We are going to be in NY for NYE. We're staying in Midtown, and trying to decide what to do. We will have my' 72 year old mother and 6 month old baby in tow, plus me, my husband and my sister (all in our early 30's). Ideally, I'd like to have dinner someplace easy/fun/festive on the early side, so my mom can have some semblance of a festive evening. Then, she and the baby will be staying in while the three of us (me, sis and dh) go out for the evening. Here are my questions: (1) Where to eat. My mother is the type who doesn't dig gourmet or overly expensive restaurants. Ideally, something with American food (a hamburger, chicken and/or steak on the menu is a big plus) but that is festive enough with good enough food to please the other 3 of us (who love good food, and often eat at very good restaurants), would be great. And, it needs to be a place that can handle a 6 month old baby. She basically never cries, and is not mobile, so it doesn't need to be uber-kid-friendly, but big enough to get a stroller in and not super quiet or stiff would be great. (2) If we're staying in midtown, should we eat and go out in midtown? I'm assuming cabs would be scarce, but midtown doesn't strike me as all that fun. Is it unreasonable to think we could stay in midtown, eat dinner in, say, the Village, and party somewhere different? Would the subway be a good option? (3) What should dh, sis and I do post-dinner? It seems like our only options are dance club places (not really our speed), or paying for a second dinner (which doesn't sound ideal, either). Other thoughts or options? We like a nice bar atmosphere, but don't want to stand in a big long line in the cold. Thanks in advance!

By the way, for the early dinner with mom/baby, we have been looking at Pastis (made a reservation for 6:30), Henry's NYC, and some other spots. The guy at Pastis suggested that sis, dh and I could go to their sister restaurant Morandi for the 10 p.m. and later seating for the midnight celebration and would not be required to order a whole second dinner. He also suggested Modern Bar, since we'll be in Midtown. Thoughts on these options greatly appreciated. Also, thoughts on Times Square, and whether we would want to do one of the pay to party options there. (We're not super clubby or 23. We're 33-34 y/o professionals.)

Times Square NO. Read the FAQ about it on http://timessquarealliance.com/nye/nye_faq.html

2 dinners seem like a waste of time and money. If you're going to eat with Mom, what about going to a movie after and then going to see the fireworks in Central Park? If a movie sounds too tame, maybe look for a comedy club show or some live music and then hit the fireworks. Pastis sounds fine, so does the Modern if you can get in. The subway is perfectly fine for NYE as is a taxi or bus. The only area to avoid is Times Square and areas around it imo.

Do you know about opentable.com to find restaurants?

The subway is always an excellent option. But on New Year's Eve some stations in and around Times Square will be closed.

There are many restaurants in the East and West Village which would fit your criteria. Back Forty has excellent burgers along with other well prepared dishes and is not expenisive.

I have not been to the new Minetta Tavern where they suppsoedly have one of the best and expensive burgers in the city plus other dishes.

You would have to check the New Year's menu but there are some excellent French bistros (not haute cuisines) that usually offer burgers, hangar stekas, mussels with fries, fish, and salads. Some of our favorites are Casimir, Lucien, and Flea Market and the always dependable Les Halles.

Needless to say it is getting late and many places have special menus that evening.

Someone else will have to give you club and bar advice.