Pop-ups, so hot right now!
The pop-up bar frenzy has definitely hit Chicago. Temporary bars and restaurants themed around anything from classic movies to famous chefs to holidays are popping up (literally) all over town.
It's tough to keep up with all of them, so we're keeping a running tally here. Did we miss one? Email cm (at) do312 (dot) com and let us know!
Where? Get In The Kitchen! (3614 N. Broadway)
When? December 7
What? Join Chef StephenB and Jason Bailin of “Get In The Kitchen”, as they team up for a fun, interactive evening of GOLDEN proportions–The Golden Girls themed pop-up, “Party On The Lanai!” Come as your favorite character, favorite Golden Girls gear, 80’s party attire or as you are! It will be a fun evening for all!
How much? $79
Where? The Bar & Table at CH Distillery (564 W. Randolph St.)
When? November 27 to December 22
What? Come by for holiday cocktails and food, all inspired by the movie “A Christmas Story!” Chicago’s only distillery/cocktail bar/restaurant will be decked out with Leg Lamps and tacky decorations. And don’t miss the Ugly Sweater Mug giveaway!
How much? Free
Where? Chicago Athletic Association (12 S. Michigan Ave.)
When? November 23 to December 22
What? Happy’s is back in Chicago Athletic Association Hotel's Tank for another season of merriment and mirth. Warm up with liquid cheer crafted by Land and Sea Dept., and get in the spirit by participating in holiday programming throughout the month.
How much? Free
Where? B'EL Bar + Restaurant (3188 N. Elston Ave.)
When? December 1 to December 23
What? Welcome home for the holidays! Celebrate the season in style all month long. Christmas is coming to town and B'EL is the place to be if you want to revel in holiday cheer. Join the Avondale hangout in partnership with its neighbors at Bucket O' Blood Books & Records for an exquisitely nostalgic experience, complete with vintage decor and classic tipples.
How much? Free
Where? Dmen Tap (2849 W. Belmont Ave.)
When? December 5 to December 23
What? Have ye been more naughty than nice this year? Make your way to DMen Tap for a fiendish Krampus Christmas pop-up! Feast on goat kebab and indulge in a pint of Fist of Krampus, the beer from Revolution Brewing made exclusively for this event. Join in such festivities as a Krampus-themed D&D night, kids’ Krampus day and a Krampus craft fair.
How much? Free
Where? Tack Room (1807 S. Allport St.)
When? November 30 to December 25
What? Inspired by Tack Room’s history as a carriage house, the bar is transforming into Reindeer Room for the holiday season! They’ll have seasonal decor throughout the space, along with special cocktails featuring Tullamore Dew, Hendrick's Gin, & Monkey Shoulder, plus festive spirit.
How much? Free
Where? 5207 N. Clark St.
When? November 27 to December 29
What? One of, if not the, largest holiday fair trade in the U.S., Chicago Fair Trade's fifth annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop will feature more than 30 locally owned businesses in the former Ann Sather restaurant space!
How much? Free
Where? Cerise Rooftop (203 N. Wabash Ave.)
When? December 13 to December 29
What? This holiday season, guests can escape their in-laws and join Cerise for a stiff drink! Throughout December, Virgin Hotels Chicago’s rooftop lounge will transform into Cousin Eddie’s Bar inspired by the cult favorite holiday film, National Lampoon’s "Christmas Vacation".
How much? Free
Where? 1302 N. Milwaukee Ave.
When? November 23 to December 31
What? Three years after relocating to Hyde Park, The Silver Room returns to Wicker Park for a special pop-up to celebrate its roots. The pop-up show will sell jewelry, hats, bags, candles, apparel and other gifts, but also be home to various events during its month-long residency in the former Ark Thrift Shop storefront.
How much? Free
Where? Sable Kitchen & Bar (505 N. State St.)
When? November 23 to December 31
What? Sable Kitchen & Bar is bursting with holiday joy to announce the kitschy Christmas pop-up bar, Miracle! Sable’s halls will be completely decked out with boughs of holly and festive décor while guests can imbibe on Christmas-inspired cocktails served in festively-ornate glassware and snack on themed bar bites.
How much? Free
Where? 2040 N. Halsted St.
When? November 16 to December 31
What? As the holidays are quickly approaching, Winestyr’s pop-up is the perfect place to stop to check out great gifting options for that special someone. Winestyr also hosts complementary private wine consultations at the pop-up by appointment.
How much? Free
Where? The Rookery (2109 W. Chicago Ave.)
When? November 29 to December 31
What? Stop by the Dude's Abode at The Rookery's Big Lebowski themed pop-up. Careful man, there’s a beverage here! Featuring specialty themed cocktails you won't want to spill, like a trio of different White Russians for the three different Lebowski tastes.
How much? Free
Where? Ludlow Liquors (2959 N. California Ave.)
When? November 29 to January 1
What? Join Ludlow Liquors for a holiday review of the pain and suffering that is December. Stop by for creepy Christmas decor, tragic family holiday photos and a special menu of not eggnog all month long.
How much? Free
Where? Replay Lincoln Park (2833 N. Sheffield Ave.)
When? November 30 to January 1
What? Replay has brought back their The Office pop-up for an extra-special holiday extravaganza, courtesy of the Party Planning Committee and the Committee to Plan Parties. The pop-up space will be fully decorated, and of course, they'll have themed cocktails to get you pleasantly toasted all winter long.
How much? Free, 21+
Where? Country Club (3462 N. Clark St.)
When? November 28 to January 1
What? Christmas Club Wrigleyville's original Christmas pop up debuts November 28th! Head to toe Christmas decor and 2 floors of holiday cheer!
How much? Free
Where? Frosty's Christmas Bar (809 W. Evergreen)
When? November 21 to January 5
What? Tinsel and stockings are hung; the bar is covered in Christmas wrapping paper and jolly bartenders are sporting the finest ugly sweaters, reindeer antlers and sexy Santa hats and suits. So put on your favorite festive attire, or an Ugly Sweater, and join this nonstop party.
How much? $10 - $30, 21+
Where? Deuce's & The Diamond Club (3505 N. Clark St.)
When? November 21 to January 6
What? Featuring wall-to-wall Christmas decor, multiple bars, social experiences, Santa & character appearances and a whole lot of Christmas spirits! It's Christmas cheer like you've never seen it before - it's Santa Baby!
How much? $10 - $20, 21+
Where? Estate Ultra Bar (1177 N. Elston Ave.)
When? November 26 to January 6
What? Inspired by an après ski lodge and holiday pop culture, Sleigh Baby will be the perfect winter escape within a concrete jungle. Each space in the pop-up will be uniquely transformed by local artists with rooms ranging from a retro ski lodge to others hosting life-size snow globes and Santa sleighs, giving guests a plethora of photo opportunities.
How much? Free - $10 (depending on event), 21+
Photo via Papergirl PR
Where? Stretch Bar & Grill (3485 N. Clark St.)
When? November 23 to February 1
What? Eat, drink and celebrate all of Buddy the Elf's favorite things this holiday season. Get a Mr. Narwhal-themed cocktail, a festive burger with a green bun and breakfast pasta with maple syrup and hot fudge! Santa will even be delivering cookies each night. Son of a nutcracker!
How much? Free, 21+
Where? Upstairs at The Gwen (531 N. Rush St.)
When? November 27 to February 1
What? Upstairs at the Gwen Terrace, you'll find seasonal Curling, a communal table with a fireplace, a fire pit, heat lamps, lounge seating, TVs and music! Reservations are available in 30-minute intervals.
How much? Free, 21+
Where? Eataly (43 E. Ohio St.)
When? November 27 to February 28
What? Chicago, the Italian Alps are coming! Introducing: BAITA, Eataly's new restaurant inspired by the ultimate winter destination. As you relax in BAITA's Alpine lounge, enjoy specialty cocktails, warming wines, and more dishes inspired by the flavors of the Italian Alps.
How much? Free (but make sure to buy some treats!)
Where? 900 S. Wabash Ave.
When? December 7 to 9
What? Nike pops up in South Loop for one weekend in December to showcase Chicago creatives like poet and musician Malcolm London and fashion expert Natalia Ryshtakova of Notre. Register for free classes including a "make your own nail color" session and a dance workshop.
How much? Free! Registration required for the workshops.
