No reservations, no problem: 10 places for last-minute New Year’s Eve plans

It’s almost New Year’s Eve and you totally forgot to make plans?

Don’t panic just yet because even the worst procrastinators can still have a great night on the biggest party evening of the year. There are plenty of places were people can waltz right in without having to make reservations or risk buying expensive tickets ahead of time.

Worry about making the resolution to be a better planner next year and check out our list of last-minute places to ring in 2023. Some have cover charges, but they’re not too high considering it’s the last chance to party in 2022.

Back Alley Bar & Grill

116 W. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton. 714-526-3032 or backalleydtf.com

If you like your music loud, like really, really loud to where you’re scream-ordering drinks, then this is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. The long-running downtown Fullerton bar is known as a full volume live music venue where the bands are in your face, the drinks are cheap and stiff and it’s a place where everyone dances, whether they have rhythm or not. On New Year’s Eve there will be live music plus a DJ and a small, yet-to-be-determined cover charge (last year was $10).

Bamboo Club Long Beach

3522 E. Anaheim Street, Long Beach. 562-343-2534 or bambooclublb.com

Rising East Los Angeles band Tropa Majica, who mix cumbia with rock and a bunch of other sounds, is a must-see live act and you can pop into the Bamboo Club in Long Beach to check them out on New Year’s Eve. The party starts at 8 p.m. and the cover charge is $25 at the door. That’s a bargain to see this band up close. And if you’re hungry, there’s a dinner menu available from 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m., plus there will be several holiday-themed tiki cocktails on the menu, too.

Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen

110 W. Birch Street, Brea. 714 255-1040; 13126 Jamboree Road, Irvine. 714-408-7819. chachaslatinkitchen.com

Cha Cha’s is known for their margaritas and there will be plenty to choose from on New Year’s Eve including watermelon, pineapple and mango flavors. On top of the flavorful drink options, there will also be live bands playing at both locations. If you’re willing to do a little planning, get there early and snag a table for dinner since reservations aren’t required.

Frolic Room

6245 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 323-462-5890 or frolicroomla.com

For those who want to party it up in the middle of a festive neighborhood, just look for the bright neon sign that reads Frolic Room on the Walk of Fame and hop inside Hollywood history. The Frolic Room is a tiny classic dive that’s been around since 1979. There’s no cover charge on New Year’s Eve and you can expect stiff cheap drinks and a midnight toast. And since you’ll be centrally located, there’s going to be plenty of merriment happening just outside.

Gold Room

1558 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-482-5859 or on Instagram @goldroomechopark

This Echo Park dive is going tropical with a Havana Nights-themed party on New Year’s Eve. The low-lit bar will be decked out with tropical decorations with Havana-themed drinks on the menu and a champagne toast at midnight. And if you’re hungry, try the tacos, which are pretty decent, and served until 1 a.m. No cover charge.

Lake Alice

3616 University Ave., Riverside. 951-686-7343 or lakealicetradingco.com

The cover charge may seem a little steep for the 1920’s themed party going on at this well-known downtown Riverside bar, but the $35 that must be forked over at the door includes a buffet, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. There’s also going to be live music, a DJ, plenty of room to dance, plus darts, shuffleboard, pinball, billiards to play. Food is served starting at around 8 p.m. and the buffet will be open throughout the night.

Punch Bowl Social

12635 N. Main Street, Rancho Cucamonga. 909-341-7222 or punchbowlsocial.com

Let your inner child out for New Year’s Eve and still party like an adult. This cavernous spot feels like a hipster’s modernized rustic cabin with lots of wood tables, cool chandeliers, exposed ducts and even a fake deer’s head hanging on a wall. There’s also a bowling alley, old school arcade games, karaoke and lounges with comfy couches. It’s called the Punch Bowl for a reason and that’s because they serve alcoholic punch bowls. Try the “I’m on a Whiskey Diet” bowl made with bourbon honey and lemon juice. The $40 bowl serves four people. The food is good, too. Cover charge is $10 at the door on New Year’s Eve and a DJ will be spinning tunes throughout the night.

Shamrock’s Palm Springs

238 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-778-6973 or shamrocksirishpub.net

Palm Springs may be a touristy town, but you can party like a local at this downtown bar. This Irish pub is all about the essentials and a lively atmosphere where everyone talks to each other. The bar is associated with NYPD Pizza, which is next door and makes some great New York style slices, which you can order at the restaurant and then walk over to the pub. There’s no cover charge on New Year’s Eve to enjoy the ambiance, a good drink and even better company.

The Blue Door Bar

1310 Euclid Street, Fullerton. 714-870-6191 or thebluedoorbar.com

It’s going to be a dance party at this well-known bar and music spot for New Year’s Eve. As per usual, there’s no cover charge to get in and there’s pool tables plus food like tacos, hot dogs and other pub fare.

The Sire

6640 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. 951-683-7473 or facebook.com/sirebarandgrill/

For nearly 70 years the Sire has been a Riverside institution where locals go for a few drinks and some pretty good food. Expect no cover charge, a casual atmosphere and lots of good conversation on New Year’s Eve, plus food for those that want to get their grub on as lobster and prime rib dinners are on this menu.