How Much It Costs To Eat At Times Square Restaurants On NYE 2024

On New Year's Eve, upwards of 1 million people (yes, you read that right) flock to New York City's Times Square to be a part of the year's biggest party and watch the famous crystal-encrusted ball drop to ring in the next 12 months. Many of the other millions who have witnessed the mayhem on TV from home have marveled at the sheer mass of people, and perhaps wonder things like, "Where does everyone eat?" 

Well, a number of restaurants and hotels in Times Square have considered the same question and are offering guests the opportunity to enjoy the evening in relative comfort (compared to being crammed like sardines in a can for hours on end) — but it costs a lot to do so; in fact, at some spots, it's upwards of $12,500.

The Marriott Marquis in Times Square is offering a prime VIP package for two people for this price, and while it includes an incredible array of food, desserts, a premium open bar, champagne, and unobstructed views of the ball dropping at midnight, it actually doesn't include a room for the night. If the price seems a little steep, there's always Olive Garden's New Year's event in Times Square, which runs $450 per person.

While the sky-high prices of the New York eateries hosting New Year's events don't all include viewing access to the ball drop at midnight, they do generally include complimentary food, entertainment, champagne toasts, and an open bar. Other venues offering party packages include AMC Times Square theater, which will set you back at least $799 for all-night film screenings, views of the ball, a DJ, entertainment, and, of course, popcorn. 

A date night at Applebee's takes on a whole new meaning in Times Square on New Year's where a ticket inside also costs an astounding $799; and it will cost you $1,015 to gain access to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.'s party.

At the swanky R Lounge, which looks out directly to the location where the ball drops, tickets start at $1,950 per person, and the Knickerbocker Hotel is offering tickets to its gala for up to $3,995 where perks include caviar and Dom Perignon champagne.

Some who have experienced New Year's Eve in Times Square have said you just can't put a price tag on the experience of starting the New Year in the city that never sleeps, but clearly, these restaurants, lounges, and hotels are proving that wrong.