El Gardel / La Estancia
150-175USD
01442281
La Estancia’s review by me can be found here and if you don’t have the time to read it, I’ll cut it short: one of my favorite steaks in town and an awesome cozy venue. If you’d like your NYE to be a delicious one and full of flavors, and smack in the middle of Gemmayzeh so you can enjoy the street come to life later, La Estancia might be a good option for you. For 150USD, I’m sure the multi-course dinner and open premium bar will have you full and buzzed come midnight.
If you’re more of the salsa-dancing type, then head down a floor to El Gardel for 25USD more. I reckon it’s similar if not the same set menu, but a more lively and energetic celebration focusing on that other thing latin people do well: dancing.
Rococo
150-200USD
70881771
We sometimes forget about Monot street. But, this out-of-the-way venue is perfect for a dinner and open bar and nestled right in between Down Town, Gemmayzeh and Hamra. So, if you’re out of options and need a decent place to have dinner and drinks with a violinist and DJ before pounding the pavement in one of Beirut’s three nightlife disctricts, Rococo should be on your “maybe” list.
Byblos Sur Mer
75-225USD (400-600 +accommodation)
09548000
Byblos’ nightlife district is as booming as any other in Lebanon, more so the past couple of years. You have the choice between a 6-course dinner, open premium bar and a live band in the famous Dar El Azrak on the beach for 225 USD. Or, a 3-course dinner and open regular bar right across the street in Cafe Tournesol
Crowne Plaza 21st Floor
75USD
01734100
Honestly, I’m including this venue because of the incredibly low price. For 75USD you get a DJ, “exquisite food” and open premium bar. It’s also on Hamra street, in the hotel that has Roadster and Deek Duke at the bottom. So, if you have a date you care about and wanna be a bit fancy, but would like to join your weirdo friends binge-drinking down on the street, this might be a pretty good compromise
Ehden Country Club
260USD (+ accommodation)
06560651
I couldn’t possibly exclude this venue. After all, it’s in my beloved hometown! The package includes: “Two signers will be performing with a belly dancer, a rich oriental seated menu with open bar. Accommodation in a room overlooking the resort. Brunch in the restaurant the next morning. Access to all facilities”
West Bekaa Country Club
110USD (440USD + accommodation)
08645601
I did my last summer camp in scouts in the West Bekaa. It was a lovely experience in a magical area not many of us have explored! So, if you’re looking for an escape and Ehden is too high-up and mountainous for you, why not consider West Bekaa Country Club amid the fields and vineyards which hopefully will be covered in some snow!
El Rancho
175USD
09741188
El Rancho is a well-known venue for wholesome family fun which is not too remote. The ranch-style complex with traditional Western cowboy entertainment and theme has a special set menu and open premium bar formula for 175USD which provides you with a close enough escape from the usual busy NYE hubs. It’s great if you wanna avoid the drunken drivers, but if you were looking for some after-party action, this might not be your best choice.
Special thanks to Elie Abou Fares for providing me with this simple and comprehensive directory for all the numbers and prices I had missed! http://NewYearInLebanon.tel/
