By David Pruitt, special to The Metro Independent
If you have not yet made New Year’s Eve plans, and want to enjoy food or drink in the area, below is a mini-guide.
Dining
If you are looking to treat yourself to some fine dining before making those New Year’s resolutions, you had better make your reservations now.
Porter’s Steakhouse
They will be offering a limited menu with an emphasis on seafood. You can browse their menu as well as make reservations on their website.
Location: 1000 Eastport Drive, Collinsville
Contact: (618) 345-2400 – porterscollinsville.com
New Year’s Eve Hours: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fazzi’s Bar and Grill
They will be offering specials on their prime rib, roasted chicken and lamb. Make reservations as early as possible.
Location: 1813 Vandalia St., Collinsville
Contact: (618) 656-0281 – fazzis.com
New Year’s Eve Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Andria’s Steak House
This O’Fallon institution is not deviating from its normal menu for the holiday. It is, however, opening an hour earlier than usual. Only a few reservations remain, mostly for early and late diners.
Location: 6805 Old Collinsville Road, O’Fallon
Contact: (618) 632-4866 – andrias.com
New Year’s Eve Hours: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Andria’s Countryside Restaurant
If you want your last meal of 2013 to be a cut of Ninam Ranch Certified Angus Beef, then you better make your reservations in a hurry. The few remaining reservations are for early and late diners.
Location: 7415 IL 143, Edwardsville
Contact: (618)656-0281 – andriascountryside.com
New Year’s Eve Hours: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
1818 Chop House
If you currently do not have reservations for the Chop House – you are out of luck. They are all booked.
Location: 210 S. Buchanan St., Edwardsville
Contact: (618) 344-5440 – 1818chophouse.com
New Year’s Eve Hours: 5 p.m. – close
Cleveland-Heath
Cleveland-Heath will take customers on a first come, first served basis. They are not accepting reservations. You can access their full menu and New Year’s specials on their website.
Location: 106 N. Main St., Edwardsville
Contact: (618)307-4830 – clevelandheath.com
New Year’s Eve Hours: Dining 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and bar until 12:45 a.m.
Boogie’s Restaurant and Sports Bar
In addition to Boogie’s regular menu, they will be offering a $45 couples special, featuring steak and champagne. Reservations are still available.
Location: 2082 Vadalabene Dr., Maryville
Contact: (618) 288-2898 – boogiesrestaurant.com
New Year’s Eve Hours: Dining: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Bar: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Drinking
If you want your New Year’s Eve to be more about fine drinks than fine dining, you may consider some of the following.
Double Tree and Wild Country
These two have teamed up to offer a room, shuttle bus and party favorites for $99. The special will include a room and two tickets to Wild Country (additional tickets can be purchased at Wild Country for $15 each). Party goers will be provided a personal bottle of champagne for the midnight balloon drop. In addition, you can try your luck on the mechanical bull and enjoy the live music provided by Rockin Horse. Shuttle buses will run between Double Tree and Wild Country from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Location: Double Tree: 1000 Eastport Plaza, Collinsville. Wild Country: 17 Gateway Dr. Collinsville
Contact: (618) 345-2800 – doubletree3.hilton.com or (618)346-6775 – wildcountrynightclub.com
New Year’s Eve Hours: 7 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Friday’s South
Friday’s South will have regular Tuesday night specials.
Location: 106 E. Main, Collinsville
Contact: (618) 223-1017
New Year’s Eve Hours: 11 a.m. until at least 1 a.m. If the crowd is lively, they won’t shut the doors until 3 a.m.
Johnny’s Side Bar
Johnny’s will have drink specials all night, two bands and a D.J.
Location: 109 E Main St, Collinsville
Contact: (618) 343-4409
New Year’s Eve Hours: 4 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Bomber’s Fifth Quarter
The Fifth Quarter will not be open for New Year’s Eve. The uptown bar will be closed from Sunday, Dec. 29 through Jan. 2.
Location: 118 E. Main St., Collinsville
Contact: (618) 346-6659
New Year’s Eve Hours: CLOSED
Bobby’s at Buffalo Park
Bobby’s will not be offering food for New Year’s Eve, but spirits will be available.
Location: 2822 North Center St., Maryville
Contact: (618) 288-2200
New Year’s Eve Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
