044. Glo Lounge, 367 George Street, New Brunswick, 732-261-4044.
CHRIS MICHAELS: The fashionable steakhouse and lounge will feature different parties in different atmospheres. In the main room heavy hitters DJ Unique, DJ Kirk Lopez and DJ Dramos will bring the fire while DJs Hook and Quest spin in the lower level Latin Lounge. Dinner will be served in the restaurant until 1 a.m. The sushi bar and bar menu will be available all night. Bar packages start at $40. 40 Oakwood Road, Woodbridge, 732-634-5355.
THE COLORADO CAFE: Jersey's country-western bar will feature two different party atmospheres. In the expansive dance hall there's country line and couples dancing. Amateur boot scooters can take line dancing lessons starting at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10. In the "Buck Off Bar" you can ring in the new year with a serious session of karaoke. Of course, it wouldn't be a night at the Colorado without a ride on "Buck Off" their famed mechanical bull. 154 Bonnie Burn Road, Watching, 908-322-7200.
OLD BAY: Celebrate NYE N'awlins style. The Cajun restaurant will have a "white cloth" dinner service with an a la carte menu. Items include: butter poached lobster crostini ($13) roasted monk fish ($27), braised lamb shank ($28), and triple chocolate black magic cake ($10). Diners will receive a complimentary glass of champagne with their meal. After 10 p.m. there's a $5 cover to watch the fabulous rock and soul outfit Midnight Mosaic as they jam into the New Year. 61-63 Church Street, New Brunswick, 732-246-3111.
MISTER EAST: Mister East, which is located behind the bar and restaurant, Central Park will have 92.3 AMP Radio live in the house for NYE. DJ Toro and DJ Adiel will be spinning in Mister East while DJ Illegal spins at Central Park. Doors open at 8 p.m., and there will be a premium open bar and buffet. Tickets are available here. 2491 Wood Avenue, Roselle, 908-241-8395.
BIG SHOTS: The newly renovated Big Shots Restaurant and Lounge present "Shots at Midnight." This NYE party will entertainment by DJ Precise and Marty Rock. Party packages start at $35 which allow for a post 11:30 p.m. entrance and a champagne toast. A $75 package includes a three hour open bar, a champagne toast and a dinner and breakfast buffet. Click here for tickets. 780 US Highway 1 North, Iselin, 732-750-5050.
ROXY AND DUKE'S: The always eclectic Roxy and Duke's will present a "Rockin' New Years Eve Sock Hop." There will be live performances from rockabilly favorites The Razorbacks and the rhythm and blues outfit, Quiet Storm. Tickets include: a dinner buffet and open bar from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and a champagne toast at midnight. The party will rage until 3 a.m. 745 Bound Brook, Dunellen, 732-529-4464.
Roxy & Dukes Roadhouse has bar, lounge, and pool table in Dunellen on Friday, May 16, 2014. Andrew Miller/For The Star-Ledger JERSEY SHORE AND SOUTH JERSEY
HAVEN NIGHTCLUB: The Golden Nugget's new nightclub will see resident mixmaster and BBC Radio 1 Presenter, Fergie DJ dropping some serious beats all night long. If you purchase an advance $75 ticket, you can begin the party with a two hour hosted bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Advance tickets can be found here. General admission to the club begins at 10 p.m. Table service is also available and includes a complimentary bottle of champagne. 1 Castle Road, Atlantic City, 609-441-2000.
THE STONE PONY: Dark City Entertainment will present "Another 90s New Year" at the house that Bruce built. This event will see local, original bands assuming the identities of and performing the songs of famed bands from the 1990s. The bill includes: The Cold Seas as The Smashing Pumpkins, Lost in Society as The Offspring, The Black Clouds as The Pixies, Accidental Seabirds as Alice in Chains, YJY as Oasis, and a "One Hit Oenders" set by Matt Wade. There will be shot specials all night to go along with $3 Yuenglings and $4 well drinks. Tickets range from $17 (advance) to $20 (at the door.) 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury, 732-502-0600.
FARRELL'S STOUT AND STEAK: It's an Irish-American New Year at the Jersey Shore. The day begins early as Farrell's celebrates the Irish New Year from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (The ball drops in Dublin at 7 p.m.) Famed Shore troubadour Paul Cilinski will serenade the crowd. Farrell's begins their American New Year celebration at 10 p.m. with music from Guys with Beards and DJ Tyler. There's no cover for either party. 401 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach, 732-892-2090.
BAR A: The bar 'where summer never ends' will celebrate New Year's Eve in their usual fashion -- big, fun, and unforgettable. MC Bacardi Ardi will host the evening while Big Bang Baby will perform four sets start at 10 p.m. and DJ Mike Nice spins before and between sets starting at 7 p.m. Bar A is offering a two hour open bar package which will cost $40 until December 25, and $55 after Christmas. This package includes: a two-hour open bar (8 p.m. to 10 p.m.), a hot and cold buffet. The second package will cost $15 until December 25, and $25 after Christmas. This package gets you in the bar, but you're paying normal prices. However, both packages do allow you the opportunity to book free transportation to and from your house -- but you have to call in advance to book. 703 16th Ave. Lake Como, 07719 (732) 681-7422.
RIVER ROCK: The waterfront bar will feature one of the hottest cover acts in the state The Event Horizon (featuring Henry formerly of Lifespeed on vocals). Tickets are $15 for ladies and $20 for guys until December 30. At the door tickets will run ladies $20, and guys $25. Tickets include a buffet and a champagne toast. The Rock will be open until 3:00 a.m. 1600 Route 70 West, Brick, 732-840-1110
HEMINGWAYS: Hemingway's will have two distinct New Year's Eve celebrations. Th first takes places in the restaurant of Hemingways. There will be a four course dinner with two separate seating pricings. Seating before 6:30 p.m. will cost $50 per person or $90 per couple while seatings after 8:00 p.m. will be $70 per person or $130 per couple. Menu items include: rack of lamb, filet mignon, U-10 Diver scallops and creme brulee. On the bar side of things it's a "Tribute to the Classics" with DJ Teo and Milky Mike spinning the best of 90s and 2000s house music. Open bar will run from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $30 in advance. 612 Boulevard, Seaside Heights, 732-830-1255.
UNCLE VINNIE'S COMEDY CLUB: The Jersey Shore's top comedy club, Uncle Vinnie's, will present two shows with comedian Jay Black. Each show includes a four-course meal, but remember Uncle Vinnie's is a BYOB establishment so you'll need to bring your own if you want to celebrate with some holiday spirits. Tickets are available here. 518 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, 1-877-UNCLE-VIN
THE BEACHCOMBER: One of the true institutions of the Seaside boardwalk, The Beachcomber celebrates NYE with the wild antics of The Flying Mueller Brothers. The Brothers put on an extremely audience-involved show, so dust off your conga shoes. Open bar will run from 8 p.m. to midnight. The 'Comber will serve a cold buffet at 8:00 p.m., and a hot buffet at 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance 100 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, 732-793-0526.
JACK BAKER'S LOBSTER SHANTY: Combine a renowned seafood restaurant with one of the Shore's most beloved cover bands, and you've got a great night ahead of you. Brian Kirk & The Jirks annual New Year's Eve bash at the Lobster Shanty will have a four-course dinner and an "all evening" open bar. Tickets are $130 per person. 81-83 Chanel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach, 732-899-6700.
THE DOWNTOWN: One of Red Bank's more music-driven clubs will feature one of the heavy hitters in the cover band world, Lifespeed, as their headliner for New Year's Eve. 10 West Front Street, Red Bank, 732-741-2828.
MARTELL'S TIKI BAR: Jersey's famed tiki bar isn't just a summer spot. For years they've thrown a series of awesome NYE parties, and this year is no different. The Shore's favorite son, Mike Dalton, will bring his band and an entire horn section to Martell's to perform. Also performing will be Tiki Bar staple Dr. Cheeko, who will bring his irie riddims to the (possibly) cold December night. There's a complimentary buffet plus the requisite party favors and champagne toast. Tickets are currently $25 but prices will be going up. 308 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach, 732-892-0131.
ASBURY FESTHALLE AND BIERGARTEN: It should come as no surprise that the Festhalle is going big for its first New Year's Eve. The doors open at 4 p.m. and any party reserving a table (reservations are for 10 or more) will receive a carafe of St. Germaine and a pitcher of beer with a food purchase. At 6 p.m. the German New Year will be celebrated. There will be fortune tellers at the bar, the kitchen will be open late and there will be hand-rolled cigars by Senor Juan. The excellent Des and the Swagmatics will perform 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. There will be also be a vintage champagne tower and toast. Capping things off the Festhalle will host the first Asbury Park New Year's Ball Drop on their roof. And there's no cover at all for the entire day. 527 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, 732-997-8767.
THE PARK: The former Park East will host a three-room New Year's Eve party. DJ Nico will be spinning in the main room, while longtime favorite DJ Davis G turns it up in the upstairs lounge. A special guest will be providing entertainment in the martini bar. There's an open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. for beer, call and well drinks. General admission is $15 for the ladies, $25 for the gents. 3352 Route 35 South, Hazlet, 732-739-2002.
THE GRAND ARCADE AT CONVENTION HALL: Yes, Convention Hall is throwing a New Year's Eve party. This "black tie celebration" is inspired by "The Great Gatsby" and guests are encouraged to wear their finest 1920s-inspired threads. There's an open bar from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., hot hors d'oeuvres will be served all evening and DJ Atom Worth will be spinning hot tunes all night long. Tickets are $85 through Christmas, $100 after and can be purchased here. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park.
EDEN LOUNGE: If you're at Harrah's or any place in Atlantic City and are looking for an extremely fun way to ring in the new year, and also not have to pay a cover to get in, check out the Eden Lounge. The lounge will feature a special performance from America's rock 'n' roll "Fun-onemnon" The NERDS. It's not everyday you can see this band for free, so this might be a good opportunity to do so. 777 Harrah's Boulevard, Atlantic City, 609-441-5000.
THE HEADLINER: One of the true traditions at the Shore is New Year's at The Headliner. This year the party is hosted by Stoli Vodka and Veuve Clicquot Champagne -- guaranteeing this is a bit of a classier night out. Music will be spun by resident DJ Freddie as well as DJs Kel and Emerson. Open bar runs from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 day of. There is reduced admission for those coming in after 11 p.m. 1401 Route 35 South, Neptune, 732-775-6200.
THE SAINT: Why not go for some excellent original music on New Year's Eve? The Cranston Dean Band will perform their brand of bluesy, funky alt-country at The Saint. There's a $10 cover for the show. However, if you want to take part in the open bar from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. then the cost will be $30. 601 Main Street, Asbury Park, 732-775-9144.
TRUMP TAJ MAHAL: The Taj gets funky. The Right On Band will perform covers of the most popular funk, soul, R&B hits of all-time. There will be a cash bar during the performance. Click here for tickets. 1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Ave, Atlantic City, 800-234-5678.
Bill Bodkin can be reached at bodkinwrites@gmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.