The area will be chockablock with New Year's bashes

From catered affairs to all-night blowouts

Scene: clubs, bars, nightlife

The last night of 2003 is fast approaching - and you still haven't made party plans to ring in the new year?

Before you start feeling like a loser, check out LIVE's party guide and pick out a shindig that best suits your taste and budget.

A number of clubs around town are offering catered balls and all-night blowouts, so stop making excuses and start rallying your friends.

With so many choices, you'll be sure to find the perfect place for countdown smooches and first resolutions.

CLUBS AND BARS

Baja Beach Club

55 Market Place

Time: Starts at 9 p.m.

Cost: $50 in advance and $55 at the door

Features: All-you-can-eat hot and cold buffet, top shelf open bar, party favors, champagne toast at midnight and breakfast

Entertainment: DJ Jake Miller will spin a variety of dance hits.

Details: 21 and over

For more information, call 410-752-7188.

The Black Cat

1811 14th St. N.W., Washington

Time: 8:30 p.m.-3 a.m.

Cost: $20

Features: Nothing too flashy here, bartenders say. To keep admission prices down, organizers have decided to nix champagne toasts and other typical New Year's Eve pomp.

Entertainment: Peaches O'Dell and her orchestra will play two sets on the main stage, and DJ Mark Zimin will take the decks on the backstage. Other special guests are scheduled to appear, too.

Details: 18 to enter, 21 to drink

For more information, call 202-667-7960 or visit www.blackcatdc.com.

Bohager's

701 S. Eden St.

Time: Starts at 9 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person or $85 per couple

Features: Balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight, party favors, open bar 9 p.m.-2 a.m. and breakfast

Entertainment: Three DJs, spinning top 40, rock and R&B

Details: 18 to enter, 21 to drink

For more information, call 410-563-7220 or visit www .bohagers.com.

Fletcher's

701 S. Bond St.

Cheap N' Sleazy Party

Time: Starts at 9 p.m.

Cost: $15

Features: A complimentary toast (Pabst Blue Ribbon) at midnight

Entertainment: Dingleberry Dynasty, Ironboss, the Rockbottom Stylings of Honky Slim and BERET! will get loud.

Details: 18 to enter, 21 to drink

For more information, call 410-558-1889 or visit www .fletchersbar.com.

The Funk Box

10 E. Cross St.

Time: 8 p.m.-sunrise

Cost: $79 for the Subdudes show (includes the buffet and open bar), and $25 for the All Mighty Senators show

Features: Buffet 8 p.m.-10 p.m. and open bar 8 p.m.-1:15 a.m.

Entertainment: The club will offer two separate shows on New Year's Eve: The Subdudes will play from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and then the All Mighty Senators will take the stage from 3 a.m. until sunrise.

Details: 21 and over

For more information, call 410-625-2000 or visit www.the funkbox.com.

Have a Nice Day Cafe

2 Market Place

Time: 9 p.m.-?

Cost: $75 per person or $140 per couple

Features: Open bar, light buffet, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight

Entertainment: Two DJs, playing retro, hip-hop and dance sets

Details: 21 and over

For more information, call 410-385-8669 or visit www .haveanicedaybaltimore.com.

The Hippo

1 W. Eager St.

Time: Starts at 9 p.m.

Cost: $20

Features: Breakfast buffet begins at 1:30 a.m., hats, noisemakers, karaoke in the video bar, champagne toast at midnight

Entertainment: Two DJs spinning house and retro music

Details: 21 and over

For more information, call the club at 410-547-0069, the events line at 410-576-0018 or visit www.clubhippo.com.

The Improv

6 Market Place

Time: 5:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Cost: $50 for the 7:30 show and $35 for the 10 p.m. show

Features: Dinner and a glass of champagne are included in the early-show ticket price. Champagne and party favors are included in the late-show price.

Entertainment: Comedian Nick DiPaolo will perform 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. and 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Details: 18 to enter, 21 to drink

For more information, call 410-727-8500 or visit www.bal timoreimprov.com.

Little Havana

1325 Key Highway

Time: 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

Cost: $85 per person advance, $90 at the door

Features: Open bar, champagne toast at midnight, dinner buffet, appetizers and a late-night continental breakfast

Entertainment: '80s cover band the Real Geniuses will get retro for the crowd.

Details: 21 and over

For more information, call 410-837-9903 or visit www.lit tlehavanas.com.

The 9:30 Club

815 V St. N.W., Washington.

Time: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Cost: $50

Features: Champagne toast at midnight

Entertainment: Super Diamond: The Neil Diamond Experience and the Upper Crust will entertain the crowd.

Details: All ages

For more information, call 202-393-0930 or visit www.930.com.

One

300 E. Saratoga St.

"Sin City" Party

Time: 9 p.m.-4 a.m.

Cost: General admission is $50 or get a VIP pass for $100 (which includes dessert, top shelf open bar and a limited amount of reserved seating). Admission after 1 a.m. is $20.

Features: Open bar 9 p.m.-1 a.m., casino-style gambling and a champagne toast at midnight

Entertainment: Go-go dancers and hip-hop, house and R&B DJs

Details: 21 and over

For more information, call 410-230-0049 or visit www.one baltimore.com.

The Ottobar

2549 N. Howard St.

Time: 8 p.m.-4 a.m.

Cost: $10

Features: $1 mixed drinks and drafts 8 p.m.-10 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight