Say goodbye to 2009 in style

This New Year's Eve, why stay at home and watch the ball drop when there are so many options in our very own town?

McCrady's

If you are ready to party like it is 1929, then McCrady's on Unity Alley is the place to be.

Those familiar with Sean Brock's cuisine already know that the restaurant's food is top notch, but so are the parties.

Billed as a Prohibition-esque bash, McCrady's invites celebrants to indulge in vices before they are banned with a night of "dancing, drinks and indulgent eats."

From 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., the upstairs gallery of the restaurant will be turned into a '20s-themed celebration. The price is $100 and reservations are required. And, 1920's clothing is suggested.

Shine

Shine, at 58 Line St. on Upper King, also has you covered for the new year.

The hip spot is offering a prix fix menu, live jazz and champagne for $35 or $60 per couple.

DJs CMNDR and Machette start after 11 p.m. Call 724-6789.

Fish

New Year's Eve at Fish (442 King St.) also promises to be tasty. For $50, plus an additional $15 for wine pairings, celebrants can try chef Nico Romo's dishes.

Dinner finishes with dessert, and then DJ Mad Quandary "will serve an atmosphere of excitement as we put a wrap on 2009," according to Randall Goldman, managing partner of Patrick Properties. Call 722-3474.

Tristan

Steve Harris of Tristan says, "Come ring in the New Year in style with a new chef and a new menu."

Tristan, at 55 South Market St., will host its annual New Years celebration this year with a special menu by chef Nate Whiting and live music with Market Street Band and vocalist Heather Emrich.

There will be four seatings on New Year's Eve, one per hour from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Call 534-2155.

Med Bistro

One of the most interesting New Year's Eve menus that we have seen comes from Med Bistro in South Windermere.

The restaurant is hosting a New Year's Eve Resolution Dinner, with courses highlighting vices such as "Smoking," which features a house smoked duck breast over herbed focaccia toast and "Budgeting," an amuse bouche with poached lobster, caviar, Yukon potato blinis, and creme fraiche.

If you are looking for more of a party than a dinner, there are plenty of choices.

S.C. Aquarium

The Snyder Grand Ball will be at 8 p.m.-1 p.m. at the South Carolina Aquarium. It will feature live music from Quiana Parler and Friends and DJ Natty Heavy in The Shark Tank.

Tickets are $125. Visit snydergrandball.com or call 763-2462

Mad River

Mad River's party starts at 8 p.m. and goes all night. The bar and grill will feature a top shelf open bar, food buffet, ice luge, party favors and champagne toast at midnight.

Tickets are $100. Mad River is at 32 North Market Street. Call 723-0032.

The Vue

The Vue at Ripley Point is hosting the Paparazzi Ball. Charleston's red carpet rolls out for L.A.'s favorite celebrities as guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite "rock stars or rapper, socialites or celebrities, politicians or bands to enjoy a night of fame and excess."

Only 600 tickets will be sold. They will be $75 at www.etix.com in advance. Or, if still available, can be bought at the door for $100. Call 442-7282.

New Year's Eve is sure to be just as rocking in Charleston as it is in New York City, so bundle up and get ready to party with your friends.