How to Dine Out on New Year’s Eve and Actually Enjoy Yourself

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Going out after being “in,” physically and emotionally, for the past few years has spurred us all to make plans, reconnecting with the celebrations we enjoyed in the beforetimes.

As we do so, there are three things to remember in order to have the best holiday: be realistic, manage expectations, and don’t try to force your own idea of fun onto everyone.

By the same token, if your favorite burger from the shack down the street hits the mark every time, then the burger at a big steakhouse with a dress code probably won’t do it for you.

It will be good. But great? Worth kicking off the year with? Consider ringing in 2023 with the food that matters most to you. It’s the same logic as choosing which people you want by your side as the countdown to midnight begins.

Or perhaps you aren’t thinking about heading out for a meal at all—maybe your ultimate plan is to get loaded. In that case, save your money and stay home to celebrate. You’ll have a great time.

You’ll have the best New Year’s Eve by being thoughtful about where you’re going out, but also why. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure sort of holiday.

Call friends with whom you share memories, pick a small local restaurant that needs your love and money, go early, eat a lot, hug everyone, and get home in time to see the ball drop in Times Square.

There’s a lot to be said for starting the year exactly how you choose to.

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How to Dine Out on New Year’s Eve and Actually Enjoy Yourself

Going out after being “in,” physically and emotionally, for the past few years has spurred us all to make plans, reconnecting with the celebrations we enjoyed in the beforetimes.