You couldn't ask for a better nightlife city than New Orleans. Just read my piece from when I was there when the Saints won the championship in 2010. So there is no shortage of amazing bars and restaurants to catch the big game. Here are our particular favorites:

• The spot where I watched the Saints win the Lombardi was Lucy's in the Central Business District. Not only is this bar close to the Superdome, but it's a well-known hang out for Saints players. The scene two years ago was a giant tailgate party and the game was projected onto the side of a building. Specials this Sunday include $3 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys, $15 buckets of beer, $5 well drinks, and $5 house margaritas.

• Again just steps away from the Superdome is Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar, which is offering an entire weekend's worth of events. Starting with a party on Saturday, the bar will be partnered with Baltimore radio station 105.7 the Fan. The tailgate party will feature autograph and photo opportunities with Lardarius Webb and other players, as well as New Orleans food and drink (jambalaya, gumbo, hurricanes); admission is $40. On Sunday, there's a VIP tailgate party sponsored by ESPN with all-inclusive food and drink, live entertainment, and access to a post-game party. All-inclusive VIP admission for that is $400.

• If craft beer and raw oysters are more your scene, head Uptown to Cooter Brown's Tavern, which features 38 beers on tap including a bunch of local favorites and tons of international rarities. The place has 17 flat screens and two eight-foot drop down screens. The menu includes New Orleans classics like raw oysters, po'boys, and crawfish. Plus, the bar is located on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, if you want to fit in something touristy.

• Tracey's was the original bar in the Irish Channel neighborhood (across from the beautiful Garden District). This Irish sports bar is pretty huge, and has a beer hall type feel with 20 TVs. Though Tracey's is known for its Irish classics and po'boys, the chef said they'll probably put crabcakes on the menu for Baltimore fans on Sunday. 

• But if you're looking to party closer to the French Quarter (where most revelers will end up anyway), the Jimani Lounge is a divey sports bar known for its excellent food (hamburgers and crawfish pasta), as well as its juke-box entertainment. Above all, the Jimani is a great place to catch a football game and, in fact, has officially banned NFL commissioner Roger Goodell from the establishment, like the Saints' loyalists they are.

[Image: courtesy of SBNation.com]

A college friend of mine let me know about the best Ravens bar in Denver, where our hometown football team will take on the Broncos tomorrow afternoon in the AFC Divisional Playoff game. 

Chopper's Sports Grill is the place where every Denver-based Baltimore fan convenes. Many patrons have created events at the bar through Meetup.com, like tomorrow's game, which they're calling "Caw Caw vs. Hee Haw."

For any Ravens fans that have traveled to Denver for the game, Chopper's will be hosting a Ravens tailgating party tonight at 6 p.m.

[Image courtesy of Meetup.com]

There are plenty of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve—attend a giant hotel party downtown, buy an all-inclusive package at your neighborhood bar, catch one of your favorite bands (or comedians) live, or spend it with your family. No matter your scene, we have the event for you!

Big-Box Parties:

• Once again, the Sheraton Baltimore City Center hosts Big Night Baltimore with buffets and open bars from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. There will be nine themed party areas and eight bands and DJs (including Burnt Sienna and DJ Q). At midnight, revelers can enjoy a champagne toast and a balloon drop. Currently, tickets are $105 for general admission and $175 for VIP. 

• If it’s as bar-crawl atmosphere you’re after, then 2013 Live! at Power Plant Live is right up your alley. From 9 p.m.-1 a.m., you can have access to the nine bars inside the complex. Of course, there will be open bar and food and, in true Power Plant style, DJ entertainment, laser shows, confetti cannons, and the Times Square ball drop will be featured on 20-foot LED screens. Currently, tickets are $95 for general admission and $150 for VIP.

• Sponsored by Miller Lite and Baltimore Fashion Week, the Charm City Countdown has expanded this year into two events: one at the Sheraton Baltimore North in Towson and one at the 1840s Ballroom downtown. Both events will feature DJs, bands, food from Zagat-rated restaurants, multiple open bars, and casino games. Tickets start at $99 for general admission and $139 for VIP.

• The Hyatt Regency on Light Street will host Downtown Countdown Baltimore, which features a full dinner buffet and open bar from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Entertainment includes DJ Kopec, Beatles cover band Yellow Dubmarine, and four local comedians. Midnight includes a balloon drop and champagne toast. Tickets are $104 for general admission and $139 for VIP.

Concerts/comedy:

• Everyone’s favorite curmudgeon Louis CK comes to town to do two shows at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The early show starts at 7 p.m. and the late show is at 10 p.m. Tickets were originally $35, but have long been sold out.

• Magooby’s Jokehouse in Timonium will feature stand-up comedy with Robert Kelly and Dan Soder, as well as a DJ, dancing, and midnight toast. The event goes from 6 p.m.- 2 a.m. and offers various packages, featuring dinner and hotel accommodations, ranging from $35-$265.

• We give you a worthwhile reason to travel down to D.C. on New Year’s—The Drive-By Truckers are playing at 9:30 Club. The southern rock night gets started at 7:30 p.m. when North Mississippi Allstars Duo open. Tickets are $55.

• Lotus is bringing their dance rock to Rams Head Live on New Year’s. Doors are at 8 p.m., show at 9. Tickets range from $42.50-50.

• Local band Shook will bring their electro-funk sound to The Point in Fells starting at 9 p.m.

• The New Year’s Eve party at the Windup Space features multiple acts including local staples the All Mighty Senators, the soulful Bellevederes, and DJ Landis Expandis. Things get started at 10 p.m. and cover is $15 at the door.

Bar/club specials:

• The great minds at The Fork & Wrench and Union Craft Brewing are hosting a New Year’s Eve party at the Canton restaurant, complete with a four-course meal, beer pairings, craft holiday cocktails, and a champagne toast. First seating is at 5 p.m. and second seating is at 8:30 p.m. Cost ranges from $65-95 and can be reserved on OpenTable.

• If you want to go down the dance club route, celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Get Down. There will be four hours of open bar from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. and a champagne toast at midnight. DJ Harry Hotter spins most of the event, with a special late-night set from DJ Mic L. The bar stays open until 4 a.m. and tickets are $55.

• The Depot always has fun dance parties on the weekend and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Starting at 9 p.m., DJs Fun Billy, Doug, and Charlie will be spinning and the bar will provide free food and a champagne toast.

• In true Ottobar style, a dance party will last from 8 p.m.-4 a.m. DJ Craig Boarman will be spin a “girls rule” set featuring Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, M.I.A. and more. Starting at midnight, TaxLo DJs Simon Phoenix and Stereo Faith Spin will mix indie, electro, hip-hip, and Baltimore club tunes. Cover is $15 and an open bar package is available in advance for $40.

Family-friendly events:

• The Baltimore Orioles-sponsored New Year’s Eve Spectacular is a tradition for more than 30 years now. Starting at 9 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. The main show is at midnight, when a choreographed fireworks show can be seen throughout the city.

• To avoid the crowds, you can sip champagne and watch the Inner Harbor fireworks from the deck of the U.S.S. Constellation. There will be an all-inclusive menu served with local beer, wine, and cider. Plus, there will be special tours and cannon firing demonstrations all night. Adults are $75 and kids under 17 are $25.

• For the fifth year in a row, the Maryland Science Center is hosting Midnight Noon. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, kids can make their own party hats and noisemakers, while the local band Milkshake provides live music. The event is free with paid admission.

[Image: courtesy of Etsy]

Thousands of revelers packed into Mt. Vernon Place last night to witness the 41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

Tons of local vendors lined the street selling slices of pizza, spicy apple sauce, hot cider, wassail, and plenty of other items to keep people warm in the 30-degree weather. The crowds made their way as close to the monument as possible, while choirs from Morgan State, City College, Heart of Maryland, and Harbor City Music Company sang traditional Christmas songs. 

Right on schedule, at 7:45 p.m., Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb counted down from 10 and the monument lit up with blue stringed lights. The laser show began and bright fireworks came booming into the sky.

Like every year, the tradition signified the real beginning of the holiday season in Baltimore.

[Photo by Ben Singer]