It's New Year's Eve. You want to go out, but you've been fooled before by exorbitant prix-fixe menus and pricey add-ons for crap Champagne. Maybe you don't even like Champagne.
In any case, we've combed the sands of time and the corners of L.A. to find you 14 options that sound wild, are cover-less or, at least, reasonably priced for a solid few hours of nocturnal debauchery, or simply sound no-stress and enjoyable.
Have a fucking ball! We can't wait to see you back here in 2023 to keep the party going and commit to resolutions of the heart-healthiest asceticism.
BENNY BOY BREWING
The Lincoln Heights cider heroes are holding a “no reservations” and “no cover” New Year's eve. There will be DJs, an oyster and caviar bar, sourdough pizza, noisemakers and props, and a cider toast at midnight. The next day, assuming you go home, they’ll give you $2 off all pints if you come in your PJs, along with mariscos, cider mimosas, and breakfast burritos. 1821 Daly St., Los Angeles, CA, 90031
THE BAMBOO CLUB
The O.G. Long Beach tiki bar is hosting psychedelic Cumbia band Tropa Magica at 8pm, followed by a set by DJ Dennis Owens. Tix are $20 and $25 at the door, with complimentary Champagne at midnight, holiday drinks for sale like the Pasilla Navidad and late-night dishes like its Thai Tea-brined chicken sandwich. 3522 E. Anaheim Street, Long Beach, CA 90804
KRAMPUS' COVE AT LOST PROPERTY
Christmas is done. It’s almost a new year. But fuck it, for the guests at Lost Property bar in Hollywood, it’s still Halloween. You’ll find them banging their heads to metal holiday tunes and drinking red snow-inspired "Santa’s Slay" cocktails amid decapitated dolls heads, general evil Christmas décor, and appearances by Krampus himself. $25 tickets here, including one welcome drink. 1704 Vine St. Hollywood, CA 90028
REDWOOD BAR & GRILL
The Downtown legend has a $10 cover for a grip of five bands coming together for “In Fuzz We Trust New Year’s Eve Bash,” including Adult Toys, The Space, and Gasoline. 8 pm, 316 W. 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
NOSSA CAIPIRINHA BAR
Los Feliz’s Nossa Caipirinha Bar is hosting a New Year's Eve party with no cover, no reservations, and a complimentary toast at midnight. Brazilian bar snacks will be sold, such as pão de queijo, grilled xixo skewers, and coxinhas, along with cocktails, beer, and wine. The next day, it will devote itself to serving feijoada, holiday cocktails, and micheladas for lunch. 1966 Hillhurst Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027
HARVELLE’S
The sexy 91-year-old Santa Monica institution of burlesque and jazz is known for the high caliber of local talent that hits its stage. On New Year’s, a $20 cover and 2-drink minimum will get you in to watch Louisiana-born, juke joint-style singer King Chris and his Soultopia show, with free Champagne and party favors at midnight and Paco Taco in back. 1432 4th St. Santa Monica 90401
GRAND PARK
The Downtown park is promising the biggest free party on the West Coast, the size of six city blocks with food trucks, plentiful DJs on multiple stages, and a 3D projection light-show countdown at midnight. Details here. Free, 8 pm-12:30 am, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
SILVER LAKE LOUNGE
Otter Pop, Silver Lake’s self-described “premiere queer pop dance party,” will be rocking Silver Lake Lounge with DJs, dancing, and Otter Pop Gogos until it’s time for the midnight toast. Best of all, tickets are only $15 with “no surprises later." Which we like. 2906 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
EL CARMEN
The venerable Third Street bar will celebrate with a no-cover party on NYE featuring $5 beers, $7 margaritas, and a Tequila toast at midnight. They also promise “party favors,” which we think but can’t confirm means funny hats and noisemakers and not, say, eight balls of remarkably pure cocaine. 8138 W. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90048
LOS GLOBOS
Tonight we’re going to party like it’s 2007! Ow!! Club 90s is taking over Los Globos with three rooms of DJs and dancing. Downstairs will be popular hits from the early aughts and 2010s, including that Usher song that goes “Yeah!” we presume. Upstairs will be “Bad Bunny Night,” banging reggaeton and Latin anthems. And the Red Room is for hip-hop, and R&B. Tickets are $28.33. According to our calculations, that’s just $9.44 per room! 3040 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
THE MELROSE HOUSE
$10 will buy you entry into Afrobeats New Year’s Eve Party at Melrose House, which says it’s going to 3 am with African music from DJ/producer Blaq Pages and friends. Tickets here. 4216 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029
ANGEL CITY BREWERY
The Downtown brewing complex is holding its "No Cover New Years," with live entertainment, a free midnight toast, and a warning to "get there early." 216 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
THE BOYLE HEIGHTS BAR
The Boyle Heights Bar promises the psychedelic sounds of local group Spaghetti Cumbia, along with DJ Georgie, and a Champagne toast to ring in 2023, with a $20 cover. The action starts at 8 am. 3717 Whittier Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023
EVE AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Times Square has nothing on Universal Studios, which is turning shit up until 2 am on New Year’s Eve with DJs spread throughout the park from 9 pm, plus fireworks, confetti bursts, winter snowfall, and the glory that is The Simpsons ride all in one place. Aaaaand… unlike some other theme parks that remain nameless, there’s no shortage of spots to buy a beer, be it butter or otherwise. See you at Duff Gardens! Party included with all-day admission ticket.
HELLO STRANGER
Downtown's Hello Stranger is throwing the "Let's Be Friends: New Year's Eve House Party" with a $20 cover starting at 8 pm and going until 2 in the morning. Champagne toast at midnight and $10 off with RSVP on Eventbrite. 320 E. 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
