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Sunnyvale Grooves
A good place live, work, do business and begin a century
By Sam Scott
Even though the hype over the coming New Year's Eve started long before this year began, that doesn't mean everyone cemented their plans months ago. And just like any New Year's, some celebrators inevitably put off planning the big night until darkness falls on the night itself. But in case of emergency, Sunnyvale residents don't need to look far--Murphy Street will offer dozens of different ways to get started on the night or to ring in 2000.
For those planning to make the trek to San Francisco by train, Murphy street restaurants like Tarragon and Stoddard's will be open for early dinner with live music at 6 and 6:30 p.m., respectively, leaving plenty of time to hop a northbound train.
After midnight, Caltrain Spokesperson Janet McGovern says trains will leave San Francisco every half-hour from 1:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., to keep those trains from getting too crowded, tickets are $10 and only available in advance.
"There are six special trains and you have to buy your ticket for a specific train," says McGovern. "We're trying to make sure that people who prepay have a seat on the train when they get on."
Alternative New Year's: Rooster T. Feathers hosts early celebrations for those who have to work on New Year's Eve.
But if riding the rails all the way up to The City seems like too much trouble, revelers can still find plenty of things to do right here in town. Almost every bar and restaurant will be having a special celebration. Here are a few.
Del Monte Restaurant
100 S. Murphy. St. * 408-737-7678
The hottest place to go in the valley if you're Croatian. Tickets, at $85 each, are nearly sold out. The food is Croatian, and so is the music, which owner Dee Slade compares to polka. Slade says the Croats are accomplished partiers who won't be ducking out soon after midnight.
Fibbar Magee's
156 S. Murphy St. * 408-749-8373
On stage at this Irish Pub will be, what else, an Irish band: Floyd's Ordeal, which should start playing rock and pop tunes at around 9:30 p.m. Champagne toast, door prizes, and party favors will be offered. Photos will be taken. Dancing is expected. The bar, as always, offers a full range. There's pool in the back and a patio for smoking. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door.
French Quarter Cabaret
193 S. Murphy St. * 408-773-8700
"We party," says the bartender, "people here like to jam and have a good time." Louisiana buffet from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A DJ will spin R&B for dancing, and there's a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $23 in advance and $25 at the door. Dress nice.
Full Throttle
155 S. Murphy. St. * 408-720-1535
Champagne toast, party favors, door prizes and a DJ spinning 70's to 90's tunes. What else could anyone want? Well, maybe a balcony, video games, air hockey table and dance floor. Cover is $15.
Murphy's Law
135 S. Murphy St. * 408-736-3822
This low-key Irish bar will offer weekend trips as prizes, free champagne at midnight, party favors and a buffet. There's a generous selection of beer and booze, and a patio for smokers.
The Palace
139 S. Murphy. St. * 408-989-5537
Private party organizers have rented out this stylish dance hall and restaurant. Trinh (no last name given), says that everyone is invited. "It's open to the public. We're just trying to have fun this year. Get a bunch of people together and have a blast." Balloon drop at midnight, party favors, photo booth, and a bar. Two DJ's. Trinh says dancing will be the rule, not the exception. Semi-formal attire requested. Cover is $45 in advance and $60 at the door. Call ahead for tickets.
Scruffy Murphy's
187 S. Murphy St. * 408-735-7394
This Irish pub ups the midnight ante with a champagne toast at the stroke of 12, hors d'oeuvres, a countdown, and door prizes. Rhoshambo, a rock group, will be playing. the pub has a full bar, billiard tables, and an outdoor smoking patio. Admission is $50.
Paul & Harvey's
130 S. Murphy St. * 408-736-5770
DJ's here will be spinning a mix of rock, hip hop and everything in between. Party favors, finger foods and a champagne toast will also be provided, along with complimentary coffee after midnight. All this plus shuffleboard and no cover at the door.
Stoddard's
111 S. Murphy. St. * 408-733-7824
This upscale brewpub will be offering two dinner sittings with select menus, starting at 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. JD and the Sliders will be in charge of keeping the dance floor packed. Champagne and party favors will be included with the 9:30 p.m. seating.
Tarragon Restaurant
140 S. Murphy St. * 408-737-8003
Mediterranean and pacific rim-influenced dishes and California cuisine are the specialties on the menu here. Owner Tony Bilic says the restaurant will have an early sitting at 6:00 p.m. (for $80) and a late sitting at 9:30 p.m. ($125). Different bands play each sitting, but both boast five-course dinners and a champagne toast.
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
