The Best Cheap Things to do in NYC for New Year’s Eve

Let the war on inflation continue…

New Year’s Eve is not affiliated with any religious hoopla so we are all required to celebrate it. It’s that time of year again, New York broke asses, when you wonder how you’re going to come up with enough money to drink heavily after squandering your cash away on the cultural, social and corporate obligations that are Christmas parties, ‘Secret Santas’ and for your own sake, holiday drinking.
To help you out, here are some of the high profile, low cost parties happening in and around Manhattan. We’ve worked tirelessly… (by that I mean drunkenly) to develop this list for your bank account’s pleasure. Here is our shortlist (short because, Hell, it’s still New York).

Free Shit

Keep it Local at 61 Local
You won’t be limited to champagne at this Cobble Hill located haunt. The residents indeed boasts that this party will have some of the best food and drink on their menu.
Locals arrive at 8pm.
61 Bergen St., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

Fireworks at Grand Army Plaza
If you don’t mind the cold, go to Grand Army Plaza’s 30+ year tradition of fireworks. Pregame not included.
Starts at 11:30pm.
Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

Ball Drop at Huckleberry Bar
If you’re looking for something free in ‘Billyburg’ Huckleberry Bar has sounds by Jonny Santos & DJ Rafik along with a ceremonious champagne opening at midnight via sword. Leave it to hipsters to keep Samurai en vogue.
Festivities begin at 6pm.
588 Grand St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Down The Hole at Black Rabbit
Start 2014 in ‘Wonderland’ with all the picturesque party favors in hand – noise makers, hats and a midnight champagne toast.
‘Fall down the hole’ at 8pm.
Black Rabbit, 91 Greenpoint Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

NYE at Leftfield No Bullshit, No Cover! at Leftfield at Ludlow
You’ll be in Manhattan but far from the mainstream. Leftfield at Ludlow has Jermaine Jagger spinning everything from “a fever dream of rock, power pop, vogue beats, electroclash, danceable,” and more (according to their Facebook invite). Also includes a champagne toast at midnight, music video art from Derek Mega, and puppets from the Strangemen Theater Company.
Things start to ‘go left’ at 7pm.
87 Ludlow., Manhattan.

NYE at Greenwood Park
Good things come in threes as Greenwood Park offers a special New Year’s Eve menu, drink specials and sounds by Ben the Beyonder, Stretch Armstrong and DJ Mikey Palms.
Triple your pleasure at 10pm.
555 7th Ave. South Slope, Brooklyn.

Cheap as Shit

Karaoke Killed The Cat NYE Spectacular at Union Hall
Chris Goldteeth and Lord East host while Huustle Cuss soundtrack your night at this monumental version of “Karoake Killed the Cat”. Now you can ask your friends if your New Year’s resolution should be voice lessons.
Price: 5$
Cats in the cradle at 10pm.
702 Union St., Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Cheap But Fancy

LT Bar and Grill
If you can stomach that dreaded midtown crowd, LT Bar & Grill has the cheapest general admission tickets of those “popular” nightlife spots. Other options include bottle packages and seated VIP tickets that probably cost half your rent, just so you have an idea of what to expect from the crowd.
Get all up in their ‘grill’ starting at 8p.
General Admision prices are 15$.
8 W. 40th st., Manhattan.

Coco 66
Enjoy Motown and more hosted by the Subway Soul Club at this affordable themed party. Psychedelic visions on a flat screen in the dance room, hippy party favors not included.
Advance tickets start at 15$ and 20$ tickets available at the door (if available).
Visit subwaysoul.com for more information.
Party starts at 8p.
66 Greenpoint Ave.

Minus 5 Ice Bar
Minus 5 Ice Bar is Jack Frost’s wet dream as the entire establishment, including the glasses, seats and bar, is made out of ice. Get an early jump on the party at 2pm with complimentary champagne served hourly when you pay the 20$ cover charge in honor of New Year’s in every time zone. At midnight on the East Coast, however, they’ll be serving Stoli Elit vodka (don’t ask me why).
Bundle up and get down starting at 2p until 3a.
20$ cover charge.
1335 Sixth Ave. (inside the Hilton Midtown lobby.) Manhattan.

Places to go After Midnight

Village Pourhouse
Check out the Upper West Side location and avoid the downtown disaster for a cash bar and intoxicated co-eds.
10$ admission with a cash bar.
Anytime after midnight.
982 Amsterdam Ave. (between 108th and 109th st.), Manhattan.

Late Night Early Mornings at 2am
Midnight party is already sold out, but the after party is open to everyone and continues until sun-up. The only caveat is the black and white dress code.
25$ after 2am.
Show up at 2am.
172 Classon ave. Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.