Ringing in the New Year all over

There will be lots of ways to ring in 2009 in Laguna Beach. Revelers can enjoy fine food, music (live and DJ), or just show up to toast the end of 2008 at one of the local nightspots.

Here are some of the special offerings on Wednesday evening:

Brussels Bistro, 222 Forest Ave., will get the party started with a European twist when its DJ starts spinning tracks at 10 p.m., with a $5 cover charge. The bistro will also have a special $45 menu. For more information, call (949) 376-7955.

New Years will be rocking at The Cliff Restaurant and Bar, which will host an all-night shindig with hip-hop, pop, and ’80s artist DJ Pivot. The restaurant will offer complimentary appetizers, Kai Vodka specials, and a full menu until 2 a.m. There will also be a champagne toast at midnight. The party starts at 10 p.m., 577 South Coast Hwy. Call (949) 494-1956 for information.

Bounce into the New Year with Club Bounce, Laguna’s only remaining gay-oriented nightclub, which will offer party favors and a champagne toast with no cover charge. DJ Caroline Sweets goes on at 9 p.m., at 1460 South Coast Hwy.

Ring in the New Year in style at Club M (above Mosun), with a variety of VIP packages, table and bottle service. Party-goers will dance to DJ Peanut and DJ Matt Rillera’s top 40 and hip-hop beats. Cover is $40, but M will knock off $20 if you spend $50 downstairs in the restaurant. Price also includes champagne toast. The fun happens between 8:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. at 680 S. Coast Hwy. Call (949) 497-5646 for information or to make a reservation.

GG’s Italian Mediterranean Bistro is open for dinner on New Year’s Eve at 540 S. Coast Hwy. Reservations are a must so call (949) 494-9306.

Revelers can live it up at the Hotel Laguna’s cocktail and lounge party featuring DJ Dave, dinner, dancing and a midnight champagne toast. The full restaurant menu will be available until 11 p.m. No cover charge. The DJ will spin from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 425 South Coast Hwy. Reservations are recommended. Call (949) 494-1151.

Dance and romance your way into the New Year at Hush Restaurant, which invites you to celebrate with a night of dining, dancing and romancing with their guest ’70s, ’80s and ’90s Jazz trio. The restaurant will feature a special holiday menu by Executive Chef Ashley Ewart, with a cocktail party from 7:30 to 9 p.m. followed by a five-course dinner, for $195 per person. Includes a champagne toast, at 858 South Coast Hwy. Call (949) 497-3616.

Fine dining at a fine price is offered at K’ya, with a New Year’s Eve four-course dinner menu, early seating from 5 to 7 p.m. at $50 per person, and a late seating from 8 to 10 p.m., at $75 per person. A violinist and pianist will provide live entertainment between 8 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. There will also be party favors and a champagne toast. K’ya is at 1287 S. Coast Hwy. Call (949) 376-9718 to make a reservation.

Ocean Avenue Brewery will shake it into the New Year with DJ Rhythm and two-for-$10 shooters. Special drink concoctions and a champagne toast will also be offered. Cover is $10 at the door, at 237 Ocean Ave. Call (949) 497-3381 for information.

Picayo’s holiday menu features a four-course meal of your choice for $54 at 610 N. Coast Hwy. Call (949) 497-5051 for a reservation.

Ring in the New Year with the locals at the Marine Room Tavern, celebrating with one of its local favorites, the Tricia Freeman Band, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Cover is $10 at the door, at 214 Ocean Ave. Call (949) 494-3027 for more information.

Rock ‘n’ roll into the New Year at Mozambique, featuring the Beatles tribute band Ticket to Ride from 9 p.m to midnight. Earlier in the evening, a three-course prix fixe menu will be available from 5 to 7 p.m. for $35, or choose a four-course dinner from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. for $75. Party favors and a champagne toast are included in the later seating. Cover charge at Shebeen after 7 p.m. is $25, at 1740 South Coast Hwy. Call (949) 715-7777. Mozambique’s limo shuttle vans will also be running to ensure everyone has a safe ride home.

Romeo Cucina is hosting a special New Year’s Eve “party ‘til dawn” with fine Italian fare, music, dancing and party favors at 249 Broadway. Call for reservations, (949) 497-6627.