It was tough to give up the old New Year’s Eve routine. For a couple years in a row, my dear wife Karen and I enjoyed dinner at Rico’s Ristorante and drinks at Chadwick’s.
Then we moved in October from the Little Bitty in the Syracuse city neighborhood of Eastwood to A Bitty Better in the Liverpool neighborhood of Galeville.
So change our routine we did.
Pretty place.
I made reservations for two at 6 p.m., and the pleasant woman at Nick & Angelo’s was glad to take them.
We arrived a few minutes early and were given a nice booth immediately. The place was packed. We’d eaten here a lot in previous incarnations, and knew that the restaurant had been kept in the family since Pier 57 days.
Hover over a gallery photo for a description. Click on an image for an enlarged slide show.
Our waitress tried to be attentive, even though the rest of her tables were waaaay over in a different room. When she didn’t make it for a while, the waiter at the next table introduced himself and asked if we needed anything. All was great.
Happy spot.
This could be the start of a new New Year’s Eve restaurant tradition.
Then we drove to the Village of Liverpool, and parked across the street from the Liverpool Public Library. Even though I’ve worked at the lovely spot since May, I’d yet to venture inside the veritable Cobblestone.
Colorful joint.
At around 7:30 p.m., one side of the bar was lined with customers. The TVs carried the Clemson-Ohio State game. The waitress gave me a bottle of Blue Light for my dear wife Karen and a healthy glass of Cab Sav for me, and charged just nine bucks.
We relaxed.
In a bit, I wandered around to take a good look. The game room had a shuffleboard table! I haven’t seen one of those in ages. The pucks were not out. I bet you have to ask behind the bar.
There’s also darts – the electronic, plastic type, not old-fashioned metal, unfortunately – and pool. Karen and I decided this could be a nice place to meet after work when the weather warms up. Indeed.
Then we also walked to The Retreat, owned by the same guy as The Cobblestone, to complete a local swing. We saw many of the same people doing the same thing. We are becoming locals, yes.
And we were home by 8:38 p.m., and I watched the rest of the football game and then we took in Ryan Seacrest’s version of the ball dropping in Times Square.
What did you do on New Year’s Eve this year? Do you stick with one tradition or change things up? What do you think of Nick and Angelo’s and The Cobblestone</strong
Mark Bialczak 
Cobblestone is a really nice hole in the wall. A great place to go get a couple of drinks and some really decent bar food. Try the food there next time when you just want some munchies.
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I was admiring what some folks were eating at other tables, William. We’ll be sure to try some of the food next time. Thanks for dropping in here.
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We watched a movie at home, watched the ball drop, and went to bed. We haven’t been to a party in years.
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That’s a great personal plan, Kathryn Grace. ❤ Happy 2017!
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Same to you and your family!
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We always host a family and friends large New Years Eve party at our home. Full of fun, fabulous food and usually our weather is perfect for this inside-outside gig. We have large TV’s on usually to ring in the New Year with NYC! Woo-Hoo.
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Woo-hoo as usual for my smart-planning friend Gatorette. Happy 2017, Cheryl!
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this looks like a perfect combo in my book. the outside of the restaurant was beautiful. this year, i went with my friends to their cottage on the lake only about an hour aways, but feels far away, for a relaxed night of appetizers, beverages, games and friendships.
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Your getaway sounds equally as beautiful, Beth, for a great start to 2017!
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Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
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Happy 2017, A. Luiz!
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4 u 2!
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I haven’t gone out on a New Year’s Eve in years. My mom always has a big family party with lots of food and laughs, but I haven’t made it to that recently either. I often say I would love to go to a gala party at a hotel and have a room there, too, but the bra off, sweats on, watching movies and hanging with the hubby always wins in the end. We usually have a bottle of champagne and go to bed before midnight, because he often has to work New Year’s Day. Sounds like you had a fun one, though.
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Your plan is spot-on for you two, Cynthia. Personalized always wins! Happy 2017.
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