photo by Michel Ann O'Malley
Neely’s, The Americano and China Latina are having nights to remember to bring in the New Year. Check them out.
Neely’s Barbecue Parlor (1125 First Avenue, 212-832-1551www.neelysbbqparlor.com) on the Upper East Side will transform into a cabaret-meets-saloon, hosting a raucous Barbecue and Burlesque party with seatings at 6 pm, 8 pm and 10 pm. Expect skilled dancers clad in lace corsets, feathered boas and ostentatious make-up, Red Velvet Martinis, surround sound music blasting Big Bad Voodoo Daddy hits, the song “Lady Marmalade” and more, and an awesome barbecue buffet. Dining highlights include a house-smoked ham carved to order, smoked onion hush puppies, roasted corn arugula salad, peach cobbler and much more. And of course, a champagne toast at midnight.

The Americano (518 West 27th Street, 212-525-0000, www.hotel-americano.com) is holding a stylish New Year’s Eve party — the Masquerade Ball, complete with dinner and dancing. Guests are encouraged to wear black and white for the bash, which pays homage to the costume parties that were all the rage in France during the 15th century. The design of the restaurant perfectly embodies the party’s sleek theme: Black banquets give The Americano an air of sophistication, while high ceilings, large light fixtures and floor-to-ceiling windows accentuate the light-filled room. And The Americano’s New Year’s Eve tasting menu is just as stunning as the décor, featuring Executive Chef Joseph Buenconsejo’s exquisite French fare with a Latin flair.

China Latina (Hotel Indigo, 127 West 28th Street, (646) 397-9881, www.chinalatinanyc.com), the whimsical Latin American-meets-Asian restaurant that also boasts a rooftop bar called Dragones is bridging good and evil on New Year’s Eve: Their Heaven and Hell New Year’s Eve Party Package ($125) includes a fiery, flavor-packed three-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Julieta Ballesteros in the downstairs restaurant (tables available from 6 pm – 11 pm), plus access to the Dragones Rooftop Party to ring in 2013! This bash in the sky (a heated and partially enclosed rooftop with incredible views of downtown Manhattan) will feature a live DJ, creative cocktails and a champagne toast at midnight. Tables with bottle service are also available, as well as tickets solely for either dinner ($65) or the party ($80).