Santa hats have been put away for the year. Christmas songbooks are likely already stored away, gathering a new layer of dust. And, undoubtedly, many local residents have returned some of those unwanted Christmas gifts for a cash exchange as the New Year, and perhaps more specifically, New Year’s Eve parties approach.
Here are just a few local establishments in which locals can get in one more 2006 exchange, but this time it’s cash being offered up for a blast in welcoming in 2007.
Scotty’s Bayside Tavern
Located almost four miles west of Coastal Highway on the left side of Route 54 before the Route 20 intersection, Scotty’s is offering locals one of the only no-dinner New Year’s party experiences to help transition to 2007. There is no cover charge for New Year’s at Scotty’s and D.J. Rupe will provide the entertainment, persuading visitors to the dance floor from 8:30 p.m. to a half-hour before closing time at 12:30 p.m. Scotty’s owner Alex Laird said the four pool tables and electronic bowling game make his bar a unique New Year’s destination.
“It’s a place to come relax with friends and have some fun,” Laird said. “We’ve got a lot to do other than just watch TV or listen to the DJ. You can go anywhere you want for dinner and come to Scotty’s for the New Year’s action.”
Cottage Café
One of many combined dinner-nightlife experiences can be had on New Year’s Eve at the Cottage Café on the west side of Coastal Highway in Bethany Beach. Cottage Café’s popular full dinner menu will be available from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. — with no reservations needed — before giving way to a free midnight buffet and pig roast.
For no cover, Cottage Café-goers can enjoy the buffet, a live band, Overtime, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., a free champagne toast at midnight and a New Year’s party. Café owner Tom Neville said will not disappoint.
“You’re not tied into spending $100 per person,” Neville said. “You can drink and eat as little or as much as you want and just pay that amount,” he added. “There are no extra charges.”
Fat Tuna Grill
An enticing dinner offer awaits New Year’s celebrators before the big party starts at Fat Tuna Grill on the north side of Route 26 in Millville.
For $45, Fat Tuna patrons will receive a four-course meal complete with an appetizer, a soup or salad, an entrée, a dessert and a free glass of wine — reservations are strongly suggested. After dinner, at 10 p.m., the D.J. will begin the no-cover entertainment and take the party past a free champagne toast at midnight and through the first hour of 2007. Tuna owner Steve Parrill said the dinner deal is unmatched and that Tuna’s nightlife reputation will prove true on New Year’s Eve.
“For $45, you can get a gourmet four-course meal and (then) have a great night,” he said. I think we’re getting to be known to be the place to be for nightlife in the Bethany area.”
Dublin Steakhouse
For it’s first New Year’s, Dublin Steakhouse is offering a unique dinner-nightlife combination for the westerners in Selbyville.
Anyone who makes a reservation to take advantage of the regular dinner menu at the Irish-themed steakhouse will be guaranteed a seat for the after party. Open until 1 a.m. the party will feature the one-man band that is Jerry Speace and a free champagne toast at midnight. Dublin Steakhouse owner Sean Oates said that the price is right for a welcoming party at New Year’s Eve’s newest local party thrower.
“We’re going to have a good time, and it’s going to be reasonably priced,” Oates said, adding that there will be “no jacked-up food prices, no jacked-up liquor prices.”