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    Nutcracker Pop Up Christmas Bar

    3.9 (18 reviews)
    Open 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Nutcracker Pop Up Christmas Bar Photos

    NUTCRACKER POP UP CHRISTMAS BAR ATMOSPHERE

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    Jonquil B.

    I won't lie, I am not a Christmas person but this xmas popup was really nice. Places to sit, beautiful decorations on both floors. I appreciate the details that means every inch of a space. The bartenders were in costume and of course, great photo opportunities. I do think that this pop-up was more laid-back & very aesthetically pleasing. I think I will come to this one to pregame. Great location and they do have security. The drinks were good but the first floor drinks were a little stronger *wink*. There is no food so you may need to eat before or after but most pop-ups I like that. Check it out.

    Ciara W.

    This was such a cute pop-up! Much bigger than expected but completely decked out and full of the holiday spirit. They really maximized the space. The custom drink menu was a nice touch. The ticket gets you one drink, and I thought the experience was well worth the price. They were playing early 2000s music, which was both nostalgic and wonderful. It was a fun vibe, and people were definitely dancing. One of my favorite Christmas pop-ups in Chicago thus far, and I've been to almost all of them!

    Menu
    Bailey T.

    So festive!! The moment you walk in, it is such a fun, cheery, festive vibe. It was fully decked out and such a blast! The drink menu was pretty simple. If you purchase your ticket with a drink ticket, you have a choice of their 3 "signature" cocktails. The signature cocktails are premixed batch cocktails and they were just okay. I also had one of their reserve cocktails and it was better but still not great. Overall, you're here for the experience, not the drinks. I do think they need more seating. It wasn't over crowded or busy but there still was no seating available. There was a ton of space, it just lacked seating. They had several bars without stools, which would've added a lot of seating had they added barstools. There was also quite a bit of open space where tables could be added. We waited around for a while before we got a table. Had we not gotten one, we probably would've headed out after finishing our first drink. Which would've been disappointing after paying $25 each to get in. Once we got a table and grabbed a few more drinks, it was fun! I would say it's worth experiencing if you've never been to a Christmas pop up bar, I just wouldn't plan to hang out too long.

    Lounge room
    Nicole J.

    For pictures it was a great backdrop. But that's about it. The free drink was meh. And there were not enough seats for the amount of people they let in. But that aside, and if you get a seat, it is a cute place to gather with friends and take in the festivity of the season.

    Jumbo Pretzel

    1 bar downstairs, 2 more bars in second floor, the Jumbo pretzel is great. Service is so friendly and joyful. Definitely recommend!

    Cocktail Christmas flights
    Demi A.

    Very cool find in downtown Chicago. The pop-up bars and the holiday spirit in this city is unmatched. This place was absolutely jaw-dropping gorgeous. I felt as if I were in a Home Alone movie :) We did not order any of the food on their menu (they only offered charcuterie boards and we had just dined) but we did cave in and ordered the cocktail holiday flight. From left to right: Eggnog, Expresso Martini, The Grinch (apple martini), and The Rudolph (strawberry margarita). This was priced at $40. Which is a bit overpriced but we definitely considered all that is thought of/put into the ambiance and the creativity behind the bar - also...you're in downtown Chicago. While every drink was delicious, the alcohol in each drink was highly questionable. This is the only reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars, b/c after 4 drinks with different alcohol in each... we did not feel the slightest buzz. This prevented us from ordering any more drinks and staying longer. We took our pictures and really enjoyed the place - it was beautiful but it may not be for more than just that. However, the experience and the company made it worth wild.

    Gorgeous entrance
    Mistey W.

    The food left much to be desired. The turkey Flatbread was downright unappetizing. The smell of it wasn't pleasant, and it just lacked flavor. There were sliders. I believe they were prime rib. They were ok. There was also some type of lobster fritter. It was the best of all four appetizers. We also had the ham Flatbread, which is not pictured, but it was just ok. It may have been better if it hadn't been burnt. The Cranberry Spritzer was decent. The floor was beautifully decorated. There were lots of photo opportunities. I went early; around 4:30pm and it was a nice crowd, plenty of room to get comfortable and have conversation without it getting too loud. I'm glad I experienced it. Hopefully, they will work on the food for next year.

    Kathleen W.

    Showed up late (11pm ish) at night on a Tuesday evening. Drinks were okay. The best part was the place was pretty empty. We were able to visit each room and take a bunch of pictures. If the place was packed, I would not want to be there. It's definitely overpriced but it was a fun experience!

    Eggnog vodka

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    Review Highlights - Nutcracker Pop Up Christmas Bar

    Much bigger than expected but completely decked out and full of the holiday spirit.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    3.9(1.7k reviews)
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    Step off the streets of Chicago into a beautifully dimly lit fondue experience is so cozy inside…read morewith the music of a live Spanish guitar that really create a private magical experience. All the premier dinners come with salad, cheese, fondue, and the chocolate fondue - You are just choosing what protein you would like. The Prince Geja combination has a little bit of everything. However, we most liked the seafood which includes lobster and the scallops were to die for! Also the beef also cooks well. Favorite dipping sauce included the pimento mayo, chimichurri, and garlic butter. The cheese fondue is quite rich and the bread is quite filling so maybe get as much cheese as you can on each piece of bread. The chocolate fondue, I think is actually the best course as the Belgium chocolate melts so well and has a decadent but not overly sweet flavor. It pairs well with all that is provided for dipping, which includes poundcake, rice Krispies, strawberries. They also have some liquor that they light on fire at first so you can roast the marshmallows. It is such a well thought out experience. Service flows very well from two waiters who take your order set up your fondue pots for each course, but be prepared to spend at least 2 hours on this experience. Check out the Groupon but also I read a review that they just tack on the extra $50 so it's not really too much of a savings. Not sure if this is true.

    Had a fantastic evening at this classic spot!…read more Food was super tasty and fresh! The seafood was probably my favorite! The full dinner with chocolate and cheese was perfect! Also appreciated that they were accommodating for the vegetarian in our party. Everything except the cheese course can be made vegan friendly as well. The service was top notch! Appreciated that they called me ahead of time to confirm our reservation and ask about food allergies. All the staff was incredibly helpful and attentive. They were quick to refill items and answer any questions we had. The location is classic fondue restaurant, cozy and romantic. However, also perfect for catching up with a friend. I love the history in this place and really enjoyed the mood lighting. Pricing was fantastic for the quality of service, food, and drinks! Look forward to many happy returns!

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    Gemini

    4.0(771 reviews)
    2.1 miLincoln Park
    $$

    As a Gemini celebrating my birthday season with other Geminis, it only felt right to celebrate at…read moreGemini! When we arrived, I was a bit concerned because we hadn't received our menus. And that's because the menus were being printed with a personalized birthday message! Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and struck the perfect balance of checking in without being overbearing. The mussels (provençal-style) were delicious and enough to share among three people. The truffle-parmesan fries: We couldn't tell if they were too salty or just salty enough, but somehow we couldn't stop eating them! I ordered the baby wedge salad with chicken, and while the chicken looked small at first, it ended up being a large enough portion to last the salad. We were also surprised with complimentary desserts: the Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet and Buck Russell's Cake. Though I'm not a sweet person, my dining companions thoroughly enjoyed them.

    Over all this place was okay, and when I say okay it was mediocre…read more How ever I would like to point out that the staff and I repeat the staff was very friendly not to mention very welcoming. I came here with three others and we all ordered different things from the brunch menu along with a few drinks. The atmosphere here is open, modern, and pretty eye catching, we all heard a few negative comments about brunch here and rather than just taking words of advice we came anyways. To be honest we should've went elsewhere, the only thing about the food that actually seemed to have any flavor was the fries and even they were a little salty like my wallet when we left LOL The Jumbo (not so much) Lump Crab Benedict at $25 was honestly boring lacking any flavor also it didn't even come with potatoes I ended up sharing my Lincoln Park Turkey Club that was good but even it was pretty basic at $21, the Burger at $21 literally looked like something off the kids menu the bun was bigger than the patty LOL and the Blackened Chicken Caesar at $19 was more like an appetizer size and the chicken at least it was juicy not dry. Other reviews about brunch here seem to be about the same and honestly I think it's funny they don't even try to elevate their food when so many say about the same things. I think the only reason why people come to this place is 1. It's located in Lincoln Park and 2. that makes it a trendy spot to eat. So why bother fixing anything when it's just trendy and flavorless Their brunch is mediocre but apparently dinner is where it's at. However after the experience with brunch I'm not even sure I would even go back. Come here for the staff eat at your own expense maybe your food will have flavor or not but honestly do what you want and keep it trendy

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    Gemini - Nice view inside restaurant

    Nice view inside restaurant

    Gemini - Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

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    Esme

    Esme

    4.0(154 reviews)
    2.2 miLincoln Park
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    Fine dining
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    My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't…read moreinspire me to come back. I really wanted to like it; this was a nine-year anniversary dinner. Service was really attentive and friendly and I did appreciate that they brought out specific utensils for me as a left-handed person, never saw that before! The restaurant felt a bit bare and sterile, I think I was maybe expecting a little more decor on the table for a Michelin star restaurant. To echo several of the reviews below, the salad was awkward to share and scanty, the soup was good but the bread served with it felt like an afterthought, the sturgeon wasn't anything special though the sauce was quite good, and we are pretty sure the cut of beef was not wagyu or if it was it was not cooked the right way. The beef was the most disappointing part, I couldn't even chew through all of it. The add-ons were the best part - pasta was great and our dessert was delicious. But the rest of the meal was unfortunately mediocre. Hoping that others have a different experience with the regular menu!

    This review is for Restaurant Week!…read more I really like Esmes vibe overall. It's chic and minimalist. I love that the tables are widely spaced out so you don't feel like you're on top of another party. I loved the bowls everything was served in, and the silverware was unique. And the service was great. I appreciate when they left everyone finish before they clear the table. While I thought all the food was good, I think it overwhelming fell flat flavor wise. I don't think anything blew me away like I was expecting which was disappointing. We had the caviar supplement, which they accidentally gave us two of (amazing), which was good but also didn't blow me away. I wasn't the biggest fan of the flavors of the soup but that's probably a personal problem. The sturgeon and wagyu were alright. I wish I left being amazed but I left thinking I wouldn't come back, not even for RW again. I think my favorite bite of the night was the sticky date cake. I think it was the most flavorful but it wasn't the best dessert I've ever had. It lacked SOMETHING but I couldn't tell you what.

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    Esme
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    Dearly Beloved - A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - the miracle berry pixi stick transforms sour into sweet.

    Dearly Beloved

    4.3(133 reviews)
    0.7 miNear North Side
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    Genesis was our server and she was absolutely amazing and attentive. She offered great suggestions…read morewhich we adhered to. Smash burger was . Caesar salad+ shrimp was a hit too. Fried chicken was crunchy and good. A touch sweet for my liking but very good. Truffle fries were a big hit. Also had warm crab dip wish had quite a few shells/cartilage but flavor was good. The drinks were all very good too. Music was nice. You good hear it a vibe to it but it was too loud. We didn't have to yell or talk loudly. We were were celebrating all 4 of our upcoming June/July birthdays and she treats us like rock stars. Great job Genesis

    I'm not quite sure why this place has pretty good reviews. Overall, it's pretty average. We came…read morefor happy hour and sat outside. While the table was on the sidewalk it was slightly set off and not on a busy street, so that was nice. While I only went inside to use the restroom, the vibes are interesting... I had their aperol spritz and it was okay. It was strong which was good. Then a pornstar martini. I thought the pornstar martini was really good and the best item of the evening. We shared oysters, the crab dip, and tuna tartare. The oysters were alright. The crab dip was funky. It was a bit fishy and maybe too heavy on the dill? I'm not sure but something was a bit off. The tuna tartare tasted fresh and was a good combination of flavors. It would be the only food item I'd reorder from the happy hour menu.

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    Nutcracker Pop Up Christmas Bar - popuprestaurants - Updated August 2026

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