Hugely successful last year, you knew holiday pop-up bars and restaurants would be be back. And I’m finding more and more of them. They’ve already started as of mid-November in many spots, and some are going to keep running through mid-to-late January. I love this—fun, festive, hilarious, great for family photos (we did Red Cow, Hotel Emery, and Nico’s last year).
Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery: Jingle Giles
This distillery is always lush with plants, along with great cocktails and pizza. Now add thousands of twinkling lights and a 16-foot tree with themed craft cocktails, seasonal dishes, live music, and weekly entertainment. Holiday markets Saturday afternoons, and ugly sweater Sundays start Dec. 1. Might want to make a reservation for weekends or special events via Tock.
Nov. 25-Dec. 31. Doors open at 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday; Doors open at 11 a.m. Friday-Sunday. 1325 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis.
Courtesy of Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery
Red Cow: Red Nose Room and Après Ski
One of the most successful pop-ups in 2023, Red Cow Uptown is back with a covered patio (Après Ski Chalet) complete with a bar and a chair lift photo opportunity. All proceeds from opening day (Wednesday, Nov. 20) will be donated to M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital.
Nov. 20-Dec. 31, open Tuesday-Sunday. Book the Red Nose Room for a holiday party in January by emailing courtnie.neuhaus@redcowmn.com. 2626 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis.
Courtesy of Red Cow
Hotel Emery: Down Through The Chimney
Last year was Grinch-themed, this year it’s more festive and upbeat with a Santa-themed floor. Hotel Emery does this right with cool cocktails (a White Russian called “Santa Panties,” a toasted s’mores espresso martini, and more), excellent small bites, and a fun vibe, with twinkling lights and a fireplace. It’s 21-plus only, open Wednesday through Sunday. There’s a private dining room for reserve, and bring a new toy to donate to Twin Cities Toy Drive. Find more details and reserve a table here.
Nov. 21-Dec. 29, Wednesday-Sunday, 4 p.m.-midnight. 215 S. Fourth St., Minneapolis.
Bode Gray’s: The Brass Hat Christmas Movie Bar
Bode Gray’s Waconia speakeasy is all decked out in Christmas decor, themed with some of their favorite Christmas movies. They have themed drinks starting at $11!
Tuesday-Thursday 4-10, Friday/Saturday 4-Midnight, Closed Sunday/Monday, 125 W 1st St, Waconia
Surly Brewing: Dorit’s Tavern
Surly is new to the holiday pop-up game, they’re transforming Surly Upstairs Pizza into Dorit’s Tavern. Dorit’s menu includes jello shots, deviled eggs, and themed cocktails along with our craft beers and killer pizza.
This mid-‘80s dive bar tribute is now taking reservations on Tock. Open 3pm-9pm Tues-Thurs, 3pm-10pm Friday, Noon-10pm Saturday and Noon-9pm Sunday.
Wednesday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Jan. 5, 3p-9p, 520 Malcolm Avenue SE, Minneapolis
Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza: No Coal For You
The entire North Loop location is decked out with bags of coal, black sheep, tons of lights and tinsel. Half-dozen holiday cocktails including – Snowy Day Drift with white rum, Damoiseau rum, Gran Gala, coconut cream, lime and allspice dram, Cider Claus with Far North Gustaf Gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, hot apple cider and a cinnamon stick.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 – Saturday January 4 open from 11am-1:30am, with take out and slices available until 2:30am on Friday and Saturday nights. These new hours will extend beyond the holidays, 600 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis
Travail Kitchen and Amusements: Holiday Flight Club in the Basement Bar
This ticketed event “takes you on an adventure through various countries, exploring cuisines and dishes that celebrate holiday traditions,” plus holiday beverage pairings. Running now through Jan. 4. Learn more about the tasting menu and reserve your seats here.
Courtesy of Travail Kitchen and Amusements
Through Jan. 4. Seating times are at 5:45 p.m. and 8 p.m., open Wednesday-Saturday. 4134 Hubbard Ave. N., Robbinsdale.
Nico’s Taco Bar: Nico’s Navidad House
Hennepin Ave/Uptown location only. The entire house looks like Christmas threw up in it. I loved this last year—bonus is the stellar food from Nico’s. Make reservations during prime times or be ready to wait.
Running now through January. 2516 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Creekside Supper Club: Winter Wonder Bar
Back for a second time, the Winter Wonder Bar is a perfect blend of supper-club vibes and over-the-top decorations. Get a feel for the event on their Instagram.
Running now through January. 4820 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis.
Umbra Minneapolis: The Naughty List
The Naughty List is a festive pop-up bar at Umbra brimming with the North Pole’s rarest spirits. Sip on spiced rum from the Caribbean, eggnog-infused bourbon straight from Kentucky, and elven-distilled gin that’ll make your holiday lights twinkle. No reservations needed!
Nov. 24 – Dec. 31, 708 Third Street South Minneapolis
Hell’s Kitchen: Hell-a-dazzle
A kitschy, fun explosion of Christmas bling in the basement of Hell’s.
Nov. 29-Jan. 15. 80 S. Ninth St., Minneapolis.
The Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot: Northern Starlight Express
New this year, the Northern Starlight Express takes guests on a 60-minute journey through a festive reimagining of a historic train car, as they enjoy festive cocktails and small bites. Guests can expect seasonal flavors that complement the nostalgic ambiance. Reservations required.
Nov. 29-Jan. 4. 225 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis.
The Fair on 4 at Mall of America: Winter Wonderland Bar
The Fair on 4 is going to be decked out in snowflakes, trees, and icicles for its Winter Wonderland Bar pop-up. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, appetizers and entrees, and good vibes. Stay tuned for more details on their website.
Dec. 5-Mid-January. 402 E. Broadway, Bloomington.
Brit’s Pub: Jingle Bar
Jingle Bar is a national, traveling pop-up, and tickets are already going fast. Brit’s Pub will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with Christmas games, prizes for Best Dressed, and festive cocktails. First session is Dec. 1, $15.50 per person. Buy tickets here.
Dec. 1-29. 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.
Lola’s Lakehouse: Jingle Bar
A huge hit last year, Lola’s is back. Not to be confused with the event at Brit’s, this Jingle Bar is first come, first served. If you’re a planner, book the dining room, which will also sport an array of festive decor and menu offerings. Learn more here.
Nov. 15-Dec. 31, open daily. 318 E. Lake St., Waconia.
Pinz/River City Extreme: Miracle Bar
The Miracle Bar pop-up offers fun, immersive decor and special, themed food and drinks. Coming to Pinz in Oakdale and River City Extreme in Monticello, the event is $15 per person—you get a gift, a $15 credit to use during your visit to Miracle Bar, and a two-hour reservation at a designated time slot. So, it’s really a down payment to make sure you show up. Learn more and buy tickets here.
Courtesy of Miracle Bar
Pinz: Nov. 29-Dec. 29. 7520 32nd St. N., Oakdale.
River City Extreme: Nov. 30-Dec. 29. 3875 School Blvd., Monticello.
Is there another pop-up we should add to the list? Email Jason@JasonDeRusha.com.
