On Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 at 11:59 p.m., Hudson County and the world will turn the page on a decade that brought us American Idol, the iPhone, and President George W. Bush.
Several local bars and restaurants will host year-end parties or serve up specials to cap off the 2000s, or as some are calling it, “the Naughties.”
Decades in the past were easily named – the Roaring ’20s or the Psychedelic ’60, but there has been much debate over what this past decade should be called.
Time Magazine called it “The Worst Decade Ever.”
________
The decade started out on an auspicious note. The Y2K buzz in 2000 was a frenzy of technological fear that amounted to much ado about nothing.
The 1970s were referred to as the “Me Decade,” leading some to call the 2000s the “You Decade” because of such user-empowering technologies as blogging and YouTube.
With the Sept.11 attacks, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hurricane Katrina, and the economic collapse, many Americans are more than ready to say goodbye to “the Naughties.” Such events led Time Magazine to call it “The Worst Decade Ever.”
So, if nothing else, at least “the Naughties” have given us reason to celebrate now that the decade is over. After midnight, it’s time for “the Tens.”
Read on to find out where to celebrate in Hoboken and Jersey City.
No jokin’ in Hoboken
The mile-square town has brunches, buffets, dinners, and drinks for revelers and a celebration for the blue moon new year.
● The Brass Rail, 135 Washington St., is celebrating New Year’s Eve 2010: Once in a Blue Moon. Thursday, Dec. 31 is the second full moon in the month of December, making New Year’s Eve a “blue moon.”
The Brass Rail is offering a $75 open bar and hors d’oeuvres from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.
A four-course dinner package is available after 9 p.m. for $65 per person and open bar can be added for an additional $35. Reservations are required. A la carte dinner seating is available from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
They are also hosting a Hangover Brunch on New Year’s Day.
For a reservation, call (201) 659-7074.
● Teak on the Hudson, 16 Hudson Place, is plating up some dinner specials during two seating times.
The first seating for the four-course meal is from 7 to 9 p.m. at $69.95 per person and includes soup, appetizer, and choice of four entrees. The second seating after 9 p.m. is $79.95 per person, and both have the option of open bar for an additional $80.
For those just visiting for the drinks, open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. is $100 per person and includes a champagne toast and party favors.
There will be a live DJ and drink specials throughout the night.
Teak is also offering brunch on New Year’s Day with special discounts available for guests who attend on New Year’s Eve.
For reservations, call (201) 653-6888.
● Mikie Squared Bar & Grill, 616 Washington St., is opening the buffet for New Year’s Eve.
From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., they’re offering a full buffet, open bar, champagne toast at midnight, party favors, DJ, prizes, and giveaways. The festivities are $75 per person if you reserve a seat before Dec. 25 or $85 after.
For a reservation, call (201) 792-0001 or visit MikieSquared.com.
● 3 A’s Bar & Grill, 500 Grand St., is pouring premium liquor from the open bar on New Year’s Eve. Also included is a buffet-style dinner, champagne toast at midnight, and DJ music all night long for $90 per person. Tickets are limited.
For a reservation, call (201) 217-1650.
● Gaslight Restaurant & Bar, 400 Adams St., has an affordable bar and dinner packages to ring in the new year. The open bar package is $55 per person and includes hors d’oeuvres from 9 p.m. to closing time.
Dinner packages start from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for a $35 three-course meal. At 9 p.m., the four-course meal is $55 per person. Open bar can be added on for an additional $35 per person.
Gaslight is open for brunch New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for $15 brunch (two drinks included) between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
For more information, call (201) 217-1400 or visit GaslightNJ.com.
Nitty gritty in Jersey City
Jersey City has a plethora of celebration-worthy hot spots, but some places pop a better cork on New Year’s Eve.
● O’Connell’s, 111 Montgomery St., is serving up a four-course meal and champagne toast.
They are offering two seating times at 7 and 9:30 p.m. at a cost of $45 per person. O’Connell’s is also offering a four hour drink package (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) at their premium bar for $55.
A live DJ will be performing and party favors will be handed out.
For a reservation, call (201) 333-3633.
● Michael Anthony’s, 502 Washington Blvd., is offering specials too. For more information, call (201) 798-1798.
● Edward’s Steak House, 239 Marin Blvd., is offering some exciting dinner specials like a 14 oz filet mignon with foie gras and fresh horseradish.
Free musical accompaniment will be provided by jazz soloist Danny Bacher and seating after 10 p.m. includes a complimentary champagne toast and party favors.
For more information, call (201) 761-0000.
● Skinner’s Loft, 146 Newark Ave., is handing out hats and noise makers and tossing the confetti at midnight.
The Loft will be offering a multi-course meal with sparkling wines and a champagne toast. (Price to be determined.) Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations recommended.
For more information, call (201) 915-0600.
Timothy J. Carroll may be reached at tcarroll@hudsonreporter.com.