The ‘Stranger Things’ Pop-Up is Going All Ages for Two Days

The hottest bar in Chicago may be the Stranger Things pop-up in Logan Square, as 30-minute or more waits are the norm for The Upside Down. Part of the charm of the Netflix TV show is that fans of all ages are drawn to its 1980s fantasy vibe, but that didn’t help younger fans who aren’t old enough to experience the over-21 pop-up bar. That’s about to change as the management behind the hotspot, Emporium Arcade Bar, will allow fans of all ages to cross on over on Sept. 18 and Sept. 25 at two all-ages open houses.

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on those two dates, fans under 21 who are accompanied by an over-21 guardian can walk around the bar and take as many selfies as they want. Families can share the experience with their kids, who can in turn brag to their school friends that they had a chance to walk through Hawkins.

They won’t be serving alcohol during the open houses, Emporium’s Jared Saul said. Instead, they’ll serve non-boozy versions of their two slushies, “Eleven's Eggo's” and “Demogorgon” that kids can enjoy. Sodas, lemonade, and juice will also be available for purchase. The bar will re-open at 9 p.m. and serve alcohol to the over 21 crowd.

The atmosphere during the open houses may be a little more subdued than the New Wave dance party that takes place during the bar’s regular hours. Bar management has said the pop-up will likely wrap up later this month, so fans don’t have a lot of time. On a brighter note, the show’s second season debuts on Oct. 27. The Upside Down debuted in August inside Emporium’s pop-up space.

The open house will admit teenagers and hopefully give them one less reason to whine to their parents. But kids are resourceful. They will come up with something else.

Time Out Chicago was the first to report the story.