As October gathers momentum, a devilish array of options presents locals seeking something chilling for the spooky (yet still scorching) Halloween season. From local favorites with new twists, to possible IP infringement from the House of Mouse to a haunted house serving Texas Chainsaw cocktails, these Phoenix Halloween pop-ups and bar takeovers are all treats.
Kings Beer & Wine
2811 N. Central Ave.Marc and Sara Fogleman have gone all out and turned the bar at Kings Beer & Wine into a Spook-easy Apothecary, complete with frighteningly affordable potions ($6 each for a Black Velvet, Bloody Bubble or the fan-favorite Tarantul-ada) and an army of creepy, hand-painted vintage demon dolls. Of course, this is in addition to the extensive rotation of over 80 beers on tap and 800 stocked in the adjacent bottle shop. There will also be guided paint-your-glass art projects ($15 gets you a macabre art lesson, a pint or pour and the glass) as well as a horror film marathon on Oct. 26.
50 Shades of Rose Presents: The Tragic Kingdom
7419 E. Indian Plaza B, Scottsdale Well well well! Mr. Oogie Boogie himself could not curate a better adult subversion of the classic Disneyland experience. If you were ever curious where Maleficent and the Evil Queen let off steam after being maligned by those privileged princesses, this is the venue for you. The event is a creative experience put on by the staff, management and owners of 50 Shades of Rose, and the love for the concept comes through in the details. The event has been incredibly popular — reservations are topping out at over 100 tables on the weekends — so be sure to grab a seat while you can. Highlights on the drinks menu include The Magic Potion, a mix of vodka, raspberry and champagne served bubbling in a beaker as well as the Haunted Pedaler, with a punchy blood-bag infusion of tequila, kiwi and strawberry. Food options worth screaming about such as the Oogie Boogie Flat Bread, Smash Burger Tacos and 50 Shades Wings will keep you from having to resort to any snake and spider stew. Throw in a Minnie Mouse Shaken That A$$ Shot for $6 and realize that Jack is the true villain of Halloweentown and that Sally deserved way better.
Fear Farm
6801 N. 99th Ave., Glendale If you are bored of drinking with a bunch of clowns, head down to the Fear Farm in Glendale to experience drinking with murder clowns. For the first time, the event provides a selection of cocktails to pair with being chased in a simulated Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The drinks should help give you the liquid courage necessary to not crack as an overall-wearing hillbilly shark monster escorts you around a corn maze. The Blood Moon is made with tequila and blood orange, the 6 Feet Under features bourbon, blackberry and lemon, and the Poisoned Apple is spiked with vodka and apple cider. All three make for great people-watching fuel as throngs of thrill-seekers navigate the terrifying haunted houses.
The Trophy Room
2 N. Central Ave. #101 For those seeking a more elevated Halloween experience, try The Trophy Room’s “Ichabod's Cabin.” As always, the drinks are complemented best by a visit to the adjoining Wren & Wolf, and, like that space, the intention and thoughtfulness come through in the offerings. The inspiration for this year’s Halloween experience draws deep from Washington Irving’s seminal work about the terror of the imagination. While it is ambiguous as to what happens to old Ichabod at the end of the story, you are going to lose your head over these drinks, all cleverly nodding to the original story with names like Ol’ Gunpowder, No Malice in Mischief and the titular Sleepy Hollow. Like the decapitated pedagogue, you will certainly be haunted if you don’t try to get in before the end of the month, although the event will continue until Nov. 3.
The Hot Chick
4363 N. 75th St., Scottsdale In another bit of literary libation, The Hot Chick has gone down the rabbit hole this October and embraced the whimsy and hallucinatory with their nod to Lewis Carroll’s "Alice in Wonderland." The Hot Chick in Wonderland event began last week and will continue throughout Oct. 31. Mushrooms, oversized clocks, butterflies and the Mad Queen of Hearts herself will help compliment the cocktail selections, such as the Merry Un Birthday, Alice’s Tea and the cold brew and Baileys-infused We’re All Mad Here. The Mad Hatter will serve High Tea from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday night. Don’t be late, watch out for grinning cats and avoid painting any roses red, should you attend. Guests can make table reservations by calling 480-255-7733.
Black Lagoon at Sunny's Lounge
2701 E. Indian School Road The beloved Halloween pop-up from Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage, which first began in the infamous New Orleans dive The Dungeon, is popping up at Sunny’s Lounge this October. This year, Black Lagoon has expanded to 35 bars in cities across the country, as well as Canada and Mexico. In Phoenix, they've partnered with Barter & Shake Cocktail Entertainment, the creators of Platform 18, Undertow and Century Grand along with Sunny's. Ten unique cocktails cover everything from highballs such as The Hex Appeal to the vampiric Caribbean whiskey and coconut Nosferatu’s Rise. There are also flavorful mocktail options such as the Macha, honeydew and tonic of the Witching Hour.
Put a tiki-spin on spooky season with the Halloween offerings at The Captain's Cabin.
David Muhlstein
