Friday, December 21, 2007

Dance Clubs

Carlyle Club

411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria; 703-548-5953

It's a night of dinner and dancing with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and a five-course meal. The black-tie-optional party is $224, which doesn't include alcohol, tax or gratuity.

Five

1214-B 18th St. NW; 202-331-7123

One of the longest parties in town, Five is open from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. DJs Universall, Hanik, Mikey Vader, George Karmokolias and Toussant spin hip-hop, house, reggae, Top 40 and remixes on the main floor and the tented, heated rooftop. Admission includes a top-shelf open bar until 2, a buffet until 10, a full bottle of champagne for the midnight toast, a midnight balloon drop with $1,000 cash, noisemakers and giveaways. Tickets are $65 in advance from http://www.absoluteaddiction.com or $100 at the door.

Fur

33 Patterson St. NE; 202-842-3401

Hot 99.5 FM's Chris Styles emcees this 18-and-older party, broadcast on the radio. DJs spin Top 40, hip-hop, reggaeton, house and trance music. Tickets ($25) include hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast. VIP admission ($80) adds a separate entrance, an open bar from 8 to 11 and access to all areas of the club. VIP table package ($100 minimum per person) includes table bottle service, with a five-person minimum. Tickets can be purchased from http://www.furnightclub.com.

H2O

800 Water St. SW; 202-484-6300

R&B singer Trey Songz performs at H2O's party, which also includes an open bar from 8 to 10, dinner buffet, a bottle of champagne per person, party favors and mock gambling. Tickets are $30 in advance from Ticketmaster or http://www.h2odc.com.

Ibiza

1222 First St. NE; 202-234-9225

Ibiza's party offers hip-hop, Latin, house and old-school music in three large rooms. General admission is $35 and includes hors d'oeuvres. VIP tickets ($150) add a separate entrance and a premium open bar on the mezzanine from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Semiformal attire is required. Women must be 18 to enter; men must be 21.

Love

1350 Okie St. NE; 202-636-9030

Hip-hop star Ludacris is bringing in the new year at Love. Tickets are $60 for the party and concert, $40 for club only and $100 for VIP admission, which allows access to additional areas. Visit http://www.lovetheclub.com for more information.

Platinum

915 F St. NW; 202-393-3555

Lil' Scrappy performs at Platinum's 18-and-older party. The $30 tickets include an open bar from 8 to 10, a dinner buffet and a bottle of champagne. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster or http://www.platinumclubdc.com.

Ultrabar

911 F St. NW; 202-638-4663

Featuring its weekend lineup of DJs Geometrix (hip-hop, '80s), William (international), Barbari (house) and District Ignition (house, electro, breaks) on four floors. Admission ($30) includes a midnight toast and party favors. Purchase tickets from http://www.ultrabardc.com.

Bars and Lounges

If you don't see your favorite bar or lounge listed, it may be closed for a private party. Chi-Cha Lounge, Kirkpatrick's Irish Pub in Ashburn and the Park at 14th downtown are among the places that won't be open to the public, while the Brickskeller and other places traditionally give their employees the night off. Or it might be in the "Free . . . or Almost" list, so keep reading below.

BeBar

1318 Ninth St. NW; 202-232-7450

DJ Back2Back spins dance remixes and videos, including music and scenes from Broadway musicals. $10. Additional packages include unlimited Absolut cocktails ($50) or a premium open bar with unlimited Red Bull ($100). More information at http://www.bebardc.com.

Clarendon Grill

1101 N. Highland St., Arlington; 703-524-7455

Hyjynx (covers) and DJ 2Nutz (hip-hop, dance). Admission includes three drink tickets, hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast. The patio will be tented and heated. Tickets $105.

DC9

1940 Ninth St. NW; 202-483-5000

Liberation Dance Party's Hot Mess New Year's Eve with DJs Bill Spieler and Shannon Stewart (indie rock, electronic, hip-hop). Admission includes one free drink and a midnight toast. $20 before Dec. 26, $25 after.

Dr. Dremo's Taphouse

2001 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 703-528-4660

DJ (rock, hip-hop), appetizer bar, midnight champagne toast, pool and darts. $25; no advance tickets. Doors open at 8.

Duffy's Irish Restaurant and Pub

2106 Vermont Ave. NW; 202-265-3413

DJ ('80s and '90s dance music), open bar on all beer and wine, appetizer buffet from 9 to midnight, champagne toast. $50.

Eighteenth Street Lounge

1212 18th St. NW; 202-466-3922

DJ Federico Aubele before midnight, DJ Eric Hilton (Thievery Corporation) after. The Donvonte McCoy Quintet (jazz) upstairs. A midnight champagne toast is included. $50 in advance, $65 at the door.

Eyebar

1716 I St. NW; 202-785-0270

DJs Impulse (hip-hop, rock, Top 40) and Saam and Pedram (international) spinning in two floors of the lounge. Admission includes a champagne toast at midnight. $35 tickets include an open bar and hors d'oeuvres from 8:30 to 11:30; $85 tickets (with a group of at least six) include a table and several bottles of alcohol; $95 tickets (with a group of at least eight) include more bottles. Reservations can be made at http://www.nightlifeagency.com.

51st State

2512 L St. NW; 202-625-2444

A DJ (dance music), one beverage, appetizer buffet, midnight toast and $5 drink specials all night. $20.

Finn Mac Cool's

713 Eighth St. SE; 202-547-7100

The Ballistiks (rock and '80s covers), open bar, buffet, champagne toast. $60 in advance, $65 at the door.

Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle

4844 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 301-951-0115

Tommy Lepson Band (blues, rock). $75 for a five-course dinner, private table and midnight champagne toast; $10 for general admission and the midnight toast. (Menu available in the bar.)

Gazuza

1629 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-667-5500

DJ Ivan (international), appetizers, sushi and a champagne toast. Tented, heated patio is open. $40. VIP reservations available.

Gua-Rapo

2039 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-528-6500

DJs 007 (house) and Ruben (international) on two floors, an upscale Latin buffet, a champagne toast and party favors. $40. Group seating available.

Helix Lounge

1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW; 202-462-9001

No DJ, but Helix has half-price burgers and Bud Light all night, plus giveaways and special cocktails. $10.

Indebleu

707 G St. NW; 202-333-2538

DJ Neekola (house) in the Tantra Lounge. $35. $100 for a premium open bar from 9 to midnight; $125 for a premium open bar from 11 to 3.

The Improv

1140 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-296-7008

Stand-up comedy with Jeff Caldwell. $35 for show at 8 plus a free pass to a future show ($65 ticket includes dinner, tax, gratuity and the free pass). $75 for show at 10:15, including champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres and free pass to future show.

Ireland's Four Fields

3412 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-244-0860

The Sean Fleming Band (Irish) returns for its annual gig, complete with a midnight toast. $40. Seating is limited; doors open at 7.

JV's

6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church; 703-241-9504

J.P. McDermott and Western Bop (rockabilly) starting at 9. $15; $25 couples.

kstreet Lounge

1301 K St. NW 202-962-3933

DJ Nesta (Top 40, hip-hop, house, '80s), open bar from 9 to 10. $50. Couples package ($200) includes admission for two people and a bottle of Moet champagne; VIP couples package ($250) includes Veuve Clicquot champagne. Table reservations start at $1,000 for a group of six. "Elegant attire" requested.

Lotus Lounge

1420 K St. NW; 202-289-4222

There are a number of options, all of which include a DJ, hors d'oeuvres and a midnight toast. General admission is $45; add an open bar (9 to midnight) for $125. Bottle service, which includes seating and a bottle of champagne, starts at $150 per person. More information at http://www.lotusloungedc.com.

Lucky Bar

1221 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-331-3733

The "Lucky Champagne Gala" features DJs (rock, hip-hop, retro), an open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., a buffet and a midnight toast. $80.

Madam's Organ

2461 18th St. NW; 202-667-5370

Johnny Artis Band (blues). $95 for an open bar from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., appetizer buffet, champagne toast and non-reserved bar seating; $105 includes a seat on the mezzanine. If you don't want to see the band, a $70 package includes a DJ on the second and third floors, an open bar from 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. and an appetizer buffet for the first hour.

MCCXXIII and Spank

1223 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-822-1800

DJs Ed the Bruce (hip-hop, '80s, old-school) on the main floor and Theresa (house) upstairs in the Spank lounge, and a midnight champagne toast. $35 general admission, $50 VIP tickets allow access to Spank. $80 VIP tickets for couples. Table reservations with bottle service start at $100 a person for groups of five on the first floor, and $1,000 for seven people in the VIP room. Dress is semi-formal. Tickets from http://www.dcnites.com.

McFadden's

2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202-223-2338

DJ (hip-hop, Top 40, rock, retro), top-shelf open bar from 8 to midnight, champagne toast, Irish breakfast buffet. $120 in advance, $130 at the door.

McGinty's Irish Pub

911 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring; 301-587-1270

Ten Feet Tall (rock, funk) in the main room and Irish music in the bar. $20, includes hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast.

Modern

3287 M St. NW; 202-338-7027

Champion turntablist DJ Quixotic (hip-hop, rock, mash-ups) spins. Drinks are half-price from 8:30 to 10:30. A champagne toast is included, and cocktail attire is requested. $45.

The Palace of Wonders

1210 H St. NE; 202-398-7469

"The Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow" with Tyler Fyre and Thrill Kill Jill (fire breathing, sword swallowing, daredevil acrobatics and other sideshow fun). $15. Doors open at 7.

Play

1219 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-466-7529

Arrive early for hors d'oeuvres (8 to 10), sushi (9 to 10) and an open Belvedere vodka bar (9 to 10); stick around until 12:30 for a drawing featuring Louis Vuitton merchandise. Throughout the night, DJs spin hip-hop, Top 40 and international music. $50, or $90 for couples. $1,000 VIP tables include seating for eight, champagne and two bottles of liquor.

The Reef

2446 18th St. NW; 202-518-3800

DJs (hip-hop, rock, old-school), open bar from 9 until close, dinner buffet until midnight, dessert bar from midnight to 2, free coat check, champagne toast. No sneakers, hats or jeans. $150; 10 percent discount for residents of the 20008, 20009 and 20010 Zip codes.

Rocket Bar

714 Seventh St. NW; 202-628-7665

A low-key evening with light snacks, music from the jukebox and midnight toast with Miller High Life pony bottles. $10.

Strike Bethesda

5353 Westbard Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-0955

Unlimited bowling, an open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., full buffet and a midnight toast. $95 per person or $450 for a private lane with up to six people. $75 without bowling.

Tommy Joe's

4714 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda; 301-654-3801

DJ (general dance music), buffet from 8 to 10, midnight champagne toast and happy-hour drink prices all night ($3.50 pints, rail drinks, house wines and domestic bottles). $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Town Hall

2218 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-333-5641

The party features an open bar from 9 to close and a holiday buffet until 11. $75.

Whitlow's on Wilson

2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-276-9693

Back to Zero (rock, funk and covers), appetizer buffet, midnight toast and free coat check. Business casual dress suggested. $40 until Christmas, then $45.

Free . . . or Almost

Sometimes you'd rather not worry about wearing a tux, huge crowds or high-priced open bars. That's why the following places will be open for business as usual on New Year's Eve. Caveat: Arrive early.

Adams Mill Bar and Grill

1813 Adams Mill Rd. NW; 202-332-9577

No cover for the first-floor bar. (The second and third floors are only for people who've paid the $50 cover for a buffet, champagne toast, DJ, etc.)

Aroma

3417 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-244-7995

It's business as usual at the Cleveland Park lounge.

Austin Grill

919 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring; 240-247-8969

Honky-tonk singer Ty Braddock performs at 9, and the first beer of 2008 is on the house.

Bar Pilar

1833 14th St. NW; 202-265-1751

The coolest Hemingway-themed bar in Washington will be open as usual, with music from the staff's iPods.

Buffalo Billiards

1330 19th St. NW; 202-331-7665

It pays to arrive early: The first 100 people get hats and noisemakers, and the first 200 get champagne toasts at midnight.

Cafe Saint-Ex

1847 14th St. NW; 202-265-7839

DJ DK plays dance music in the basement Gate 54 Lounge.

Cobalt

1639 R St. NW; 202-462-6569

DJs Jason Royce (disco, '80s retro) and Chris Combs ('90s, contemporary) spin from 9 to 3. The lounge opens at 5, the club level opens at 9. Admission is free until 9, then $5. A midnight toast is included.

Continental Pool Lounge

1911 N. Fort Myer Dr., Arlington; 703-465-7675

A DJ starts at 9.

Galaxy Hut

2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-525-8646

The annual "Low Key New Year's Eve" features music from the jukebox and champagne available for purchase at midnight.

Ireland's Four Courts

2051 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-525-3600

Ronan Kavanagh (Irish) performs starting at 9; midnight champagne toast. No cover charge before 8, then $10.

Jimmy's Old Town Tavern

697 Spring St., Herndon; 703-435-5467

DJs and a midnight champagne toast. Five-course dinner is optional.

Kirkpatrick's Irish Pub

5351 Merchants View Sq., Haymarket; 571-248-6635

Karaoke, DJ, food and drink specials and a midnight champagne toast.

Mackey's Public House

320 S. 23rd St., Arlington; 703-412-1113

Free midnight champagne toast.

Murphy's of D.C.

2609 24th St. NW; 202-462-7171

Live music (Irish) and a midnight champagne toast.

Rhodeside Grill

1836 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-243-0145

A DJ, midnight toast and party favors.

Ri-Ra

4931 Elm St., Bethesda; 301-657-1122

Local band Rome in a Day performs.

Rock Bottom Brewery

4238 Wilson Blvd., at Ballston Common Mall, Arlington; 703-516-7688

A special dinner menu, discount drinks, a champagne toast and DJ Rusty Griswald. Purchase advance tickets for $5 at the bar or pay $10 at the door.

Rock Bottom Brewery

7900 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-1311

The night includes live music, dinner specials and a champagne toast. Admission is free until 9; $10 after.

Stetson's

1610 U St. NW; 202-667-6295

Party favors and a champagne toast.

Topaz Bar

1733 N St. NW; 202-393-3000

Topaz offers 50 percent off its house cocktail, the Blue Nirvana, from 9 to close and half-price appetizers from 11 to close.

The Wonderland Ballroom

1101 Kenyon St. NW; 202-232-5263

Hip-hop and reggae from DJ Meistro and a Miller High Life toast at midnight.