Did you forget to make your reservations a month in advance? Or just not willing to plunk down a hundred bucks for a noisemaker and “complimentary” glass of Cook’s at midnight? Here are some cool dives and neighborhood joints where you don’t have to wear a tux. “Baby New Year” costumes are encouraged, though.
The Westside: Liquid Kitty
Bar with no cover charge, countdown at midnight, free noisemakers, and mind-numbing intoxicants. All drinks are doubles. No food, although there is sometimes a taco truck. Good Thai down the street and Mexican across the street if you need to prep for the booze. DJ Renato’s All Vinyl Revue featuring 60’s soul, classic hip-hop, and rare grooves. 21 and over. FREE
5pm-midnite 11780 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064
North East LA: Cafe Nela
Spend NYE with the GEARS and some of their favorite bands! Low cost gig at our fave new gig pad. Beer only. 21 and over. $10
Decry – 12:45-1:15
The Gears 11:45 -12:30
Kat Arthur and Her Hellkats 11:00-11:30
BrainSpoon10:15-10:45
Los Issues 9:30-10:00
9pm – midnite 1906 Cypress Ave Los Angeles, CA 90065
Downtown LA: The Redwood
Live music from the BLASTERS, PRIMADONNA & the SCHITZOPHONICS. Small room, so call ahead as the show is expected to sell out. Good burgers and nice selection of beers on tap.
8:00PM – 1:00 AM 316 West 2nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90012
Downtown LA: Grand Park
If you are looking for Times Square-style outdoor thrills, Grand Park downtown is trying to make itself the destination for Angelenos on New Year’s Eve. Attendees can enjoy live local music, dancers, art installations, animated light projections and food trucks in the three block park in Downtown Los Angeles. There will be a bar outside the park in the Plaza at the Music Center. All ages. Free
6 pm to 12:30 am Grand Park, 200 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles,CA 90012
Parking: $10 in Lot 17 at Olive and First Streets (enter from Olive Street)
Metro: Red or Purple Lines to Civic Center/Grand Park station or the Gold Line to Little Tokyo/Arts District Statio
My friends and I were considering Liquid Kitty. Bigfoot Lodge is free too!
Redwood is sold out in advance, there may be some tix left at the door though.
Dear Elise, there also an all-nighter at Human Resources (Cottage Home/Broadway) and a protest at the Federal Detention Center (Alameda/Commercial)!