Happy New Year!

There always appears to be a scramble when making plans for New Years Eve. So close to the holidays and so many options, but this year the plan is to be more frugal. Dining options are anywhere from $350 (Le Cirque) to straight a la carte, but more and more people are staying home or going to apartment/house parties. Here are a few options in case you have been procrastinating (thanks to all the online sources for helping compile this list):

• A night at Hill Country is always a good time, and this year they are offering a nice package for tonight's celebration. Eater has more details, but with an open bar, live band and a variety of drink packages, this is sure to be a hopping spot.
• Per NYMag, Motorino in Williamsburg, one of the hottest pizzerias in town, is offering a $30 prix fixe and BYOB. Splurge on the black-truffle pie if you dare.
• Although L'Artusi is offering a $175 package, which includes a multi-course meal and drinks throughout the evening, they are also offering an 11pm-2am drink only package available for $60. Considering Joey Campanale's affinity for choosing great wines that is a pretty good deal.
• Newcomer this year, Almond in the Flatiron district, will be offering a reasonably priced 4-course menu for $65/person. The menu sounds quite delicious and considering it always has a festive atmosphere I expect the place to be very festive. More on the Feedbag.
• Pamplona is offering a $70/person 4-course menu which includes cava and some of Alex Urena's delicious celebratory creations
• All of the Rosa Mexicano's are offering a $55 multi-course meal with multiple seatings and a DJ and party favors to help ring in the New Year
• Taboon on the far westside is offering a $65 5-course menu complete with champagne before 9pm. Go for the addictive housemade flatbread then walk down the street (if you dare) for the insanity in midtown
• For a free show far away from the madness that is Times Square, visit Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza for fireworks and a musical performance. Show starts prior to midnight and continues into 2009. Brown bagging is a popular thing to do (although I would never advocate such a thing...)

Happy New Year Everyone! Speak to you in 2009!