My friend owns Porters on Portland St right near the Garden. He doesn't usually charge covers for any night, let alone holidays. The Bruins lockout has REALLY hurt him and all of the other bars in the area this year. They're happy to see anyone at this point! One of our mutual friends will also be DJ'ing, as he usually does for Porters holiday events.
New Years Eve
Public · By Porters Bar and Grill
Monday
Cash bar, champagne toast, noisemakers, appetizer buffet, DJ BC, 21+
If you get an early-ish dinner reservation at most places they won't charge you a cover for staying through into the party. Good trick if you plan on going out for dinner anyway.