There’ll be plenty of time for stuffing and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. But on the biggest party night of the year, we’re guessing you’d rather feast on booze and beats. Get your fill at one of these Thanksgiving Eve bashes.
Krem
1750 N. Clark St. 312-932-1750
Dress to impress for this Lincoln Park lounge’s Black and White Ball, where Absolut Black 100 cocktails are complimentary until 10:30 p.m. The bash also includes one hour of free black appetizers — if you dare.
When: 9:30 p.m.
Cover: No cover.
Smart Bar
3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-0203
With DJ Green Velvet headlining, the 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Eve Special at this Wrigleyville standby promises to be as smooth as ever. The electronic DJ, performer and producer (“La La Land,” “Flash”) uses 10 synthesizers to create original beats; DJs Sombionx and Dysqo spin house and techno the traditional way — with vinyl.
When: 10 p.m.
Cover: $15; tickets at ticketmaster.com
Stone Lotus
873 N. Orleans St. 312-440-9680
Before you gorge on Thursday’s Thanksgiving spread, order a warm-up round at Stone Lotus, which recently became a late-night club. Gear up for the big day with two hours of cocktails and Thanksgiving-themed eats, including sweet potato frites and butternut squash soup shots.
When: 10 p.m.
Cover: $10
Crimson Lounge
333 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2453
Just because it’s Black Wednesday doesn’t mean you can’t paint the town red. Do it up at this River North hot spot, where L.A. celeb DJ Samantha Ronson (below) spins rock, eclectic ’80s and more.
When: 9 p.m.
Cover: None
NV Penthouse Lounge
116 W. Hubbard St. 312-329-9960
Take your Thanksgiving Eve celebration to new heights — or over the top — at River North’s newest nightspot. Gawk at panoramic skyline views while savoring complimentary Ciroc cocktails (9-11 p.m.), or just groove to DJ beats while you sip specialty martinis and champagnes.
When: 9 p.m.
Cover: None
Funky Buddha Lounge
728 W. Grand Ave. 312-666-1695
Save the canned cranberry and boxed stuffing for Thanksgiving Day and go organic at Funky Buddha, where organic beers go for $4 and Tezon tequila cocktails for $7. Hit the dance floor as He Say, She Say plays electronic and R&B tunes.
When: 10 p.m.
Cover: $15. No cover until 11 p.m. with RSVP: going.com/givingthankseve
Rednofive
440 N. Halsted St. 312-733-6699
Everyone’s encouraged to dress the part for Rednofive’s Planet Bollywood bash, where the dance floor moves to a wordly rhythm. Festivities at the international bash include bollywood and bhangra beats, drink specials and dance performances.
When: 9 p.m.
Cover: $10-$20
Cortland’s Garage
1645 W. Cortland St. 773-862-7877
Want to tap into your playful side on Thanksgiving Eve? Park it in Bucktown and test your otherwise useless knowledge in interactive trivia games or vie for free cocktails in a Nintendo Wii bowling contest.
When: 6 p.m.
Cover: None
McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon
1206 N. State Pkwy. 312-475-9450
If your appetite for partying rivals your hankering for homemade stuffing, get in step with the Thanksgiving Eve Turkey Trot at McFadden’s. A Thanksgiving spread features 25 cent wings, $3 Pumpkin Pie shots and a raffle for New Year’s Eve tix.
When: 6 p.m.
Cover: $5 after 10 p.m.
