'Beetlejuice'-themed pop-up bar open in Garfield
Known as the “Ghost Host,” Jackie Mishol greets guests as they enter.
Dressed in a black-and-white striped pantsuit, she invites them to immerse themselves in the Burton Bar, a “Beetlejuice” movie-themed speakeasy in Garfield.
The Halloween pop-up establishment debuted in Denver last year and was “a big hit,” said Shelley Allen, who handles public relations and communications for host Hidden Media Network.
“We decided to broaden our horizons this year and bring it to some new cities in the hope that Pittsburgh will love it as much as Denver did,” Allen said via email.
Pittsburgh native Michael Keaton brought the main character in “Beetlejuice” to life 35 years ago; Tim Burton directed the film.
At a media preview on Thursday, Mishol led a trivia competition about Burton’s films from “Beetlejuice” to “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (trivia will be part of the experience).
The Burton Bar is located in Mixtape, which describes itself as “a chill little neighborhood lounge with great cocktails, sweet tunes, and good vibes,” in Garfield.
The entryway is decorated with a mannequin split in two sitting on a colorful couch. Inside, there is a row of pinball machines such as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Toy Story” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
Fake smoke is continually hanging in the air. Dim lighting creates a spooky atmosphere. Tables are topped with skulls and rest-in-peace headstones. Bartenders create themed cocktails with fake eyeballs, brains and blood.
The names definitely complement the theme. There’s the Dr. Finkelstein, which has vodka, blue Curacao, lemon, Moscato — garnished with a fake eyeball and brains. Sleepy Hollow is a blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew and almond milk. The combination of bourbon, pickle juice, lemon, glitter — served with a skeleton hand to make Burton swirls — is the Corpse Bride. A Demon Barber contains vodka, cherry liqueur, lime, grenadine and red wine float (that’s the fake blood part).
Ichabod Crane comes with house-made Chai syrup, apple cider, and Chai tea. A grapefruit cordial, pickle brine and lemon make up the Mad Hatter.
The black-and-white décor is throughout, from the walls to tables to pillows placed on comfortable couches. Images of bats dance on the wall and videos play scary scenes.
There is even a Jack Skellington, the protagonist of Burton’s 1993 film “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” tucked in a corner.
“We love Pittsburgh because we feel like the people are so well receiving, supportive and love attending the fun things we bring to Pittsburgh,” Allen said. “We always have a hoot when we bring something to Pittsburgh.”
The Burton Bar will be open Wednesday through Sunday as well as Oct. 30 and 31. There will be several family-friendly sessions where no alcohol will be served, only mocktails.
Mixtape is at 4907 Penn Ave. in Garfield.
Tickets are $15 and available here. Each ticket includes a 90-minute session and one drink; non-alcoholic is available.
Details: hiddenmedianetwork.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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