A Very Westwood-Century City New Year's Eve

From raucous college bars to sophisticated see-and-be-seen nightspots, Westwood and Century City knows how to throw a party. That spirit extends to the holidays as well, and however you'd like to ring in 2012, there's an option for everyone. Here's our guide to what a collection of popular night spots and eateries are doing to say goodbye to 2011.

The cavernous nearly 8,000 square foot space, known for both its menu and decor - the interior of the restaurant has the feel of an exotic temple, owing to private room and spaces cordoned off by flowing silk curtains - is offerings a regular menu and an exclusive New Year's Eve menu. The staff here says that the menu will be very similar to its special chef's tasting menu, and will run $50 per person. The restaurant seats nearly 500 guests, but reservations are still highly recommended. Regular hours.

The celeb hotspot and Mexican 'cantina' where people go to enjoy the margaritas and rock 'n' roll. On New Year's Eve this year, the party people get to leave early to enjoy their own parties: Pink Taco closes on the 31st at 9 p.m.

Those looking to experience a little culture will have to do so early in the day: the Hammer Museum and all its exhibits will close at 3 p.m. on the afternoon of New Year's Eve.

The swanky, loungey, bright space at the offers up a New Year's Eve event from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. The all-night party features spins from DJ JConn, while the staff serves up specialty appetizers and entrees and cocktails crafted exclusively for this event. Admission is $10 per person, and private booths can be reserved with advance notice. Valet parking is offered for $8, but why not stay and sleep it off? The event is free for guests of the hotel.

The popular local option for after work happy hour imbibing won't be throwing a New Year's Eve party this year. "Next year, we promise, we promise!" apologized one effusive staff member. Still, the bar will be open regular hours and serving up affordable, tasty bar food while keeping its casual sports bar vibe alive, making The Cellar a decent low key option.

The bar and restaurant in the lobby of the ultra-luxe W Hotel throws a New Year's Eve bash that starts at a staggering $130 per person. In addition to cocktails and appetizers, this holiday party, thrown amidst modern furniture and impeccable lighting includes a midnight Champagne toast. Call for reservations and more information. Guests of the hotel pay full admission to the party as well.

This favorite of UCLA fraternities and sororities is featuring a relaxed approach to New Year's Eve celebrating. The bar is open for its regular hours and is offering its usual Saturday night specials. The bar will feature a Champagne toast at midnight. No cover, open til 2 a.m.

At first glance, the Glendon might struck some as as a quiet wine bar, but on New Year's Eve, the place is bringing the funk - literally. Their NYE party features a fusion funk swing band, an open bar and a special menu for those looking to fuel up before a night of dancing. The open bar includes well drinks, beer and wine and costs $45 per person. The prix fixe menu is $68 (access to the open bar can be added for an additional $30) and includes starters, a choice of three entrees and dessert.

If a central part of your New Years Eve plan includes spending it awash in beer, Steingarten LA is one of your better options for doing just that. Boasting one of the best beer lists in the city, the knowledgable staff here knows just how to pair a German, Belgian or American pour with any of their wide varieties of sausage, from bratwurst to rattlesnake sausage and everything in between. For NYE, Steingarten offers live music and a three course dinner for $35. The price includes a glass of wine and requisite midnight Champagne toast.

It isn't written in stone yet, but the WBC staff might be celebrating privately that night. "A lot of our business depends on the university," said one staffer, and with the students out of town "we might just close up for the day." If the Brewing Company is on your radar on NYE, it'd be best to call ahead before dropping in.

The recent and much welcome addition of SmithHouse (and, more importantly its 120 beers on tap and even more bottles) to Century City has made it a popular spot. So popular, in fact, that it's even caught the attention of some out of towners. "The Oregon State Alumni Association has us booked for a private event on New Years," said the receptionist "But we're seating customers until 7 p.m."