New Year’s Eve Open Bar and Ball Drop View NYC

Reviewing the New Year’s Eve Open Bar and Ball Drop View in NYC

If you’re considering ringing in the New Year in New York City, this particular tour promises a lively experience combining history, drinks, and a prime view of the famous Times Square ball drop. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a mix of history, celebration, and a party atmosphere—though it’s not without some limitations. For those looking for a fun, social way to celebrate without the hassle of navigating the crowds, this might be worth a look. But if your priority is a seamless, high-value experience, there are some things to consider.

What we like about this tour is how it offers a chance to explore a real Prohibition-era speakeasy, giving a taste of NYC’s secretive past, and the fact that it includes an open bar from 8 pm to midnight, which can make the night feel more relaxed and festive. Plus, the exclusive view of the ball drop from 12 blocks away adds a special touch, avoiding some of the chaos in Times Square.

A potential drawback is that, as some reviews suggest, the emphasis on drinking can overshadow the main event—the iconic ball drop. If you’re mainly after a memorable New Year’s moment in Times Square, this tour might not fully deliver that experience. Also, at $300 per person, it’s on the pricier side considering what’s included. Still, if you’re comfortable with that price point and enjoy a lively party with good drinks and history, it may be a fit.

This experience seems best suited for those who want a more intimate, social atmosphere with some history thrown in, rather than a traditional Times Square spectator experience.

Key Points

• Historic Setting: The tour includes a visit to an original 1920s speakeasy, giving a feel for Prohibition-era NYC.
• Open Bar: Five hours of unlimited drinks from 8 pm to midnight, paired with heavy appetizers—great for socializing and staying energized.
• Exclusive Views: Access to a reserved outdoor area to watch the ball drop from 12 blocks away, avoiding the worst crowds.
• Cultural Mix: Walk through Broadway, blending old and new theater vibes.
• Group Size: Small group (up to 30 guests), which can mean a more personalized experience.
• Price Point: $300 per person, which includes everything, but may feel steep for some, especially if you’re mainly interested in the ball drop.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Duration

You’ll meet at 210 W 54th St at 8:00 pm, ready for a five-hour adventure that promises a lively celebration. The tour wraps up back at the start point, making it an easy plan to follow. The duration means you’ll spend most of your evening immersed in NYC’s vibrant nightlife, with a good mix of history, drinks, and celebration.

The Speakeasy Experience

The first stop, the Flute Bar, is something special—an authentic Prohibition-era speakeasy that still operates in the same historic space. We loved the idea of starting the night with a dash of history, and the fact that it’s an original venue adds authenticity. During the visit, you’ll enjoy heavy appetizers and a five-hour open bar, which means plenty of drinks to keep the mood lively.

One review describes the experience as “good,” but points out it “does need a little improvement to be great.” While the setting is unique, some might feel it leans heavily toward drinking, with less focus on the actual ball drop. The emphasis on alcohol is clear, which can be a plus for those wanting a spirited night but less so for those hoping for a more traditional countdown.

Walk Through Broadway

After soaking in some Prohibition history, the tour takes you through the Broadway area, merging the old with the new. Walking through this vibrant district, you’ll be able to appreciate the energy that makes NYC special. The blend of theaters and nightlife creates a lively backdrop for your evening, which is perfect if you’re into theater or just want to soak up NYC’s electric atmosphere.

The Big Moment: Times Square and the Ball Drop

The highlight for many will be the outdoor viewing area for the midnight countdown. The tour provides a reserved section 12 blocks away, which means you get a good vantage point without the chaos of the general crowds. This is a significant advantage, as Times Square can be overwhelming, especially on New Year’s Eve.

However, as one reviewer pointed out, the focus of the evening is more on drinking and socializing than actually witnessing the ball drop. They said, “The experience was good, but it does need a little improvement to be great. I enjoyed the restaurants/bars visited, but the emphasis was on drinking and not the ball drop.” If seeing the iconic moment is your main goal, you might find this setup somewhat lacking.

Inside After Midnight

Once the countdown concludes, guests head back inside for DJ music and dancing. This is where the party continues, with a lively atmosphere that can carry you into the early hours of New Year’s Day. For those who love to dance and keep the celebration going, this is a definite highlight.

Practicalities and Considerations

• Price: At $300 per person, this tour offers a packed evening with drinks, appetizers, and exclusive views. However, some might feel it’s a bit steep, especially if your main aim is just to see the ball drop.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 30 travelers, the experience is relatively intimate, which can make for better interaction and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Physical Fitness: Moderate, as you’ll be walking through busy areas, including Broadway and Times Square.
• Transportation: The meeting point is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Booking: The tour is booked about 162 days in advance on average, indicating strong interest for New Year’s bookings.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience would suit travelers who enjoy a mix of history, social drinking, and festive atmosphere. If you’re not solely focused on watching the ball drop but instead want a fun evening with good company, drinks, and a taste of NYC’s past, this could be a good choice. It’s less about the chaos of New Year’s Eve crowds in Times Square and more about enjoying a curated, intimate celebration.

However, if your main goal is to witness the iconic ball drop in its full glory, you might prefer a more traditional approach—either standing amidst the crowd or booking a dedicated viewing experience elsewhere. Also, be prepared for the cost, as it’s not the cheapest way to ring in the New Year.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a lively, historic, and social way to celebrate New Year’s in New York City. The combination of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, an open bar, and an exclusive, less-crowded view of the ball drop creates a unique package. Yet, it’s important to recognize that the focus on drinking and socializing may overshadow the main event for some.

If you’re someone who enjoys a spirited party atmosphere, historical venues, and a more intimate setting, this experience could suit you well. On the other hand, if your priority is to see the ball drop in full spectacle, you might want to explore other options or arrive early in Times Square. The price is high, but for some, the exclusivity and comfort might justify the cost.

All in all, it’s a party with a twist—historic, fun, and buzzy, but perhaps not the perfect solution if your heart is set solely on the iconic Times Square moment.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who want to see the ball drop?
Yes, you’ll get an exclusive view of the ball drop from a reserved outdoor area, 12 blocks away from the main chaos.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers a five-hour open bar, heavy appetizers, access to a historic speakeasy, a champagne toast at midnight, and a reserved viewing spot for the ball drop.

How early should I book?
The tour is usually booked around 162 days in advance, so it’s best to reserve well ahead if you want a spot.

Is there any family-friendliness?
The tour seems more suited for adults due to the emphasis on drinking and the party atmosphere. It’s not specifically designed for children.

How is the group size?
The maximum is 30 travelers, which helps keep the group manageable and more personal.

What’s the main focus of this experience?
It’s primarily about celebrating with drinks, enjoying NYC’s history, and having a good time with a good view of the midnight countdown.

Are the venues accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it easy to reach.

Can I expect to be inside or outside most of the night?
You’ll move between indoor venues and outside for the ball drop, so be prepared for chilly weather if outdoors.

Is the experience refundable?
No, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed once confirmed.

Would this be a good choice for someone who doesn’t drink?
Probably not, since the main activity revolves around an open bar and social drinking.

If you’re after a fun, history-rich, and somewhat exclusive way to spend New Year’s Eve in NYC, this tour offers an interesting mix. Just keep in mind that it’s not the most traditional or budget-friendly way to experience the big night, but it could be perfect if you enjoy lively parties with a historical twist.