'Stranger Things'-Style Bar Pops Up In Logan Square

CHICAGO, IL — A pop-up concept bar based on "Stranger Things," the supernatural-based, 1980s-set Netflix series is coming to Logan Square thanks to the Emporium Arcade Bar. The Upside Down will open at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at 2367 N. Milwaukee Ave., near the game center and watering hole, and it is being touted as "the end-of-summer, '80s dance party of your dreams," according to Emporium's online page announcing the theme bar.

Named after the creepy alternate dimension in "Stranger Things" that's the home to at least one nasty creature nicknamed the Demogorgon, the Upside Down bar will be an homage to the show and feature details from the series, which is set in 1983 and based on the, er, strange things happening in Hawkins, Indiana, and the group of kids trying to discover what's behind them. Some of the touches will include artwork and design installations from local artists and designers, as well as live music performed by "some very special mystery guests" at different times while the concept bar is up and running. It's tentatively set to remain open through the end of September, the website said.

Of course, any good "Stranger Things"-inspired bar needs to serve a few "Stranger Thngs"-inspired drinks. According to Timeout Chicago, the Upside Down will feature six cocktails and slushies based on the show — think of them as "spinoff beverages" — and the pop-up bar will offer cans of Schlitz, the beverage of choice for David Harbour's police Chief Jim Hopper, and Goose Island's GI5-5538, a red pale ale that was specially brewed for the Pitchfork Music Festival with input from Survive, the band responsible for scoring the Netflix series. No word if Bartles & Jaymes Wine Coolers, the quintessential alcoholic beverage of the '80s, will be available to order. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Bucktown and Chicago — or other neighborhoods. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Hours for the Upside Down are 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 3 a.m. Saturday ana noon to 2 a.m. Sunday. The bar is closed Monday and Tuesday, which are days it will be available for party and private rentals.

Photos on the Upside Down's Instagram account show the finishing touches added to a "Stranger Things" mural, as well as other preparations being done for the theme bar. But with a name like the Upside Down, many fans wanting to check out the pop-up will have one question on their minds: Will Barb be hanging out there?

Go to the Upside Down's Instagram page or the Emporium's website for updates and more information. The entire second season of "Stranger Things" debuts on Netflix Oct. 27.

Image via Netflix

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