Most places get their fancy jazz hands out for New Year's Eve. And maybe that's your thing, which is so awesome, but for some of us, we just want a drink.
We've pulled together a list of a five places that are taking it quasi low-key, but also offer solid drink options and mental space to reflect, all amongst friendly faces, of course.
If wood-paneling and inspiring bathroom graffiti appeal to you, then find yourself a booth or barstool at Lakewood Landing. On New Year's Eve it's business as usual at one of the best dives in the city, although they will have a proper Champagne toast at midnight.
If retro lighting fixtures is more your thing, saunter around the corner to Cosmo's, who will also be keeping it old-school with no cover and a midnight Champagne toast.
If good ol' American beer sees you through most of the year, then Lee Harvey's has a deal for you: $2.75 Miller High Lifes ALL NIGHT! Plus, burgers are half-priced from 3 to 10 p.m., and DJ Reid Robinson will be spinning "groovy, laid-back" tunes.
Whitehall Exchange in the Bishop Arts District refuses to commit to social media, and therefore seems to fly under radar usually. But the laid-back New Orleans vibe of the place is pretty cool and the classic cocktails, like Manhattans and an old-fashioned, keep things loose. Try the Texas Mule, which is similar to the Moscow version, only with jalapeño and mint.
The Foundry. See, it goes like this (via Facebook): "Celebrate NYE gamer style with us -- ping pong, pool & pinball -- no reservations, no cover - just a great party!" Perfect. Look for the bartender with the heavy metal T-shirt and crowbar mustache and ask him for a Lunch Box: Goldmine beer and a shot of whiskey for $5.
Glazed in Deep Ellum is making it possible to get buzzed off doughnuts. Their window will be open on New Year's Eve from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Try an Irish Car Bomb made with Guinness, chocolate, whipped Bailey's Irish cream and topped with (your mind is about to be blown) Jameson chocolate ganache. Boom. Happy New Year!
