8 Great Places to Drink on New Year's Eve

Bernie Wire

Pouring beers at City Tavern

In the great tradition of the midnight countdown, L.A. has no shortage of ways to celebrate the end of the year, especially if you're looking to indulge heartily in beer, cocktails or a glass of bubbly. We've complied a list of some of the best options for those looking to get in their final drinks of 2012. For those with coinage to drop, options includes open bars, craft beers and hand-crafted cocktails. For those eyeing a somewhat cheaper buzz, check out out recommendations for wallet-friendly dives.

And, please, remember to drink responsibly -- AAA offers a free tow home if you can't drive, while the L.A. Metro system (bus and rail) will run for free the entire night -- no excuses for driving under the influence this year.

Besha Rodell

Cocktails at Picca

Top Shelf:

8. Sunny Spot
At Roy Choi's Caribbean-inflected a $50 ticket will get you all a VIP you-can-eat-and-drink ticket (a great selection of exotic cocktails at your disposal), access to a special Rum Room, and a set by DJ Backdraft. 822 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey; 310-448-8884.

7. Mo-Chica/Picca
If you don't mind getting a bit of a late start (open bar starts at 10:30 p.m.) you can enjoy all the Latin-inspired drinks you want at West L.A.'s Picca and Mo-Chica downtown, including a ripping good version of the classic Pisco Sour. A $40 ticket will get you full bar access, a DJ spinning some spicy beats, and optional bar bites from the kitchen of chef Ricardo Zarate. Mo-Chica: 514 W. 7th St., L.A.; 213-622-3744. Picca: 9575 W. Pico Blvd., L.A.; 310-277-0133.

6. City Tavern
At this Culver City beer bar the party starts at 10 PM, when they'll have an all-you-can-drink beer garden with 22 draft beers (many from local brewers), selected beer bottles, wine and champagne included. Tickets are $58 with dinner tickets or $68 without dinner -- a pag of party favors, a live DJ, and a champagne midnight toast are also included. 9739 Culver Blvd., Culver City; 310-838-9739.

5. Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
At the former Venice pop-up, bartender Daniel Nelson is heading up the drink program, meaning you can sample re-imagined Southern creations like a champagne cocktails made with Peychaud's bitters and praline liquor. A $45 pre-order ticket will get you 2 hours of open bar (10 p.m.- midnight), otherwise tickets are $50 at the door. 1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; 310-392-2425.