Holiday Popup Bars Are Definitely a Thing This Year
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I'm dreaming of a dive bar Christmas.
Image: Courtesy Tanner McLaughlin
If you think about it, the holidays are just one big popup: Christmas tree stands bloom in grocery store parking lots; Santas appear out of nowhere and command reservation books that make the one at Archipelago seem chill. But entering the 2023 holiday season, we've seen a notable proliferation of temporary holiday drinking dens. Some are Seattle traditions, others brand-new. One is family friendly. And several embrace the festive powers of housemade Chex mix.
Christmas Dive Bar (CDB)
Capitol Hill
The title is self-explanatory, the execution comes courtesy of Capitol Hill impresarios Joey Burgess and Murf Hall. They’ve converted their Pike/Pine club, the Woods, into a kitsch wonderland of lights, garlands, vintage and tinsel-inspired decor, and classic holiday movies projected over the mantels of faux fireplaces. Upstairs, a “Chug and Cheers Chalet” awaits. Cocktails are festive, snacks include Crock-Pot lil smokies and house Chex mix. CDB runs November 16 through the new year (no minors, guys).
Holiday Tea at Cafe Flora
Madison Valley
There’s more than one way to serve festive beverages during the holiday season. The seminal vegetarian restaurant will serve a traditional afternoon tea service during December. The Flora Bakehouse is helping put together a spread of tea sandwiches, pastries, and scones to go along with a menu of teas (and cocktails). This being Flora, vegan and gluten-free versions are also available. Unlike the dive bar, this is a great option for kids.
Santa's Detour
Wallingford
The folks at Heavy Restaurant Group have carved part of their Fiasco restaurant space on Stone Way into a hidden-away popup bar called Santa’s Detour that’s heavy on gold-and-red decor and vintage snacks. Tiki cocktails, martinis, mulled wine, and cheese fondue flow freely. So does housemade Chex mix. Be warned, the blocks outside are a construction zone, but you can park in the garage at 3400 Stone Way. Start date: November 25.
Miracle on Second
Belltown
Rob Roy’s holiday alter ego is a proper Seattle tradition at this point. One of the town’s best cocktail bars busts out the vintage Santa glassware, over-the-top decor, and a menu of vintage and original holiday drinks that most definitely do not suck. Miracle runs November 10 through December 25. Be aware, things can get crowded (and, like the rest of the year, it’s a 21-and-over situation)