If getting your finances together is on your agenda for 2016, why wait? Instead of blowing a wad of cash on New Year's Eve with nothing to show for it but a raging hangover and a bunch of credit card receipts (do you even remember buying that third round of shots?), enjoy a wonderful, reasonably priced holiday at one of these Miami restaurants.
You're probably saying to yourself there's no way you can get a good meal on New Year's in Miami without suffering — after all, Olive Garden in Times Square is charging $400, and they're not even serving breadsticks! Sure, there are plenty of ways you can party like a baller in our fair city, but if you're down with having a great meal and a good time, here are six excellent choices for under 75 bucks — one as low as $30 — and still have money for
All prices are exclusive of tax and gratuity, and reservations are strongly suggested.
6. Devon Seafood + Steak
New Year's Eve dinner includes a lobster or bone-in filet special served with two seasonal sides for $58. The restaurant also offers its regular à la carte menu, so you can enjoy decadent offerings such as a one-pound live Maine lobster ($31), a 12-ounce USDA Prime Kansas City strip ($43), and local seared black grouper ($35) and keep your wallet well fed at the same time.
5. John Martin's Irish Pub
If you'd rather listen to U2 than Diplo, John Martin's New Year celebration takes you away from the madness of the clubs for a genteel and belly-filling evening. For $65, you'll enjoy a three-course dinner that includes your choice of filet mignon, free-range chicken, or crab-stuffed mahi-mahi. Ring in 2016 with champagne and bagpipes!
4. Rosa Mexicano
For a casual New Year's, Rosa Mexicano will offer its à la carte menu, as well as a four-course family-style holiday menu ($30 per person) featuring guacamole en molcajete prepared tableside and lobster and short-rib flautas before getting together and enjoying churros en bolsa and tres leches for dessert. At $30 per person, this is a great deal for families, friends, or casual couples who would rather share some guac than a bottle of vodka.
3. Bocce Bar
Chef Nunzio and his team are offering some festive à la carte specials, such as lasagna made with braised lamb nech and Taleggio pasta ($26), and a traditional cotechino with fresh Italian sausage and lentil ragu ($18). The entire regular menu is also available, so you can always just have a wood-fired pizza. If you're in the mood to splurge, the restaurant is offering a special seven-course dinner for two for $150. All diners will receive complimentary party favors and a glass of prosecco at midnight.
2. Via Verdi
If you skipped the chance to see 2016 arrive in Rome, head to Via Verdi instead. Partners Fabrizio Carro, Cristiano Vezzoil, and Nicola Carro will make you feel like you're at a fabulous Italian soiree straight out of a Fellini film. Dine à la carte from a menu that includes favorites such as non-ossobuco ($26), beef short ribs braised for hours until they melt in your mouth; lasagna ($16); or pork loin milanese ($24). The restaurant's bar/lounge area will feature cocktails (try the bitter Italian martini) and DJ beats, and the restaurant will remain open until 1 a.m.
1. Vagabond Restaurant & Bar
Executive chef Alex Chang is keeping New Year's democratic and affordable by serving dinner à la carte at Vagabond Restaurant. Dress in '60s chic and play out your Mad Men fantasies while dining on a plethora of inventive creations such as peanuts and chapulines ($6), ricotta gnocchi with kale butter and lemon ($13), and sliced Ibérico skirt steak ($23). After dinner, head out to the pool bar for a no-cover, no-stress party with DJ Arthur Baker and a complimentary midnight toast.
