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The Grand Arcade at Convention Hall in Asbury Park will be throwing a black tie New Year's Eve Party with DJs Atom Worth, Foggy Notion and Mike Merrell in the mix.

(Courtesy of The Asbury Park Boardwalk)

-- it's the best way to begin and end a year. The night where bars, clubs, venues, and restaurants pull out their finest dishes, their top-shelf liquor, top-flight entertainment, and sometimes a couple of cool little wrinkles to make the party the perfect book end to your year.

Or at least that's the eternal hope.

So here's a list of 30 or so bars around the state that will be throwing some major parties. Obviously, these are 30 out of the hundreds of bars in this state. If we're missing something, let us know in the comments section below.

And remember please make sure you have a ride home or a designated driver if you head out drinking.

NORTH JERSEY:

THE BALCONY LOUNGE: A $15 admission fee gets you in to Carlstadt's hot lounge, and restaurant. The Balcony's dress to impress NYE party features music by DJ Jeff Koppel who'll be spinning classic dance, freestyle, and KTU-style '80s, '90s, and '00s dance hits. There's a deluxe hot and cold buffet served from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Bagels and donuts are served at 2 a.m. Party goers can watch the ball drop in Times Square on The Balcony's giant screen TVs. If you want a reserved table and/or VIP seating you must call ahead to arrange bottle service or a custom drink plan. Limited tickets are available at Eventbrite. 491 Broad Street, Carlstadt. 201-933-0071.

PIG & PRINCE RESTAURANT: The Pig and Prince presents their fourth annual New Year's Eve masquerade extravaganza from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Chef Michael Carrino will present a raw bar, carving stations, and finger food to complement the craft cocktails, beers and wines the restaurant is known for. Music will be performed by the restaurant's own Father Time and his Magical Swine. Please call for ticket prices. The Historic Lackawanna Railroad Station, 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, 973-233-1006.

CELLAR 335: Jersey City's new progressive American restaurant, which sports a bit of an Asian influence on the menu and behind the bar, will celebrate its first NYE. Tickets are $100 per person. The theme for their party is a masquerade so don't forget your mask and/or costume on this evening of intrigue and new beginnings. Cellar will run an open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and a passed food options from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. 335 Newark Avenue, Jersey City. 201-222-1422.

WILLIE MCBRIDE'S: You can always gets your Irish up on New Year's Eve at Willie McBride's. The electric cover act Lifespeed provides the music for the night. There's open bar from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., but this only includes all bottle and (30) draft beers, wine, soda and premium mixed drinks -- no shots or top-shelf liquor is included. A hot buffet will be served from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 a person, and all tickets must be picked up by 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve. 616 Grand St, Hoboken, 201-610-1522.

MAXWELL'S TAVERN: Hoboken's house of music rings in the new year with tunes from The Saturators, and DJ Pastiche. There's a five-hour premium open bar from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and a two-hour gourmet food buffet. Tickets are $85 before Christmas and then increase to $100. There are discounted rates available for large groups of 10 or more. 1039 Washington Street, Hoboken. 201-653-7777.

THE IRON BAR: The Iron Bar will be taking the party to three rooms on two levels. Longtime Mo-town mixmaster DJ Super J and DJ Massimo provide the soundtrack for the evening. VIP and bottle service is available. There will be no pre-sale tickets for this party as this will be on a first come, first serve basis. The bar is recommending partiers get there early for the best seats. There will be a live screening of the ball dropping in New York City, and the party will have the requisite hats, noisemakers, decorations and giveaways. 5 South Street, Morristown, 973. 455-7111

TRANSMISSION: This Jersey City nightclub is promising big things for New Year's Eve. There are two types of tickets to get in -- general admission and "cabana seating." These tickets will get you the following: entry and complementary coat check, music from DJ Marvelous (spinning open-format house, hip-hope, R&B, and Latin music), and DJ Bobby B, a five hour premium open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and passed light snacks and appetizers created by Chef Darryl Harmon. A cabana ticket gets your private seating for you and a group of your friends. These prices will range depending on the amount of people in your party. The club will be open until 4 a.m. 150 Bay Street, Jersey City. 201-963-4565.

WHISKEY BAR & BISTRO: The newly opened Whiskey Bar is throwing a "classics" New Year's Eve bash. Veteran Jersey Shore and North Jersey mixmasters DJ's Kirk Lopez and Lugghead will spin all your favorite throwbacks throughout the night. There will be various open bar packages starting at $50. The open bar hours will run from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. and includes including a full buffet. 1050 Wall Street, West Lyndhurst. 201-939-4889.

Lifespeed will headline Willie McBride's in Hoboken for New Year's Eve.

CENTRAL JERSEY

PERLE NIGHTCLUB and GLO LOUNGE: One ticket ($55) gets you into two New Brunswick nightspots on New Year's Eve. Perle, a nightclub and lounge, will feature Top 40, hip-hop, and club music from DJ Steel and DJ Tha Editor. At Glo, a lounge and tequila bar up the block from Perle, DJ Trent drops a party atmosphere for bar goers. There's a three-hour open bar at both venues with passed appetizers, $150 bottles of Skyy Vodka, and a complimentary champagne toast. Both bars will be open until 5 a.m. Perle Nightclub, 13 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, 732-261-4044. Glo Lounge, 367 George Street, New Brunswick, 732-261-4044.

THE COLORADO CAFE: Jersey's country-western bar will feature two party atmospheres. In the expansive dance hall there's country line and couples dancing. Amateur boot scooters can take line dancing lessons starting at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10. In the "Buck Off Bar" you can ring in the new year with a serious session of karaoke. Of course, it wouldn't be a night at the Colorado without a ride on "Buck Off" their famed mechanical bull. 154 Bonnie Burn Road, Watching, 908-322-7200.

GOLDEN RAIL PUB: Just because school is out doesn't mean The Golden Rail won't be rocking all night long. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and anyone who arrives before 11 p.m. gets in for $10. Those arriving between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m. will pay $15. The dance party starts at 10 p.m., and the music will only stop for the complementary champagne toast at midnight. There's party favors, tons of televisions, and friendly staff to hang with all night. 66 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick. 732-846-6279.

Kareemah Carter, of Newark, tries riding a mechanical bull for the first time at the Colorado Cafe in Watchung.

MISTER EAST/CENTRAL PARK: Mister East, which is located behind the bar and restaurant, Central Park will have 92.3 AMP Radio live in the house for NYE. DJ Toro and DJ Adiel will be spinning in Mister East while DJ Illegal spins at Central Park. Doors open at 8 p.m., and there will be a premium open bar and buffet. Tickets are available here. 2491 Wood Avenue, Roselle, 908-241-8395.

ROXY AND DUKE'S: The ever-eclectic Roxy and Duke's will present a "Gangsters, Gun Molls & Gin" New Year's Eve party. The party is being promoted as a night of comedy, showgirls, and live music. It features performances by ViVi Noir and the Noir Follies and Hildy and the Peptones. There's a dinner buffet from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. This party will rage to 3 a.m. Click here for tickets. 745 Bound Brook Road, Dunellen, 732-529-4464.

OLD BAY: The Cajun restaurant will serve their full menu along with "elegant" specials for the evening. Complimentary champagne will be served with each meal. Last seating for dinner is 10 p.m., so reservations are highly encouraged. Bob Denson's Blues Band takes the stage at 10 p.m. Old Bay will be open until 3 a.m. 61-63 Church Street, New Brunswick, 732-246-3111.

FOX & HOUND SPORTS TAVERN: On New Year's Eve it's $5 to get into the bar, which will stay open until 3 a.m. There's a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, a balloon drop to celebrate the New Year, and a complimentary buffet served at 2 a.m. A DJ will keep it hot all night, and you can win prizes just for showing up. 250 Menlo Park Mall, Edison. 732-452-9100.

PJ CAVANAUGH'S: The famed Bruce Springsteen tribute band, The B Street Band, will perform the music of The Boss all night long (or at least until 1 a.m.). There will be a premium, four-hour open bar, a champagne toast, and a grand buffet available to all attendees. Click here for tickets. Since PJ Cav's is already in a hotel (Holiday Inn), there's room specials -- $99 for Saturday night and $50 for the second night. 195 Davidson Avenue, Somerset. 732-356-1700.

New Jersey's legendary cover band, The NERDS, will perform at The Eden Lounge in Atlantic City for New Year's Eve -- there is no cover for the show.

JERSEY SHORE AND SOUTH JERSEY

HAVEN NIGHTCLUB: The Golden Nugget's nightclub will see the "S.K.A.M. Artist" DJ Turbulence drop some series beats to ring in the New Year. Turbulence currently works with S.K.A.M. music, as well as producer Jermaine Dupree, and hip-hop star Lil' Jon, where he serves as his touring DJ. Turbulence is known for his "open format style filled with high-octane, pulse-pounding energy." If you purchase an advance ticket, you can begin the party with a two hour "hosted" bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Advance tickets can be found here. Table service is also available. 1 Castle Road, Atlantic City, 609-441-2000.

THE STONE PONY: Dark City Entertainment will present "Another 90s New Year" at the house that Bruce built. This event will see local, original bands assuming the identities of and performing the songs of famed bands from the 1990s. The bill includes: GayGuy/StraightGuy as Weezer, Lost in Society as Bush, Dentist as The Cranberries, Wicked Hollow as Pearl Jam, Wyland as Oasis, and The Black Clouds as Nirvana. Mathew Uychich of The Front Bottoms will spin in between sets. There will be shot specials every hour all night to go along with $3 Yuenglings and $4 well drinks. Tickets range from $18 (advance) to $22 (at the door.) 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury, 732-502-0600.

BAR A: The bar 'where summer never ends' will celebrate New Year's Eve in their usual fashion -- big, fun, and unforgettable. MC Bacardi Ardi will host the evening while Big Bang Baby will perform four sets start at 10 p.m. and DJ Mike Nice spins before and between sets starting at 7 p.m. Bar A is offering a two-hour open bar package, which will cost $40 until Dec. 25, and $55 after Christmas. This package includes: a two-hour open bar (8 p.m. to 10 p.m.), and a hot and cold buffet. The second package will cost $15 until Dec. 25, and $25 after Christmas. This package gets you in the bar, but you're paying normal prices. However, both packages do allow you the opportunity to book free transportation to and from your house -- but you have to call in advance to book. 703 16th Ave. Lake Como, 07719 (732) 681-7422.

RIVER ROCK: The waterfront bar will ring in the New Year in a New York state of mind as the Billy Joel tribute band, Angry Young Men performs. DJ Jeff Gould spins starting at 9 p.m. Outside of the music River Rock will have a complimentary champagne toast, a buffet, party favors, and a continental breakfast available. Free transportation is available, call ahead to arrange. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door the day of the show. 1600 Route 70 West, Brick, 732-840-1110.

HEMINGWAYS: Hemingway's will have two distinct New Year's Eve celebrations. The first takes places in the restaurant of Hemingways. There will be a four-course dinner with two separate seating pricings. Seating before 6:30 p.m. will cost $55 per person or $100 per couple while seatings after 8:00 p.m. will be $70 per person or $130 per couple. Menu items include: sushi rolls, filet mignon, Brazilian lobster tail, and churro bowl. On the bar side of things it's a hot night of dance music with resident DJ Milky Mike in the mix throughout the night. Open bar will run from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $30 in advance. 2017 VIP cards will be made available to advance ticket holders. 612 Boulevard, Seaside Heights, 732-830-1255.

THE BEACHCOMBER: One of the true institutions of the Seaside boardwalk, The Beachcomber celebrates NYE with the wild antics of The Flying Mueller Brothers. The Brothers put on an extremely audience-involved show, so dust off your conga shoes. Open bar will run a four hour open bar. The 'Comber will serve a cold buffet at 8:00 p.m., and a hot buffet at 10:00 p.m. There's a free champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $40 in advance 100 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, 732-793-0526.

JACK BAKER'S LOBSTER SHANTY: Combine a renowned seafood restaurant with one of the Shore's most beloved cover bands, and you've got a great night ahead of you. Brian Kirk & The Jirks annual New Year's Eve bash at the Lobster Shanty will have a four-course dinner and an "all evening" (8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.) open bar. Tickets are $130 per person. 81-83 Channel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach, 732-899-6700.

AVENUE: It'll be a night of European cuisine, and hot dance moves at the oceanfront club and restaurant in Long Branch. Executive Chef Josh Sauer and Pastry Chef Stuart Marx will present a two seating, four course dinner of French Riviera-inspired dishes. The first seating is 5:30 to 8 p.m. and will run $60 per person. The second seating takes place after 8:30 p.m. and will cost $120 per person. Outside of the four course during this seating, patrons will hear live music by the Motown and jazz group Red Hot Rhythm, enjoy a champagne toast and a live broadcast of the ball drop. Upstairs at Avenue Nuit, there will be a stylish dance party complete with bottle service, open bar packages and live DJs: Joey Martinez, Brandon Alex and Purari. If you purchase a "gold ticket" ($75) you'll get premium open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. A platinum ticket gets you the same plus bottle service. There's a bottle special too -- two bottles of Belvedere for $380, this includes waitress service. 23 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch. 732-759-2900

MARTELL'S TIKI BAR: Jersey's famed tiki bar isn't just a summer spot. This year they'll be blending two of their most popular acts -- the DJs from their "Tiki Beach Monday" promotion (DJ's Teo and Encore - who'll have special guests with them), and their house band, longtime Shore staple, the reggae band, Dr. Cheeko. There's a complimentary buffet plus the requisite party favors and champagne toast. Tickets are currently $25 in advance, and $50 at the door. 308 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach, 732-892-0131.

ASBURY FESTHALLE AND BIERGARTEN: It should come as no surprise that the Festhalle is going big for its second New Year's Eve. They are running a "Stammtisch Table" promotion where you can guarantee a table at either 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. The 9 p.m. seating is $40 per person and includes a three-course family style price fixe dinner and 1/2 liter bier or champagne cocktail. The 10 p.m. seating is $25 per person and gets you three appetizers served family style, and the same beverage package. The doors open at 4 p.m. for the "family party" which has live music, kids activities, a 6 p.m. celebration of the German New Year and a traditional "clanging of the pots." There will be fortune tellers at the bar, the kitchen will be open late and there will be hand-rolled cigars by Senor Juan. The excellent Des and the Swagmatics will perform 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. There will be also be a vintage champagne tower and toast. Capping things off the Festhalle will host the first Asbury Park New Year's Ball Drop on their roof. 527 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, 732-997-8767.

EDEN LOUNGE: If you're at Harrah's or any place in Atlantic City and are looking for an extremely fun way to ring in the new year, and also not have to pay a cover to get in, check out the Eden Lounge. The lounge will feature a special performance from America's rock 'n' roll "Fun-onemnon" The NERDS. It's not everyday you can see this band for free, so this might be a good opportunity to do so. DJ Dino will spin in between sets. There are VIP seating options and bottle service as well. 777 Harrah's Boulevard, Atlantic City, 609-441-5000.

The Asbury Biergarten and Festhalle's second New Year's Eve party is loaded with cool things for the entire family.

THE HEADLINER: The popular shore club will have two rooms of fun for New Year's Eve. The main room will feature a night of hot, high energy music from DJs Freddie P, Emerson Daniels, and DJ Cam. In the more chilled out pub room DJs O and Frankie Sauce will be in the mix. Open bar will be from 8:30 to 11 p.m. There will be a free buffet all night. Advance tickets are available at the club's website. They will be $55 at the door before 11 p.m., but will drop to $25 after 11 p.m. 1401 Route 35 South, Neptune, 732-775-6200.

THE POOL AFTER DARK: One of the hottest clubs in Atlantic City will be blowing off 2016 with a big poolside party. Anyone who buys a ticket will be allowed into the club starting at 8 p.m. There will be a two hour premium open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Those without tickets cannot get into The Pool until after 11 p.m. DJ's Eddie Edge and Austin Smooth will provide the soundtrack for the evening. 777 Harrahs Boulevard, Atlantic City. 609-441-5585.

THE GRAND ARCADE AT CONVENTION HALL: Yes, Convention Hall is throwing a New Year's Eve party. This "black tie celebration" is inspired by "The Great Gatsby" and guests are encouraged to wear their finest 1920s-inspired threads. There's an open bar from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., hot hors d'oeuvres will be served all evening and DJ Atom Worth will be spinning hot tunes all night long. Tickets are $85 through Christmas, $100 after and can be purchased here. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park.

Bill Bodkin can be reached at bodkinwrites@gmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.