By By GREG KATSKI

Community Editor
Washingtonians looking to hit a local dive to watch the ball drop this New Year’s Eve might find their options limited.
Bar Upstream on Main Street will be the only establishment in historic downtown Washington still open at midnight and airing the annual ball drop in New York City’s Times Square.
Manager Tito Colon said he’s not surprised that other bars and restaurants downtown are closing early or not opening at all today. He said that since a lot of downtown businesses are independently owned and operated, business owners would rather be with family and friends on New Year’s Eve than working.
Of course, Colon, 25, said he doesn’t mind ringing in the New Year at Bar Upstream because he’s single and can still party with friends while working.
Jeff Hunnings, owner of Pirate’s Grill and Pub, agreed with Colon’s assessment. Hunnings said he plans to close his establishment early to make it home before midnight and celebrate the New Year with his family.
And he thinks a lot of Washingtonians will do the same, choosing to either stay at home with family or party at a neighbor’s place.
“With the economy, people aren’t getting out as much,” he said. “I know a lot of people going to parties.”
John C. VanCoutren, proprietor of Pia’s, said his establishment will be closing at 10 p.m. tonight.
“I’ll let everyone go to their own parties,” he said.
But, VanCoutren said, Pia’s is offering some seasonal drink specials with midnight martinis and New Year’s punch. The restaurant/bar will open at 5 p.m. for dinner.
“It gives everyone the opportunity to have some great food before they party,” VanCoutren said.
The Rebel on River Road will host its regular Thursday-night karaoke from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, according to co-owner Linda Swanner. As part of a scaled-down New Year’s Eve celebration, the tavern will have finger sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres.
At Bar Upstream, there will be a small cover fee, with a number of drink specials and an official champagne toast at midnight, Colon said. The establishment opens at 5 p.m., and Colon expects the party to kick into high gear around 10 p.m.
He said Bar Upstream reached capacity last New Year’s Eve, and is hoping for the same this year.
“If it’s anything like last year, it should be crazy,” he said.