XMAS Bar is a seasonal Christmas pop-up bar at Hi 5. It's a bar available in a couple of cities with one of them being in Cleveland. While we have various Christmas pop-ups in the city, this pop-up feels the most festive. Maybe it's the holiday drinks? Maybe it's the company at events? Maybe it's just that the Flats neighborhood is known for ongoing celebrations? I've been a patron of this bar for several years, always eagerly await its seasonal pop-up (Nov - Jan).
AMBIANCE: XMAS bar provides festive atmosphere - Christmas lights contouring all windows, Christmas trees in every single room (lost tree count), Santa hats atop bar stools, and ornaments descending from the ceiling. The TV's festively show Home Alone. Seasonal music is blasting from the speakers. There are cozy holiday nooks with velvet furniture for photo ops. Might as well work on creating next year's Christmas cards here. It's that sparkling and festive!
The bar is located on second floor in the space where HI 5 permanently resides. Come in, leave your coat on the coat rack (free), and proceed to the second floor. The bar gets very crowded closer to Christmas and you may experience a wait due to full capacity.
EVENTS: XMAS bar hosts a lot of fun events during the season. The space can be rented for corporate or group events. Few local groups also host events here like Ugly Christmas Sweater Singles Party by the City Social and Women's White Elephant Exchange by She's Company. Follow the venue on social media as well, they have some fun events such as sports nights. I always have the most fun here, and just visited this week. Also check out the Glamper Apres Ski events if you're into seasonal festivities, it's right above XMAS bar.
DRINKS: The bar's menu is basically the same from year to year. You order seasonal drinks, shots, beers, seltzer, and spirits. Jingle Juice ($18) seems to be the crowd favorite - jungle juice inside an ornament cup!
During my latest visit I've tasted Gingersnap Old Fashioned ($15). I wasn't a big fan of the drink, the glass was half full (or half empty) and didn't taste like anything other than bourbon. For instance, gingerbread syrup or orange. I would have loved for those hints to be stronger. To be honest, I only ordered it due to the word "warm" thinking it will be hot bourbon like mulled wine. I also had beer special provided by the event's coordinators. While I wasn't crazy about Gingersnap, I historically liked other drinks curated by XMAS bar.
FOOD: HI 5 menu seems to have recently updated their menu. They have new menu items such as crispy rice, street corn, smash burger, and bowls. I was very hungry during my visit and ordered Salmon Rice Bowl ($19). This rice bowl was too spicy for me. It also had al dente rice that didn't seem fully prepared. While not crazy about this dish, I previously tried wings and burgers at this bar, and loved them. It's a pretty extensive menu with good food options for a bar.
SERVICE: The service is usually better than at other local Flats bars. There are plenty of bartenders. It frequently gets overwhelmingly busy so plan to wait a bit. At the same time, service here is always transactional. You probably won't make bffs with your bartender.
PARKING: Limited street parking is available. There are multiple large lots in the area and parking garage at the nearby AC hotel. Generally, parking ranges from $10-$20 depending on events in the area. Consider bringing cash, some parking lots accept only cash.
Overall, I really like XMAS bar. I really wish that there were more events in this space. I try to attend at least one a year. I'd love to see a DJ party here so that I can really get into Christmas spirit! If you're trying to get in Christmas spirit or Christmas spirits, this is the place to be! read more