You might have resolved to stay in this year, but—we gotta say it—some of the New Year’s Eve dining options around town are pretty tough to pass up. As tempting as pajamas and a pizza might be, there’s also the option to treat yourself to an enchanted evening at one of the following local spots—which are all planning prix-fixe menus and special dishes to help diners start 2024 off on a full stomach.
Ash—Bar: Plan a festive ‘fit and head to the swanky restaurant inside Mt. Vernon’s Ulysses hotel to indulge in a three-course dinner (think: oysters, truffles, and the works) with optional bubbly pairings. After dessert, head over to the in-house bar, Blooms, for more Champagne as the countdown to midnight continues.
BLK Swan: Grab a group and dress to the nines for this—fittingly—black-tie affair at BLK Swan in Harbor East. Tiered ticket options ($100-275) offer a seated dinner curated by executive chef Saon Brice, plus bottle service, and live music spun by DJ No ID and DJ Kee Bee.
The Bygone: With 360-degree views of the Inner Harbor, the top-floor restaurant at the Four Seasons Baltimore is arguably one of the finest spots to watch the Charm City fireworks. Raid your closet for your swankiest attire to enjoy a premium open bar, full buffet spread (think: seafood, carving stations, and the works), live DJ music, and an epic Champagne toast at midnight. Bygone sister-spots Tagliata, The Elk Room, Italian Disco, and Monarque—all located just around the corner on the property dubbed “Atlas Corner” on Fleet Street in Harbor East—are also hosting a joint bash that gives ticketholders access to all venues, with an open bar, standing buffets, and live entertainment at each one.
Charleston: Just around the corner, this Harbor East gem will serve four courses followed by a complimentary dessert for $229. Settle in to enjoy chef Cindy Wolf’s traditional Lyonnaise foie gras and black winter truffle soup (an homage to the late, great Paul Bocuse), cornmeal fried oysters, shrimp and lobster vol-au-vent, pan-roasted magret of duck, and Creekstone Farms beef tenderloin, among other offerings.
CookHouse: Join chef-owner George Dailey during one of two seatings (5:30 and 8:30 p.m.) at his buzzy Bolton Hill spot. The four-course fixed menu ($156 with optional wine, caviar, and filet mignon upgrades) highlights plates such as a poached pear and endive salad, braised Wagyu oxtail ravioli, classic Yorkshire pudding, butter-poached lobster, pan-seared goose breast, and a plant-based Beet Wellington. Try your hardest to save room for the dessert course, which offers sticky toffee or Panettone bread pudding.
Duck Duck Goose: Aside from its French-inspired fare and killer cocktail lineup, one of the best things about this Fells Point brasserie is its location, which offers a prime view of the Inner Harbor fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Head up to the roof of DDG’s neighbor, The Admiral Fell Inn, to enjoy an open bar with an endless spread of finger foods, plus food stations, bubbly at midnight, a cupcake bar for dessert, and a live DJ for the $80 price of admission.
Dylan’s Oyster Cellar: Reservations are expected to go fast for the special meal at this cozy seafood parlor on the Avenue in Hampden. Dylan’s is ringing in 2024 with a $75, three-course prix-fixe that features smoked fish stew, mushroom and brie arancini, whole red snapper, Roseda Farms strip steak, scallop cakes in a tarragon beurre blanc, Tiramisu tres leches for dessert. Of course, raw oysters can be ordered for the table a la carte.
Maggie’s Farm: At this Harford Road haunt, diners will enjoy three courses for $80, with the option to add wine pairings for $100. The full menu is forthcoming, so follow the restaurant on social media for updates.
One-Eyed Mike’s: The Fells Point institution known for its Grand Marnier club and convivial atmosphere is offering three seatings (5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.) for guests to enjoy an $85 three-course dinner. Kick things off with an amuse bouche of a roasted oyster with herb butter and parmesan paired with (naturally) a Grand Marnier-infused “Bond 75” cocktail topped with sparkling wine. The meal will continue with options such as a classic wedge salad, French onion soup, sea scallops with bacon and squash, crab cakes with parmesan Brussels, and beef tenderloin medallions with whipped potatoes.
Owl Bar: This storied bar inside Mt. Vernon’s Belvedere Hotel has seen it’s share of New Year’s parties throughout the decades. This year will be just as special with a $110, three-course menu that lists dishes such as duck confit with an orange demi glaze, Old Bay crab claws, pan-seared sea bass, herb-crusted rack of lamb, and cauliflower gnocchi with roasted corn and basil cream. End the meal with your choice of pumpkin cheesecake or a decadent chocolate dome with raspberry coulis.
Perennial: The menu for the second-annual New Year’s Eve bash at this Towson restaurant includes bottomless passed appetizers, as well as prime food stations and a gourmet raw bar. The $150 price of admission also includes open bar access and live music spun by DJ Chad Grey, making it a fun option for groups.
Sally O’s: Chef Jesse Sandlin and her staff are going all out with a $65 prix-fixe highlighting filling comfort foods. Start off with bites like vegan meatballs or cream of curry crab soup before moving on to main courses like truffle risotto or a “steak and cake” platter with seared ribeye and crab cake imperial. And be sure to save room for the Meyer lemon pie or a salted caramel tart for dessert.
The Tilted Row: Book a table at this Bolton Hill eatery to indulge in three courses ($85 with optional wine pairings) curated by chef Amy Hessel. Your last meal of 2023 will feature dishes such as za’atar-dusted seared scallops, beet carpaccio, truffle risotto, grilled bone-in porked chops, filet mignon, and seared halibut over saffron parsnip puree. The dessert menu highlights four options to end on a sweet note, including toffee cake and a deconstructed brownie sundae.
Victoria Gastro Pub: Howard County locals will be happy to hear that this area stalwart is offering an array of chef-driven specials from 4-11 p.m. Among them are fried lobster ravioli in a roasted rose sauce and a Tomahawk for two grilled asparagus and truffle parmesan potato hay. There will also be free bubbly when the clock strikes twelve.