Expensive, cheap, themed parties or dinner-only are all options with the following New Year’s Eve events in Bethesda. Know an event that’s not on this list? Add it in the comments or shoot us an email at desk at bethesdanow.com.
Hanaro (7820 Norfolk Ave.): The popular sushi spot is featuring on what it does best. Starting at 8 p.m., there will be a sushi buffet, champagne, party favors and open bar (rail drinks only). There will of course be a champagne toast at midnight and live entertainment. Cost: $80
Redwood Restaurant and Bar (7121 Bethesda Lane): Redwood is going with a prohibition speakeasy theme for its 2014 New Year’s party, which includes a number of packages. There will be an early bird dining option at 5 p.m., a Dinner and Speakeasy Party option at 6:30 p.m. and a Speakeasy Party-only option. The Bethesda Row restaurant and bar is really into the prohibition theme. If you go, you’ll be able to enter through a hidden door by whispering a secret password. There will be a dance floor and 1920′s attire is encouraged. Cost: $45, $56 or $78 with VIP tables for $600
DoubleTree Hotel Bethesda (8120 Wisconsin Ave.): The DoubleTree is going with a Masquerade Ball theme this year with a live swing band and DJ. Party starts at 9 p.m. and runs until 2 a.m., which means a five-hour open bar, food stations, “professional face mask painters to help create your masquerade mask” and more. Cost: $99 with guest room VIP packages at $289 and $339
BlackFinn American Saloon (4901 Fairmont Ave.): On the cheaper side is the party at BlackFinn, which doesn’t include an open bar but does have a dinner buffet and — if you fork over an extra $10 — three drink tickets. Cost: $25 and $35, plus VIP group packages
4935 Bar and Kitchen (4935 Cordell Ave.): The Woodmont Triangle restaurant/nightclub has been a long time coming. But the upstairs lounge area will be open New Year’s Eve in what’s being billed as its grand opening. The doors open at 7 p.m. with music and dancing starting at 9 p.m. The party includes a buffet. Cost: $100
Union Jack’s (4915 St Elmo Ave.): The British pub is offering up a “British Invasion Ball,” with doors opening at 8 p.m. and a DJ and dancing until 2:30 a.m. The price of admission will get you two hours of heavy hors d’oeuvres from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and a continental breakfast after midnight. Cost: $20 for the first 100 people, more as it gets closer to New Year’s Eve
Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle (4844 Cordell Ave.): The Irish bar and restaurant is keeping it low key with a five-course meal with champagne for $55 and the regular dancing and live music. Reservations are encouraged.
