Multiple NYE celebrations available across Berrien and Cass counties

Published 8:00 am Friday, December 29, 2017

With the countdown to 2018 beginning, residents will not have to go far to find a New Year’s celebration. Across Berrien and Cass counties, residents will have the option to patronize a number of local businesses, where they can find everything from deals on dinner and champagne to high energy live music and family-friendly games and activities. For those looking to say goodbye to 2017 and welcome the New Year close to home, here is a roundup of local events and deals taking place on New Year’s Eve.

Front Street Pizza Pub, 510 N. Front St., Niles

Front Street Pizza Pub will host a New Year’s Eve Bash. People 21 and older may ring in the new year at Niles’ newest watering hole as local band Simple Crush takes the Front Street stage. A $10 cover charge will be implemented and cover the cost for a champagne toast.

The popular band is known for its high energy performances, and promises an entertaining set to accompany adult beverages, pizza and more.

The party starts at 9:30 p.m. Sunday and wraps up at 1:30 a.m.

Sarah Martin, general manager, said the event is particularly special because it commemorates Front Street Pizza Pub’s first anniversary in business. Last year, the restaurant hosted its grand opening on New Year’s Eve. Nearly 200 people attended the event — celebrating the New Year and a new business.

This year Martin said Front Street Pizza Pub aims to provide residents with a safe celebration in their hometown.

“Our goal is to have fun and ring in the new year the right way,” Martin said. “It gives people something to do so that they don’t have to drive far.”

Jay’s Lounge, 3025 S. 11th St., Niles 

Patrons visiting Jay’s Lounge in Niles will have the opportunity to dance in the new year while enjoying dinner and drinks off the regular menu. At midnight, Jay’s guests will welcome 2018 with a champagne toast.

Joey Armadillo’s, 2732 S. 11th St., Niles

Joey Armadillo’s will serve dinner for two including an appetizer shrimp cocktail, New York Strip for two, baked potatoes, salad and dessert for $60.

Those looking for a family-friendly outing may also take advantage of Joey’s bowling alley.

For $65, groups of four may bowl unlimited for two hours. The price includes bowling shoes, one pitcher of pop and a large one-topping pizza.

In the bar, Jeff Roberts will host karaoke. Those 21 and older can toast in the new year with champagne at midnight.

Wounded Minnow Saloon, 236 S. Front St., Dowagiac

After a one-year hiatus, one of The Grand Old City’s most celebrated New Year’s Eve bashes will return to greet 2018.

Downtown’s Wounded Minnow Saloon will host an all-inclusive New Year’s Eve celebration from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets to the party cost $50 per person or $90 for couples, and will include a buffet of hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.

The party is open to people 21 years or older. People who do not plan to drink during the party may purchase a $30 wristband to attend.

The saloon will close its doors to non-ticketed customers at 8 p.m., with the last call for dinner taking place at 5 p.m.

During the party, the saloon will serve a number of finger-friendly dishes, including a 60-pound shrimp cocktail, burgundy and stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped jalapeños, cheese trays and pinwheels. Food will be available throughout the evening.

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Mobile Sound Productions. The saloon will also have its pool tables and dartboard open for free during the evening, and the establishment will be decked to the nines to ring in the new year.

Wounded Minnow owner Kyle Belew has been hosting parties to celebrate New Year’s at the saloon for years now, he said.

“There is still a demand for high quality New Year’s Eve parties in the area,” Belew said. “No matter what happened in the last year, the new year is always something to look forward to. It should be a fun, decorated event.

“It [the party] is always a beautiful way to bring in the new year. It’s a wonderful party. Everyone has a happy and fun time.”

For more information, people may call the saloon at (269) 782-9690. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door Sunday, so people are encouraged to order their tickets in advance.

Wheatberry Tavern

Wheatberry Tavern will ring in the new year with elegant menu additions. In addition to the typical menu, diners may order filet mignon or lobster tail with roasted red pepper mashed potatoes and asparagus for $26.95. A moon raw bar featuring oysters, shrimp, ceviche and more will also be available.

Guests may also dance along to a DJ and sip on champagne at midnight. Reservations are encouraged.

Tabor Hill Winery, 185 Mount Tabor Road, Buchanan

Guests may also enjoy a special dinner at Tabor Hill Winery on Sunday before ringing in the new year. The dinner for two is served from 5 to 9 p.m. and includes choice of an appetizer to share, choice of salad, and one entrée per person, and two glasses of Grand Mark for $99.

Entrees include cedar wrapped salmon, sea salt crusted prime filet and truffle macaroni and cheese, seared sea scallops with asparagus and cheese grits, mushroom risotto with mushrooms and mascarpone, steamed king crab legs with Michigan mashed potatoes and asparagus, and roasted game hen with warm grain and dried fruit stuffing and asparagus.

Reservations can be made by calling (269) 422-1161.

Round Oak Revisited, 137 S. Front St., Dowagiac

Dowagiac’s Round Oak Revisited will have several special offerings for customers stopping in for dinner on New Year’s Eve.

In addition to its regular menu, the restaurant will feature two special dinner entrees, a seafood pasta and a prime rib roast. Customers may also order a special appetizer of crab-stuffed mushrooms. The kitchen will also prepare a house made dessert for the evening as well.

For reservations, people may call the downtown eatery at (269) 782-8882.

Wood Fire, 134 S. Front St., Dowagiac

The Wood Fire in Dowagiac is once again inviting customers to ring in the new year at its fine dining restaurant, with seatings beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

In addition to the regular menu, the kitchen is featuring special appetizers of sea scallops and lobster bisque; entrees of Chilean sea bass, steak Felix and stuffed chicken breasts; and a dessert of martini mousse.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (269) 782-0007.