Philadelphia Weekly

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R2L NYE Penthouse Party

If you’re going to pay out the ass for some lavish NYE event, you might as well do it 57 stories above the city. While the common-folk down below stuff themselves with $2 Bud Lights and cold chicken wings, you’ll be treated to top-shelf booze and an extravagant selection of desserts and appetizers, compliments of R2L’s culinary team. (N.F.) 10pm. $150. R2L Restaurant, 50 S. 16th St. 215.564.5337. r2lrestaurant.com

Mad River Winter Wonderland

The party starts with a six-hour premium open bar and upscale buffet on both floors. From there, DJs Renzo and TJ Varano will be spinning side-by-side all night while “snow bunny” bartenders serve up drinks. And, of course, a Winter Wonderland wouldn’t be complete without an ice luge station to take frosty drinks from. Better bundle up. (L.B.) 8pm. $90. Mad River, 126 Chestnut St. 215.923.5553. madriverphilly.com

Bars/Restaurants

Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar

One word, four syllables: KARAOKE. While every day is cause for celebration at this beloved South Philly dive, for this particular celebration, they’ll be providing party favors, a champagne toasts and live music by DJ Lars. (N.F.) 8pm. Free. Ray’s Bar, 1200 Passyunk Ave. thehappybirthdaybar.com

McGillian’s Olde Ale House

Now in it’s 152nd year of continuous operation, it seems safe to say McGillian’s knows how to throw a NYE party. In fact, they promise to be decorated to the nines, each table equipped with beads and hats to get you in the spirit. Besides their everyday low-priced menu, you’ll also have a festive list of booze and food specials to choose from. (N.F.) 8pm. $5. McGillian’s Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury St. 215.735.5562. mcgillins.com 

White Dog Café

Start your night a little early while gobbling down a four-course prix fixe dinner, including a complimentary glass of champagne. Starting at 7 p.m, the celebration dinner will feature strolling violinists and pianist Joseph Slonick. (N.F.) 5:30pm. $75. White Dog Café, 3420 Sansom St. 215.386.9224. whitedog.com

Zahav

Why usher in the new year snacking on microwave pub grub when you could be devouring an authentic, four-course Israeli dinner at one of Philly’s most acclaimed restaurants? The meal begins with traditional hummus and laffa, and caps off with chocolate hazelnut babka. For an additional $35, you can get each course with a drink pairing from Zahav’s award-winning list of cocktails and boutique Israeli wine. (Nicole Finbiner) 5pm. $65-$100. Zahav, 237 Saint James Pl., 215.625.8800. zahavrestaurant.com

Silk City

He’s hosted Silk City’s “Anything U Can Shake YRHips2” Saturday night dance party for the past three years and now, DJ Deejay is going to have you shakin’ yo’ hips into 2012. What exactly will you be shaking your hips to? Everything from Lady Gaga and Britney to classic ’80s hits from Madonna and Michael Jackson. Admission includes an open bar from 9 to 11 p.m. (N.F.) 8pm. $35-$40. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St. 215.592.8838. silkcityphilly.com

Tattooed Mom

Mom doesn’t believe in shelling out a shit load of cash just to drink and have a good time with friends. That’s why, as always, the South Philly watering hole is going to be providing free food, award-winning jukebox tunes and fun for absolutely no cover charge. (N.F.) 8pm. Free. Tattooed Mom, 530 South St. 215.238.9880. facebook.com/tattooedmomphilly

No Bullsh*t New Year’s Eve

This year, City Tap House isn’t fuckin’ around. Admission is free, but for 60 bucks they’re offering an all-inclusive open-bar package. And for all you beer connoisseurs out there, they’ll be tapping “some seriously special” brewskies just for the occasion, including Bell’s Sparkling Ale, Dogfish Head’s Faithfull Ale and Tröegs Mad Elf. Consider making a dinner reservation: Their special NYE feast incudes chops, filets and whole roasted fish. (N.F.) 10pm. $60. City Tap House, 3925 Walnut St. 215.662.0105. citytaphouse.com

The Barbary