New Year eve recommendations?

Hello,

My husband and I are looking around for some new year eve parties - and are thoroughly confused...we havent spend NYE in Minneapolis as yet- any recommendations would be welcome. We%26#39;re not to bothered about food, etc - but would like a nice atmosphere, decent dancefloor and good music. We%26#39;re both ~28. We zeroed in on 2 options so far, but dont know whcih one to choose -

one is: Crystal Ball at the the International Market Square in Minneapolis

http://www.nyempls.com/home.html

the 2nd is:

Casino Royale at Solera:

http://www.soleranye.com

Has anyone been to any of these venues before?

Thanks so much!

New Year eve recommendations?

I%26#39;ve been to Solera before. It%26#39;s a pretty well run place, somewhat spendy, but the food is good. Haven%26#39;t been there for any kind of event, but from what I%26#39;ve heard, they%26#39;ll have themed floors and lots of space. Which means it should be easier to geta drink than many places downtown that night -- but then again they could ruin it if they let too many people in. But having different things going on on each floor seems cool to me -- as you will have an option of choosing your scene should one become tiresome.

At the International Market Square event, keep in mind that it%26#39;s not technically downtown but a little ways off. I don%26#39;t know where you plan to stay, but it appears that Millenium hotel is tied into the event and offering free shuttles.

All I know about this place is where it is and what one friend told me -- TONS of bar space and well staffed at that. The problem with these pay upfront deals on New Years is always that you can%26#39;t get a drink when you want one because of the crowd. I%26#39;d guess of all the events, this would be the most reasonable in terms of getting drinks and having space to think.

I can%26#39;t really speak to the music part of it, but take a look at citypages.com and vitamn.com -- they should have something.

New Year eve recommendations?

I think if I were choosing between the two I%26#39;d lean toward Solera just because I%26#39;ve been there before and I like the idea of a rooftop deck in the winter -- which means they would likely have a heated area up there. Nice view of downtown and nice to have an option to get fresh air without standing out by the smokers.

Either way, I%26#39;d seriously consider the VIP/OPEN BAR options -- maybe call to see what those entail. Could be a ripoff but also could mean $25-$30 to save you a huge headache and give priority

I%26#39;d second Solera. You can always walk across the street to Chambers for a nightcap -- better yet get a room, sleep in and do breakfast in bed the next morning.

the past two years we did nye at bootleggers

all you can drink

top shelf included

and they do have an app spread out most of the night

good music %26amp; band

if you go, get there before the doors open

there%26#39;s only so many tables - nab one and hang on to it for the night

it%26#39;s like $85

and you%26#39;ll need to get tix in advance

FYI, The Rake online magazine just published this most comprehensive list of events:

secretsofthecity.com/magazine/secrets-of-the…

We%26#39;re torn between supper and the late showing of Slumdog Millionaire, the gypsy themed party at Black Forest Inn or the bluegrass music at 331 Club... probably not what you%26#39;re looking for, but you%26#39;re sure to find something to please.