The BEST Local NYE Parties
Words Julia Narvaez
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 at 8:36 am
So it’s NYE and you have no clue where to go without making it rain with your rent money.
We may not have Times Square, but NYE in VA can be just as fun.
Plus, you’ve been keeping your cigarettes in hiding because you feel like an outcast now that the new smoking laws have been passed. Not to mention this isn’t Y2K approaching–because at least then the economy was decent and people had “panic cash” to blow on 45 hundred batteries, 300 cans of Vienna sausages for those really romantic nights, and an endless supply of Haynes underwear. As much as some of us wish we could “throw back” a few shots or nine (teen) in New York City, reality sets in and we remember we’re in the lovely commonwealth of Virginia. But don’t hate, newcomers or faithful locals… Listen up.
I don’t know about you, but every now and then I’d like to forget I’m partying in strict law-ville (you know our laws suck, so just chill out for a second). Especially on the biggest celebration of the year when it’s actually semi-legal to give away free alcohol (champagne) at some favorite local hot spots. Or is it? Wait, who cares. We can never get in trouble for that.
So where should you consider being for the midnight toast?
One word plus another word: Granby Theater. For those of you who grew up here and are still faithfully sporting that 17th Street sticker on your raised Jeep, you know the Theater as the gorgeous, hand-painted, completely renovated building that expands over 15 thousand square feet. While boasting over a dozen balconies, ridiculously vaulted ceilings, four bars all strategically placed for your convenience, the biggest wooden dance floor in Virginia and a stage that is usually occupied by scantily clad female dancers, this place is a hideaway in disguise. Back when Tupac was still alive, Granby Theater (known by locals as “Premiere”) would get away with charging a $20 cover every weekend. That won’t fly these days, but this week $20 does cover your ticket to the best NYE party in the Hampton Roads.
Granby Theater is for sure the place to be. Photo | granbytheater.com
And if you can afford to make it rain like Lil Wayne then DO buy a balcony. What better way to avoid the bullshit of Heather the Hammered Hooker making out with your boyfriend when the ball drops or some douchebag blowing a free noise horn in your left ear at 9 pm when you’re buying your boys the first round. (By the way, if that does happen, please don’t punch him. Just order more shots so you’ll forget about punching him later. Okay not really, but seriously. And no guns. You stay classy, Virginia.) It will roughly cost you around $200 and up, but it’s not the cost of a small child and it’s a sweet private section overlooking the entire club. Not to mention it includes free apps, your own cocktail waitress, complimentary bottle(s) of champagne depending on the party size and separate restrooms to avoid lines for pukey 1 am toilets. Plus you’ll kind of look like a “ballerrrrrrr” if anyone decides to look for scattered clouds.
And DO book now. If they’re already sold out I wouldn’t be surprised, but then again how many people are claiming “we’re in a recession” this year? Better be safe than shit on. You can rule out “sorry.” Celebrate life. It’s a new year. Screw 2000 and fines.
And get there early. Doors open at 8 pm. Yes, there will be a line before (or shortly after they open), and yes, they will have a coat check to your right. DO bring cash to tip whoever is holding your coat or else DON’T be pissed when you’re waiting in line at the end of the night looking like “The Situation” from Jersey Shore; thinking, “Mayonnaise, a lot of people with coats in here”; and ending up with some salmon-colored cropped blazer size 00 with bell sleeves and an embroidered neckline. So yes, DO punch yourself if you forget cash. Especially for the bartenders. DON’T leave etiquette behind. This is not college night at Chichos.
Party people at TIME Lounge. Photo | Howard Tarpey | tarpeyphoto.com
Though Granby Street’s rep has been back and forth with both safety and the whole parking issue, you can definitely feel better about venturing out now that there’s a much-needed, new-and-improved parking garage, plus the (odd) addition of cops on Segways and bicycles. But DO park in the MacArthur Mall’s parking garage if you can. Because after 1 or 2 am you DON’T have to pay like $300 to get out. Then again, they have been doing their “special event parking fee” a lot lately, but even so, we’re still just talking about a couple bucks.
The only other bar in the area that has not only the space, but that true NYE club experience would be TIME Lounge.
Smoker? Tune in now: DO go to TIME or forever stay home and bitch about the new laws. Somehow they managed to pass by the new no-smoking law with the 70/30 rule (thanks to a new ventilation system installed in late November, and being able to call their attached pizza place, Gustos, part of the bar’s square footage), allowing you to smoke everywhere but upstairs in the VIP section. For an extra $15 you can get it in on the 2nd Annual Granby Street Bar Crawl and hop from TIME to four other well-recognized bars: Baxters, Scotty Quixx, Fahrenheit and Guadalajaras. This comes in handy when your friends are indecisive and want to make sure they get lucky before resorting to Bugatti’s, PJ‘s or IHOP for the “after hours” party you don’t need to have an invitation to attend.
Fun Fact: If you do go out to Granby Theater, you should know that their theme this year is Gods & Goddesses. (Last year was Fire and Ice.) But don’t think you have to dress the part. If you show up in a giant Depends diaper or screaming at the top of your lungs “Is there anyone else?!”, GO HOME. This year, you went too big. And no matter what… DON’T drink and drive. Spending the new year in jail is pathetic.
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ABOUT THE WRITER
Julia Narvaez, known as Jules, has been a local Hampton roads "socialite" for over five years. From bartending at almost every major and minor bar in the area, promoting special events on a weekly basis or hosting radio shows with Max Media, Jules is never short on entertainment and nightlife advice in the 757. When not bartending or promoting, Jules can be seen jumping from concerts to events to the "new" restaurant in town as well as staging homes, playing soccer or planning her next place to visit.
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“Better be safe than shit on!”
This article is inspiring!! :)
This is article is hilarious! I have heard about Granby Theater but I thought it was just for shows or something. You can’t tell from the outside. We’re definitely going to check it out this new year, if not soon.
GREAT Article!! Thanks for the Shout Out!!! Time Lounge’s Tickets/Tables are going Fast & we will be SOLD OUT SOON as well as the Granby Stroll Tickets!!! So head the Advice & DO BOOK NOW!!! (757) 623-TIME!! Where Ever you want to be… Don’t get stuck Celebrating out in the Cold!!! Be SAFE!!!
ps- You Can Smoke Upstairs Too!!! ;)
Ahhhh sneaky!!! ;)
Yeah nothing says a party like its 2002 on Granby! Popped Collers, faded distressd jeans and Ed Hardy Shirts, worn by the Brolighted hair elite of Hampton roads think Jersey Shore meets Va beach, and the women who lust after them! In clubs that still think 90′s cheesy trance techno and 80′s remakes is where its at… Wanna check out some reall spots with forward thinking people? Hit up the Loose Lips party, The Boot, or Taphouse. Those places will be where the fun people of Norfolk are at!
Really taphouse, the boot, lose lips, lose lips sounds like a whore house in the 70′s but I have never even heard of the place.wat next r u goig 2 tell me chucky cheese is the place 2 go new years eve. talking about the 90′s the taphouse really, isn’t that were the shot a couple of american eagle commerical at. I mean were r u from franklin. I tell u what let’s meet at barons in suffolk 4 new years because I heard its a blast.and the only part that’s good about the boot is I-HOP because it is rite across the street, so if u want pancakes 2 bring in the new year then that’s the place 2 b. And i rather stay home and watch dirty dancing havanna, not the frist dirty dancing but the 2nd, jus wanted 2 make that clear since movie’s come out a little slower were u r at. Peace graby street lol.
sommmmebody started “ringin’ in the new year” a few days ear;y, eh!?
i do find humor in both this article and these comments.
priceless, folks. keep it up.
I can’t imagine spending New Years Eve on Granby street. I don’t go out much, but If I had to be surrounded by all the bros and sloppy females that regular the clubs on that street I would have a nervous breakdown. It’s the LAST DAY of the year, and you want to go all out and do something out of the ordinary. Gods and Godesses themed party? Barf. Ballin’ like Lil’ wayne? If you wanna ball like little Wayne, get your ass to Loose Lips and buy all your friends a round of shitty beer and get caught in a few photographs by Howard Tarpey acting crazy and looking like you are actually having an AWESOME TIME. Pinch a few ass cheeks, make out with some random at midnight, get sweaty. I can’t imagine what the photos of the Granby Theater party will look like. “Honey, hold my coat, me and the Drewster and going to take a shot!” BORING.
Step out yer prude panties and put your party pants on.
LOOSE LIPS.
hahaah and Chelsey,
It’s cool to like and support Loose Lips, but that doesn’t have to mean hating on Granby peeps. There’s a place for everyone, everyone in their place.
And if somebody wanted to write up a hype blog about the Loose Lips party, we’d be down to publish it.
OMG. Chelsey, you. are. an idiot.
At least you come across as one here. I hope you get your wish to get “caught getting awesome” in a “howard tarpey” photo!
This aggression will not stand, man.
The #1 reason this area is not cooler to live in is because there is so little unity between the different subcultures. It’s as cliquey as a high school in a bad high school movie. As soon as that stops, this place will become a lot more fun.
Granby Theater will be rad if you like that stuff. Loose Lips will be rad if you like that stuff. And if you don’t like that stuff, I bet if you gave it a try, you’d like something about it.
There is no ‘them’,
J
I think it’s pretty fun here!
Like I stated before…which was my OPINION ( I forget, nowadays if your opinion differs from another person, it makes you an “Idiot”. Calling someone an idiot in a public forum is idiotic.) I never go to parties, and dare I say I have never been captured in such rare form in photograph, but this story is still unsettling. Time and Granby Theater ARE two spots to hit on your New Years Eve escapade, but they arent the ONLY two. I hope someone does do a write up on the Loose Lips. If everyone knew the immense amount of work that is being poured into bringing this party to you guys, you’d gush and goo and maybe blush a little bit. This area IS cool to live in…just because “cliques” don’t get along doesn’t mean it isn’t. This is not West Side Story and we definitely aren’t tap-dancing and doing the Macarena to fuel battles. I think all the “cliques” here actually mesh pretty well. I haven’t heard of any Heather’s poking fun at any of the “hipsters” for smelling like stale beer lately. Nope. Sure haven’t! I even get along with the older crowd. I go to an art show or an opera or a movie or a show here and I see a very diverse group of people. That’s why Virginia is awesome!
WEEE!
Sorry Chelsey and Sorry Jesse; You both make good points. I am not in this to stir shit up.
(opinion starts here) I just think it’s a whole lot of nothing. I mean, having drinks is one thing, glamorizing your drinking is a whole other thing. Everyone wants their own “fame” a little too much (the party photo stuff). i just think its gotten to a level that is ridiculous and trite. It makes it very easy to be cynical towards some of this (Loose Lips) stuff and the constant stream of party pics (“you’re missing out!”). In general, being an alcoholic does not make you cool. And having fun is one thing, but the egos are another. So many people think so many things about that ‘crew’ and honestly, i don’t think too much of it all. a travelling party? sounds good to me! I for one am interested to see what happens with the NYE Loose Lips thing. I think its safe to say, in good ol’ VA it will be shut down way before 6 am!
Maybe i have no point. Maybe i don’t “get it” at all? I just want to go to a bar with friends and talk about real shit and not always have to scream or just have a few words about the weather with the guy I “always see there
This area is okay, and I think its normal to have differing opinions, etc. I don’t think the whole “can’t we all just get along” thing is necessary, because i think for the most part we do. everyone has their thing. there are many places for people to hang in HR. There is certainly nothing wrong with Granby, if you’re into that type of thing.
All in all, I think this is an interesting discussion thread and look forward to what others think.
Ah,
I love it! This article is not intended to say that there aren’t alternative places to go. As “Chelsea” put it: Time and Granby Theater ARE two spots to hit on your New Years Eve escapade, but they arent the ONLY two.
I totally agree. Which is why altdaily.com has posted additional places to go. There are so many diverse people here!
If you read the article thoroughly (without throwing up after I mentioned Granby St) I thought I made the point across pretty clear from the beginning that Granby Theater is THE only place from here to DC that has a “NYC club” feel to it…Time Lounge following (if you want to step away from the local vibe). That being said, if you don’t want to opt for that environment then you would totally disagree without hesitation.
Granby St has gotten a bad rap, and Portsmouth is slowly up and coming. I was at Longboards last night talking about High St. and most locals we’re saying that they’re calling it “The New Granby St”. Is that bad?
To say Granby St is a bunch of “popped Collers, faded distressd jeans and Ed Hardy Shirts, worn by the Brolighted hair elite of Hampton roads”is a little closed minded. They’re are a lot of cool restaurants still standing and the city is trying to make it safer after some sketchy incidents. That being said, any place is what you make it. I’ve seen plenty of “lushes” gallivanting in Ghent and Va Beach to make a documentary on it so lets keep things real.
I love the Boot, even before it was bought out! And Tap house is one of my favorite spots to hang out at, especially the new one in Hampton! They’re food is amazing. But for NYE when I’m trying to put my mind somewhere else? “Barf”
If I didn’t want to do the “club” thing and apparently listen to “90’s cheesy trance techno and 80’s remakes which is completely off, then I would probably opt for a house party or somewhere in Ghent where I CAN have good conversation and reminisce about the new year. But I can do that ANY day of the week. ANY…DAY…OF…THE..WEEK.
There IS a place for everyone in the Hampton Roads…however, people who DO like to dance, drink, and enjoy the loud crowd have very VERY few to choose from. SLIM TO NONE I don’t really see Tap house having a balloon drop, confetti, free champagne, party favors and a huge countdown when the ball is dropping at midnight…etc etc etc. Whether you like that or not is your thing. But lets face it, there are no clubs in the area at all thanks to the ABC regulations that say 43% of your sales MUST be food. Why else do you think this area is a bunch of restaurants that turn into bars later on in the evening? Is hard to own a bar in this area…props to the ones who’ve survived.
Granby Theater….BANG BANG! I prefer not to wear a bullet proof vest for NYE but thanks!
WOW. Wasn’t that like 3 years ago? People here are so ridiculous. GET OVER IT.
WoW!!!!! I have been a fan of altdaily.com since I came to Norfolk a few months ago for my first semester at ODU. Ive read a few artilces here and there but none were really anything to write home about! This Julia girl has something to offer!!! I absolutely love this article. If memory serves me correctly I think I have seen her at Boars Nest bar….who knows if that was her or not but shes got a gift and can write her ass of!!! I will definately be hitting the night life scene more this coming semester and renting a balcony is definately a must at Grandby Theatre…I love the DOs and Donts those definately had me laughing….AltDaily.com You need to keep her!! Im not easily impressed but this article is well…DAMN GOOD hmmm I might be able to use her for my blog…….how do I get ahold of this girl????
Haha thanks. And yes, that was probably me. Find me on FB! ;)
Here’s my thing- most of what a place is is what you make of it. Most… Of the two featured in the article, Granby Theater is great because you can get away from douchebaggery and trampy skanks and stay in the same establishment. They do put on great performances on stage, and for the NYE ball drop, I’m sure it’s going to be another good one.
Time, on the other hand, is getting old. And skeezy. If it’s packed tight, you need people to be polite. Bumping is bound to happen, but it shouldn’t be part of the requirement to get in. And douchebags extraordinaire! Whew, Time is basically just Bugatti’s Pregame Regular Hours Club. Which is gross.
I’ve been a downtowner for quite some time, and I tend to go to places that are very diverse (as mentioned by Jesse Scaccia- I break down the cliquey BS and go where the fun is) from Havana, to Big Easy, to Hell’s Kitchen, Baxter’s, Empire, Trilogy, Quixx, Bodega, doesn’t matter. I’ve been all over Colley and 21st, too, so I know what kinda people are out there.
What we need is a string of local hangouts, and a group of us hanger-outers that appreciate the finer things in life but know how to have a great time with great people. Folks who aren’t pretentious, pompous, or any other crappy -ous. With fun, eclectic places to enjoy each other’s company.
Is that too much to ask?
I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts. Where the “popped collars and meatheads fist-pump to techno tracks on a nightly basis”. I have been living in Hampton Roads now for 4 1/2 years. The cover charge on the weekend in Boston is ALWAYS $15-25 per person….NOBODY complains! Here on Granby Street the cover charge norm is $5…And people complain??? WTF!!
With the economy the way it is, the ONLY place you can go for up to $35 on new years and have a great “city-like” experience and NOT pay $100-$300 cover charge like Boston, NY, or Miami…IS Granby Street.
I have worked in the nightlife industry here in Virginia for 4 1/2 years now. And in Boston for 7 years. Granby Street will be a safe and enjoyable place this NYE10! Police will be out in full force for the safety of the NYE patrons.
The clubs on Granby Street will have huge lines! So here is what you should do for the ultimate enjoyable experience in this NYE10. Buy your tickets now if you haven’t already. Get yourself and your friends to Granby Street by 6-7pm for dinner to ring in the New Year.
Then head to the venue of your choice by 715-730pm. At that time you can club/bar hop. Or stay in that establishment until the countdown and ring in the new year with your friends or loved ones.
I work at TIME Lounge and Central 111 and figured I would post to stickup for Granby Street and clear the air. I havent had a NYE off from working in 12 years. I am working TIME Lounge this NYE…so come out and say hello! Buy your tickets now and dont be left out in the cold.
Hope you all have a happy and enjoyable new years experience.
I’ve never even heard of Loose Lips…sounds like an STD waiting to happen…
High5 Julia.
I think you nailed this on the head – I don’t think you will please everyone with this article because nightlife is much like buying a car. Everyone has their preference, dislikes and likes.
The majority of people complaining aren’t the target of your audience. They are locals or “downtowners” as mentioned. If someone lives downtown, they shouldn’t need a suggestion as to where they go – they should know by now.
For the people knew to the area, the disgruntled smokers and peoeple who are looking to escape Virginia Beach or the Peninsula for NYE – this was a good article.
I myself will be traveling all around 757 – visiting 9 bars to get rid of 2009.
My main stop will be part of the Time Lounge Crawl – Baxters, Guadalajara and Fahrenheit jumped on board as a team and it’s brilliant. One ticket gets you all the places, food and a toast. Norfolk needs teamwork to work and this is it at its finest.
In response to Pavona. If you want a local hang out…Bring your friends to Time or one of the other spots on Granby and Viola!!! It’s a local hang out. No need to complain because another persons clique is larger than yours. It’s Downtown – it is…indeed…what you make of it.
:)
This is such a great article!!! Thanks Julia:) You are such a good writer!!!
Granby St Rocks, They have some of the Coolest and Down to earth Bartenders/dress’ I have every met. Jewelz rocks out several arenas there and I love Granby Theatre it is the classiest in an area that is not quite D.C. but is quite Home! Bring in the New Year in Style and remember it’s not where ur from it’s where ur @ and Granby st is the place to be.
Love the article Jewelz!!
When I Think New years I think of NYC Time Square, ball dropping, champagne confetti everywhere and kiss at the midnight.
This article lets everyone know if you want a bit of the big city with a
home town feel Granby Theatre and Time are the places to go. And who better to write this article then Jewelz, i don’t think there is a hot spot or hidden treasure bar that she hasn’t found I would trust her opinion.
I for one will be at Granby Theatre on NYE and I can’t wait!! Stop hating on Granby Street beacuse hands down it has the most variety of bars around so if you don’t like one walk 10 feet and your at another.
Thank God I read this. Now I know not to show up in my giant depends diaper haha. I love how IHOP is included with PJ’s and Bugatti’s. Geekful!!!
Ah but you must scream “IS THERE ANYONE ELSE?!!!” like the dude from Gladiator to get the full stare and wierd looks from everyone lol….
The movie was Troy not gladiator and the line was-is there noone else!
awwww man…I had a feeling I was off :(
I moved here a few years ago, and have yet to see a popped collar or that constant “bro” attitude that you speak of. I agree on occasion you will run into a group of people that are in love with themselves, but you are going to find “douche” wherever you go in this world. (for example of douche, see “haahaa’s” post)
There is a great variety of venues on Granby Street that cater to all sorts of people. Places like Baxters, Havana, Hells Kitchen, Time, Granby Theatre, Empire, and Scotty Quixx really stand out to me as great places to check out. Whether you want to unwind, relax and enjoy good food and drinks, check out sports in one of the areas best sports bars, listen to live local music, or enjoy a club type atmosphere, Granby Street has you covered almost every night of the week. Plus many of the places that I mentioned really do a great job promoting and throwing fun parties that thousands of people enjoy each year.
I don’t know where you are going, but I have never heard “Trance Techno” anywhere on Granby in the past 4 years. I know that Granby Theater has specialty techno nights (I think), but that’s the only place that I have ever heard of doing that.
“haahaa” I enjoy all those places that you mentioned, especially The Boot and Taphouse, but quiet frankly I don’t think you have been on Granby Street in ages. Everything you described is not the overall example of what Downtown Norfolk attracts. Going through life hating on something that you haven’t even experienced probably won’t get you anywhere, except home alone on your computer typing ignorant responses to online articles.
Happy New Year,
-J
Granby Street is not really my scene, but for those who want an NYC feel and refuse to leave Norfolk, these are great suggestions. As a side note, the article is very funny and well written, not that I would expect anything less from this girl. Good job lady.
-Mindy
And I have to throw this in there, KOKOAMOS in Virginia Beach is having a huge NYE party as well. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE $5.00 FOR EVERYONE BEFORE 10:30 PM!! THAT’S RIGHT ONLY $5.00 COVER! SO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR KOKOAMOS’ STYLE! DOORS OPEN AT 8PM DEC 31ST THIS THURSDAY NIGHT! LIVE MUSIC BY HEY HEY HOOLIGANS HITS THE STAGE AT 10PM. ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL HOTEL RATE A VB RESORT ?
Hey J! and others!
My post was to be more on the humorous side…
Stir things up a bit well maybe… my name is hahaah.
I just felt the need to point out some of the other hotspots for NYE that was all! Seriously to each their own! I plan on hitting a few of the places I mentioned since Loose Lips is going all night!
I also forgot to mention another cool little spot is 37th & Zen I think they have something going on there as well!
CHEERS TO ALL even the Haters!
Its a new year to stop the hate!
hahahaahahhahahaah
Indepth and insightful
julia, since when did the boot get “bought out”? do you mean literally? please enlighten us.
It used to be like a winehouse BEFORE “The Boot” or something like that. I can’t think of the name. My friend’s parents used to own it and sold it. We were just talking about it the other night actually…
Nice, I hope you follow up the preview with a review! Good column!