Top Latin New Year's Eve Dinners: Mexican, Cuban, Brazilian & More
CLICK YOUR CITY IN BLUE BELOW TO SEE LISTINGS
MIAMI | NEW YORK | CHICAGO | LOS ANGELES | SAN FRANCISCO
 |
Casa Juancho
2436 SW 8th St. Miami, FL 33135, 305-642-2452
Remember Epcot’s “World Showcase”? Entering Miami’s Casa Juancho kind of feels like going to Epcot’s version of Spain – but in a fun way. Inside the giant fortress in Little Havana, hams hang from the ceilings, musicians stroll around taking requests, and the sangria flows all night. For New Year’s Eve they’ll be offering a special set dinner menu that includes an appetizer, soup, salad, and a choice of entree. Also included: live music and a bottle of Cava for every pair of diners. Reservations recommended.
Mercadito
3252 NE First Avenue, Miami, FL 33137, 786-369-0430
Midtown Miami’s popular Mercadito will be serving its regular dinner menu this New Year’s Eve – which includes variants of chile relleno and huarache that would appease even the smuggest of foodies – from 5:00-6:45pm for the early birds. Then, from 7:30-8:30 they will offer a special $45 sharing menu, and after 9:30 there will a five-course dinner with a $45 open bar option. With 60 different tequilas stocked behind the bar, you’ll ring in New Year’s Eve right.
The Bazaar
1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 674-1701
If you’ve got money to burn, this is your spot. Housed in the SLS Miami Beach hotel, this restaurant by culinary star José Andrés serves a modern reimagining of Spanish cuisine. Who’s Andrés? He made Time’s 2012 list of the 100 most influential people in the world (for running his culinary empire combined with altruistic efforts; he feeds the homeless as well as rich people in D.C., Vegas, and the 90210). At $300 a pop, the prix-fixe New Year’s dinner is pricey, but you can expect delectable gourmet cuisine in an opulent dining room, a Dom Perignon champagne toast, and a discounted ticket to Hyde Beach. If you want the dinner experience but not the drain on your bank account, you can take the early seating – from 6-7pm – for a discounted price of $175. Reservations highly recommended.
Catharsis
1644 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135, (305) 479-2746
This 80-seat dining room is perpetually packed for a reason. Offering a range of gourmet delicacies that includes pear and Gorgonzola ravioli, creamy polenta with homemade Bolognese sauce, fresh mozzarella, sautéed mushrooms, and white truffle oil, it’s hard go wrong. Their a la carte dinner menu is delicious enough, but on New Year’s Eve they will also be offering a prix fixe 5-course meal option. For $80 per person, you get a three hour open bar; for $95 per person you get open bar all night – so you’re free to sample every Italian, Spanish, Argentine, Chilean, French, and Californian wine in the house. Seatings are at 7pm and 9pm, reservations required.
Xixon
101 SW 22 Street (Coral Way) Miami, FL 33145, (305) 854-9350
The people are good-looking, the place is cozy, and the food is delicious. Whether you’re into almejas en salsa verde (steamed clams in green sauce), empanadas de atún (tuna), or Andaluz gazpacho, Xixón brings northern Spanish fare right to Miami’s back yard. Voted best Spanish restaurant in the city by the Miami New Times, the place is perpetually packed for dinner so be sure to make reservations for New Year’s Eve. I mean, their wine cellar has an automated wine dispensing machine – what’s not to love?
Area Code 55
16375 Biscayne Blvd. North Miami, FL 33162, 305-947-6202
If you are unfamiliar with the Brazilian restaurant style known as rodizio, you haven’t lived the greatest joy of a carnivore. And if you haven’t visited Area Code 55, you should hurry over there. From 8-11pm on New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy an all-you can-eat meal served by men circling the room with beautiful cuts of meat on skewers. There are chicken legs wrapped in bacon, top sirloin (picanha), top sirloin with garlic, flank steak, baby top sirloin, pork ribs, pork loin, pork sausage, and even roasted pineapple. It’s all perfectly cooked — with crisp exteriors and juicy interiors. Plus, there’s an all-you-can-eat salad bar that includes soup, a half-dozen salads, all kinds of cold cuts, fresh bread, and many other delectables. For $125 plus gratuity you can gorge yourself on all this food, enjoy an open bar, a chocolate fountain dessert, and a DJ for dancing the dinner off.
PM Fish & Steakhouse
1453 S. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33131, 305-200-5606
The PM in this modern steak and seafood house stands for Puerto Madero, a hip port district of Buenos Aires. It serves nostalgia-inspired Argentine cuisine, including seared chorizo sausage, grilled provoleta cheese, crisp turnovers stuffed with spiced meat, fresh tuna, or black cod, and a shrimp/octopus stew with potatoes and olives that is so divine it will make you literally cry for Argentina. The prime steaks come in American cuts — tenderloin, New York strip, rib eye — but are assertively seasoned and grilled with the requisite gaucho spirit. And we haven’t mentioned the array of raw bar items (including oysters on the half-shell and a live, giant chocolata clam!), the tartare (tuna, salmon, striped bass), the sashimi and whole grilled fish du jour, or the extensive wine list and cocktails. A great place to ring in 2013.
THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF:
CLICK YOUR CITY IN BLUE BELOW TO SEE LISTINGS
MIAMI | NEW YORK | CHICAGO | LOS ANGELES | SAN FRANCISCO
 |
Casa Mezcal
86 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002; (212) 777-2600
The folks at New York’s Casa Mezcal are getting prepared for the end of 2012. Save the date for a great New Year’s Eve celebration with three floors Live DJ’s, mezcal and great food and surprises! Enjoy their specialty Chile relleno: poblano pepper stuffed with cheese in a tomato cream sauce, or Costilla de res: chuck steak bone in, served with salad, pico de gallo and corn tortillas with a nopal. Start reserving to spend the New Year’s Eve at the NYC spot that integrates art, traditional Mexican food and of course, mezcal.
Brazil Brazil Dinner
328 West 46th Street #330, New York, NY 10036; (212) 957-4300
Hell’s Kitchen’s traditional Brazilian restaurant on 46th st. will be serving a special New Year’s Eve Dinner ($85 p/p). Full of color, great music, and close to where the ball will drop, Brazil Brazil sits in a prime NYC location. Chef Leonardo Motta presents appetizers like Arcaje (Black pea cake fried and palm oil stuffed with vatapa paste, shrimps and Brazilian spices), and main courses like Chilean Sea Bas or Vatapa (sautéed jumbo shrimp in a dende oil and coconut milk sauce) for the special New Year’s Eve Menu.
Hecho en Dumbo Dinner/DJ Afterparty
354 Bowery, New York, NY 10003; (212) 937-4245
Want a feast down in the Bowery? NYC’s Hecho en Dumbo & Salón Hecho invite you to join them in a four-course New Year’s Eve dinner ($75 p/p) with Open Bar (optional $100 p/p). It will feature Guacamole y Sikil Pak (a Yucatecan dip of roasted pumpkin seed, tomato, and chile habanero), Guatape de Langosta (a Veracruz-style soup of fresh Maine Lobster in a mild chile Guajillo-tomato broth), black-chile dipped shrimp,and battered grilled cactus stuffed with house-made queso Oaxaca, among many other specialties. Dinner will be accompanied with live music by Mariachi Flor and DJ sets by Chris Muñoz & Mike Severson of Heroes of the Galeon Trade.
La Cerveceria
65 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003; (212) 777-6965
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, NYC’s La Cervecería is offering a 4 course New Year’s Eve menu. La Cerveceria introduces Latin American tapas with sharp Peruvian influences and a concentration of American craft beers and new world wine from the realms of small and landmark producers. Known around the neighborhood for its brunch, La Cervecería’s Peruvian dishes will not disappoint. For ($135) enjoy an Open Bar (from 8pm-12am) with both Inca and Aztec favorites, as well as signature Ceviche.
El Mercadito
130 Hamilton Place, New York, NY 10031; (212) 368-1517
This spot – which also has locations in Miami and Chicago, in addition to NYC – is brought to us by Mexico City born chef-owner Patricio Sandoval. It highlights the cuisine of Southern Mexico, featuring great ceviche variations, more than a dozen types of soft tacos (with fillings like fillings like housemade chorizo and Manchego), and an extensive tequila list. Mercadito’s New Year’s Eve 5 course menu is more on the wallet-friendly side ($40 p/p) and an additional $10 for an optional 3-hour open bar. Their margaritas have muddled fruit in them, so they are fresh and delicious – and most importantly, strong.
Empellón
230 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014; 212 367 0999
Empellón has earned rave reviews from major foodie outlets, and in the year and a half since it opened in NYC getting a table there has been like an Olympic sport. The restaurant has also been the subject of an interesting dialogue about what happens when American chefs cook immigrant food – specifically, why these chefs often become more successful than their immigrant counterparts. After all, the head chef of Empellón is an American pastry chef who had almost no background in Mexican cuisine before he decided to pursue his dream of opening a high-end taco shop. Yet, there is no denying that his inventive take on traditional Mexican food appeals to many a culinary sophisticates. On New Year’s Eve, Empellón Taquería is offering three different seatings for dinner ranging from $95 p/p to $125 p/p. Experience a 6-course menu – with selections like Smoked Shigoku, Caviar, Melted Tetilla Cheese, Lobster, Prime NY Strip Tacos, and Mexican Chocolate Ganache – accompanied by everything their bar has to offer. The upbeat atmosphere at NYC’s Empellón, as well as their signature spicy cocktails, are sure to get you going this New Year’s Eve.
Mesa Coyaocan
372 Graham Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211; 718-782-8171
With three seatings as well (6 pm 8 pm and 10 pm), NYC’s Mesa Coyaocan will feature a special and traditional New Year’s Eve menu as well as a toast at midnight. As one might infer from its name, Chef Ivan Garcia hails from Mexico City borough Coyoacan, and his menu upgrades the yummy street food and market food items from his hometown. We love the tamales, but if you’re feeling more thirsty than hungry you should check out their very thorough list of tequilas and mezcales.
THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF:
CLICK YOUR CITY IN BLUE BELOW TO SEE LISTINGS
MIAMI | NEW YORK | CHICAGO | LOS ANGELES | SAN FRANCISCO
 |
Salpicón
1252 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60610 312-988-7811
One of Chicago’s best Mexican restaurants is going to get festive for New Year’s Eve. They will be serving a 5 course prix-fixe dinner with an appetizer, soup and salad, a choice of entree and a dessert (like the tres leches or cinnamon crepes.) For only $40, you can pair a wine with each course to get you nice and toasty before Midnight. Seatings are as follows: 5:30-6:00p.m. ($65), 7:00-8:00($75), and 9:30-10:00p.m.($85, which also includes a champagne toast and party favors.) Music all night by Los Duques.
Mercadito
108 W Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60654 312-329-9555
This Chicago restaurant from the Sandoval Brothers is serving a new fusion of Mexican -dubbed “Sex-Mex,” and that menu definitely lives up to the name. For New Year’s Eve you can either eat before 8:30, and order from the regular dinner menu, or the sharing menu. After 9:45 p.m., if you plan on counting down at Mercadito, you can pay $110 to enjoy the special New Year’s Eve sharing menu with your group AND full open bar.
Sushisamba Rio
504 N. Wells, Chicago, IL 60610 312-595-2300
If you want to get down Brazilian style, Chicago’s Sushisamba outpost is hosting Réveillon, the awakening of a New Year in Rio de Janeiro, which takes place by the ocean. Sushisamba will keep the tradition alive with white decor, festive white dress, a Samba DJ, dancers and drummers AND of course, New Year’s Eve specials along with signature menu items. Enjoy chef specials combining the essence of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine. Celebration seating after 10:00p.m. will have a $30 entrance fee.
Adobo Grill
1610 North Wells, Chicago, IL 60614 312-266-7999
Mexican food, how we will never tire of you! Any place that is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a shot of tequila is alright with us. In addition to the shot at Midnight, Chicago’s Adobo Grill is offering a 4 course menu with an open bar (including margaritas, beer, red and white wine) for $79 a person. Mariachi Ameca will be playing from 9:00 till Midnight to keep the Mexican tradition alive!.
D’Noche
2710 North Milwaukee Road, Chicago, IL 60626 773-289-4274
D’Noche is a Latin fusion restaurant, serving up Cuban, Mexican and other South American delicacies. For New Year’s Eve, they will be offering 2 seating times (7-9pm and 10-1am). First seating includes a 4 course dinner and 2 hour open bar for $50 and second seating is $65 with an additional Cava toast. There will also be a live DJ spinning from 10:00pm well into the New Year.
THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF:
CLICK YOUR CITY IN BLUE BELOW TO SEE LISTINGS
MIAMI | NEW YORK | CHICAGO | LOS ANGELES | SAN FRANCISCO
 |
Sol Cocina
251 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach;(949) 675-9800
Sol Cocina will be serving a New Year’s Eve dinner, as well as New Year’s Day brunch on the 1st. Their menu features Baja classics like Ensenada Beer-Battered Fish Tacos, Carne Asada Street Tacos (made with prime Meyer beef) and Cocktel de Mariscos, alongside innovative creations like their famous Taco Vampiro, or local Fish Pibil ‘Zarandeado’ style, or Wood-Grilled Kobe Skirt Steak and Chipotle Chicken.Those who know the Newport Beach Mexican-haven know that its view of the Balboa Marina is the best accompaniment to a delicious meal.
La Sandía
395 Santa Monica Place, Ste. 305, Los Angeles, CA 90401; (310) 393-3300
If you need a quick but delicious dinner to keep the party going, LA’s La Sandía will feature Chef Richard Sandoval’s modern mexican New Year’s menu. With a 3-course tasting of traditional favorites at $26 prix fixe, plus signature dishes served à la carte, La Sandía’s got many options for you.
The Bazaar
465 South La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048; (310) 246-5555.
Bring your mask and join the “Spanish Masquerade” at The Bazaar by José Andrés, winner of the James Beard “Outstanding Chef” Award. If you’ve got money to burn, this is your spot for New Year’s Eve. Serving a modern reimagining of Spanish cuisine, Andrés made Time’s 2012 list of the 100 most influential people in the world (for running his culinary empire combined with altruistic efforts; he feeds the homeless as well as rich people in D.C., Vegas, and the 90210). Incognito guests will enjoy multiple dining areas and tray-passed tapas. There will be no shortage of libations at this party—sip on cava, and gaze at the Liquid Nitrogen Caipirinha carts or simply choose your favorite specialty drink at several cocktail stations. Cap the night off with desserts in the Patisserie and then dance into the wee hours of the morning. Tickets start at $250, but a limited number of pre-sale tickets are available for $150 before December 27th, so purchase early!
Rivera
1050 S. Flower St. #102, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213 749 1460
Los Angeles’ Rivera is offering a special tribute dinner to L’Ermitage created by Chef John Sedlar and inspired by the famous Chef Jean Bertranou.The 5-course New Year’s Eve dinner comes with early and late seatings($100 to $125 p/p). In Rivera’s inimitable style, you’ll find traditional holiday dishes reinvented from a modern Latin perspective. Expect chestnut mole sauce with your classic French ballotine of chicken, and a buche de Noel transformed with passionfruit sponge cake and coconut “snow.” Of course, mixologists are planning festive cocktails and the Champagne will sparkle.
Border Grill
445 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071; (213) 486-5171
Enjoy upscale, modern Mexican food in a vibrant setting at Los Angeles’ Border Grill, the hip, urban cantina from Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” and Food Network’s “Too Hot Tamales.” The downtown LA spot will be offering a 4-course prix-fixe New Year’s Eve dinner menu ($65 p/p). Sip delicious cocktails, try Border’s ox tail tamales, applewood bacon wrapped Ribeye and Lobster, as well as homemade banana crepes for dessert.
Cafe Sevilla
140 Pine Avenue, Long Beach; (562) 495-1111
Long Beach Spanish restaurant Sevilla offers the regular menu along with the New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe menu that begins seating at 6:30, ends at 9. Seating includes tapas, bar, midnight celebration, toast, and a flamenco performance at 7pm, for $30 and $60 p/p.
THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF:
CLICK YOUR CITY IN BLUE BELOW TO SEE LISTINGS
MIAMI | NEW YORK | CHICAGO | LOS ANGELES | SAN FRANCISCO
 |
Andalu
3198 16th St. @ Guerrero, San Francisco – 415.621.2211
This popular Mission hot spot will be serving a special $49 prix fixe 4-course menu. Each course includes several options to choose from, including an array of seafood tartares, bruschetta, scallop and black truffle raviolis, and Grilled Arctic Char with fresh herb salsa verde and a salad of red potatoes, brussels sprouts, and pancetta, among others. For an additional $25 you can enjoy special wine pairings with each course, or simply opt for their delicious cocktail list.
Slide NYE
30 Mason Street, between Geary & Post Streets, San Francisco (415) 421-1916
Underground adult playground Slide is so-called because you can literally access the bar via a long slide, that launches you into an elegant interior with plush booths, bottle service and a striking, backlit honey onyx bar (there is also a stairway entrance for the less adventurous). Taking cues from the notorious prohitibion-era speakeasy Coffee Dan’s that used to reside in Slide’s San Francisco location, this is a swanky spot to spend New Year’s Eve. They will be offering a special New Year’s Eve menu that includes skewers of Asian marinated skirt steak, Applewood smoked bacon, gruyere and sauteed leek tarts, curried crab with sliced almonds on brioche, and more. DJ G-Squared will be pumping out jams all night (the DJ booth is housed in a grand piano!), and they’ll be passing out complimentary fedoras and feather boas so you can really dress the part. Tickets start at $30, and reservations are encouraged.
Colibri
438 Geary Street, San Francisco Tel: 415-440-2737
We included San Francisco’s Colibri in our Mexican Independence Day guide, and they’re back to celebrate some more! An award winning Mexican restaurant, they will be ringing in 2013 with fine tequilas, handcrafted margaritas and a special selection of delicious holiday food specials for you to enjoy!
Mateo’s Cocina Latina
214 Healdsburg Avenue, San Francisco 707-433-1520
Join Mateo’s Cocina Latina for a Yucatan style New Year’s Eve Fiesta! Mateo’s four course menu is a celebration of the peak of the seasonal local ingredients. The prix fixe menu will be served from 5-9:30pm for $62 and live music will be playing from 8:00pm to midnight! Mateo’s Cocina Latina will be taking reservations for parties of any size, so get one early!
Comal
2020 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley 510-926-6300
Comal will be throwing part dinner/part dance party to celebrate New Year’s Eve the right way. They will have a steady stream of antojitos flowing out of the kitchen throughout the night – expect some familiar items from Comal’s menu along with some specialties with an emphasis on Oaxacan-style street snacks like quesadillas, de eses, tlayudas and more. Doors will open at 9pm and longtime Bay Area DJ Jose Ruiz will spin a mix of Latin and Funk into the wee hours.
$25 in advance ($30 cash at the door)
THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF: