The Olive Garden in New York's Times Square is providing a special deal to any who would rather spend New Year's Eve in its restaurant instead of freezing their buns off in the cold.
For $400, paying customers will be treated to a a five-hour party starting at 8 p.m. with a buffet, DJ, dancing, open bars and a champagne toast at midnight, according to CNN.
The menu includes: chicken con broccoli, eggplant parm, shrimp primavera, short ribs, chicken marsala, mashed potatoes and garden vegetables. Oddly enough, breadsticks off the menu.
However, despite spending $400, the most important part of the New Year's Eve tradition - seeing the world famous 12-foot crystal ball drop - isn't a guarantee.
"With the cooperation of the NYPD and security, we are hoping to get to see the ball drop from just outside our front doors," said Olive Garden. "But due to security issues, we can't sell the tickets on the premise that outside view of the ball drop is guaranteed."
Seeing the ball isn't outside the realm of possibility though. Jessica Parkin, who attended the 2014 celebration with friends, tells the Huffington Post that not only did she see the ball drop, but the party as a whole was well worth the price.
"From the Olive Garden you couldn't see the main stage or the ball drop, but around 11:40 p.m. we were taken through the back door to the Olive Garden and onto the streets in our own gated section where you could see the ball drop and be part of all the action. It was perfect," she said.
Olive Garden isn't the only restaurant offering a New Year's Eve Party in Times Square and, in fact, its ticket price is on the lower end of the spectrum, according to ABC News.
Bubba Gump Shrimp, which is already completely booked for their circus-themed, all-you-can-eat-and-drink celebration, sold tickets this year for $799 each. While Ruby Tuesday is offering a five-hour open bar, passed appetizers from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. and a midnight champagne toast for $349 and up to $1,699 for VIP service.
However, while some restaurants might be selling tickets for more, for some, the thought of spending any time at Olive Garden is reason enough to avoid the $400 bill.
The Olive Garden in Times Square is charging $400 for their NYE party. Because "When you're here you're.....obviously out of options".
— Michael Bennett (@BennettOnAir) December 29, 2015
@NishaChittal you'd honestly have to pay me $400 to eat at the times square olive garden on a regular day. — nick ramsey (@nick_ramsey) December 28, 2015
