How Much It Costs To Party At Olive Garden On NYE

Last night my friend sent me a text with a link to an article about Olive Garden's $400 New Year's Eve party. "Is it too late to change our plans?" she wrote sarcastically. Our fancy Manhattan pre-fixe at a trendy restaurant (with open bar because duh) was costing us less than half Olive Garden's extortionate dinner, so the joke certainly wasn't lost on me. Before I go on, it's of note that I have never been to Olive Garden, but I am aware of it because my boyfriend once threw up after eating there, and Katy Perry also once posted an Instagram photo of herself and her crew visiting the chain eatery (and one can never underestimate the power of a Katy Perry Insta).

The Olive Garden New Year's Eve party is allegedly selling out quickly, which tells me little more than there are a lot of people who haven't looked at Olive Garden's menu to see exactly how cheap their prices are, and how they could go there any other night of the week for a much more affordable dinner. Both Olive Garden's Times Square locations are offering the expensive New Year's Eve dinner, and here are some pros and cons of attending:

1. CON: It Costs $400

For $400 you could dine at a Michelin starred restaurant, rather than eating cheap processed chicken and a notoriously crappy chain restaurant. Priorities, I guess.

2. PRO: You Do Get Quite A Lot For Your Money

The dinner party goes from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a buffet, three open bars, and a DJ with a light show. If you like those things, at least they'll be provided in plenty!

3. CON: Olive Garden's Famous Bread Sticks May Be In Jeopardy

I've never had them, but apparently Olive Garden's bread sticks are enough to send people into a frenzy. Fans have been livid on social media about rumors that the famous carb wont be making an appearance on New Year's Eve. A rep for Olive Garden has since denied the rumors, but I'd be wary. Where there's smoke, there's fire.

4. PRO: Katy Perry Loves It

I don't know about you but a Katy Perry endorsement really goes a long way with me, even if it is for Olive Garden.

5. PRO?: It's In Times Square

Times Square is a fairly iconic NYE location, and maybe that appeals to you as a pro. For me, it's a huge con because Times Square is actually the seventh layer of hell that somehow managed to sneak its way onto earth.

6. CON?: Your View Of The Ball Drop Is Obscured

What makes NYE in Times Square iconic is the ball drop, so if you're interested in that, the Olive Garden's view is obscured. Unfortunately?

8. PRO: You Can Make "All Of Garden" Jokes

Basically though ... don't.

Images: Kenny Louie/Flickr; Giphy (4)