Now that you’ve had a chance to relax a bit and enjoy the holiday, you should be ready to get your shit together for New Year’s Eve 2016 in Champaign-Urbana, right?
If you’re like us, you might be starting to think about this… like, now. That’s OK — there are tons of options in C-U this year to choose from, whether you’re wanting to eat a decent meal, go check out live music, or both.
This list is by no means exhaustive or comprehensive, in fact, it is likely I left out some things, or didn’t include places that were just open for the holiday. There are plenty of bars and restaurants going about their normal biz on NYE, check them out as well. It is highly possible this article gets updated with additions if they come to us. If you have a suggestion, feel free to comment.
Oh wait, one more thing: do not drink and drive, you dummy. Call a friend. Call an enemy. Call your mom. Call your friend’s mom. Ride your bike. Use your legs and walk somewhere. Press a few buttons on your phone for an Uber or Lyft. There’s really, truly, no excuse. Don’t make 2016 any worse for you or anyone else.
Here’s our Guide to New Year’s 2016.
RIP 2016. Good riddance.
MIGA :: 301 N Neil St #104, Champaign
HOURS: 5-10 p.m.
COST: Varies, Tasting menu $80 ($115 with wine pairings)
MIGA in Downtown Champaign will be offering a six course tasting menu on New Year’s Eve, and you can reserve your spot at their website above. They recently revealed their new menu items, though check out the menu below for this NYE dinner.
BIG GROVE TAVERN :: 1 E Main St, Champaign
NYE HOURS: Friday: 5 p.m.-12 a.m. and Saturday 3 p.m.-12 a.m.
NYD BRUNCH HOURS: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
COST: Varies
Big Grove will have plenty to provide on NYE and NYD this year, they’ll be offering their NYE menu on Friday and Saturday night, and not only that, they’ll be serving up brunch the next day to help you recover. You can check out the menu below, and some photos via the Facebook discussion. Book your table here (or call (217) 239-3505).
Photo from Big Grove’s Facebook page.
BACARO :: 113 N Walnut St, Champaign
HOURS: 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
COST: $85 ($125 with wine pairing)
Bacaro will be serving up this NYE tasting menu on Saturday evening, and info from the Facebook event:
NYE Eve Tasting Menu
Saturday, December 31st
5:00 pm – 1:00amTasting Menu $85.00
Wine Pairings $40.00
Champagne Toast at Midnight
al La Carté menu availablelimited reservations available.
To make a reservation, please call BACARO at 398-6982
SEVEN SAINTS :: 32 E Chester St, Champaign
HOURS: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
COST: Varies, but no cover
Speakeasy at the Saints will be taking place on Saturday night at Seven Saints — cocktails and speakeasy attire is encouraged, for all of you wanting to really do it up this year. Here’s the information via the Facebook event:
Our Speakeasy New Year’s Eve Celebration is sure to hit on all sixes, so get dolled up in your most dapper glad rags and join us to commemorate the past and look toward the year to come! There is no cover! Try our featured cocktails and appetizers and get ready for 2017!
WATSON’S SHACK & RAIL :: 211 N Neil St, Champaign
HOURS: 5:30-11 p.m. (price below), 11 p.m.-2 a.m. afterparty (free)
COST: $50 ($85 with paired direct selection)
Watson’s is celebrating their inaugural NYE in Downtown Champaign with a prix fixe menu, which you can check out below via their Facebook event. You’ll have to snag a reservation, as I’d imagine this will be a high-demand spot for this weekend. You can see how to reserve your spot below. Plus, they’ll have an awesome ramen brunch the next day.
Check out our recent review of Watson’s Brunch here.
NYE AT THE SHACK!
We would like to invite everyone to join us at the #Shack for our New Years Eve dinner!
A prix fixe menu will be prepared by our resident guru, Shades, for your enjoyment. Reservations are required and will need to be made in advance in order to partake in dinner service for the evening–our regular menu will be unavailable.
FIRST SEATING: 5:30 PM
SECOND SEATING: 8:00 PMCOURSED MEAL: $50
PAIRED DRINK SELECTION: $35 (optional)Reservations can be made by calling (during normal business hours). A 25% non-refundable deposit will be required when making your reservation.
**RESERVATION ONLY**
[Phone] 217.607.0168
PRIX-FIXE MENU:
(subject to change)STARTERS:
Creamed spinach, fried Ropp’s cheese curds
-or-
Chicken soup, 6 minute egg, shaved black truffles
-or-
Salmon ceviche, jalapeno, ginger, potato crispsENTREES:
Open sous vide angus prime rib, Texas Pete’s bernaise sauce, potato hash with maitaki, & winter-harvested horseradish
-or-
Broiled lobster in cast iron, Thermidor sauce, Maize’s corn tortillas, pipian roja, & butternut squash puree
-or-
(V) Whole roasted cauliflower, zhug, tahini sauce, pomegranate seedsDESSERT:
Desserts by Hopscotch: Cakes & Confections**DJ PERFORMANCE BY FORREST BUMP 11 PM – 2 AM**
**FREE ADMISSION**
COWBOY MONKEY :: 6 Taylor St, Champaign
HOURS: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: $10 cover for the first 100 people
Cowboy Monkey will play host to DJ Belly, Ideal DJs, and AMS this NYE. Check out the information from the Facebook event below:
If it aint broke, dont fix it right? We’ve had some super memorable NYE’s these last couple years with this line-up and will undoubtedly continue on that path as we end 2016. Cowboy Monkey once again presents to you, DJ Belly + Ideal DJs + AMS on the last day of this crazy year. Put any troubles you may have aside, while raising your glasses and shaking your asses to the glorious musical soundtrack that will be put forth. Advance tickets are $10 until they run out. Make plans now!
HAMILTON WALKER’S :: 201 N Neil St, Champaign
HOURS: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
COST: Varies
With Hamilton Walker’s opening recently, they are another option to visit for this year’s festivities. Take a look at their menu, and they’ll have Katie Flynn as the entertainment for the evening. Information below from their Facebook page:
Ring in the New Year at Hamilton Walker’s Bar.
To usher in 2017 in HW style, we’re putting on the ritz, turning up the glam, and amping up the vibe. Jazz & Cabaret singer Katie Flynn, renowned for her sultry vocals and magnetic stage presence, accompanied by her quartet, will perform a 30s and 40s song repertoire. Order from the bar and bar menu and join us for the countdown to 2017 with a balloon drop at midnight and complimentary champagne and party favors. The Bar at Hamilton Walker’s is the place to be this New Year’s Eve.
JUPITER’S AT THE CROSSING :: 2511 Village Green Pl, Champaign
HOURS: 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
COST: $60-$270
Open Bar? OK, you have our attention. There are a lot of options for this particular plan — Jupiter’s 2 will be hosting 90’s Daughter and a massive dinner/drink special to go along with it. Check out the Facebook event and the information from said event below:
Make your plans for the BIGGEST New Year’s party in Central Illinois with OPEN BAR, pizza buffet, afterparty DJ, hotel/shuttle & dinner packages, Champagne toast, party favors, a photo booth, and 90’S DAUGHTER!
Advance tickets at 90sdaughter.ticketleap.com/nye2017 starting 5pm on 11/2/16. Share this event for your chance to win FREE TICKETS (we will refund if already purchased)
Here’s the details –
GENERAL ADMISSION – $60/person
*Open Bar (bottled & draft beers / premium liquors)
*90’s Daughter – doors at 8:30pm, show at 9pm
*Pizza Buffet at midnight
*Champagne Toast
*After-party with DJ Shane Canfield
*Free photo booth
*Party favorsPRIME RIB DINNER PACKAGE – $90/person
*Includes General Admission Package
*Prime Rib / Chicken Buffet at 7:30pm
*Includes table reservation/seating for the whole night.VIP HOTEL PACKAGE FOR TWO (limited availability) – $270
*Includes GA & Prime Rib Dinner Package
*Hotel Stay at Best Western, Savoy, IL – 4 miles away
*Free breakfast New Year’s Day.
*Includes Transportation To And From The ShowVIP SEATING (limited availability)
$100 for a table of six (guests must buy ticket package)Overnight parking at Jupiters/Crossing is allowed – please don’t drink and drive.
BARRELHOUSE 34 :: 34 Main St, Champaign
HOURS: 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: No cover
A masquerade themed night at Barrelhouse 34 is lined up this NYE, and if you’re looking for a non-dinner, non-live music option, here’s a selection for you. Free champagne at midnight as well.
SOMA :: 320 N Neil St, Champaign
HOURS: 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: $20 early for comedy, $10 late after 10 p.m.
Soma Ultralounge will have a few different options on Saturday night, comedy early and DJs + dancing late. Check out the info:
For comedy early:
Live Stand Up Comedy on New Year’s Eve in downtown Champaign – Make plans now – LAST YEAR SOLD OUT! Don’t wait, reserve soon (details below)
Tickets are $20 which includes the 8:30-10:00 show and a place to roll into 2017!
Featuring:
Justin Von Holten (www.voncomedy.com)
Melissa Richelle (www.melissarichelle.com)
Billi Casey (Peoria Jukebox Comedy Club)
Jesse Tuttle (C-U Comedy)
Justin Tuttle (C-U Comedy)You can reserve tickets NOW by emailing jesse@cucomedy.com (All tickets must be paid for prior to Dec 30th) – You can reserve a table for the show AND for after the show as well.
And for late night:
Ring in the new year at soma ultralounge with comedy and dancing. Ticket options for both ($20) or just the later part of the night ($10) are available. Free Champagne Toast at midnight included with cover. Music in the front lounge and the back dance room by DJ Wesjile and DJ A-Ron.
BLACK DOG SMOKE & ALE HOUSE :: 320 N Chestnut, Champaign + 201 N Broadway, Urbana
HOURS: 5-11 p.m.
COST: $59.95
Black Dog’s Champaign and Urbana location are celebrating with menus for you:
Join us Saturday 12/31 for a reservations-only New Years Eve BBQ at both locations!
We will have 5pm & 8pm seatings in both Champaign & Urbana. Price is $59.95 per person, which does not include beverages, tax, or gratuity. Here’s where you go to place your reservation: http://www.blackdogsmoke.com/nye-reservations/
Appetizers: Smoked Shrimp Cocktail and Smoked Pork On a Stick (pork belly wrapped with bacon and glazed with BBQ sauce).
Main Course: Smoked Prime Rib served au jus with horseradish sauce and Smoked Lobster Tail served with smoked butter. Includes your choice of two sides.
Dessert: “The Elvis Parfait” is a banana custard topped with smoked peanuts, chocolate, whipped cream, and candied bacon.
Remember: this event is Reservations Only! Get signed up here: http://www.blackdogsmoke.com/nye-reservations/
Message us if you have any questions!
THE VIRGINIA THEATRE :: 203 W Park Ave, Champaign
HOURS: 6-10 p.m.
COST: $26-28
The historic Virginia Theatre will host the Chorale on New Year’s Eve — which provides a little bit different of an experience than your Downtown restaurant and bar scene, of course.
The Chorale presents CU AT THE VIRGINIA
Date/Time(s): Sat, December 31, 2016 – 7:00pm (doors open at 6:00pm)
Seating: Reserved SeatingHelp us sing Old Lang Syne and ring in 2017 with The CHORALE when they step onto the Virginia Theatre’s historic stage for their 26th annual New Year’s Eve concert! Enjoy an evening of beautiful holiday music, the traditional sing-along to the Virginia’s mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, some special guest performers, and more. Conducted by founding director Julie Beyler. Revenue from the evening helps support The CHORALE’s Young Artist Scholarship Program
Tickets: $28 Standard/$26 Senior/$26 Child
Add’l per ticket processing fees apply: $2.00 (online only)
Tickets: http://thevirginia.org/event/the-chorale-presents-cu-at-the-virginia/Featured Soloists:
Caitlin Caruso-Dobbs has finished studying Vocal Performance with a concentration in Musical Theater at New York University Steinhardt where she performed in several Steinhardt mainstream. Well-known in the C-U area, she has performed on stage at the Virginia and follows her passion of performing and teaching music to children. Caitlin was The CHORALE’s Young Artist Scholarship winner in 2012Davion Williams has his Masters of Music from the University of Illinois and is presently the assistant music director at his church.He is teaching voice at a local music store.and recently had the chance to participate in a principle role at Krannert’s production of Dreamgirls. Davion was The CHORALE’s Young Artist Scholarship winner in 2004.
THE CLARK BAR :: 207 W Clark St, Champaign
HOURS: 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
COST: No cover
Per the Clark Bar’s Facebook page, they’ll be hosting “Live Jukebox Band for Customer Appreciation Night” — so take that for what it’s worth. Here’s the Facebook event page proper.
BENTLEY’S PUB :: 419 N Neil St, Champaign
HOURS: 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: No cover
Cheap drinks, cool DJ, and low-pressure fun — this is what Bentley’s is offering this NYE. Check out the Facebook event, and the simple-yet-great info below:
RIP 2016
DJ Nico spinning all wax rock-n-roll party tunes!
NO COVER
$2 off Whiskies
$3 Wells
21+
Check out our review of Bentley’s here.
THE LOOSE COBRA :: 113 E Main St, Tolono
HOURS: Unsure
COST: Probably at least a few bucks
In perfect Loose Cobra and The Dirty Feathers fashion, there isn’t much information available about their New Year’s bash — but per this post on Facebook, it looks like it will be going down.
THE IRON POST :: 120 S Race St, Urbana
HOURS: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: $10 cover
A lot of great live music is lined up at the Iron Post on Saturday night, which you can see below via their Facebook event:
When a 6 becomes a 7 we are presented an opportunity to celebrate. Please join us for a joyous night of music, dance, and good ole’ new-fashioned fun at The Iron Post this New Years Eve.
The night will be jam packed with music, it’ll be like a fancy multi-course, small plate meal, but with sounds, and not that expensive…
Featuring!
9pm Man the Still
9:30 Paul Kotheimer
10pm The Bashful Youngens
10:30 Colin Andrew Taylor
11pm Hot Iron String Band
1145 Bones JugsEntry will be $10. Music 9pm-1am (or beyond…)
ESQUIRE LOUNGE :: 106 N Walnut St, Champaign
HOURS: 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: No cover
At 5 pm a Traditional Jazz Orchestra will play. At 9:30 pm Candy Foster & the Shades of Blue. No cover!
RADIO MARIA :: 119 N Walnut St, Champaign
HOURS: 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: No cover
Radio Maria will have DJ Mingram spinning for the night, as well as a dinner available beforehand if you’re looking to make an entire evening of it.
Join us on New Year’s Eve to ring in 2017 the right way!
Music by DJ mingram from 9-2 and complementary champagne toasts at midnight.
Join us beforehand for dinner, with a 5 course tasting menu available with wine pairings in addition to our regular menu.
NO COVER
THE CANOPY CLUB :: 708 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana
HOURS: 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: $30 advance/$35 door
Live music lined up at Canopy with The Werks and Sun Stereo, plus you can chow down on Manolo’s and some complimentary drinks while you’re at it. Check out the info:
Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment presents…
The biggest New Year’s Eve Party in Urbana-Champaign!
NYE Celebration with The Werks & Sun Stereo
at The Canopy Club
Saturday, December 31stALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Admission Ticket to the Show
Food Buffet from Manolo’s Pizza from 9-11PM
Open Bar from 9-11PM
Champagne Toast at MidnightVIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE!
E-Mail vip@canopyclub.com for more information.
ROSE BOWL TAVERN :: 106 N Race St, Urbana
HOURS: 9 p.m.- 1 a.m.
COST: No cover
Free music by Caleb Cook Band on NYE at Rose Bowl Tavern:
Ready to ring in the new year with your favorite honky tonk band? Join us at the Historic Rose Bowl Tavern for a night of country music and great drinks!
SILVERCREEK :: 402 N Race St, Urbana
HOURS: 4-9 p.m.
COST: $39.95 for adults, $15 for children
Silvercreek is offering a dinner menu and live music, though details are scarce outside of their website:
THE CITY CENTER :: 505 S Chestnut St, Champaign
HOURS: 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: $20-$60
The Feudin’ Hillbillies and the NATU Band will be performing at the City Center on Saturday night:
Kick off the New Year with one hell of a lineup! Opening the night will be Ethan Gorrell of 3rd Shift. The NATU Band will then take stage and closing out the night will be Ryan Ideus and The Feudin Hillbillies!
This is one party you wont want to miss. Guaranteed fun and high energy all the way through to 2017!!
MEMPHIS ON MAIN :: 55 E Main St, Champaign
HOURS: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
COST: $10 cover
Cover band X-Crush take over Memphis on Main this NYE:
Please join us as we say goodbye to 2016 and hello to what will be our 20th year of rocking.
With a cover of only $10, This PARTY is THE affordable ticket in town! And check this out…NO COVER after midnight!!!
Check this out… Channel 3 will be downtown ringing in the new year, so ya just may get on TV.
You can count in the new year with us inside, or step outside for the giant champagne bottle and balloon drop with Channel 3.
Eastland Suites in Urbana has offered up king suites and shuttle service for only $99.00. (217) 367-8331 and ask for the X-Krush/Memphis On Main rate.
Spread the word…ROCK IN THE NEW YEAR WITH X-KRUSH!!
CHESTER STREET :: 63 E Chester St, Champaign
HOURS: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: $10 cover
10,000 balloons?! Good god man, that’s wild:
Drink Specials all night
Champagne toast at midnight
Drag Performances
Over 10,000 balloons in the balloon drop
DJ spinning the hits, counting down 2016
RIGGS BEER CO. :: 1901 S High Cross Rd, Urbana
HOURS: 6 p.m.-1 a.m.
COST: No cover
Riggs is hosting a NYE party that has, uh, beer of course — and some chicken and such. Check out the Facebook event:
Looking for something different to do for this New Year’s Eve? Bring your party here!
– Champagne for toasting!
– Live music by father-daughter duo “Just Peachy”
– From 6pm-9pm: $12 buffet with drunken chicken, beer-braised beef sandwich, chicken and beer stew, and more! Catered by Rosati’s.
– The one-and-only keg of 100% Riggs Estate Barleywine will be tapped at 9PM. There are only 5 gallons of it!
– Fun New Year’s Eve games!
– Late-night food options available!
– Last call at 1AM.
– No cover.
GOLDY’S :: 123 S Mattis Ave #15, Champaign
HOURS: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
COST: No cover
Live music going down at Goldy’s in West Champaign:
Everything you could want in a New Year’s party! Party favors, balloon drop, and champagne toast at midnight!Live music with Vivacious Audio, giveaways, raffle, games & more! Come on out and ring in the New Year at Goldy’s. Oh & did we mention it’s FREE !!
BOOMERANG’S :: 1309 E Washington St, Urbana
HOURS: 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
COST: No cover
Live music by Jordan & Jill is happening at Boomerang’s in Urbana on NYE. No cover as well.
JOE’S BREWERY :: 706 S Fifth St, Champaign
HOURS: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
COST: $25-50
Hell yeah, Campus! I’m throwing this in here for kicks. Check out this party at Joe’s on campus — information about ticketing and such via their Facebook page:
Ring in 2017 at U of I’s biggest bar. With 6 different areas including the largest dance for in the area Joe’s has plenty of space for all of your friends. 19+ entrance age with 4 ticket packages to choose from. Our Red Bull VIP package includes complimentary drinks from 9pm-midnight, Joe’s appetizers, express entry and Red Bull cocktails at no extra charge. Check out all of our ticket packages including our group and express entry tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-joes-tickets-29841874851