Alright, fellow Gen Xers, it's that time of year again. Time to dust off your dancing shoes, decide if you're feeling more "Smells Like Teen Spirit" or "Vogue," and figure out where to ring in the New Year. Bhubaneswar's got a decent spread of options this year, so let's break it down, shall we?
1. Mezé: Turkish Delights and DJ Beats
Vibe: This place is calling itself a Turkish Bar & Restaurant, so expect a slightly more exotic vibe than your usual pub. Think dimly lit, maybe some plush seating, and a chance to expand your culinary horizons beyond butter chicken.
The Deal: DJ Dee's spinning tunes from 9 PM onwards. It's ₹2500 for a stag entry and ₹4000 for couples. The kicker? Unlimited food and drinks. Now, "unlimited" can be a dangerous word, but hey, it's New Year's Eve.
Gen X Verdict: If you're looking for something a little different, maybe a place where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over the music (at least initially), Mezé could be your jam. The unlimited food and drinks are tempting, but pacing is key here. Nobody wants a repeat of that 1997 office party.
2. Oopré Kitchen & Bar: Sufi Sounds and DJ Showdown
Vibe: Oopré is going for a blend of soulful and high-energy with a "Sufi Night and DJ Show Down." This could be interesting, a mix of Qawwali-inspired music followed by some serious beat drops.
The Deal: They've got a lineup of artists – Qurbat, DJ Sree, Trap, and Shuvam. Entry is ₹3000 for couples and ₹2000 for stags, and that's redeemable. Meaning you get that amount to spend on food and drinks inside.
Gen X Verdict: This could be a good option if you want a bit of variety. The redeemable entry is a nice touch – you're basically pre-paying for your party fuel. The Sufi-DJ combo is intriguing, could be a unique way to welcome 2025.
3. Romeo Lane: A Straight-Up Party
Vibe: Romeo Lane seems to be keeping it simple and focusing on the party essentials. No frills, just a DJ (Ismail Amir), and a dance floor.
The Deal: They're not giving us much to go on, just a phone number for bookings and a 9:30 PM start time.
Gen X Verdict: This is your basic, no-nonsense party option. If you just want to dance and aren't fussed about fancy themes or elaborate menus, Romeo Lane might be worth checking out. Call ahead to get the pricing details, though. We don't want any nasty surprises at the door.
4. Shine X: For the Ballers (and Those Who Want to Feel Like One)
Vibe: Shine X is throwing around words like "Diamond Package" and "premium brand," so you know they're aiming for a more upscale crowd. Think bottle service, VIP areas, and a slightly higher price tag.
The Deal: DJ Coders is on the decks. They have a range of options: ₹3000 for couples and male stags (female stags get in for ₹1000, and it's all redeemable). Then they have these "packages" – Diamond (₹40,000 for 4-6 people, unlimited food, two premium bottles), Gold (₹25,000, 4 people, unlimited food, one premium bottle, eight beers), and Silver (₹15,000, 4 people, unlimited food, one premium bottle).
Gen X Verdict: If you're feeling flush and want to splurge, Shine X could be your playground. The packages are designed for groups, so gather your crew. The redeemable entry for regular tickets is a plus. Just remember, with great bottle service comes great responsibility (and a potentially hefty bill).
5. Vivanta: The Classy (and Pricey) Hotel Bash
Vibe: Vivanta is a Taj property, so expect elegance, sophistication, and a price tag to match. This is where you go if you want to dress up, sip champagne, and maybe spot a local celebrity or two.
The Deal: They've got a lineup of DJs – freakuency, thegrooverani, devm, and emceeshruti – playing a mix of Bollywood, Bollytech, and psytrance. It's ₹5500 for stags and ₹10,000 for couples, all-inclusive with "unlimited premium beverages." Even the kids (6-12 years) can join for ₹3000.
Gen X Verdict: This is the "treat yourself" option. It's pricey, but you're paying for the ambiance, the service, and the bragging rights. If you want a luxurious New Year's Eve experience and don't mind the cost, Vivanta is your spot. Plus, "unlimited premium beverages" is always a good phrase to hear.
6. Swosti Premium: Family-Friendly Festivities
Vibe: Swosti Premium seems to be targeting families with a mix of entertainment. Think dance troupes, fireworks, gift hampers, and a gala dinner.
The Deal: They're offering a broader range of activities, including a dance troupe, DJ, fireworks, and gift hampers. Food is a mix of unlimited snacks, a gala dinner, and "beverages & mocktails." It's ₹10,000 for couples, ₹7000 for stags, and ₹4000 for kids (6-12 years).
Gen X Verdict: If you've got kids and want a more inclusive celebration, Swosti Premium could be a good choice. It's still a significant outlay, but you're getting a full evening of entertainment.
7. XS Superclub: The Early Bird Special
Vibe: XS Superclub is starting early at 7 PM, which could be a blessing or a curse depending on your stamina. They're promising DJ Nalisha, so expect some high-energy electronic music.
The Deal: DJ Nalisha's in the house. It's ₹5000 for male stags, ₹6000 for couples, and ₹3000 for female stags. No mention of food or drinks, so assume you're paying for those separately.
Gen X Verdict: The early start time could be great if you want to get your party on and still be in bed at a reasonable hour. Or maybe you plan to hit up multiple venues. Just factor in the cost of food and drinks when you're budgeting.
