Cheap spots Unless noted, all prices are per person and inclusive of beverages, tax, and tip. O'Leary's 1010 Beacon St., Brookline. 617-734-0049. $10 cover. Paul Rishell and Annie Raines Band performing. (Get directions). Plough & Stars 912 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617-441-3455. $10 cover. (Get directions). Matt Murphy's Pub 14 Harvard St., Brookline. 617-232-0188. Details to be announced. (Get directions). Dominic's 255 Tremont St., Boston. 617-426-8769. Downstairs, $5 cover. Upstairs, dinner buffet and DJ dance party, $60 per couple reserved. (Get directions). Fajitas & 'Ritas 25 West St., Boston. 617-426-1222; office 617-426-1266.$30 per person from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Get directions). Wally's Cafe 427 Mass. Ave., Boston. 617-424-1408. Free. One drink minimum. (Get directions). International Youth Hostel 12 Hemenway, Boston. 617-536-9455. $23; $20 for members. (Get directions).

First Night is the come-what-may way to spend New Year's in Boston, but you can't eat (or drink) your button. If it's not your style to call for dinner reservations, head to areas where there are lots of casual spots. Chinatown is always a good bet on New Year's. The North End has a number of restaurants that save tables for walk-ins. The international eateries lining Central Square in Cambridge are also likely to have tables.

John Harvard's in Harvard Square, Geoffrey's in the South End, and Pho Pasteurs around town are just a few of the walk-in standbys. At the center of downtown festivities, Dominic's walk-up pizza window across from the Wang will be open until the wee hours. As always, a huge quarter slice of pizza and a large coke is $5.

You'll find a hearty last-minute welcome at the small clubs and pubs. For a bargain $10 cover at O'Leary's, you'll get a dinner buffet, all-night live entertainment, party favors, and a champagne toast. The Plough & Stars will welcome walk-ins all night, also for a $10 cover for party and live band.

It will be a happy Hogmanay, that's Scottish New Year's, at Matt Murphy's. Celtic music, streamers, good brews, and a friendly crowd will usher in the New Year without sending guests running to the ATM. Dominic's downstairs party is $5 for DJ, dancing, and party favors.

Head to Fajitas & 'Ritas and enjoy festivities including; The Buck Dewey Band, Southwestern buffet, midnight toast of Harpoon or champagne in a commemorative glass, and party favors.

Finally, you can't beat the hospitality at Wally's Cafe. The jazz mecca never charges a cover and is not about to change that for the turn of the millennium. Its generous walk-in party will feature the John Lamkin Quartet, a free buffet, and DJ, all for a one-drink minimum.

Sleep it all off at the Youth Hostel. Beds are just $20 to $23 and there's no curfew.

Originally published in the 10/21/99 Boston Globe Calendar.