Philadelphians know how to burn the midnight oil, and especially important skill when it comes to next weekend’s New Year’s Eve festivities. And while there are amazing galas and open-bar events from river to river (and don’t worry, we’ll be covering them in the coming days, too), some prefer something a little more low-key. Or, perhaps, just something where there is food involved so they have a chance of being vertical when the ball drops. Restaurants are taking notice, and a number will be offering fun, themed dinner menus for the big night. Perfect for a pre-game before a party yet fabulous enough to be the main event, you’ll eat these dinners up.
Midatlantic Restaurant & Tap Room
Looking to go casual? I mean, really casual? Throw on some jeans and if you have one, your cowboy hat, and head to Daniel Stern’s University City hot spot for a Roadhouse Pig Roast. For $65, you get peanuts, buckets of shrimp and mussels and a roast pig buffet that includes sides and decadent desserts. $3 canned beers, a vintage jukebox and pool tables add to the feel, as does the midnight champagne shrub toast. Reservations are available 6 – 11 p.m., the joint rocks until 2 a.m.
Midatlantic Restaurant & Tap Room is located at 3711 Market St., 215.386.3711, www.midatlanticrestaurant.com.
Noble: An American Cookery
Want a little swing in your step this New Year’s? Noble’s got you covered. Drew Nugent & The Midnight Society will be on hand to sing and strum while you drink and dine. Two seatings are available: a $50, four-course option at 6 – 6:30 p.m and a $85 six-course menu, including midnight champagne toast, at 8:30 – 9 p.m. Both feature optional beverage pairings and dishes like roasted lobster with persimmon and scallops over black trumpet risotto.
Noble: An American Cookery is located at 2025 Sansom St., 215.568.7000, www.noblecookery.com.
Barbuzzo Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
People can’t stop talking about this relative new-comer’s amazing menu, so indulge a little this holiday season with five sumptuous courses from Chef Marcie Turney. With three or four selections per course — including house-smoked shrimp, chestnut ravioli and herb-crusted pork loin — it’s perfect for those looking for some choice. Three seatings with pricing ranging from $55 to $75 delivers even more flexibility.
Barbuzzo is located at Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar is located at 110 South 13th St., 215.546.9300, www.barbuzzo.com.
James
Looking for a little luxury? The $85, five-course menu at James is exquisite in of itself — crispy sweetbreads, oxtail tortelli, butter-poached lobster — but they are laying it on for the New Year. Splurge on a “supplement” of golden ostera caviar, foie gras terrine or shaved truffles and you’ll have a meal as sparkling as the free toast at midnight.
James is located at 824 South Eighth St., 215.629.4980, www.jameson8th.com.
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