If you’re looking for a low-key (and cheap!) way to ring in 2012 without sacrificing the fun, consider embarking on a mini pub crawl in Gowanus. Two relatively new and all-around excellent bars on Third Avenue will be throwing New Year’s Eve parties that will take the pressure off of a perennially stressful night. Bar Halyards, a beautiful space with some of the coolest bartenders around, will be serving hors d’oeuvres from 8pm on and hosting a champagne toast at midnight. Meanwhile, just a few blocks south, laid back Lowlands will be celebrating Prohibition-style with a Boardwalk Empire-themed costume party, so don your best three-piece suit or flapper dress and head on over! We promise that you won’t be sorry for even one second that you’re missing out on a $200 party where you can’t even get to the bar.
