A Guide to New Year’s Eve 2012/13 in Brisbane

We’ve finally reached the time of year where we begin to reflect on what has been, and plan on what we want to come. The New Year is a time for people to quit bad habits, start up new health regimes, and create new life goals. On a less philosophical note, New Years Eve is the time for everybody to get drunk and be merry, preferably with delicious drinks and food on hand. While many Brisbane-ites escape the river city for sun and surf, there is still plenty of fun to be had if you are sticking around, so here we have five great options for bringing in the new year in style.

Next Door Kitchen Bar’s Burlesque spectacle

Gatsby lovers will be thrilled to know that Brisbane’s newest venue Next Door will be open for a spectacle of burlesque performances and 1920’s style with delicious food and drinks. From 7.30pm until 12.30am you will be able to step back in time in the flavour of the roaring 20’s with cocktail style food and drinks, music and a performance by Brisbane’s burlesque performer Sunday Lucia. Tickets cost is $110 per person and you can purchase tickets via email at: [email protected]

164 Grey Street; 3846 6699; www.nextdoorkitchenbar.com.au

Cove Bar + Dining fireworks extravaganza

For some front row firework action head to Cove in the River Quay precinct at South Bank. With fabulous drinks, atmosphere and food, you will have a brilliant night with friends (and strangers!). DJ Cool Hand Luke will be spinning tunes keeping you and your friends dancing well into midnight. A ticket includes canapés and drinks and you won’t pay a cent until 2013. Tickets are $180 per person. You can book via email on [email protected] or phone.

River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank; 07 3844 3993;  www.covebardining.com.au.

Bar Alto Porchetta spit roast special

There's no more delicious way to bring in the new year than with a spit roast. Bar Alto knows the way to any foodie's heart by offering a traditional spit roast Porchetta in the early moments of the new year. Jackpot! Start off enjoying food from the  à la carte menu while enjoying the river views and watching the magnificent Porchetta spit roasting on the deck. Once its countdown time, sip on your bubbles and prepare your second stomach for the amazing spit roast - no need to get a kebab on the way home. Bookings can be made by emailing [email protected] or phoning.

The Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm; 07 3358 1063; www.baralto.com.au.

New Year’s Eve at Sake

For a romantic evening with your loved one why not head to Sake for some delicious food and fireworks. Alternatively, you and a group of friends could organise a private dining room to enjoy Head Chef Shinichi Maeda’s signature dishes. Choose to have a degustation, a la carte or the special NYE 6 course menu with Veuve Cliquot NV on arrival for $110pp. At the end of the night you can enjoy a midnight fireworks display from the balcony to truly make it a momentous occasion.

Level 1, 45 Eagle Street, Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane; 07 3339 0999; www.sakerestaurant.com.au

Bavarian Bier Cafe

If there's one thing the Bavarians know how to do - it's how to entertain. Whether you are hoeing into some delicious pork knuckle or chewing on a pretzel, there is something that makes festivity so effortless when you are drinking out of a stein.Prost! You can choose off the a la carte menu or enjoy the NYE 4 course set menu for $95pp. With panoramic river and surrounding views, the venue is one of the best spots in the precinct to watch Eagle Street Pier’s fireworks spectacular at midnight, so book your reservation here: [email protected].

Level 1, Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane City; 07 3339 0900; www.bavarianbiercafe.com