The Week In Eats: New Year's Edition

Get Out!

by Nikki Volpicelli

Staying in one place during the biggest party night of the year is lame. The folks at 4 Corners Management know that, so they're offering an $85 all-access passport to their various Philly bars. The base price gets you into Lucy's Hat Shop and Drinker's Tavern in Old City. Drop a bit of extra coin to party in Rittenhouse at Loie, NoChe, Bar Noir and Drinker's Pub. Passports grant you top-shelf open bars from 9 to 2 and a champagne toast at midnight — no matter where you end up. Order by phone or online. 215-568-1616, nye215.com.

Cuba Libre is offering three options for the big night. Early birds can check out a prix fixe dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; featured dishes will include black-bean gnocchi and grilled pork chops with pineapple-smoked ham fried rice. The late night dinner (seatings at 9 and 9:30 p.m.) includes an app, salad, entrée and dessert as well as a seat for the countdown. Last is the affordable late night "deal" (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.), where $20 gets you access to dancing, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Reservations by phone. Cuba Libre, 10 S. Second St., 215-627-0666, cubalibrerestaurant.com.

Silk will ring it in with an open bar (10 to 11 p.m.) featuring Three Olives vodka cocktails and Kenzinger. Snag some complimentary hors d'oeuvres to balance out the double-fisting, liquor-gulping mayhem. Save room for dessert, which will be served butler-style after the champagne toast. DJ Deejay will kick off a Madonna/Michael/Prince melee at midnight, with $5 specialty drinks all night. Pre-order tickets online. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 215-592-8838, silkcityphilly.com.

Serious grubbing is the crux of Fez's NYE festivities. Their eight-course meals include couscous and various salads, as well as grilled beef, chicken and lamb doused in Moroccan spices. Stick around for a champagne toast at midnight and a chance to party with the Fez's belly dancers. Fez Moroccan Cuisine, 620 S. Second St., 215-925-5367, fezrestaurant.com.

McGillin's is opening at 10 a.m. on New Year's Day for a few Irish-spiked coffees prior to the Mummer's parade. Sip on poinsettia punch — champagne and cranberry — or local beers from the likes of Yards, Flying Fish, Victory and Tröegs. McGillin's Real Ale and Genuine Lager, produced by Stoudt's, will also be on tap. There'll be a limited menu featuring comfy options like shepherd's pie, chili and onion soup. Be sure to come early, as the line is known to wrap around (and around, and around) the block. McGillin's Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury St., 215-735-5562, mcgillins.com.