Looks like I could be in NYC on New Year's Eve. Basically, half the family want to see Times Square and half would really rather not be anywhere in the area! Any advice for an area or a place where my dad and I would be able to sit in a cafe/bar/restaurant with some atmosphere, but not be overwhelmed by crowds/noise/drunks? Live music (jazz, blues, just about anything) would be a bonus. Don't know where we're staying, but we would be fine with a commute. I got some great ideas for the rest of the visit from a couple other threads, but New Year's could form my entire impression of NYC!
I did the Times Square thing once. I didn't really like it. I'm not sure if you're going to find anything calm in NYC on New Year's. If you're looking for music, try B.B. King's, I guess.
I lived in NYC and made it a point NOT to be around for new years eve. If you get separated from your crowd, you are screwed. Also, with your dad around, it sounds liek he wouldnt like it.. Unfortunately, I cant help w/music, but I would get a HOTEL NOW, b/c many might be selling out already.
Re: Re: New Year's in NYC i did it once. it was cold, slightly rainy and overall a crappy night to be standing outside for 4 hours <we were luck enough actually get "in" times square but that is another story for another time> but it was kinda nice just to say i was there once... i did say, that if i ever did it again i would get a hotel room in times square so i can just come outside prior to midnight and then go inside and drink in the warmth of the hotel. they close off the side streets as times square fills up so if you don't get there early enough you might not even get to see the ball drop...or if you do, you will be blocks and blocks and blocks away, and then it isn't even worth it.