New Year's Eve 2011 Denver: ten best food and drink events

Once January rolls around, you'll be working hard on those resolutions -- and your food and beverage consumption will probably decrease as a result. So why not make your last meal of the year really count?

Keep reading for our top ten food and drink events for this New Year's Eve -- and make sure you've got an extra notch on your belt buckle. You'll need it.

10. Belvedere Restaurant
If your goal is to eat and drink yourself into oblivion, look no further than the Belvedere, Kinga Klek's new joint that just opened this summer; the restaurant is hosting an all-you-can-eat-and-drink blowout, champagne included, for $80 to $150. Call 720-974-4052.

9. Royal Gorge Route Railroad: New Year's Eve Dinner Train
If you've been on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's Observation Dome train, then you already know about the spectacular (and romantic) views that will accompany the gourmet three-course meal the railroad is offering this year. The train leaves at 6:30 p.m., and admission is $99; call 1-888-724-5748 or visit www.royalgorgereservations.com.

8. Second Home: French Quarter New Year's Eve
Get a jump start on Mardi Gras at Second Home, which is featuring a Louisiana-inspired menu, champagne specials, a midnight toast and more. Don your mask, raise your glass to 2012...and let the good times roll. Call 303-253-3000 or visit www.secondhomedenver.com.

7. Celtic Tavern: Irish New Year's Celebration
If you want to beat the downtown crowds and celebrate early, Irish eyes will be smiling on the Celtic Tavern. For $25, you can dine off an Irish-food buffet, then welcome the new year with a special toast and bagpipe salute -- when the new year hits Ireland, anyway. The celebration runs from 3 to 7 p.m.; call 303-308-1795 or visit www.celtictavern.com.

6. The Lobby American Grille: Roaring '20s Party
Go back in time at the Lobby this New Year's Eve, when it will be hosting a Roaring '20s Party. Along with the prix-fixe menu option, there will be a DJ, drinks and dancing; the fun starts at 8 p.m. and there's a $10 cover charge after 10 p.m. -- which will be waived if you purchase food. Call 303-997-9911 or visit www.thelobbydenver.com.