Instead of falling asleep at 10 pm on New Years Eve, how about you mix it up this year?

There are hundreds of restaurants throughout New York and Connecticut offering special New Years Eve dinner menus. Some restaurants are even offering an entire New Years Eve package complete with dinner and dancing. I've done the heavy lifting and searched over 20 different websites to pick out ten restaurants I would recommend for New Year's Eve dining.

  • 1

    Crowne Plaza - Danbury

    The Crown Plaza is throwing a big bash on NYE in cooperation with i95 from 7 pm until 12 am, which includes a grand-buffet, two great bands, Southern Voice and Them Bones and then a midnight buffet all for one price. Click on ctnyeparty.com. for all the specifics.

  • 2

    Bernard's Restaurant - Ridgefield

    Bernard's Restaurant & Sarah's Wine Bar are at 20 West Lane (Rt.7) in Ridgefield and are one of the go-to fine dining eateries in Connecticut. Bernard's has won many awards for both their food and their wine list. My advice would be to make your reservation ASAP if you're considering this gourmet's paradise. Call 203-438-8282.

  • 3

    Diorio Restaurant and Bar - Waterbury

    Diorio's at 231 Bank Street in Waterbury is old school gourmet Italian and constantly receives rave reviews for both their food and the ambience. It's been described as old-world-speakeasy, comfortable and warm. For your NYE reservation, call 203-754-7111.

  • 4

    Cafe On The Green - Danbury

    Cafe on the Green is located right next to the first tee at Richter Park Golf Course at 100 Aunt Hack Rd. in Danbury. All you have to do is click right here to see what awaits you when you make your reservation for NYE. They have a five course price fixed NYE menu that's to die for. Make your reservation at 203-791-0369.

  • 5

    Ki Asian Bistro & Sushi - Danbury

    Ki Asian sushi is the freshest and tastiest sushi you'll find in the greater Danbury area, which reflects the 4.5/5 review on Yelp. Rave reviews were given for the easy going crystal clean decor, the marvelous sushi, and the attentive service. Some of the Yelp reviews did mention it was a bit pricey. Call 203-942-2916.

  • 6

    The Schoolhouse At Cannondale - Wilton

    Let's take a drive down Route 7 into Wilton where you'll find The Schoolhouse At Cannondale located on 34 Cannon Road. This cozy little restaurant is another fine dining eatery that's won a variety of awards. Yelp reviewers give it almost a perfect 5 because of the adventurous menu, the ambience, and the service. If you're a lover of gourmet dining, try The Schoolhouse. Reservations at 203-529-7751.

  • 7

    Beauty & Essex - Lower East Side in NYC

    I chose this one restaurant in NYC because it is vastly different than most eateries. This is one funky restaurant! It's located at 146 Essex Street on the Lower East Side and when you first walk in you're greeted by a pawn shop. The atmosphere is described as funky with a gorgeous bar and an overall hip and trendy feel. It bills itself as a restaurant, lounge, and pawn shop. It's basically a Tapas eatery and their food gets rave reviews, but the service is inconsistent. Call 212-614-0146

  • 8

    Castello Ristorante - Danbury

    Castello's is located at 2 Padanaram Road across the street from the North Street Shopping Plaza. The food is gourmet Italian and the service is second to none. I've had the privledge of dining here on two occasions and I can tell you all of the 5 out 5 Yelp reviews are right on the money. My advice is to put this on your restaurant bucket list and make your reservation for NYE at 203-743-3828.

  • 9

    Mezon Tapas Bar & Restaurant - Danbury

    Mezon ranks in the top 10 restaurants in Danbury and the #1 Tapas restaurant according to Yelp.com receiving a sold 4 out of 5 stars. The menu leans toward Dominican dishes and according to some of the Yelp reviewers, Mezon is the best tapas restaurant in Connecticut and New York. If you're leaning towards tapas for NYE, you've just found the perfect choice! For reservations, call 203-748-0875.

  • 10

    Inn At Pound Ridge - Pound Ridge, NY

    The Inn at Pound Ridge on 258 Westchester Ave. in Pound Ridge, NY is known for their beautiful decor and outstanding waitstaff. Food reviews on Yelp.com vary, but the majority are between 4 and 5. On New Years Eve, the Inn will be serving their a la carte menu until 7pm, and then beginning at 8pm, they'll be offering a $198 five course menu including a champagne toast at midnight. To make your reservations, call 914-764-1400.

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