It's one of the biggest party nights of the year, y'all.
Before you chow down on
Turkey Day,
312DD's serving up the absolute best
Black Wednesday bashes in town (plus a few extras for the weekend!):
WEDNESDAYSince most folks get off early, the line starts forming around 3pm at
Butch McGuire's, the legendary Division Street bar known for its retro Christmas decorations and flirtatious crowd. This is the only night of the year they're charging at the door too, so you know it's good!
Pros: Fun, professional crowd.
Cons: No drink specials. 3pm-4am. $10.
Methinks they're starting a new tradition at
HUB 51, which has come to be known as a great spot to gather for after-work shenanigans. Deejays
Alex Rage spins in HUB, while
Will Galvan works the 'tables in the lower-level SUB 51.
Pros: Better food than Butch McGuire's.
Cons: Guest list enforced in SUB 51. 4pm-2am. No cover.
House music icon
Frankie Knuckles spins his annual Thanksgiving party at
Green Dolphin Street. Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, get ready to dance your ass off.
Pros: The best dancers in the city come out to this party.
Cons: If you cannot dance, get out of the way. 10pm-4am. $10; $20 after midnight.
Deejay
Mark Fullaflava hosts and spins at this lively affair targeting an upscale urban crowd. It's held in the second-floor ballroom of the
James Hotel, which also houses
David Burke's Primehouse.
Pros: The music will be
amazing, with the latest in hip-hop, house and R&B.
Cons: They can get mad shady at the door with the cover price. 9pm-2am.
Longtime sexy River North resto
Kiki's Bistro hosts a complimentary tasting of
Twisted Oak Winery's
*%&@!" (Potty Mouth) red and
Rueben's Blend white. They will also be doing by-the-bottle and glass options that'll go well with a number of small plates, including frog legs, lamb stew, smoked salmon and pommes frites.
Pros: Ideal if you're looking for a low-key night with friends or a sig other.
Cons: Seats at the bar typically fill up quickly. 5-9pm.
Bar owner
Matt "Bird" Lindner—known for his massive afro—celebrates his birthday and 30 years in the biz tonight. It's going down at his after-hours dance club
Le Passage, and the first 100 guests get an afro wig. Deejay
White Shadow spins.
Pros: C'mon now, the free 'fros!
Cons: If you've been hangin' at the bars since early afternoon you might not last too long, this one goes late. 10pm-4am. Cover varies.
Jesse De La Pena's
Backtrack party celebrates 10 years at
Double Door. They're doing it up big with live performances, plus deejays de la Pena,
33 1/3 and
Pumpin Pete spinning hits from the 1980s and 1990s.
Pros: Jesse knows how to bring on the dance party, which is sorely needed in this town.
Cons: We need to dance until 4am! 8pm-2am. $15.
The brothers behind
McGee's,
Duffy's,
Durkin's,
Redmond's,
Wrightwood Tap and
Maeve host their annual
Turkey Trolley Trot. You'll get domestic drafts, punch, a food buffet and trolley service to all their bars.
Pros: A great deal.
Cons: Drunk, stumbling folks all over Lincoln Park. 8-11pm. $20.
FRIDAYTina Turner turns 70 and she's still working those amazing legs! To celebrate her fabulosity,
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club throws its annual bash in her honor with half-price cocktails, 20 percent off entrees and a three-course special menu for $30. Also, female impersonator
Traci Ross performs as Ms. Turner.
Pros: Drink specials!
Cons: Never enough performances.
SATURDAYThe return of
Red Dog debuts this weekend at
Ohm, as it transforms into the legendary nightclub. This will happen every Saturday, featuring deep-house deejays such as
Dennis Ferrer and
Gene Farris.
Pros: Multiple levels for
gitting down.
Cons: Only happens once a week. 10pm-4am. $10.
