Houston’s Ultimate New Year’s Eve Guide — the Best Restaurants, Parties and Events to Ring in 2019: Where to Celebrate With Style

If you’re stuck in that post-holiday daze, you’re not alone. The lot of us are drifting in that dreamy transition time between Christmas and the new year. It’s hard to focus on work, it’s hard to do anything but daydream. But don’t worry. We’ll snap out of it and get back to work in January, but not without one last celebration.

It’s time for an epic New Year’s Eve. And this year, don’t phone it in — ring it in. And options abound, and Space City’s Champagne glass runneth over with bubbly-fueled bashes and parties. It can be hard to choose just where to go — are you looking for the ultimate in extravagance? A chill night out? A tantalizing pre-fixe meal?

PaperCity has you covered with a robust round-up of the Top 15 places to count down to 2019. It’s a time for new beginnings, and it’s time to celebrate as such.

So long, 2018. Sip, sip, hooray!

1. B&B Butchers

Benjamin Berg’s ultimate meat haven is offering up a bevy of exciting ways to celebrate with live music on all floors, even the covered and heated patio for prime-time fireworks viewing.

The Kelley Peters Jazz Trio will spice up the downstairs dining room and singer Bob Luna and a guitarist will perform in the upstairs dining room during dinner all the way from 6 to 10 pm. Up on the rooftop patio, DJ Wyatt Magnum’s set to up the ante with tunes from 10 pm to 2 am.

It’s a blast without any of the pomp and circumstance  — no ticket fee, no pre-fixe menu. But if you want in on this sure-to-be-a-blast, you’d better make a reservation. Pre-order your champagne for the spectacular midnight toast and get 20 percent off the bottle.

If you thought the party stopped there, think again. You can come right on back to B&B Butchers the next morning for “Hangover Cure Brunch” from 11 am to 3 pm. That means live music, over-the-top brunch including the oh-so-lucky black-eyed peas and kale special and jumbo-sized “Manmosas.”

2. The Rustic

This mammoth country triple threat may be new on the scene, but the bar-restaurant-concert venue knows how to party. Blues singer Charley Crockett, who’s shared the stage with acts like Leon Bridges and Turnpike Troubadours, shifts things into high gear for an unforgettable evening.

For $75, you can get VIP access — access to the VIP lounge first come first serve, passed apps and a meet-and-greet with the star himself.

3. Brasserie 19

Champagne’s the name of the game at the River Oaks crowd’s see-and-be-seen temple. Welcome the New Year in style with this French-inspired dinner and a complimentary midnight champagne toast. C’est bon!

4. Tony’s

The high-end Houston restaurant institution is taking it next level. As in, a bar-turned-dance floor, confetti cannons and all the trappings of glitter and glamour.

Go ahead and make a reservation for either the first seating from 6:45 to 8:45 pm or the second seating from 9:15 to midnight. You can expect a four-course, multi-choice menu at both — and live music late into the night if you choose the later time slot.

5. Holman Draft Hall

We’re betting this draft hall will be a winner with a legit casino night. What happens in Houston stays in Houston with a night full of slot machines, roulette and blackjack for all you risk-takers.

The chip leaders will get a very special reward: a bottle of Dom Perignon to pop open. Of course, there’s the complimentary midnight champagne toast for the less lucky. 

6. Bar Victor

This swanky French spot is serving up a Royal Ball, complete with live DJ sets and performers from 5 pm on to 2 am. With its plush banquettes, Victor’s always a pretty posh place.

But now you can kick it on the No. 1 party day of the year for $89, which gets you a ticket, one bottle of champagne and hors d’oeuvres, or $45 for entrance only.

7. Axelrad

Every night’s rad out on this spacious patio, and it’s the perfect place to settle in if you’re looking for a fun, laidback night with all fun, no-frills. You can find delicious cocktails, Axelrad’s signature hammocks and mega-sized pizza slices from next door.

But that’s just half of it. Axelrad’s all about arts, so you can enjoy some visual installations and a whole lot of live music, courtesy of Shakin’ All Over, Jean-Paul Tiblier,  DJ Sun and Alii Michelle & the Fellas.

8. Poitin

It all starts with oyster hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine at this stunning patio restaurant. Poitin’s got you hooked up with a fantastic view of the city skyline and a three-course Southern comfort dinner menu with a global spin and wine pairings for $125 per person. And don’t forget that balloon drop. 

9. The Ballroom at Bayou Place

Suit up for a good cause at Bayou Place, where you can get down and give to charities across the Bayou City. The VIP package kicks things off at 7:30 pm with a station-style dinner, an open bar — what else? — live music, dancing, and breakfast tacos on the balcony for $225 per person.

If you’re even more of a night owl, show up at 11 pm for light bites and snacks, a cash bar, champagne toast at midnight and tacos for $99 per person.

10. The Conservatory

Houston’s OG food hall will present Hawker Night Market Food Festival. Expect even more eats and drinks than usual, with late night delights from vendors El Burro & Bull, Treacherous Leches, Noble Rot Wine Bar and more.

11. Prohibition Supperclub & Bar

Take a step back into The Jazz Age at this extravant 1920s-themed show. The decadent party at this historic building comes alive with The Moonlight Dolls. Celebrate the evening with dinner and a show at 6, 8:30 or 11 pm.

12. Tongue-Cut Sparrow

Arguably Houston’s most sophisticated and exclusive cocktail lounge, Tongue-Cut Sparrow’s bringing the glitz and the gold. The downtown destination’s offering seatings at 6 and 10 pm for $125 per person.

That ticket will get you two master-crafted cocktails, welcome champagne and champagne off the much-hyped champagne cart. They’ve also got a few surprises up their sleeves.

13. Johnny’s Gold Brick

Oh what a night — for a Whataburger buffet. Johnny’s Gold Brick knows what the people want, and it’s not just drink specials, a live DJ and a champagne toast. It’s a completely gratis midnight fast food station.

14. The Heights Theater

The theater-turned-event-space is hosting a wild Dancing& Desserts party with celebratory confections galore in a buffet. Boomtown Brass Band provides the jams, and a midnight champagne toast will get you feeling festive.

15. Finca Tres Robles

Farm & Firelight: A Sustainable New Year’s Celebration is about protecting the planet while having a blast. This private farm invites you to cozy up next to bonfires to roast marshmallows among friends and sip on hot toddies and craft beer. All glasses are reusable, of course.

And the night’s not complete without food truck snacks and Scandinavian baked goods from the East End’s Home Baked Hembakat, all on compostable dinnerware.