Where To Celebrate New Year's Eve In Seattle
In spite of its reputation for being a laid-back city, Seattle gets gussied up on New Year's Eve. Even when The Space Needle's fireworks get fogged in, the city sparkles with parties and prix fixe menus galore. From Champagne flights to tumblers of Scotch, we've got your guide for winding down 2014 deliciously.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, prices do not include beverages, tax, or gratuity. Please verify the menu and pricing when making your reservation.
Bar Sajor
Warm up to the New Year at Bar Sajor. This Pioneer Square charmer boasts a wood-burning oven and wood-fired grill, which means every dish on their prix fixe menu will be flame-tastic. Offerings include roast savoy cabbage, grilled mussels, lamb saddle, and a dark chocolate tart for dessert. It'll cost you $100 for prix-fixe menu (food only), with their full wine, beer, and cocktail list available à la carte. Open from 5 to 10 p.m.
The Corson Building
Wrap up 2014 at The Corson Building for a Seattle-style splurge. This Georgetown gem is hosting a lavish prix fixe featuring chef Matt Dillon's found, foraged, and fished fare. Wine pairings, transportation, and admission to Bar Ferd'nand's rocking dance party, and a special New Year's gift basket are all included in the price. $250, before tax and gratuity. Reservations required.
E. Smith Mercantile
Before the clock strikes midnight, the delightful bar and boutique E. Smith Mercantile is hosting a convivial dinner with chef Tim Stewart of Kurtwood Farms. Gather 'round a communal table to savor Stewart's beautiful, Pacific Northwest cooking. Begin with nibbles like pork rillettes before digging into a five-course meal of dishes like crispy sweetbreads and artichokes, and quail with spiced mushrooms. Custom cocktail and wine pairings are available for an additional cost. Dinner will be serves from 7 to 10 p.m.; price is $95, excluding libations and gratuity. Seats are limited to just 25, so make a reservation as soon as possible.
Ivar's Salmon House
For a party with a view, head to Ivar's Salmon House. Their New Year's Eve Party Package offers a seafood dinner buffet, a champagne toast, two drink tickets, and an opportunity to shake it to DJ Diana Ruiz's tunes. Plus, enjoy views of the Space Needle's epic fireworks show. $75 from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Reservations required.
Le Pichet
Having perfected their partying skills with Bastille Day and Beaujolais Nouveau fêtes, Le Pichet is a prime spot to celebrate the start of 2015. In addition to their menu of fabulous, French fare — duck confit, steak frites — special dishes will be available. In addition to a midnight Champagne toast, Le Pichet will take care of the party hats, noisemakers, and balloons. At 9:30 p.m., Billy Brandt and fellow musicians will rock the restaurant. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to Midnight. Reservations strongly encouraged.
Macleod's
At Macleod's, ring in 2015 like a Scotsman. Ballard's beloved pub is hosting Hogmany, the Scottish traditional "last day of the year" celebration. There'll be bagpipes and scotch, plus a rousing group rendition of Auld Lang Syne. No extra charge for the NYE bash means you can save your schillings for drink specials. The bar is open from 4 p.m. onward.
Stoneburner
For a Champagne toast like no other, head to Stoneburner. This Ballard hotspot is offering three flights of bubbly to showcase the regional traits of different sparkling wine. Sample Franciacorta, Italy's answer to Champagne, or terroir-focused, grower Champagnes. Pair the sparklers with chef Jason Stoneburner's wood-fired food, like pizzas, their popular meatballs, and roasted farmers market vegetables. Flights range from $15 to $25. No reservations required, so feel free to come for dinner or a celebratory drink.