Republic Day is on a Sunday this year and that’s probably the worst thing that could happen. On top of CAA row, climate change and Delhi air quality, one of our chuttis has also been stripped from us. However, we try to be more glass half full kind of people. So, we found a silver lining. Republic Day also known as dry day is on a Sunday. That means we can party hard on Saturday night and take the dry day to be hungover and recover! Check out the best places to go all out before Republic Day’s ban on alcohol.
1. Summer House
This has become the one stop shop for south Delhi’s chiller nights. Those who find clubbing way more work than reward head straight to this magical place where entry is free for all. The gate keepers just judge if you’re a good fit for the place based on their discretion. Chappals or heels does not matter! Bonus: Sundays are salsa nights.
Where: 1st Aurobindo Place Market, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Hauz Khas
2. Auro Kitchen & Bar
Summer House has a close cousin and it’s right across. Their huge rooftop is the reason no one gets sick of this place. Zomato 2+2 on drinks doesn’t hurt either. The food is usually not a priority at party places but the food here is something to come back for. Auro hosts some of the swankiest events and unearths DJs and different artists every now and then.
Where: DDA Shopping Complex 201, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Aurobindo Palace Market, Hauz Khas
3. Mango Kitchen & Bar
After the sweeping success of Auro and Summer House, Mango came to town. It had to make very little effort to steal the crowds from existing Queens. You know what they say, the more the merrier. Somehow, all three places are still just as crowded, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it just got more crowded if a fourth one props up. Mango is a bit cozier and has proper seatings on the terrace. Downstairs, the floor rages.
Where: DDA Commercial Complex, 214-216, 2nd Floor, Sri Aurobindo Marg
4. Raasta
Caribbean feels have officially come to Delhi with Raasta. Cocktails, terrace, screens and Bob Marley on the walls, Raasta has all the things we never knew we needed. The place is huge and often plays completely different kinds of music indoors and up on the terrace. You’ll find new groups interacting in open corners with a drink in their hand grooving to a peculiar kind of music every time.
Where: Second, A2/A, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Green Park
5. Turquoise Cottage
It’s 2007, you’re in a bar grooving to the sound of a CD, social media is not a thing, life is good. That’s how far back TC goes, so far back it doesn’t even need the courtesy of its full name. Tell anyone you want to spend your Republic Day eve drinking your body weight at this iconic place, either they’re in or they’re out of your life.
Where: A5, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Block A, Green Park Extension, Green Park
6. The Irish House
Enter the world of rock, jam to the Summer of ’69 and dance with complete strangers. Service is fast, people are soft and music loud. This is the perfect place to have a couple beers with your mates. If you want to lose your mind to the music in your bathroom playlist, look no further. There’s plenty seating, the place is usually crowded but, tables move fast. You know what else this place is acing? Eggnog Is Hard To Find In Delhi So We Did The Hunting For You!
Where: Unit No R2, Upper Ground Floor, Epicuria Food Mall, TDI South Bridge, Metro Station, Nehru Place
7. Piano Man Jazz Club
A night of great music and discovery awaits you here. They have gluten free options in food which is a huge plus. Their cocktail menu is even better than the amazing food. The best hot toddy we’ve had all season has been theirs. They host live gigs every night and Saturdays are extra special.
Where: Commercial Complex B 6/7-22, Opposite Deer Park, Safdarjung Enclave
Also read: No Flight Operations For 2 Hours On These 7 Days At Delhi Airport For Republic Day Security!
8. Hauz Khas Social
This place needs no introduction. Loaded cheesy fries, cocktails in a pauwa bottle and thumping music of Social has become a genre of its own over the years. People never seem to have too much of this place. One thing you can count on here is that the bar is good enough for you to get sloshed for a proper welcoming to the dry day.
Where: 9A & 12, Hauz Khas Fort Rd, Deer Park
Republic Day in no way means we have to stop the party. As long as we respect the Constitution, everything else goes. We hope that with this Republic Day, India’s status as a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic is held up high as ever. Our constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950 and if freedom isn’t cause for celebration then we don’t know what is. So, go party hard the night before and watch the parade the morning after!
Also read: Here’s All That You Need To Know About The 71st Republic Day Celebrations In Delhi!