A growing Halloween tradition has materialized again this spooky season: Themed pop-ups and overlays have taken over some South Florida bars, speakeasies and eateries, turning a night out into a haunting spectacle.
Thrill-seekers can get a taste of the candy-fueled holiday with frightfully fun dinner menus, cleverly named cocktails and devilish desserts while being surrounded by a horror movie aesthetic that, in some cases, can be downright creepy.
While Halloween has long ruled over the nightlife scene, these elaborately decorated destinations are giving customers another reason to dress up and go out. For businesses, these seasonal transformations are a no-brainer, driving invaluable social media engagement and creating must-visit vibes on slower weeknights.
Beverage industry veterans Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage pounced on the idea five years ago, conjuring their Black Lagoon pop-up with a theme to make the green-hued Gill-man proud. The self-described “horror aficionados” debuted their eerie experience in Toronto to share their love of the macabre with others. The activation quickly expanded over the years to now include 34 cities in the United States and Canada.
In South Florida, you can wade into their Black Lagoon at Miami’s The Sylvester. Encounter spine-chilling sounds, sights and sips in the “haunted house meets cocktail bar experience” through Oct. 31.
Kelsey Ramage, left, and Erin Hayes have brought their Black Lagoon pop-up to The Sylvester in Miami. (Rawl Paredes/Courtesy)
“Every year, we look for new ways to expand the world of Black Lagoon and create a spooky attraction that goes beyond a traditional Halloween pop-up,” the pair said in a statement. “Black Lagoon has always been a place where Halloween fans, cocktail enthusiasts and everyone in between can come together, and we’re excited to continue building that world through new venues, new creations and unexpected surprises this season.”
While the concept brings souls through the doors, it’s less about being trendy and more about giving customers a memorable experience — and they’re going all out.
Rosalia’s Kitchen in Miramar started seasonal overhauls three years ago, but its first foray into Halloween was last year “since we saw how much our guests loved and enjoyed the seasonal themes,” said Rafael Brazon-Di Fatta, a partner in the Italian-Mediterranean restaurant.
“The menu changes slightly with each season, and so does the dining room,” he said. “Halloween is the one our guests ask about all year.”
WOB Bar & Kitchen in Coconut Creek is jumping into the mix for the first time after success with its Christmas theme last year. “A Very Spooky Pop-Up Bar” is offering a Bloody Bites menu and Instagram-worthy decor throughout the month.
“Halloween is such a fun holiday for us because it gives our team the opportunity to get creative and transform the restaurant into an experience,” said managing partner Monica Trepiccione. “We wanted guests to feel like they were stepping into a completely different world when they walked through the door, while still keeping the food, drinks and hospitality that WOB is known for.”
Throughout the month, the Room 901 speakeasy at Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale is taking a more intimate approach, creating a 12-seat hidden hideaway inspired by “Carrie” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1976 horror film. The speakeasy’s ambiance is described as “a 1970s prom gone terribly wrong.”
“Room 901 has always been about creating an experience that goes beyond simply enjoying a cocktail,” said Katherine Beja-McLennan, director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Centric. “We wanted to have a little fun with the space and give our local community something unexpected. With the 50th anniversary of ‘Carrie,’ we saw the perfect opportunity to bring a bit of nostalgia, creativity and playful suspense to the speakeasy.”
For its first Halloween pop-up, Pomona Kitchen in downtown Lake Worth Beach is banking on nostalgia with a “Goosebumps” theme aimed at hitting adults who grew up in the 1980s and ’90s right in the frightening feels.
“There is so much animation and storytelling,” co-owner Alexandra Dupuis said about the popular R.L. Stine children’s book series. “We thought it would be the perfect theme to attach our team’s creativity and decorative ideas to.”
Apparently, Pomona Kitchen is no stranger to supernatural shenanigans. Dupuis said paranormal activity happens “nonstop” in the restaurant, which shares a wall with the notoriously haunted, historic Lake Worth Playhouse.
“All positive experiences, though,” she said.
Are you ready to raise your spirits and make the most of what remains of the Halloween season? Here are eight South Florida spots where you can eat, drink and be scary!
NOTE: All take place until Oct. 31 unless otherwise noted and are free to enter … if you dare.
Black Lagoon’s Blood Dawn is a mix of mezcal and blackberry with a kick of ginger and lime. (Black Lagoon/Courtesy)
Black Lagoon at The Sylvester
3456 N. Miami Ave., Miami
What to expect: A gothic undersea graveyard bar that blends immersive decor, cinematic lighting, chilling soundscapes, collectible glassware and a new cocktail menu.
Don’t miss: Standout cocktails including Abyssa’s Obsession (pumpkin-infused Kraken Black and Gold Spiced Rums), Bone Temple (Teremana Blanco Tequila and Lustau Amontillado Sherry), and Moon Shadow (nutmeg-infused vodka with Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur and cold-brew coffee).
Information: blacklagoonpopup.com
Cherry Smash, an ice cream parlor in Coral Springs, goes all out for the spooky holiday with wall-to-wall decorations inside and outside. Their themed sundaes, shakes and more are a real scream. (Cherry Smash/Courtesy)
Cherry Smash
8000 Wiles Road, Coral Springs
What to expect: “If you’ve never been, expect a retro ice cream parlor completely transformed for Halloween,” said manager Art Gaetano. “There are spooky decorations, photo spots, characters, music, treats, and that fun Cherry Smash energy. It’s family-friendly, but still has a little spooky edge.”
Don’t miss: Seasonal treats, Halloween-inspired desserts, live music and themed nights with characters.
Information: instagram.com/cherrysmashfl
The Ghost of Lake Ave at The Library at Lilo’s
701 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach
What to expect: “This is not a haunted house Halloween gag,” said Joe Lipovich, owner of Lilo’s Streetfood & Bar, which is where you’ll find the hidden speakeasy and sushi bar. “We partake in Halloween activities each year, but it’s the first year we have acknowledged the presence of the ghost.” Ever since it opened, the staff has had paranormal experiences, he said, but “we just didn’t talk about it.” Until now. The building is only two doors down from the infamous Lake Worth Playhouse. So settle in for a ghost story or two and you may experience some odd activity firsthand. Open Thursdays through Sundays year-round.
Don’t miss: Featured cocktails including the Thai’d Up Room blend (infused with chai tea, simple syrup and a splash of cream), which Lipovich recommends.
Information: instagram.com/libraryspeakeasy
Mad scientists in lab coats serve creepy cocktails at JohnMartin’s in Coral Gables. (Breakwater Hospitality Group/Courtesy)
The Halloween Bar at JohnMartin’s
253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables
What to expect: With Halloween’s roots that trace back to Ireland, it was a natural fit for the Irish Irish pub and restaurant to go all out for the season, said Emi Guerra, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group, which manages the restaurant. For the second year, “every room tells its own story, from the science lab at the bar with our bartenders in lab coats to the graveyard in the sunroom,” Guerra said. “Even our guests show up in costume ready to play along. That energy is what makes it so much fun.”
Don’t miss: A lineup of nine spooky seasonal cocktails such as the Frozen Pumpkin Spiked Latte, the Bruised Apple Shot and the Witches Melon Cauldron. While fall flavors like pumpkin, apple, butterscotch and peanut butter aren’t ingredients you’d traditionally expect in a cocktail, their recipes blend them in a way that gives each drink a delicious twist, Guerra said.
Information: johnmartinsmiami.com
Pomona Kitchen
717 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach
What to expect: “Goosebumps”-themed decor, with each cocktail named after a book, featuring associated presentations, garnishes and nods to the story.
Don’t miss: Events such as Witchy Burlesque, Ghouls Night with a Drunken Spelling Bee and Hex in the City. Dead Disco on Saturday nights with featured DJs and a disco ball to set the mood, according to co-owner Alexandra Dupuis.
Information: instagram.com/pomonalwb
Bring your favorite prom date to Room 901’s “Carrie”-themed speakeasy at Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale. (Hyatt Centric Las Olas/Courtesy)
Room 901
Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, 100 E. Las Olas Blvd.
What to expect: “Carrie”-themed speakeasy behind a secret entrance with vintage prom glamour, themed cocktails and some surprises. It’s open Tuesdays through Sundays through Nov. 1, with seatings at 5, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Advance reservations are recommended.
Don’t miss: Prom Punch and The Prom Queen signature cocktails, bartenders in prom-night attire, red-and-black decor, florals, prom music and Carrie’s blood-covered gown in the restroom.
Information: roomnine01.com
Haunted Pasta is part of the Halloween-themed menu at Rosalia’s Kitchen. (Rosalia’s Kitchen/Courtesy)
Rosalia’s Kitchen
12130 Miramar Parkway, Miramar
What to expect: A witch’s lair with eerie photos, real taxidermy bugs and haunted mirrors on the walls. Cocktails, including a glowing blue potion that comes to life when stirred. Another arrives in a skeletal witch’s claw with a bloody eyeball on top. Haunted Pasta comes to the table with a fork and the first bite of pasta magically floating, according to partner Rafael Brazon-Di Fatta.
Don’t miss: A macabre menu including Witch’s Black Cauldron Pasta, Phantom Pumpkin Ravioli, Blood Moon Lobster Ravioli, Black River Salmon, The Bewitched Garden pinsa (pizza-flatbread hybrid) and Wicked Pumpkin Cheesecake. Plus, conjured cocktails named The Witch Is Working Overtime, Ding Dong! The Witch Is … Dead?, Bite Me Like You Mean It, Devil’s Advocate and The Quackening.
Information: rosaliaskitchen.com
WOB Bar & Kitchen in Coconut Creek has a Halloween pop-up for the season with themed food and drinks. (WOB Bar & Kitchen Coconut Creek/Courtesy)
WOB Bar & Kitchen’s A Very Spooky Pop-Up Bar
4437 Lyons Road, Suite 101, Coconut Creek
What to expect: Spooky decor and creative presentations with the Bloody Bites menu, featuring the Grave Digger Burger, Blood Moon Bat Wings, Haunted Pumpkin Donuts and Witch’s Cauldron Dip.
Don’t miss: Themed shots, cocktails, beer and one mocktail, including the Crypt Keeper, Witch, Please!, Vampire Bite, Haunted Orchard, Witch’s Brew, Wicked Apple Margarita Trick or Treat, For The Ghouls, Pumpkin Patch Flight and Forbidden Fruit.
Information: worldofbeer.com