Erie's restaurants and bars saw a boom in business following New Year's Eve - whether from those out enjoying the holiday last night, or starting off 2024 with friends and family getting breakfast.

Evan Lagace, General Manager of Panos' Restaurant, says they've seen a decrease in hungover party-goers in recent years. 

"Overall there's been a change in Erie," said Lagace.

"In the past, people used to really party hard and be out late at night on New Year's, and things have sort of shifted. Nowadays, the morning of New Year's Day has been a ton of families, so whether it be a ton of kids with their grandparents and multiple generations, but all morning long we've had a lot of families in here."

But that's not to say local bars didn't see their fair share of patrons last night. Tricia Conner, Manager of Coach's Sports Bar, says last night brought in plenty of faces, new and old. 

"We were pretty busy, it was a good night," said Conner.

"A lot of loyal customers, plus new ones came in. It was exciting to see everybody cheer, we watched the ball drop together. Everybody had a drink and cheered so it was a good night."

But for those who may be nursing a headache after last night, both managers have their own theories for treatment.

"We're very very known for our Greek sauce," said Lagace.

"So Greek sauce is a ground meat sauce with a mixture of spices and cooked to perfection to the point where it's got a little bit of bite to it, and it's placed on top of all sorts of things. So here at Panos', you can add Greek sauce to anything. For instance, my son just sat here, and he had a Greek mac & cheese, so mac & cheese with Green [sauce] on top. He ate the whole thing, he loved it, but it's traditionally put on hot dogs burgers and fries."

"Water," laughed Conner. "Lots of water."

The managers may be onto something, as Harvard Medical School list drinking fluids, and eating carbohydrates among their recommended hangover cures.