Leopold Restaurant

New Year’s Eve celebrations don’t have to be crowded, raucous affairs. If you prefer a more sophisticated experience, head to Chicago for an alternative New Year’s Eve party at Leopold restaurant.   You won’t have to worry about  jostling hoards or out of control drunks while enjoying an elegant Belgian meal and a striking art exhibit all in one space.

Choose either a three-course meal at the first seating at 5-7PM or a second seating with four courses at 9-11PM. The menu features Belgian delicacies such as heart of rib eye tartare,  beet salad, house made pierogi, roasted sturgeon and apple currant cobbler.  The second seating includes  a champagne toast as well as oysters and foie gras to start the new year off  with flair.  After dinner, browse the work of emerging Chicago artist Christopher Meerdo. Leopold features two bodies of the artist’s work, “Billboard Groves,” which focuses on Midwestern nightscapes and “Reiteration,” which pairs photographs taken by the artist with vintage photos taken by his grandfather. Meerdo’s pieces examine memory, nostalgia and technology in thought provoking ways.  All (312)  348-1028 for reservations.  Avoid the downtown mayhem and book a cozy room and the nearby Wicker Park Inn. This charming bed and breakfast features private baths, 300-count bed sheets and continental breakfasts for a relaxing New Year’s morning.

Photo courtesy of Leopold