It’s tough to find a good deal on New Year’s Eve, and if you’re looking to celebrate in the heart of New York City, in Times Square, it’s almost impossible. In fact, if you’re willing to join the more than one million people expected to descend on the 42nd Street area to watch the 11,800-pound Waterford crystal ball drop, get ready to dig deep into your wallet.
And we’re not talking about forking over hundreds of dollars to celebrate at one of New York’s trendiest clubs or restaurants. It’s chains like Ruby Tuesday (RT), Applebee's (DIN), TGI Friday and Olive Garden (DRI), where an average entree usually costs between $15 and $30, that are commanding the big bucks.
Here are some of the most outlandish New Year’s Eve tickets for sale in Times Square:
TGI Friday’s couples champagne VIP package: $899
This ticket is for a private table for two, which includes an open bar, one bottle of champagne, a midnight champagne toast, passed appetizers and VIP priority admission. Keep in mind, this is the same restaurant chain that offers all-you-can eat appetizers for $12 every other day of the year.
Olive Garden: $400 per ticket
Tickets to spend New Year’s Eve at Olive Garden will cost you $400. You have access to a five-hour party, full buffet, open bar, a DJ and a champagne toast at midnight.
Planet Hollywood: $229 per ticket to $1,499
Planet Hollywood is selling New Year’s Eve tickets starting at $229 for general admission. The restaurant’s most expensive ticket “Three's a Crowd VIP Table” for three people at 7 p.m., is going to cost you $1,499. Guests who spring for that pricier option get bottle service, access to an open bar before general admission arrives and passed appetizers.
Applebee's: $375 per ticket
Getting in the door at Applebee's two Times Square locations will cost you $375. The New Year's Eve ticket comes with a buffet dinner, open bar and a DJ. Children 12 and under can join the fun for $250 each.
Ruby Tuesday: $349 per person to $1,699
The pricing varies at Ruby Tuesday, depending on your mood. For $349 per person, customers will have access to a five-hour open bar, two hours of complimentary passed appetizers, champagne for the midnight countdown and festive party favors. A $1,699 ticket for the “Couple’s VIP table” includes general admission perks plus a private table and one bottle of champagne.
So how do these deals stack up with New York City’s most exclusive restaurants?
Ruby Tuesday’s $1,699 ticket for the “Couple’s VIP table” is only slightly cheaper than Thomas Keller’s Per Se or chef Daniel Boulud’s renowned restaurant, Daniel. Per Se, just 15 blocks north of Times Square, is offering an eight-course menu with special wine for $950 per person. Meanwhile, Michelin-starred Daniel is offering a six-course tasting menu and wine pairing with each course for $875 a person.
