The Last-Minute New Year’s Eve Guide in Chicago

2020 comes to an end on Thursday, and while no one will be gathering downtown or on Navy Pier to engage in the customary public celebrations, restaurants are still giving locals creative ways to celebrate at home via an extensive variety of creative takeout meals and food packages. New Year’s Eve 2020 is a big day for restaurants which are without the usual lucrative private holiday parties due to COVID-19.

There are plenty of options, but the deadline to order many New Year’s Eve packages has expired. Here are a few of the best available for those sitting on the fence.

Brass Heart

In Uptown, Brass Heart has two luxurious options including an A5 wagyu meal kit and a six-course tasting menu. Order via Tock.

Carnitas Uruapan

Ring in the new year with three pounds of porky goodness from Chicago’s iconic Carnitas Uruapan. Get on the horn and call them at (312) 226-2654, extension 1 and order the $85 package with a full set of sides.

Cat-Su Sando

This Japanese-inspired delivery-only restaurant is offering shabu shabu for two. Find buckwheat noodles and all the ingredients for a unique meal. Order via Tock.

Daisies

This Logan Square restaurant that pivoted toward a marketplace during the pandemic, is offering a short rib meal kit for $99 with all the accoutrements. There’s also several booze packages, including a Bloody Mary kit for New Year’s Day. Order via Tock.

Eleven Eleven

Chef Charles Welsh is back at the former Honey’s space in West Loop and offering a four-course meal headlined by roasted cod or a strip steak. The package is $75 and comes with a champagne toast. Order via Tock.

HaiSous

Pilsen’s favorite upscale Vietnamese restaurant has a full selection of fun cocktails, and its popular caramelized fish sauced chicken wings. Danielle and Thai Dang are also offering a spare rib kit. Order via Tock.

Herb

One of the city’s most underrated restaurants, Herb offers four set-meals — two plant-based and two with meat. Add a pork tenderloin as an upgrade for heartier appetites. Herb features creative and upscale Thai food that won’t break the bank but make eaters feel like they’re decadent. Order via Tock.

Kostali

The Nahabedians new restaurant takes inspiration from Italy and the Mediterranean. The New Year’s package features four small plates, three entrees, and three desserts. Order via Tock.

Leña Brava

This West Loop Mexican restaurant is going full steakhouse for the holiday. Pick from three cuts of beef (or King salmon or chicken), and add from a full arsenal of sides and desserts. There’s a lot of versatility here. Order via Tock.

Le Sud

Roscoe Village’s favorite family-friendly French restaurant has a variety of meal packages including pork cassoulet, steak, and chicken meals. Order via the restaurant’s website.

Nobu Chicago

The hotly anticipated West Loop Japanese restaurant has a $175 sushi package for two. Order online for pickup and delivery via major third-party services.

Strings Ramen Shop

Strings, which has locations in Chinatown, Lakeview, and Hyde Park, is offering a $49.95 New Year’s Eve package. It’s comes with choice of gyoza and two bowls of ramen. Order online for pickup or delivery.

Sophia Steak

Prime rib packages, chicken Vesuvio, and plenty of appetizers are available at Sophia Steak in suburban Wilmette. Order online.