Oh, New Year’s Eve, you tricky little thing. The fanfare, the drama, the latent expectancy, the banal collection of convictions to which we may or may not adhere … there’s just so much anticipation built into one second of one minute of one night, it’s almost impossible to live up to the exacting standards placed upon NYE celebrants. Unless, of course, you plan it absolutely right.
Enter, The Triangle. A quick Lyft from the Peninsula (and in dire straits, not an impossible walk), The Triangle is open-aired, clean and approachable, with seven levels of free parking, (plus valet) and a bevy of pre-packaged deals guarantee to ensure a solid, stress-free celebration.
Here’s a breakdown of the venues at The Triangle where you can kick it Dec. 31:
Tavern + Bowl
What it is: An upscale bowling alley complete with full bar and food.
Who it’s good for: Families looking for a kid-friendly celebration or a small crew of friends seeking a non-traditional New Year’s night.
What it costs: Tavern+Bowl is offering Family and Adult Bowling packages as well as Open Bar packages for Dec. 31.
- The Family Bowling Package is $99 per lane, with up to six people on one lane. Reservations are available from 1 to 3:30 p.m., 4 to 6:30 p.m., and 7 to 9:30 p.m. The Family Package includes bowling, shoe rentals, and buffet-style food service with three flatbread pizzas, boneless wings and Caesar salad, along with unlimited soft drinks, and one glass of Champagne or sparkling cider per person.
- The Adult Bowling Package is $129 per lane, with up to six people on one lane. Available from 10pm to 1am, this package includes three hours of bowling, shoe rentals, buffet-style food service with three flatbread pizzas, boneless wings, Caesar salad, and a shared appetizer of nachos and spinach dip, as well as unlimited soft drinks and one bottle of Champagne.
- Open Bar Packages are available, with times from 9 to 11 p.m., and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are available for $30 per person in advance, and $40 per person at the door. Included in each ticket are domestic and premium draft beers, bottled beer, house wine, well cocktails and soft drinks. Advanced tickets can be purchased at Costa Mesa Ticket Sales.
What to note: Both Family and Adult packages must be booked and paid for in advance with Tavern+Bowl’s events department. Please call (949) 438-2320 for reservations.
Time Nightclub
What it is: One of Orange County’s most popular nightclubs, Time is where extravagance meets elegance meets the thumping sounds of a booming bass. Bring your dancing shoes, kids, because DJ Morten is spinning late into the night on NYE.
Who it’s good for: The movers, the shakers, the get-down-lowers … Anyone who wants to drink champagne, get doused in reams of sparkling confetti and have themselves a TIME.
What it costs: Early Bird General Admission is $10 (+2.79 fee) and general admission is $20 (+4.29 fee). The festivities begin at 9 p.m. sharp, so purchase your tickets here.
What to note: On New Year’s Day, Time will also have a Daybreak Party from 6 a.m. until noon, with entertainment by DJs Danger House, Trevor Shawn, Rozco, Snowball and others. For tickets to the New Year’s Daybreak Party, click here.
La Vida Cantina
What it is: A vibrant, Mexican-style cantina that’s as spacious as it is festive. Outdoor straw-canopied huts feature a full bar below and inside, the dimly lit, high-ceilinged restaurant is awash in Baja-inspired charm.
Who it’s good for: Brunch goers who want an early start on the NYE partying, hungry taco-enthusiasts and lovers of the $5 margarita, (so basically, all of us).
What it costs: There’s no set price for the Dec. 31 brunch at La Vida Cantina but it does offer bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For the night owls, La Vida reopens 5 p.m. for its New Year’s Eve Party, which includes live music, a DJ, dancers and Happy Hour pricing—$2 street tacos, $3 Coronas and domestic draft beer and $5 margaritas.
What to note: If you celebrate New Year’s Eve at Time Nightclub, bring your admission ticket to La Vida on Monday to get one entrée 50% off when you purchase one entrée.
Saddle Ranch Chop House
What it is: A “rock meets Western” concept restaurant that’ll make you think you just stepped deep into the heart of Texas, mechanical bull included.
Who it’s good for: Country music lovers, aspiring bull riders and those who want a hearty meal to kick off 2018.
What it costs: A prix-fixe menu will be available beginning 7:30 p.m., and VIP Bottle Service table reservations will be available at 10 p.m. Packages, which include dinner, live entertainment, a magnum of champagne, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight, begin at $396 for four people. To purchase tickets, click here. For more information, call (949) 287-4652.
What to note: This place is a sweet, sweet paradise for s’mores aficionados. Pro tip: The outside fire pits are perfect for the custom s’mores-making platter you can order and build to your own, personal gooey, marshmallow-y perfection.
