Where to dine out for New Year’s Eve
With everything that’s gone on in 2020, New Years Eve this year feels a bit like the funeral service for a comic book supervillain. And because of this—because the last day of the year symbolizes us moving forward to a clean slate in 2021—it feels like the right time to celebrate (assuming you can do so safely).
There’s no better way to do so than by grabbing a meal to mark the occasion. Here’s a list of some of our favorite Columbus restaurants still serving on New Years Eve. Later, 2020.
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Speaking of COVID safety, Barcelona is on top of its game in that department, offering private, reservable cabanas for outdoor diners. But that’s not all the German Village eatery has on the table either. Beginning at 11 a.m., the passing of each hour will be publicly celebrated, which includes the giveaway of one $500 Los Amigos membership every hour to diners with reservations. The party peaks at 6 p.m. (midnight in Spain), and continues officially until 8 p.m.
This Dublin restaurant—known for its fine steak and eclectic wine lists—has put together a NYE dine-in menu for those looking to wave off 2020 with a flair of sophistication. At $90/person, Tucci’s multi-course special menu features your choice of filet, lobster ravioli, seared ahi tuna, or braised osso bucco as an entree. Included in this flat rate is—you guessed it—a glass of high-quality champagne as well.
This one is a bit of an outlier, since it actually takes place on New Year’s Day, but it feels too good to leave off our list. On Jan. 1, the Grandview eatery, which is open from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., is hosting their 2021 New Year’s Day Bash, complete with a pig roast, so you can bring in the New Year in truly unique fashion. Besides fresh pork, DK is offering a menu featuring sauerkraut, pierogies, a special bratwurst recipe, and more. Their regular menu and lineup of donuts will still be available as well.
While the white tablecloth dinner for two is the ideal special-occasion dining option for many, some of us just want to drink (great) beer in a more relaxed environment. That’s where Nocterra’s New Year’s Eve Curfew Countdown comes in. While Ohio’s curfew prevents celebrating until midnight, table reservations for this party run from 6-9:30 p.m., and feature food from Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, live music, and plenty of Nocterra brews. It’s an outdoor beer garden event, but limited VIP fire-pit or indoor taproom seating options are also available.
Because Cameron Mitchell Restaurants will also have at least a few holiday options available, you may want to stop by the Barn to bring in the new year. On Dec. 31, the Gahanna eatery (alongside several other CMR spots) will be opening its doors early, at 1 p.m., with a special happy hour from 1-3 p.m. as well.
If cabanas weren’t enough for you, how about private rooftop igloos for COVID protection? This New Years Eve, VASO is hosting two ticketed dinners at their rooftop lounge, one from 5-7 p.m., and the other from 8-10 p.m., with options that include hotel stay packages, private igloo dining, or regular seating, starting at $250 for a table for two. While some options include high-end bottles of bubbly, all of them include a complimentary cava toast.
Another New Year’s Day (not Eve) option: We couldn’t leave this one out as it offered something a lot of us are going to need after an active New Years Eve. (A very hearty brunch.) Featuring the only place in Columbus (that we know of, at least) pairing live music with brunch, Bristol Republic is now accepting Jan. 1 brunch reservations where you can enjoy everything from your usual breakfast fare to real barbeque and an inventive list of house-crafted cocktails.
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