Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you may be in a horrible car accident in rush hour.

It’s that time of year again: the time where we pay homage to a year gone by, by drinking large quantities of alcohol, waking up in a gutter somewhere and, with our mind a haze and insides burning, asking ourselves, “Why, why, why do I need to drink large amounts of alcohol to have fun? Can’t I just amuse myself by collecting stamps?”

And so, to help you take part in that inevitable cycle of NYE binge-drinking, we the SunPost offer you our guide to bars, restaurants and other venues that will be offering price-fixed meals, open bars, party favors and other such nonsense.

But know this: Any partying done this NYE is not to commemorate 2005, nor is it to celebrate the coming of 2006.

It’s therapy.

Life continues to get more expensive in Miami-Dade County. Affordable housing is not so affordable. Traffic continues to increase exponentially. So do taxes, fees, rent, etc. They say there are more jobs around too. Many of them are in the service industry, or in sales, or demanding skilled labor that Miami-Dade County can’t seem to attract — partly because they can’t afford to move their families here. Not many skilled professionals have the credit to invest in a $700,000 home, after all. And how long will the jobs last, as the landscape continues to shift here? Best to be adaptive or else you will be left behind.

To quote Guns N’ Roses: Do you know where you are? You are in the jungle, baby!

Might as well do that cliché line: Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you may be in a horrible car accident in rush hour, writing a huge check to pay your property taxes, searching for a new place to live, or working two or three jobs to make ends meet.

Besides, collecting stamps is not as exciting as it seems.
— Erik Bojnansky

Listings compiled by Oriane Lluch

DINNER CELEBRATIONS

AfterGlo: Starting at 6 p.m. features a la carte from the full menu by Executive Chef Michael Schwartz, drummers, dancing and live feed from Times Square. Location: 1200 Washington Ave, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-695-1717.

Barton G The Restaurant: Ring in the New Year Barton G. style! Guests will enjoy an unforgettable dining experience as well as incredible entertainment by the George Tandy Band bringing smooth jazz during dinner and dance favorites through the night. The five-course dinner features unlimited Laurent Perrier Brut N/V throughout the evening. $295. Location: 1427 West Ave, Miami Beach Phone: 305-672-8881.

Bavarian Schnitzel Haus: Not only is Bavarian Schnitzel Haus having a special New Year's Eve menu, they are also going to have a live piano for entertainment. Location: 1085 NE 79th St., Miami. Phone: 305-754-8002.

Bizcaya: Enjoy a four-course meal including party favors. $105. Location: 3300 SW 27th Ave., Coconut Grove. Phone: 305-644-4675.

Bongo’s Cuban Café: Celebrate New Year's Eve Cuban style! Enjoy grilled pork, sirloin medallions, ham and cheese-stuffed chicken breast, or fish fillet. Then move on to take pleasure in the upbeat sounds of a live Latin band. For every four people admissions includes a bottle of house champagne at 7:30 p.m. $150. Location: 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Phone: 786-777-2100.

Café Prima Pasta: New Year’s Eve celebration features table seating at 9:30 p.m. $75. Location: 414 71st St., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-867-0106.

Casa Casuarina: Celebrate the New Year the Brazilian way with dinner by Chef Wolfgang Burk and Barton G at 9:30 p.m. Then dance to the beat of samba and DJ Frank Delour. $400-$1,000. Location: 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-672-6604.

Four Seasons Hotel: Their uber-chic ballroom is going to be set-up so you can ring in the New Year in style. You can also enjoy a lavish buffet from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. $130. Location: 1001 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami. Phone: 305-358-3535.

Fritz & Franz Bierhaus: Enjoy a performance by Lynne Noble and the Rob Friedman Band. Indulge in smoked trout, veal cordon bleu, steak au poivre and more. $75. Location: 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables. Phone: 305-774-1883.

Gigi’s Bistro: Cozy up with your honey for dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. then party from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. $125. Location: 190 NE 46th St., Miami. Phone: 305-572-0015.

Hotel Inter-Continental: A dinner buffet along with champagne toast and party favors is what partiers can enjoy here on New Year's Eve. Location: 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami. Phone: 305-577-1000.

Hoy Como Ayer: Listen to smooth Cuban musicians while you feast. Location: 2212 SW Eighth St., Miami. Phone: 305-541-2631.

Isabela’s Restaurant: Enjoy Chef Miguel de Arregui’s New Year’s Eve buffet with your family starting at 7 p.m. $65. Location: 1109 Brickell Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-329-3500.

Les Deux Fontaines Lobster Café: Along with a live band, a la carte menu will be served at 8 p.m. $30. Location: 1230 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-672-7878.

Lucky Strike Lanes: Bowl in the New Year with a fixed menu for couples including champagne. $100. Location: 1692 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-0307.

Mango’s Tropical Cafe: Starting at 9 p.m. have a four-course gourmet dinner, a bottle of Moet White Star Champagne, party favors and non-stop entertainment by the Latin Connection Band and singers, the Mango Dancers, the samba show, fireworks over the ocean at midnight, and dancing till dawn. $175 - $200. Location: 900 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-673-4422.

Marriott Biscayne Bay: The Seventh Annual Buena Gente New Year's Eve Gala starting at 7:30 p.m. features the best view of the Bayfront fireworks show, a live DJ, an aerialist, a Brazilian drum line, and samba dancers. $135. Location: 1633 North Bayshore Drive, Miami. Phone: 305-823-2507.

Metro Kitchen at Hotel Astor: Indulge in a four-course dinner featuring DJ Simone starting at 7:30 p.m. to keep the party going and party favors to keep you in the mood. $150. Location: 956 Washington Ave, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-8081.

Moroccan Nights: Take in the exotic scenery while watching belly dancing and eating great food. $100. Location: 9555 Harding Ave., Surfside. Phone: 305-865-5333.

Mosaico: The menu says it all, Mediterranean sea bass, duck, filet mignon and lobster. To top it all off enjoy the sounds of a live jazz band and the fizz in your champagne glass. Location: 1000 S. Miami Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-371-3473.

National Hotel: Enjoy dinner and dancing at the National Hotel. It will be featuring a five-course meal, including mango Florida lobster and tasty beef tenderloin to name a few. For desert, enjoy “Chocolate Intensity,” you won’t believe your taste buds. Enjoy live entertainment with a no cover/ no minimum charge for the bar and a champagne toast at midnight. $199. Location: 1667 Collins Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-423-7274 or visit www.nationalhotel.com.

Nikki Garden: Family-style Nikki Midtown Dinner, all access wristbands, a bottle of Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle Champagne (per couple). $350. Location: One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-779-5897.

North One 10: Top this for New Year’s; succulent lobster filled zucchini blossom, truffles, filet mignon; Cornish game hens…need we say more? I didn’t think so. $150. Location: 11052 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Phone: 305-893-4211.

Pearl: Enjoy a sumptuous meal, balloon drop at midnight party favors and champagne beginning at 9:30 p.m. $375. Location: 1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-779-5897.

Pelican Hotel: The Days of Disco are back and kicking at the Pelican for a 1976 theme party. Before you boogie, enjoy a six-course meal prepped by Chef Stefano Zen. Location: 826 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-673-3373.

Perricone’s Marketplace & Café: Enjoy world famous food as you celebrate the New Year listening to a three-piece band. Location: 15 SE 10th St., Miami. Phone: 305-374-9449.

Post: Celebrate with a five-course meal, complimentary bottle of wine and a champagne toast at midnight. $120. Location: 1777 SW Third Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-856-8585.

The Setai South Beach: One seating at 6:45 p.m. (parties need to be out at 9 p.m.), fixed-price dinner at $200 per person, maximum four people per table. Location: 101 20th St., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-520-6000

SushiSamba Dromo: Put your trust in the hands of the chef, meaning eat what the chef prepares for you. A six-course meal including sautéed lobster tail, caviar studded sea scallops and last but not least sake marinated berries for dessert. $75. Location: 600 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-673-5337.

Talula: You choose: a la carte or package menu. While you’re making that tough choice you can enjoy the sounds of DJ Bill Kelly. Location: 210 23rd St., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-672-0778.

Tantra Lounge: Ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a la carte from the full menu by Executive Chef Sandee Birdsong, drummers, dancing and live feed from New York’s Times Square. Location: 1445 Pennsylvania Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-672-4765.

Tapas y Tintos: People watch as you ring in the New Year while listening to salsa and enjoy tapas and a great glass of tinto. $100-$150. Location: 448 Española Way, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-8272.

The District: Indulge in a savory three-course meal and your choice of wine or champagne starting at 8 p.m. Then expect to party hard when The District and Poplife ring in the New Year with DJ Diplo. Location: 35 NE 40th St., Miami. Phone: 305-576-7242.

The Forge: Enjoy a glammed up New Year’s with dinner, party favors and the latest music from Europe. The first seating is from 6 to 8 p.m., and the second seating is from 9 p.m. to midnight. $85-$300. Location: 432 41st St., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-8533.

The Palms Hotel South Beach: Chef Gerd Richeter serves up his classic seafood specialties, an open bar, and fireworks on this spectacular beachfront property. Location: 3025 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. $95-$195. Phone: 305-908-5468.

Touch Restaurant & Lounge: The New Year’s Eve 2006 festivities starting at 7 p.m. feature a four-course dinner, entertainment throughout the night, party favors, and giveaways for $250. NYE Touch Open Bar includes opens bar from 9 p.m. until Midnight. $100. Location: 910 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-8003.

Tuscan Steak New Year’s Eve: A three-course meal and a bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne per couple. $200. Location: 433 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-534-2233.

Van Dyke Café: Doris Spears and the Don Wilner Quartet perform. Location: 846 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-534-3600.

Vix and The Victor Hotel: Hosted by Chef James and Dom Perignon. Pre-dinner complimentary drinks at 8 p.m. on Vix Patio and a six-course meal with Dom Perignon to follow. Location: 1144 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-779-8888.

Amika: Offering its visitors a more intimate setting on New Year’s Eve with DJs, drinks and an over-the-top party scene are just a few things that will be happening. $50. Location: 1532 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-534-1499.

Bahia Bar: Boogie on down to Latin music poolside at Bahia from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Location: Four Seasons Hotel, 1435 Brickell Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-381-3062.

BoomBox: Playing the best electro tunes on New Year's Eve and for Rafi Levin's birthday celebration will be will be DJ Booggee. Lenin and Superfly Johnny will be performing two new songs and playing the best underground music on the beach starting at 10 p.m., No cover; bottle specials. Location: 423 16th St., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-8282.

Firkin and Friar Pub: Kick back this New Year’s with drink special and live music. Location: 3148 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove. Phone: 305-443-2774.

Flavour: The no cover and there’s free champagne! It’s only $100 for open bar from 10 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy grooves upstairs and boogie in the New Year downstairs. Location: 2895 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove. Phone: 305-445-6511.

Gen-Art hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. featuring a premium bar, international DJ and a champagne toast. $200. Location: Tides Hotel South Beach, 1220 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-604-5070.

Jazid: Watch Xperimento perform onstage downstairs and listen to Afro beats and Brit rock upstairs. $20. Location: 1342 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-673-9372.

Mansion: A live performance by The Bravery and DJ AM, with presenting hosts Wilmer Valderrama and Nicole Richie, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. $200-$6,000. Location: 1235 Washington Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-532-1525

Miccosukee Resort and Gaming: There will be a bingo party on New Year's Eve. Location: 500 SW 177th Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-221-8623.

Mr. Moe’s: the party starts at noon and keep kickin’ until 5 a.m. No cover. Location: 3131 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove. Phone: 305-442-1114. www.mrmoes.com.

Mynt Ultralounge: Live entertainment and a Brazilian-like New Year's Eve celebration rings in 2006. Location: 1921 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 786-276-6132.

Nikki Beach: Get into one of the hottest parties featuring Opium Beds and party favors. $75. Location: One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-779-5897.

Nocturnal: Blank and Jones perform along with special rooftop performances from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. $45. Location: 50 NE 11 St., Miami. Phone: 305-480-0000

Opium: Known as one of South Beach's most self-indulgent night spots, Opium is having a wild party this New Year's Eve. Local DJs such as DJ Irie and Jedis Mr. Mauricio will be there to hype up the party. $140. Location: 136 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-674-8630.

Party Hotline: 212-201-1317.

Pawn Shop Lounge: Just let DJs Gunars and Juan Mejia do the work, admission includes open bar all night with a champagne toast at midnight. $50-$75. Location: 1222 NE Second Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-373-3511.

Privé: Lindsay Lohan hosts with Sounds by Samantha Ronson and Vice from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. $150-$200. Location: 136 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-5535.

Señor Frogs: Come and celebrate New Year's Eve with a live band, DJs and mariachis. Location: 616 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-673-5262.

Setai: A gorgeous evening hosted by Noah Tepperberg, Danny A, Jason Strauss, Nicola Siervo, Chuck Pachecho and Vincent Laresca featuring DJ and dancing in the courtyard. $500. Location: 101 20th St., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-520-6000

Shine: New Year’s Eve Ball featuring Frankie Knuckles and Soul Mekanik takes place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Location: The Shelbourne Hotel Beach Resort, 1801 Collins Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-531-1271.

Space: New Year’s Eve Belongs to Space is the theme featuring DJs Cedric Gervais, Ivano Bellini, Lazardi, Affect and Ariel from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Location: 34 NE 11th St., Miami. Phone: 305-375-0001.

Spirits: NYE 06 Bash featuring party favors and open bar starting at 9 p.m. $40. Location: 5729 Seminole Way, Miami. Phone: 954-327-8855.

Ted’s Hideaway: SoBe’s watering hole isn’t doing anything out of the ordinary for this New Year’s, but then again isn’t that the secret to their success. Location: 124 Second St., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-9869.

The Raleigh: TAI Entertainment’s Cirque du Soiree features a live performance, two special guest celebrity hosts, stilt walkers and three excellent DJs from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. $200-$3500. Location: 1775 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-534-6300.

Tropical Cigars: Be a part of a private party for live entertainment champagne toast and finger foods. Reservations must be made no later than December 27. $50.Location: 740 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-673-3194.