Suzie HarrisonIf parking it on the couch...

Suzie Harrison

If parking it on the couch and watching the ball fall from Times

Square via television isn’t a riveting thought of how to spend New

Year’s Eve in Laguna, perhaps it’s time to make more stimulating

plans. Luckily a host of options are being offered at local

restaurants and bars.

Since it opened its doors in 1918 the White House Restaurant and

Nightclub has a long-standing reputation as a place to go to party.

It is reported to be the oldest restaurant in Orange County, and

later became a hotspot for the Hollywood jet set.

“I’d say we’re about a third full or more already,” White House

manager Jim Shultz said. “The crowd varies a lot.”

Shultz said they will serve a five-course dinner, which includes

the first cocktail and champagne and party favors at midnight.

“There will be single seating staggered at 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m.,”

Shultz said. “You get to keep your table the rest of the evening when

you pay for dinner. “The Trip” will play from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

“The band is mostly contemporary rock ‘n’ roll and it will all be

geared for dance, but they can pretty much play anything,” Shultz

said.

Dinner is $79.95 per person not including tax and tip. Until

around 10:30 p.m. seating is for those dining with a credit card

reservation. The general public is welcome around 10:30 p.m. on a

first-come first-serve basis with a $25 cover charge.

The White House is at 340 S. Coast Highway. For reservations, call

(949) 494-8088.

* * *

Ocean Brewing Company is one of the hottest spots in Laguna Beach

for locals and people in Orange County.

“Typically we do lobster and filet mignon for a prix fixe, and

also have our regular menu,” manager Scott Breznock said. “And we do

a champagne toast.”

DJ Incognito will start spinning around 10 or 10:30 p.m.

“The crowd is Laguna Beach affluent ... all ages from 21 to 45 and

everything in between,” Breznock said. “It’s an eclectic mix and a

good crowd on New Year’s Eve.”

Breznock warned that a line would start out the door after 10 p.m.

“You’ll need reservations for dinner absolutely,” Breznock said.

“Usually we do a $10 or $20 cover.”

Ocean Avenue Restaurant and Brewery is at 237 Ocean Ave. For

reservations, call (949) 497-3381.

* * *

Woody’s at the Beach is a popular gathering spot for locals and

vacationers alike. Its California fusion style cuisine has received

high Zagat ratings. Woody’s dining room offers great views of the

Pacific with a relaxed atmosphere, cozy patio and fireplace.

Owner Joel Herzer said they will be serving a five-course dinner

with two seatings. The first is from 6 to 8 p.m. at $45 per person

and the second is at 9 p.m. at $75 per person and includes a

champagne toast at midnight, party hats and party favors.

“We’ll have a countdown at midnight,” Herzer said. “The bar will

be open all night long to celebrate with people starting to show up

at 10 p.m.”

Herzer said it’s a good idea to make reservations early to secure

a table.

“It’s a fun relaxed atmosphere and everyone is just having a good

time,” Herzer said. “All kinds of people come to Woody’s ... gay and

straight.”

Herzer said it’s casual, but a lot of people like to dress up for

dinner because of the special New Year’s holiday.

Woody’s at the Beach is at 1305 S. Coast Highway. For

reservations, call (949) 376-8809.

* * *

* Hennessey’s Tavern, 213 Ocean Ave., will offer two dinner

options and a bottle of wine for $49.95 per couple. Upstairs DJ Mike

will spin with no cover charge. Hennessey’s will have a free

champagne toast at midnight. For information, call (949) 494-2743.

* The Boom Boom Room, 1401 S. Coast Highway, has a gay crowd,

mostly male, and is known as a place to throw down and dance. Popular

L.A. DJ Dawna Montel will spin. The Boom will have a buffet,

champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight for $20 per person. For

information, call (949) 494-7588.

* Other hot spots include the Marine Room, 214 Ocean Ave., (949)

494-3027, the Sandpiper, 1183 S. Coast Highway, (949) 494-4694 and

Mosun/Club M, 680 S. Coast Highway, (949) 497-5646.