Over the Christmas break, Kevin and I spent 5 days in Mexico City and had a blast (check out our fun itinerary here). But figuring out our New Year’s Eve plan proved to be one of our greatest challenges. At one point, I requested 8 reservations (with nearly all of them falling through). For many Mexicans we talked to, New Year’s Eve is mostly a family affair. Not the big parties like we’re used to in the United States. But if you’re like us, and want to find a place to celebrate, below you’ll find our top tips and recommendations. Happy 2017! And if you’re looking for ideas for 2018, check out our recent list of the top 10 places to celebrate the New Year in Mexico City in 2018.
Dancing in the Street on Avenida Reforma
The party gets packed around Avenida Reforma on New Year’s Eve
For those looking for the New Year’s Eve street party, you’ll find it on Avenida Reforma. Many blogs (incorrectly) list that it’s in the historical center in Zocalo Square. But that’s no longer the case. Zocalo is packed with tourists from Christmas to December 30 (so much you can hardly move). But oddly on New Year’s Eve it was completely empty. The crowd is now over on Avenida Reforma with live bands and fireworks. Though, from many of the other tourists I spoke to, it was a very crowded place. Watch your wallets and if you don’t like crowds – stay clear. I’m talking Times Square type crowds.
Not for those who like big crowds. Avenida Reforma is where the city comes to party on New Year’s Eve
Zocalo Square, Historic Center Neighborhood
Inside the restaurant El Balcon, which decks out the dining room for their New Year’s Eve party
Kevin and I rung in the New Year at El Balcon de Zocalo (or The Balcony Restaurant), which overlooks the main historic square. The views can’t be beat!
Enjoying the view over Zocalo Square at El Balcon Restaurant
Be sure to reserve your table early – I’m talking late November or early December. Why? You’re seated in the order the reservation is made. The first people to nab reservations get the primo seats on the balcony. While the stragglers (um, like us!) who wait until 2 days prior are seated next to the bathroom. Oh, and a shared table with 10 other strangers. But in the end, it all worked out and we had fun. But if you prefer a private table, be sure to confirm with the restaurant (they won’t tell you otherwise!). I personally loved watching the reactions of all the other people showing up at the table and realizing we had to share. A little weird at first, but made for some interesting conversations.
Looking into the kitchen, where the line chefs plug out all the meals
Dinner includes a four course meal with wines all served from Mexico’s Valle De Guadalupe region.
The four course menu, with each entree including wine from Mexico’s Valle De Guadalupe wine region
It’s also open bar with balloons you can release with your New Year’s wishes, performers on stilts and tiny fireworks (more like sparklers) that go off at the stroke of midnight.
Dinner is $150 per person with the evening running from 7:30 PM – until late. And like most places in Mexico, 7:30 PM is a suggestion. We showed up on time and were the first people there!
Roma Norte Neighborhood
Earlier in our day, we spent time roaming the streets of the neighborhood called Roma Norte. This is more my speed. It’s very lovely, high-end neighborhood packed with restaurants, cafes and bars. Most of the places were actually closed on New Year’s Eve (or closed early). But in particular, two places caught my eye. The first was Nueve Nueve (or “99”), which was decorated for the holidays and even had a balloon drop set up for the celebration.
Open air restaurant Nueve Nueve is hidden inside an inner courtyard, giving you plenty of privacy
Modern and lively vibe inside Nueve Nueve
The other nice spot in Roma Norte is Cabrera 7, which overlooks a grassy park with fountains. They also had a special evening planned for New Year’s Eve and would be convenient for anyone staying in this neighborhood or nearby Condesa.
One of the private tables in the open air restaurant Cabrera 7
Pinatas decorate all the tables for New Year’s Eve at Cabrera 7
Polanco Neighborhood
One of the other fancier neighborhoods in Mexico City, but a lot will be closed. Our friends from LA were staying in this part of the city and couldn’t find much open. But the J by Jose Andres at the W Hotel is a good bet. They also have a celebration with a prixe fix menu. But be sure to check out that menu. I’m not much of a seafood fan, and nearly every course included fish. The space is very modern and makes the cut as a fantastic place to ring in the New Year.
Balcony of the restaurant ‘J’ by Jose Andres in the W Hotel. One of the many places I had a reservation at for New Year’s Eve (though later cancelled since we were staying off Zocalo Square).
Tips For Booking a Reservation at a Restaurant
I must have tried booking reservations with OpenTable at least 5 times. And each time, my hopes would be dashed! Everything looked so wide open (which should have been my first clue). Many restaurants are actually closed on New Year’s Eve. And even more frustrating, don’t sync up correctly with OpenTable. Be sure to use your hotel concierge who should know what places are open (and more importantly are not). Mexico City is a fantastic place to ring in the New Year and tops as one of our most memorable.
Happy New Year and safe travels!
No Comments, Be The First!