We know what you’re thinking, New Year’s Eve never turns out the way you want it to. So quit your whining, make your plans already, and just think of it as another normal night out with your friends. You can deal with all the drama later. We’ve rounded up a taste of the biggest night of the year with fetes that factor in all types of fun, from open bars to buffets to multiple toast times. No expectations included.
Hard Rock Hotel Chicago
230 N. MICHIGAN AVE. 312-345-1000
It may be called Champagne Supernova, but the house, trance and hip-hop grooves spun by DJs at this forward-looking bash surely won’t resemble that achingly nostalgic Oasis tune. There’s a premium open bar from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. for drinking, appetizers for nibbling, party favors for clanging and gift bags for taking. 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Dec. 31. $145-$165.
Enclave
213 W. INSTITUTE PL.
312-654-0234
This River North hot spot gets packed with pretty people on regular weekends, so imagine what it’ll be like the last night of the year. OK, stop drooling. Score a ticket, and you’ll be sipping top-shelf cocktails at the open bar from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., noshing on passed appetizers, moving to DJ beats and clinking your glasses when the clock strikes. 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Dec. 31. $145. Tickets: ticketweb.com; keyword: “enclave.”
Deja Vu
2624 N. LINCOLN AVE. 773-871-0205
Many of us have wandered into this late-night spot for a final round (which we may or may not remember). Why not stop in early for a three- or four- hour open bar party? With cocktails, DJs, party favors and a video countdown. 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Dec. 31. $30-$50.
FOUR
1551 W. DIVISION ST. 773-276-7582
You may remember what happened last year with this club’s much delayed opening/New Year’s snafu. (Um, it didn’t happen.) But this year they’ll welcome guests with three party packages, all of which include top-shelf open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., a buffet, favors and a champagne toast. For a little extra dough, snag a reserved table and cocktail server, or splurge for a limo ride and hotel room. 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Dec. 31. $90-$250 per person; $20 after 1 a.m.
W Hotel — City Center
172 W. ADAMS ST. 312-421-7672, EXT. 42
One thing’s sure at this metromix/RedEye gala: A smooch is guaranteed. Sort of. Don your black-tie gear for the Midnight Kiss bash with appetizers, premium open bar, DJs and a champagne toast. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31. $135. Tickets: ticketweb.com; key words: “midnight kiss.”
The Globe Pub
1934 W. IRVING PARK RD. 773-871-3757
Get a head start here and ring in New Year’s around the world, beginning with Australia (10 a.m.), Baghdad (3 p.m.), South Africa (4 p.m.), Germany (5 p.m.) and the UK (6 p.m.). Or just show up for the open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight and celebrate in Central time while DJs spin retro hits.
9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Dec. 31. $45.
You party, we pay!
That’s right: We’ll be giving away tickets to the hottest New Year’s Eve bar parties, dinner reservations, theater tickets and more. All you have to do is stay tuned for our giveaway story Dec. 27 and follow the directions in our New Year’s guide on metromix.com.
