There are so many reasons to honor the passing of 2006. It brought us the Nintendo Wii, a democratic change of heart, a jobless Rumsfeld, Britney finally dumping K-Fed and my first kitten. There are also plenty of reasons to toast its demise, like the re-signing of the Patriot Act, massive flooding in Albuquerque, the rising death toll in Iraq and Mel Gibson’s drunken “incident.” In retrospect, 2006 pretty much sucked until November. Getting my kitten was the best thing to happen before fall—the inevitability of 2007 must be rubbing off on the cosmos.Whether hailing in a new beginning or drinking away the memories of good ol’ ’06, use our New Year’s Guide to help you find the perfect place to forget it all. Just remember to drink responsibly and never, never, never drive drunk.
Albuquerque Mining Company
7209 Central NE • 255-4022ChampagneBuffetBall dropParty favorsRing in the New Year the AMC way with the DJ stylings of DJ JoJo, a midnight ball drop (created by the fabulously talented AMC staff) and all the festive perks. The $5 cover includes everything, and the party starts at 7 p.m.Atomic Cantina
315 Gold SW • 242-2200Live musicNo coverKick off 2007 with Burlesque by Kitty Irreverent with guests from Burlesque Noir and BellaDonna Burlesque and music by Slik 50 at 9 p.m. Atomic is always 21-and-over and free of charge.Bandido Hideout
1119 Candelaria NW • 341-9564ChampagneBuffetLive musicParty favorsParty with El Bandito and the music of Groupo Vaquero (cumbia), Zafiro (merengue) and Encuentro de Chuatcom (Mexican) starting at 9 p.m. They’ve stocked up on posole, menudo and carne adovada for your enjoyment, as well as champagne, party favors and a safe ride home for $20 per person.Barley Room
5200 Eubank NE • 332-0800ChampagneLive musicParty favors/giveawaysFree/discount for DDFree/no coverCome for the prime rib dinner, stay for the party. Harvey and the Prowlers will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. and everyone will enjoy party favors and a champagne toast—unless you’re the DD, then you can enjoy free soda to ensure safe travels.Blue Dragon
1517 Girard NE • 268-5159Live musicChildren friendlyFree/no coverNo drama here, just pure funk music by Aladocious and Americana, rock, blues and jazz by the Minie Gonzales Band. The bands start around 7 p.m. and the free, all-ages celebration will go ’til 1 a.m.Burt’s Tiki Lounge
313 Gold SW • 247-2878Live musicFree/no coverMusic: The Dirty Novels and The Booty Green. Cover: None. Damn good time: Hell yeah.Caravan East Night Club
7605 Central NE • 265-7877ChampagneBuffetLive musicParty favorsGrab your best cowboy boots, hit the dance floor and get busy with music by the Asphault Cowboys and Bandalegre. The $16 cover (or $18.50 if you want reserved seating) includes a roast beef dinner buffet from 5 to 8 p.m., New Year’s festivities and your first breakfast of 2007. Call ahead for tickets.Cooperage
7220 Lomas NE • 255-1657ChampagneLive musicParty favorsDance in 2007 in salsa style with Son Como Son from 9:45 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. The $10 cover includes all the bells and whistles.Cowboys
9800 Montgomery NE • 299-4559ChampagneBuffetLive musicBalloon dropParty favorsIf you want it all, Cowboys will give it to you. Come for dinner at 7:30 p.m., dance to Crossroads at 9:30 p.m. and toast in the New Year at midnight. All this for $15, but they’re also offering a hotel package to make sure everyone gets home safe. Call for more details and tickets (they’re pretty sure they’ll sell out).District Bar and Grill
115 Fourth Street NW • 243-0003Live musicThe District has a massive karaoke list. Loosen up with Whiskey Business karaoke from 8 to 9 p.m. and then rock out with Hollis Wake from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.Doubletree
201 Marquette NW • 247-3344ChampagneLive musicParty favorsDinner, dancing, a cocktail reception—what a way to see 2006 go. The Doubletree is offering a number of package deals, and all include entertainment by DownBeat and Tom Jones (disclaimer: not the real Tom Jones). Call for more details and reservations.El Rey
620 Central SW • 242-2353 Live musicThe El Rey won’t be open on New Year’s Eve—they’re celebrating a day early with Bob Gallarza and the All Star Band, Jimmy Edward, and Crossroads. Why not party for the whole weekend? Call for tickets.Graham Central Station
4770 Montgomery NE • 883-3041ChampagneBuffetFour clubs in one—it’s Graham Central Station’s claim to fame. On New Year’s Eve, enjoy food (maybe in buffet form), champagne and all their usual entertainment. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door—no cover after midnight. Call for details and tickets.Ground Zero
9800 Montgomery NE • 275-5739ChampagneBuffetLive musicBalloon dropParty favorsIf you want it all, Ground Zero will give it to you (hum … won’t Cowboys, too?). Come for dinner at 7:30 p.m., dance to DJ C-Money at 8:30 p.m. and toast in the New Year at midnight. All this for $15. Call Cowboys for tickets and hotel package info at 299-4559.Holiday Bowl
7515 Lomas NE • 268-3308ChampagneBuffetBalloon/ball dropGiveawaysChildren friendlyHoliday Bowl hosts their "New Year’s Eve Speakeasy" costume party and bowling extravaganza. Don your best fedora or flapper dress and bring the family for five hours of bowling, food, giveaways, souvenir photos and more. The event starts at 9:30 p.m. and all ages are welcome. $125 per lane. Call for reservations.Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, Q Bar
800 Rio Grande NW • 222-8718ChampagneLive musicParty favorsDinner at Cristobal’s Fine Dining is only the beginning of the evening. Terry and the Toons will play from 6 to 9 p.m., and the soulful, rockin’ blues of Hillary Smith and the GTs will ring in 2007. Packages (some including accommodations) range from $89 to $269, or $20 for entertainment only. Call for more details and reservations.Hilton, New Mexico Ballroom
1901 University NE • 884-2500ChampagneLive musicBall dropParty favors/giveawaysFree/no coverWine, dine, dance and crash. The Hilton is offering packages including a four-course dinner, music by Midnight Fire and all the New Year’s trimmings. It’s $55 per person without a room, $230 per couple with a room (and more champagne, chocolate strawberries and breakfast). Call for reservations and tickets. Do it now!Jockey Club
The Downs at the EXPO New Mexico • 266-5555BuffetLive musicGiveawaysFree/no coverThe Jockey Club’s famous $10.95 prime rib buffet. Yum. Chow down, then enjoy the music of Spinning Wheel at 9 p.m. and "festivities" at midnight.Joker’s Pub
2509 San Mateo NE • 884-4151ChampagneLive musicParty favorsFree/discount for DDAt Joker’s, the DD always drinks free—nonalcoholic beverages, of course. If no one in your party wants to make the commitment not to drink, Joker’s is also offering a hotel package including limo service to and from the pub. Reserve your table for four ($29.99), enjoy all the goodies and let Mister Scary jam into the New Year.Laffs Comedy Club
6001 San Mateo NE • 296-5653ChampagneBuffetBalloon dropParty favorsPatrick Candelaria is taking on two audiences on one night. The smoke-free show at 8 p.m. will include a champagne toast ($16.95 in advance, $21.95 at the door), and the 10:30 p.m. bash includes it all plus fresh fruit and a chips-and-salsa buffet ($21.95 in advance, $26.95 at the door). Call now to ensure you’re laughing your way into 2007.Launchpad
618 Central SW • 764-8887Live musicAlbuquerque’s favorite music venue (according to our Best of Burque poll pretty much every year) brings you the Eric McFadden Trio and Anesthesia with more still being booked as of press time. Tickets are $10 at virtuous.com or at the door. 21-and-over.Leisure Bowl
7400 Lomas NE • 268-4371Children friendlyLast year, Leisure Bowl offered a day of family-friendly activities. This year, no one was sure of the details come press time. Call to find out more.Library Bar and Grill
312 Central SW • 242-2992Party favors/giveawaysFree/discount for DDFor pure partying, head to the Library. $8 gets you in, party favors and tons of giveaways. Designated drivers: no cover charge for you and you get all the soda you can drink.Malarky’s
25 Hotel NE • 323-9380ChampagneLive musicGiveawaysFree/discount for DDOne thing we’ve all witnessed in 2006: shit happens. And Shit Happens, the rock band, will help you put the misery of 2006 behind you starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10, and nonalcoholic beverages are free for DDs. Call for hotel package info.Maloney’s Tavern
325 Central NW • 242-7422ChampagneParty favorsAt press time, the folks at Maloney’s knew the table reservations ($75) usually include champagne and party favors. Other than that, nada. Call to find out more and reserve a table.Isleta Casino
11000 Broadway SE • 244-8191Live musicWho doesn’t love Al Hurricane? No one, that’s who. Celebrate the end of 2006 with Mr. Hurricane himself, Al Hurricane, Jr. and Baby Gaby at 8:30 p.m. $30 includes hors d’oeuvres and room to dance, dance, dance.O’Niell’s Pub
4310 Central SE • 256-0564Live musicFree/no coverJoin Burque’s best mascot, Piper, for an Irish New Year’s celebration. Three Leaf Shamrock will be playing from 4 to 7 p.m., and the bar will be open until at least midnight.OPM
211 Gold SW • 243-0955OPM promises to host an upscale event. New Year’s Eve 2006 included limo service, VIP treatment, champagne and more. Call to find out about their limited hotel packages and how to get on "The List."Penn Station
7601 Menaul NE • 323-2523ChampagneBuffetLive musicParty favorsFree/no coverThe sounds of 6 Gun Overload will keep the party going from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and the champagne and party favors will help. There might be a breakfast buffet at midnight. That would be sweet.Puccini’s Golden West Saloon
620 Central SW • 242-2353Live musicJust like their sister theater the El Rey, Puccini’s won’t be open on New Year’s Eve. On Saturday, Dec. 30, get the party started a day early with Hecho N K’za. It will be a good warm up for the big race the next evening.Pulse/Blu
4100 Central SE • 255-3334ChampagneBall dropNew Year’s Eve wouldn’t be the same without Pulse and Blu’s Winter White Party. There’s sure to be DJ music, fantastic outfits and outrageous decor. Call to secure your spot on the red carpet.Sandia Resort and Casino
Tramway and I-25, Exit 234 • 796-7500Live musicFree/no coverTwo events going on at Sandia. In the Grand Ballroom, enjoy Sparx and Lorenzo Antonio at 9 p.m. Tickets are $65, $75 or $90 at ticketmaster.com. In the Bien Shur Lounge, SoMA will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight with no cover.San Felipe’s Casino Hollywood
I-25, Exit 252 • (877) 529-2946ChampagneLive musicGiveawaysChildren friendlySan Felipe hosts a Star Studded New Year’s Eve with a Rock and Soul Tribute at 2 p.m. featuring Elvis and Tina Turner impersonators and the comedic styling of Dave Russo. Stay for the Rat Pack Tribute Show with special guest Marilyn Monroe at 9 p.m. Tickets for each show are $10.Santa Ana Star Casino
Hwy. 44, west of I-15, Exit 242 • 867-0000ChampagneBuffetLive musicFree/no coverIf you want live music, head to the lounge for Juntos Unidos at 7 p.m. To gorge yourself at the buffet, check out the entertainment center. Call for more details—they were thin as of press time.Sauce Liquid Lounge/Raw
405 Central NW • 242-5839Drink specials, DJ music, happy people and good times—that’s all we know.Scalo
3500 Central SE • 255-8781Live musicFree/no coverDine at Scalo on New Year’s Eve or just come by for the live music in the Il Bar. They don’t know who’s playing yet, but there won’t be a cover and it’s likely jazzy.Sidewinders
8900 Central SE • 275-1616ChampagneBalloon dropFree/no coverHors d’oeuvres at 9 p.m., champagne toast at midnight, a DJ spinning all evening and no cover. Simple New Year’s fun.Sol Arts
712 Central SE • 244-0049Live musicChildren friendlySol Arts takes partying to an artistic level with their New Years Variety Show. They claim to offer live music, original film, jugglers, magicians, fire-eaters, dancing bears, underwater contortionists and a sketch or two. Wow. Two (not-to-be-missed) shows at 8 and 10 p.m. $5 at the door.Stone Face Tavern
8201 San Pedro NE • 822-8855ChampagneLive musicParty favorsThat’s all we know for sure. Cover? Buffet? They were still refining details at press time. Call for more info or just show up!Uptown Sports Bar and Grill
6601 Uptown NE • 884-4714ChampagneLive musicFree/no coverSay good-bye to 2006 with a Led Zeppelin tribute band. There’s no cover, but there is champagne.Zinc
3009 Central NE • 254-9462ChampagneParty favorsLive musicZinc is hosting a number of fine dining opportunities on New Year’s Eve. After a nice dinner with them (or some pizza at home), come celebrate with the Chris Dracup Band starting at 10 p.m. $10 includes entertainment and the New Year’s accessories.Feature
“My 2007 New Year’s resolution is … to make sure people party more by hosting more live music at AMC.”—Midnyte, Albuquerque Mining Company manager“I’m looking forward to 2007 because … I have a feeling with the base of politics, there is going to be a lot more to laugh at this upcoming year.”—Russ Rivas, Laffs Comedy Club owner“My 2007 New Year’s resolution is … to do more burlesque! The Duke City needs more tassels!”—Kitty Irreverent, Burlesque performer“I’m looking forward to 2007 because … people who patronize live music venues are our heart and soul, and they make every year awesome.”–Ron Cowdrey, Cowboys/Ground Zero talent and media buyer
Who You Gonna Call?
Plans are made with the best intentions, and sometimes Murphy’s Law is as true as gravity. Designate a driver, call a cab early and stock up on munchies before the party, but here’s a list of a few helpful numbers in case all hell breaks loose. Albuquerque Cab Co. 883-4888 Checker Cab 243-7777 Yellow Cab Co. 247-8888 Classic Limousine Service 247-4000 Luxury Limousine 890-6620 Downtown Action Team 243-2230 Easy Out Bail Bonds 766-2663 Tattoos Erased 323-4033 Albuquerque Auto Body Repair 341-1245 Industrial Waste Services 872-8900 A Snappy Towing 246-0563 Pop-A-Lock 881-5120 Mr. Plumber 243-7395
