The 12 Best Bars To Experience New Year’s Eve in LA
Los Angeles is home to some of the best bars, restaurants, and clubs in the United States. Being able to ring in the new year here means having access to some of the best themed parties and events in the country, but first, you need to figure out exactly how you’re wanting to celebrate.
Whether you’re hoping to drink and dance the night away to a live DJ or you simply want a classy setting where you can catch some great views of the city, here is our list of the 12 best bars to experience New Year’s Eve in LA.
1. SHOREbar
Located right off of PCH on the edge of Santa Monica, SHOREbar is the ultimate bar for surfers and beach-lovers alike. Though it is on the smaller size, SHOREbar knows how to have a good time. For New Year’s Eve, SHOREbar is offering patrons the chance to indulge in an open bar and take advantage of a wild night featuring stellar tunes from a guest DJ. If you want to take your celebration to the next level, splurge on a VIP table for a large group and enjoy bottle service through the evening. Being that SHOREbar is just steps from the sand, start 2022 off right with a late night beach walk to catch some fireworks from the coast.
2. Employees Only
Following an amazing New Year’s Eve dinner, Employees Only will be hosting an epic 90s-themed party that will transport you back to simpler times with snacks from the 90s, live music, and fun craft cocktails. Get down to the biggest Billboard hits from the 20th century as you people watch and scope out the best costume in the room. There will even be a bean bag lounge for you to kick back and relax when it’s time to take a break from the dance floor.
3. Lanea
Head over to Lanea Santa Monica for a “Roaring 20s” themed block party and ring in 2022 with an open bar featuring delicious drink specials. In addition to having a DJ, Lanea will also be having a live band perform so that you can get down to a variety of sounds throughout the evening. If you want to ensure that you have the best time possible, go for the VIP tickets for the ultimate NYE experience. If you’re attending with a larger group, VIP tables are also available so that you can celebrate in style all night long.
4. The Varnish
A bar within a bar, The Varnish is a cool speakeasy that is located within Cole’s French Dip in downtown Los Angeles. With some of the city’s best mixologists behind the bar, The Varnish serves up amazing craft cocktails that feature innovative flavors and concepts. Enjoy the dim lighting and moody vibe of The Varnish as you meet others and mingle amongst the crowd. Though the bar can get pretty busy, it is still a bit more low key and relaxed than many other spots in LA.
5. Break Room 86
Break Room 86 is an 80s themed karaoke bar in Koreatown that offers stiff drinks and a great time with iconic tunes. With live performances and music by NIKO, guests who stop by Break Room 86 on New Year’s Eve will be greeted with a premium open bar along with a celebratory toast at midnight. Break Room 86 is also offering table packages for those who are ringing in the new year with a larger group.
6. The Normandie Club
With a live musical performance by DJ Printz, The Normandie Club is set to make up for lost time due to the pandemic with a stellar black and white. Put on your best themed ensemble and dress to impress before hitting the dance floor with a craft cocktail in hand. Being that the Normandie Club is located within the Hotel Normandie, celebrating the holiday here means that you can also stay for the night and simply head up to your room once you’re ready to call it an evening.
7. The Bungalow
The Bungalow in Santa Monica is hosting a New Year’s Eve event that you are sure to never forget. With everything from casino games to tasty treats, The Bungalow is setting up a massive outdoor tent so that you can celebrate in style while taking in the ocean breeze. With two different DJs on deck to perform, The Bungalow encourages guests to dress in their snazziest outfits for the occasion – just be sure to bring your dancing shoes! Upon walking into the event, expect to be surrounded by twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling of the tent along with a hosted bar that will have you continuously coming back for more.
8. No Vacancy
No Vacancy is a swanky speakeasy that looks like something straight out of the 1920s. With a five-hour-long open bar running from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am, let loose at No Vacancy’s eighth annual NYE party with mingling, drinks, and dancing. If you want to be on brand, be sure to dress for the occasion with vintage pieces and fun flair.
9. Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is a fun speakeasy in Hollywood that requires you to walk through a refrigerator in order to enter. On New Year’s Eve, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is hosting a groovy gathering that will include a live performance by the Good Time Boys, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and one free drink ticket. This retro bar is the perfect place to pull out your favorite 70s inspired attire, and with dance music playing until close, you’ll definitely need to hit the dancefloor.
10. Toca Madera
If you’re looking for a sultry lounge where you can sip on some of the city’s best mezcal and tequila cocktails, Toca Madera will have everything from a photo booth to fire performers at their New Year’s Eve celebration. Whether you want to have dinner beforehand and stay through the night or you prefer to pop in and stick to the bar, spending the holiday at Toca Madera gives you options. No matter when you choose to go, don’t miss out on their Alma De Sol cocktail which is made from a unique blend of turmeric, lemon, passion fruit, and red wine.
11. Harriet’s Rooftop
Located right in the heart of the Sunset Strip, Harriet’s Rooftop is a sleek and elegant space that has comfortable booths and window-side tables that offer uninterrupted views of the city. Ringing in the new year at Harriet does not only guarantee that you’ll be able to look out onto the city lights of Los Angeles all night, but it also means that you’ll have premium viewing of any and all fireworks that go off throughout the evening. Take advantage of the open bar and snag a spot near the glass windows as the live DJ spins some of your favorite tracks.
12. Delilah
Delilah is a celebrity hot spot situated right on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood. This stunning bar has a vintage vibe amplified by details and decor clearly inspired by the 1920s. Being that it is a black tie event, New Year’s Eve at Delilah’s is sure to be one of the most exclusive and upscale events of the evening. While you do have to pay a hefty price to snag a reservation, guests receive one free bottle of champagne for every six people per group anytime after 8:30 pm. Throw together your best ensemble and expect a few legendary surprises along with a special live musical performance.
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