NYC on New Year
 

My wife, me, 3 teens and grandparents (all fit!) would like to find a restaurant (for dinner - reasonably priced) that overlooks or is handy to Central Park to see the fireworks at New Year. Any suggestions, recommendations?

The only restaurants that would overlook the park will be very pricey and even they may not have views of the fireworks. Your best bet is to eat near the park and then head TO the park to watch the fireworks. There is dancing and a costume parade that starts at 10 pm with fireworks at midnight. Activities start around 72 st at the bandshell so eating on the upper west side would be a good idea. (west 70s or 80s). If you want to be adventurous, Pasha is a nice Turkish rest., not expensive on 71 st just off Columbus Ave.

http://www.pashanewyork.com/

Cafe Ronda is a Spanish tapas place but has burgers too if the teens are picky eaters.

http://www.caferonda.com/

Unless you know someone and can actually get a reservation, I'd eat dinner then see the fireworks.

Anywhere with a view will cost you $1000 for dinner.

I should mention the Central Park Boathouse would be closest to the action and is a lovely restaurant. Their website doesn't indicated what the menu or price for NYE will be.

thecentralparkboathouse.com

As always, Mclaurie has given you excellent advice. One word of caution: many New York restaurants (even those without a Central Park view) have a special, pre fixe menu on New Year's Eve that is more expensive than what you might ordinarily spend there. Some require a credit card deposit to make a reservation. So, be sure to inquire about menu and reservations policies when you call.

What about Serafina on 79th and Madison? It is convenient to the Park and has pizzas, salads, pastas. Tasty, not terribly expensive.

Fantastic help - we are coming from New Zealand and really appreciate the advice. Merry Christmas.

If you are looking for activities (not to be too self promoting) I know Trvelocity is a promotion where if you wear one of their red gnome hats that hey will be giving away, you can win a free trip to Monte Carlo. (just an FYI in case you migh tbe interestd and will be in the area anyways.

There also is another trip giveaway online if you want to check it out. Anyways, details are at www.travelocity.com/redhat. Maybe you can parlay this trip into another vacation!