Over-the-Top Takeout for an Epic At-Home New Year’s Eve
From fancy-ish cheesesteaks to truffle-themed menus, there’s a takeout option for every style this New Year’s Eve.
Oyster House’s lobster roll kits | photo courtesy of Michael Persico
No one needs convincing that staying home on New Year’s Eve is a good call: avoiding the insane cover charges, surging Uber prices, and general hoards of drunken people is an appealing option. But just because you’re staying in doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to eat well. Celebrate the new year in the comfort of your own abode with luxurious takeout options from all over the city, and skip the commute back home. Just don’t forget the champagne.
Mission Taqueria, Center City
Mission Taqueria is really good at takeout: Everything comes individually packaged for easy transport and is clearly labeled for easy assembly (including their nachos, which are the best takeout version we’ve found). They also do bottled margaritas, so it’s basically a ready-to-serve party.
Kalaya, Italian Market
There’s no doubt Kalaya is a special-occasion spot. The food is truly one-of-a-kind: If you have friends in town (who like spicy food), a generous takeout order from Kalaya and a couple of nice bottles of wine are a great way to spend your New Year’s Eve.
General Tsao’s House, Center City
General Tsao’s has it all: the signature General Tsao’s chicken, for people who really want that Americanized Chinese experience, plus more classic dishes like cumin lamb and scallion pancakes that are drinking snacks — even if the drinks are made at home.
Manatawny Stillworks, East Passyunk
Even if you don’t want to go out, you still probably don’t want to spend the entire night making cocktails. Grab a couple of quarts of pre-made cocktails from Manatawny: They’ll be doing a classic old fashioned, a pomegranate gimlet, hot apple cider with honey whiskey, and oat milk hot chocolate with rum.
Crunchik’n, Center City
Here’s the move: Throw a house party and don’t worry about food. Then, around 10 p.m., order a couple rounds of popcorn chicken for delivery. No matter what else you do, the party will be a hit.
Oyster House, Center City
For a lobster dinner for a crowd — without breaking the bank — order a lobster roll kit from Oyster House. Each one comes with six buns, pre-picked meat from Maine lobsters, dressing and clarified butter. Call to order.
Forsythia, Old City
For $150 per person, Christopher Kearse will send you home with an absolutely insane, black truffle-themed spread: truffle and lobster bisque, truffle polenta tortelloni, braised short rib with Savoy cabbage and black truffle bordelaise, baba au rum, freshly baked bread and a complimentary wine pairing. Order here.
Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop, Society Hill
If you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve-appropriate cheesesteak, Woodrow’s is the one: It comes stacked with shaved ribeye, truffle cheese whiz, cherry pepper mayo and caramelized onions, so it’s a little special, but still comforting. Pairs well with champagne.
Zig Zag Barbecue, Kensington
Barbecue is a very good pre- or post-drinking food, especially when it’s Zig Zag’s delightful meats paired with their gut-punching sides. Place a huge takeout order and serve it all night long.
