San Diego New Year’s Eve Guide
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in America’s Finest City. Whether you’re looking for a night on the town or elegant dining, San Diego has plenty of options to help you ring in 2013.
EVENTS
“A Time To Celebrate” New Year’s Eve Gala
For parents who want a lavish celebration, but plan to have their kids in tow, Hotel Del Coronado has you covered. Adults will enjoy champagne, oceanfront dining and dancing, while the kids have fun with sparkling cider, an inflatable bounce house and other kid-friendly activities. 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. 619.522.8490. hoteldel.com/holidays.aspx#4
Basic Urban Kitchen + Bar
Ditch the cliché fancy dress codes and outrageous cover charges and keep it plain and simple at Basic’s annual NYE celebration. Enjoy a fierce mix of beats from some of downtown’s favorite DJs and a complimentary midnight toast of bubbly. Basic’s signature New Haven brick oven pies will be available for purchase throughout the evening. $15/pp. Bottle service packages available. 8 p.m. 410 Tenth Ave., San Diego. 619.531.8869. barbasic.com
“Enchantment Under the Sea” at El Dorado Cocktail Lounge
The barkeeps at El Dorado will pay tribute to the 1980’s classic flick Back to the Future with their “Enchantment Under The Sea” NYE party. Featuring the sweet tunes of DJs Don’t Go Jason Waterfalls, Saul Q, Adam Salter and Mike Delgado, the night features El Dorado’s newly released lineup of winter cocktails for $9 each, and innovative craft shot trios priced at $12. Imbibers will also have the option of purchasing $25 bottles of champagne all night. $20/pp. ADDRESS. 619.237.0550. eldoradobar.com
Finest City New Year
Get access to five venues with one ticket at San Diego’s only block party this New Year’s Eve. The main event will be held at Block No. 16 headlined by DJ Z-Trip. Also receive front-of-the-line privileges, and food and drink specials at Bub’s at the Ballpark, Blind Burro, Cat Eye Club and Lucky’s. Multiple locations. finestcitynewyear.com
Fluxx’s Champagne Ball
Known for throwing epic New Year’s Eve-worthy bashes every weekend, Fluxx is pulling out all the stops to create the ultimate party to ring in 2013! Fluxx’s Champagne Ball will be the wildest party in San Diego with beats by DJ Ikon and a traditional champagne toast at midnight as the ball drops. Champagne showers guaranteed. 500 Fourth Ave., San Diego. 619.232.8100. fluxxsd.com
“Gateway to Gold” at Barleymash
Champagne for all at Barleymash’s first New Year’s Eve blow out! Deck yourself out in glitter and gold—the theme for the evening— and let DJ Ramsey spin you into 2013. 9 p.m. 600 Fifth Ave., San Diego. 619.255.7373. barleymash.com/specials.html
Ivy Nightclub
Featuring four separate venues simultaneously offering party-goers space to celebrate, recognized DJs, party favors and champagne toasts at midnight and more, Ivy Nightclub is the place to be this NYE. The evening includes a dynamic lineup of imported electronic musical entertainment from leading DJs Drop The Lime from New York City and GRUM from Scotland. $50/pp. Andaz Hotel, 600 F Street, San Diego. ivyentertainmentsandiego.com
Midnight Kiss New Year’s Eve
Spend the last night of 2012 in the lap of luxury with a six-hour open bar, rooftop champagne toast at midnight and dancing in a ballroom with panoramic views of downtown and the harbor. A live DJ will be playing hits all night. 8 p.m. Bristol Hotel, 1055 First Ave., downtown. 619.232.6141. sdnewyears.com/bristol-hotel
Midnight in Paris NYE 2013
Ring in 2013 with 1,000 of your closest friends at this Paris-themed party. Headlined by DJ Scotty Boy, Midnight in Paris includes a four-hour open bar, tasty appetizers and dancing in the Westin Gaslamp’s California Ballroom. Westin Gaslamp Quarter San Diego, 910 Broadway Circle, San Diego. sdnewyears.com/westin-gaslamp-quarter
New Year’s Eve Party Cruise
Take in the sights of San Diego Harbor as the clock strikes midnight and dance the night away on a beautiful yacht with live entertainment, gourmet appetizers and premium bar selections. Board at 9:30 p.m. $62.50/pp. 990 North Harbor Drive, San Diego. 619.522.6155. flagshipsd.com
New Year’s Eve Comedy Spectacular
Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Spend your New Year’s Eve laughing with the National Comedy Theatre’s special improv performance. Enjoy a catered buffet before the show, and after the hilarity concludes, stick around for an after party with the cast and a champagne toast at midnight. 8:30 p.m. 3717 India St., Mission Hills, 619.295.4999. nationalcomedy.com
New Year’s Eve Gatsby Night
Savor a refined five-course wine pairing dinner while enjoying Lorraine Castellanos’ soothing voice and jazz quartet performance. Take to the dance floor and experience the swing of the Great Gatsby era followed by a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. $169/pp. Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom, 1055 2nd Ave., San Diego. 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com
Noble Experiment
This New Year’s Eve, make your way through the wall of faux kegs to Noble Experiment for a night of quality spirits and celebration. Featuring catered hors d’oeuvres from adjoining eatery, Neighborhood, NYE at Noble Experiment includes as much as you can safely drink from the premium open bar, a special wine punch and a midnight champagne toast. Reservations required. $125/pp. 9 p.m. 777 G Street, San Diego. Text only 619.888.4713. nobleexperimentsd.com
OMFG! NYE 2013
Start celebrating 2013 on Dec. 30, as OMFG! NYE 2012 rocks the house with two days of killer DJs. On Dec. 30, Calvin Harris, Nero DJ Set, Nervo, Kill the Noise, Audrey Napoleon, Walden and Jacob Plant take to the stage, and on Dec. 31, ring in the new year with Laidback Luke, Hardwell, ZEDD, Dillon Francis, Clockwork, TJR and more. 9 p.m. $164 for a two day pass. Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. 619.224.4171. valleyviewcasinocenter.com
Quality Social
Looking to add a touch of European elegance to your New Year’s Eve celebration this year? Quality Social’s La Fin Du Monde (translated: the end of the world) New Year’s Eve celebration is a truly vintage Parisian experience with a hosted premium bar, tray passed hors d’oeurves, party favors, and a special midnight champagne toast as well as live art by Abbazzabba Coltrane and photography by Pablo Stanley. DJs Groundfloor and Blancnoire keeping the crowd dancing all night long. $75/pp. 789 Sixth Ave., San Diego. 619.501.7675. qualitysocial.com
Side Bar
Boasting a modern and glamorous art deco atmosphere, Side Bar sets the perfect stage to celebrate the night in style. Playful party favors, a midnight champagne toast and DJ Epic Twelve’s beats will keep everyone dancing until 2 a.m. In true Side Bar fashion, the doors will stay open for an epic SIXam/TENam after party from 6-10 a.m. New Year’s Day. 536 Market Street, San Diego. 619.696.0946. sidebarsd.com/event/new-years-eve
Stingaree
Stingaree’s New Years Eve celebration features music by DJ Crooked, champagne showers, cryo guns, confetti canons and much more. Bottle service is available starting with a two bottle minimum for up to 10 guests and includes four comp tickets. 9 p.m. $50/pp. 454 Sixth Avenue, San Diego. 619.544.1VIP. stingsandiego.com
The Bivouac
Toast to 2012 and set an unequalled precedent for 2013 as one of the first to partake in celebration at The US Grant’s inaugural New Year’s Eve soiree: The Bivouac. Sip hosted spiked Punch Bowls from 9-10 p.m. then hit the dance floor with cutting-edge sets by DJ Brett Bodley and live performances by the soul-sensation Lady Dottie and the Diamonds. An upscale and more intimate alternative to the nightclub scene, The Bivouac will be hosted in the Palm Court Ballroom with live music, specialty beverage stations and guaranteed memories in the making. 326 Broadway, San Diego. 619.232.3121. usgrant.net/calendar-of-events
1202
Hillcrest’s newest nightlife venue will be partying with bottles upon bottles of champagne, party favors and an epic confetti drop at midnight. Partygoers can fill their bellies at neighboring restaurant The Range Kitchen & Cocktails before or after hitting the club, as The Range will be open for dinner on New Years Eve and then will reopen at 6am on New Years Day with a limited menu to keep the party going. $20/presale.1202 University Ave., Hillcrest. 619.203.2047. 1202sd.com
DINING
Beaumont’s
The place to be in Bird Rock this New Year’s Eve, Beaumont’s will be hosting two seatings with a special pre-fixed menu crafted by new Executive Chef George Morris. The later seating will also include champagne, party favors, and prime seating for live entertainment from Cash’d Out, the next best thing to Johnny Cash. After dinner, enjoy music and dancing. 5-6 p.m. seating $35/pp. 8-9 p.m. seating $95/pp. Post-dinner tickets $40/pp. 5662 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. 858.459.0474. beaumontseatery.com
Burlap
Paired with plenty of champagne flutes and live entertainment, Burlap’s Chef Anthony Sinsay has created a four-course menu showcasing the best of the restaurant’s “Asian Cowboy” cuisine. The menu includes their famous spicy tuna-crispy rice, sisig crispy pork belly and shoulder, tandoori chicken and butter roasted Maine lobster. Reservations required. $65/pp. 12995 El Camino Real, Suite 21, Del Mar. 858.369.5700. burlapeats.com
Café Sevilla
Ring in the new year Spanish-style with a live flamenco performance. Café Sevilla is offering both a special prix fixe menu and its regular fare at three seatings throughout the evening, each of which includes a performance. Hosted bar packages also available for Sevilla’s downstairs nightclub. 6:30 p.m. seating $49.95/pp. 7:30 p.m. seating 69.95. 8:30 p.m. seating 99.95. 353 Fifth Ave., San Diego. 619.233.5979. cafesevilla.com/sanDiego/calendar.php
Cohn Restaurant Group
Executive Chefs from Island Prime & C Level Lounge, 333 Pacific, 100 Wines Hillcrest, The Melting Pot, Indigo Grill, Bo-Beau Kitchen + Bar, Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, The Prado, Vintana and both Gaslamp and La Jolla Stripclubs will be offering distinctive multi-course dinner menus. The Prado at Balboa Park even includes a champagne toast and dancing in the Grand Ballroom. Various locations. dinecrg.com
Craft & Commerce
Head to Little Italy for a black tie (“or something sort of fancy”) affair featuring an elegant four-course prix fixe menu crafted by Executive Chef Jason McLeod. The special bill of fare will feature a selection of artisan cheeses and cured meats, roasted heirloom beet and smoked carrot salad, and a delicious surf and turf main course before finishing with a little something sweet. 6 p.m. seating $75/pp. 9 p.m. seating $90/pp including a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 675 West Beech Street, San Diego. 619.269.2202. craft-commerce.com
Delicias
Dance into the new year with the acoustic sounds of Don Felder, former lead guitarist of The Eagles, from 9:30-11 p.m. Later in the evening, a DJ in the courtyard will continue the party with beats to get everyone up and dancing. Guests can fuel up for a fun night with a four-course dinner menu. 5:30-6:30 p.m. seating $95/pp. 9 p.m. seating $95/pp. 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. 858.756.8000. deliciasrestaurant.com
Donovan’s Prime Seafood
The newest addition to the Donovan’s family will be offering a deluxe prix fixe menu, as well as a limited menu of specialty seafood, prime meats, sides and delectable desserts. Indulge in a four-course meal with a choice of a two-pound Maine lobster thermidor or six-ounce Prime filet mignon, and a sweet ending of either creme brulee or cheesecake with berry compote. Beginning at 5 p.m. $95/pp. 333 5th Ave., San Diego. 619.906.4850. donovansprimeseafood.com
Herringbone
Chef Amanda Baumgarten has crafted a seafood-centric three-course menu that includes choices of hamachi crudo, scallop crudo, uni spaghettini, Maine lobster bisque, filet mignon or white seabass. Guests can also enjoy full caviar service for $95 or $185 per ounce. DJs Bobby Calabrese and Billa will spin everything from rock and disco to electric and funk, and champagne toasts will round out the night. $75/pp. 7837 Herschel Ave., La Jolla. 858.459.0221. herringboneeats.com
Hornblower New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise
Board a yacht on glorious San Diego Bay for one of three New Year’s Eve cruise options; a VIP celebration dinner cruise, a premier seated dinner cruise with a live band, or the flagship buffet dinner cruise. Start with a glass of champagne upon boarding, then see where the cruise takes you. New Year’s Day brunch and dinner cruises are also available. Board at Hornblower Landing at Grape Street Pier, 1800 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. 619.686.8715. hornblower.com
Katsuya
In line with the restaurant’s cutting-edge atmosphere and vibe, Katsuya will be celebrating New Year’s Eve secret agent style. From 6-9 p.m., Katsuya will offer four seatings with a prix fixe four-course menu including the restaurant’s most exquisite dishes, as well as a limited selection of sashimi and sushi. At 10 p.m., the venue will transition into full party mode, shutting down for a fierce fashion show, beats by DJ Joey Jimenez and VIP table service. $55-$125/pp. 600 F Street, San Diego. 619.814.2000. sbe.com/katsuya/san-diego
Mille Fleurs
Rancho Santa Fe’s French gem will offer guests the choice of an a la carte or six-course prix fixe menu to start New Year’s Eve on the right culinary foot. Both menus have been created by longtime Chef de Cuisine Martin Woesle, who always emphasizes locally sourced ingredients in his dishes. Menu items include Maine lobster risotto, oven-roasted duck breast and whole Dover sole “Meunière.” A la carte menu seating from 5-6:30 p.m., prix fixe menu seating 7-9 p.m. 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. 858.756.3085. millefleurs.com
Starlite
Starlite is offering two ways to celebrate the new year: a three-course prix fixe dinner menu or a pre-paid three drink package. Menu highlights include braised pork belly, oysters on the half shell, and pan seared scallops. $45-$55/pp, includes all-night access. Pre-paid drink tokens will be redeemable for all specialty cocktails. Guest DJs will be spinning soul new wave and rock to ring in the new year. 3175 India Street, San Diego. 619.358.9766. starlitesandiego.com
Top LA Tourist Spots to Check Out
Some of the most well-known tourist spots in Los Angeles include Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, and the Getty Center. Located in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is where the rich and famous love to shop and features a number of high end art and clothing boutiques. It’s a great place to spot the movie stars. Located along Hollywood Blvd., the Hollywood Walk of the Stars features 2,454 starred blocks of Hollywood’s most famous movie stars. At the Sunset Strip, you can still find the Whiskey a Go Go and the Roxy. The Getty Center has a reputation for expense, but other than the $15 parking fee, admission is free.
