New Year's 2004 Guide

Hooligan's Pub & Oyster Bar: Looking for a fun party without spending wads of cash just to get through the door? Then drive on over to this pub. Not only is there no cover but you can help yourself to their buffet between 8 and 11 p.m. Party favors and a glass of bubbly are also included. Dance to the beats of Miami's top DJs until 5 a.m. If by that time you've had one too many, don't risk getting behind the wheel. Hooligan's will give you a free ride home and a free tow for your car! 9555 S Dixie Hwy, 305-667-9673.

Hoy Como Ayer: This place is one of the best-kept secrets in Little Havana. Mark your calendars for an intimate evening of Latin fun. 2212 SW 8th St, 305-541-2631.

I/O: Party the night away with the grand kings of the hipster community -- the Spam Allstars and Poplife. Presale tickets go for $40 per couple, or $25 per person. Admission on New Year's will be $30 per person. It includes a midnight champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres. Poplife rules! 30 NE 14th St, 305-358-8007.

Jimmy'z: This party is bound to attract its share of glitterati. Admission costs $50 per person and includes party favors and a breakfast buffet. 432 41st St, Miami Beach, 305-538-8533.

La Covacha: If you are looking for Miami's hottest Latin and international party on New Year's Eve this newly renovated club is the place for you. Join the festivities in the chickee hut with its sizzling dance floor and complimentary champagne, or spend a few extra dollars to gain access to the air-conditioned VIP room with adjoining terraces. 10730 NW 25th St, 305-594-3717.

Main Street Cafe: Start off the New Year by listening to some great folk music. Main Street Cafe is having the outrageous Eric Schwartz returning for his second year. There will be party favors, midnight champagne, and dinner specials as well as the house band, the Pathfinders, opening the night. Call for reservations. 128 N Krome Ave, Homestead, 305-245-7575.

Mango's Tropical Cafe: Make your New Year's Eve stop here for a Latin-themed party complete with the live band Grupo Exito performing throughout the night. Enjoy a five-course dinner with a bottle of Moët Chandon champagne per couple before jumping onto the dance floor. Call for information. 900 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, 305-673-4422.

Margarita Mama's and Banana Joe's: Coconut Grove's fun-loving hangouts are ringing in the New Year with a buffet, DJ, champagne toast, and balloon drop. Call for details. 3015 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove, 305-461-1118.

Marlin Bar: Avoid the overpriced cover charges and all the hype. Spend the night at the Marlin, where they're throwing a New York-style block party. Free party favors and champagne toast at midnight. 1200 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, 305-604-5000.

Miami Velvet: For an erotic good time, take a swing (in more ways than one) to Miami Velvet. Dine on an extravagant dinner of filet mignon, lobster paella, shrimp cocktail, and many more dishes to choose from including fine desserts. The night will be hot with an erotically charged atmosphere as a live DJ spins the best tunes from 9 p.m. until dawn. The splendors of this risqué event are not for the faint of heart! 3901 NW 77th Ave, 305-406-1604.

Mr. Moe's: Mr. Moe's doesn't charge a cover, not even on New Year's Eve. Just get by the big bouncer with the horrible mullet out front and you can enjoy live music and dancing in this Coconut Grove watering hole. Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, 305-442-1114.

Mynt Ultralounge: Party the night away at the most exclusive club on South Beach. Tickets will be $150 per person from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. This will include sushi hors d'oeuvres and premium open bar. Live ball drop via satellite from Times Square. And of course, there will be party favors and giveaways. Limited general admission tickets at $100 per from 1 a.m.- 7 a.m. The first seating will be from 9-1:30 a.m. The second seating is from 2 a.m.- 7 a.m. One table for 6 is $1000 and includes a bottle of champagne and a bottle of liquor with mixers. Each extra person added to the table is $100. In the main room, resident DJ K-2, Julian Ingrosso, and Chicco Secci spinning deep house and European house music. In the ultra lounge, DJ A.M. spinning hip-hop, R&B, and funk. Limited table reservations are available. 1921 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, 786-276-6132.

Nerve: If you needed an all-star team of party people to put a fantastic New Year's party together, well here you go: Gerry Kelly, Maxwell Blandford, and the one and only Rudolf Piper. Their New Year's gig at Nerve, called Carnivale, features music by Pierre Zon Zon and Jon Cowan and a whole lot of outrageous shows, costumes, and party favors for only $30 (advance tickets). 247 23rd St, Miami Beach, 305-695-8697.

Nikki Beach Club: Enjoy the night on the sandy white beach under the glistening moonlight and shining stars. Located steps from the water, this open-air complex is perfect for those who want to spend an evening in the great outdoors, with the great indoors right behind you. Help yourself to a buffet-style dinner by an internationally known chef and then relax and kick back on one of the hammocks. Once you've regained your energy, hop on out to the dance floor. Don't forget to grab your party favors and bubbly at midnight for the balloon drop and fireworks display. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $50. 1 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, 305-538-1111.