{"id":436775,"date":"2026-10-24T12:34:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T12:34:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/436775\/"},"modified":"2026-10-24T12:34:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T12:34:12","slug":"tour-south-floridas-coolest-halloween-restaurant-bar-pop-ups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/436775\/","title":{"rendered":"Tour South Florida’s coolest Halloween restaurant & bar pop-ups"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u201chorror aficionados\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

In South Florida, you can wade into their Black Lagoon at Miami\u2019s The Sylvester. Encounter spine-chilling sounds, sights and sips in the \u201chaunted house meets cocktail bar experience\u201d through Oct. 31.<\/p>\n

\"KelseyKelsey Ramage, left, and Erin Hayes have brought their Black Lagoon pop-up to The Sylvester in Miami. (Rawl Paredes\/Courtesy)<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery 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,\u201d the pair said in a statement. \u201cBlack Lagoon has always been a place where Halloween fans, cocktail enthusiasts and everyone in between can come together, and we\u2019re excited to continue building that world through new venues, new creations and unexpected surprises this season.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the concept brings souls through the doors, it\u2019s less about being trendy and more about giving customers a memorable experience \u2014 and they\u2019re going all out.<\/p>\n

Rosalia\u2019s Kitchen in Miramar started seasonal overhauls three years ago, but its first foray into Halloween was last year \u201csince we saw how much our guests loved and enjoyed the seasonal themes,\u201d said Rafael Brazon-Di Fatta, a partner in the Italian-Mediterranean restaurant.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe menu changes slightly with each season, and so does the dining room,\u201d he said. \u201cHalloween is the one our guests ask about all year.\u201d<\/p>\n

WOB Bar & Kitchen in Coconut Creek is jumping into the mix for the first time after success with its Christmas theme last year.\u00a0\u201cA Very Spooky Pop-Up Bar\u201d is offering a Bloody Bites menu and Instagram-worthy decor throughout the month.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalloween is such a fun holiday for us because it gives our team the opportunity to get creative and transform the restaurant into an experience,\u201d said managing partner Monica Trepiccione. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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 \u201cCarrie\u201d to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1976 horror film.\u00a0The speakeasy\u2019s ambiance is described as \u201ca 1970s prom gone terribly wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoom 901 has always been about creating an experience that goes beyond simply enjoying a cocktail,\u201d said Katherine Beja-McLennan, director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Centric. \u201cWe wanted to have a little fun with the space and give our local community something unexpected. With the 50th anniversary of \u2018Carrie,\u2019 we saw the perfect opportunity to bring a bit of nostalgia, creativity and playful suspense to the speakeasy.\u201d<\/p>\n

For its first Halloween pop-up, Pomona Kitchen in downtown Lake Worth Beach is banking on nostalgia with a \u201cGoosebumps\u201d theme aimed at hitting adults who grew up in the 1980s and \u201990s right in the frightening feels.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is so much animation and storytelling,\u201d co-owner Alexandra Dupuis said about the popular R.L. Stine children\u2019s book series. \u201cWe thought it would be the perfect theme to attach our team\u2019s creativity and decorative ideas to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Apparently, Pomona Kitchen is no stranger to supernatural shenanigans. Dupuis said paranormal activity happens \u201cnonstop\u201d in the restaurant, which shares a wall with the notoriously haunted, historic Lake Worth Playhouse.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll positive experiences, though,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

NOTE: All take place until Oct. 31 unless otherwise noted and are free to enter \u2026 if you dare.<\/p>\n

\"BlackBlack Lagoon’s Blood Dawn is a mix of mezcal and blackberry with a kick of ginger and lime. (Black Lagoon\/Courtesy)
\nBlack Lagoon at The Sylvester<\/p>\n

3456 N. Miami Ave., Miami<\/p>\n

What to expect: A gothic undersea graveyard bar that blends immersive decor, cinematic lighting, chilling soundscapes, collectible glassware and a new cocktail menu.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss: Standout cocktails including Abyssa\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n

Information: blacklagoonpopup.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"CherryCherry 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)
\nCherry Smash<\/p>\n

8000 Wiles Road, Coral Springs<\/p>\n

What to expect: \u201cIf you\u2019ve never been, expect a retro ice cream parlor completely transformed for Halloween,\u201d said manager Art Gaetano. \u201cThere are spooky decorations, photo spots, characters, music, treats, and that fun Cherry Smash energy. It\u2019s family-friendly, but still has a little spooky edge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss: Seasonal treats, Halloween-inspired desserts, live music and themed nights with characters.<\/p>\n

Information: instagram.com\/cherrysmashfl<\/a><\/p>\n

The Ghost of Lake Ave at The Library at Lilo\u2019s<\/p>\n

701 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach<\/p>\n

What to expect: \u201cThis is not a haunted house Halloween gag,\u201d said Joe Lipovich, owner of Lilo\u2019s Streetfood & Bar, which is where you\u2019ll find the hidden speakeasy and sushi bar. \u201cWe partake in Halloween activities each year, but it\u2019s the first year we have acknowledged the presence of the ghost.\u201d Ever since it opened, the staff has had paranormal experiences, he said, but \u201cwe just didn\u2019t talk about it.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss: Featured cocktails including the Thai\u2019d Up Room blend (infused with chai tea, simple syrup and a splash of cream), which Lipovich recommends.<\/p>\n

Information: instagram.com\/libraryspeakeasy<\/a><\/p>\n

\"MadMad scientists in lab coats serve creepy cocktails at JohnMartin’s in Coral Gables. (Breakwater Hospitality Group\/Courtesy)
\nThe Halloween Bar at JohnMartin\u2019s<\/p>\n

253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables<\/p>\n

What to expect: With Halloween\u2019s 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, \u201cevery room tells its own story, from the science lab at the bar with our bartenders in lab coats to the graveyard in the sunroom,\u201d Guerra said. \u201cEven our guests show up in costume ready to play along. That energy is what makes it so much fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t 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\u2019t ingredients you\u2019d traditionally expect in a cocktail, their recipes blend them in a way that gives each drink a delicious twist, Guerra said.<\/p>\n

Information: johnmartinsmiami.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Pomona Kitchen<\/p>\n

717 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach<\/p>\n

What to expect: \u201cGoosebumps\u201d-themed decor, with each cocktail named after a book, featuring associated presentations, garnishes and nods to the story.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Information: instagram.com\/pomonalwb<\/a><\/p>\n

\"BringBring your favorite prom date to Room 901’s “Carrie”-themed speakeasy at Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale. (Hyatt Centric Las Olas\/Courtesy)
\nRoom 901<\/p>\n

Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, 100 E. Las Olas Blvd.<\/p>\n

What to expect: \u201cCarrie\u201d-themed speakeasy behind a secret entrance with vintage prom glamour, themed cocktails and some surprises. It\u2019s open Tuesdays through Sundays through Nov. 1, with seatings at 5, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Advance reservations are recommended.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss: Prom Punch and The Prom Queen signature cocktails, bartenders in prom-night attire, red-and-black decor, florals, prom music and Carrie\u2019s blood-covered gown in the restroom.<\/p>\n

Information: roomnine01.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Rosalia'sHaunted Pasta is part of the Halloween-themed menu at Rosalia’s Kitchen. (Rosalia’s Kitchen\/Courtesy)
\nRosalia\u2019s Kitchen<\/p>\n

12130 Miramar Parkway, Miramar<\/p>\n

What to expect: A witch\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss: A macabre menu including Witch\u2019s 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 \u2026 Dead?, Bite Me Like You Mean It, Devil\u2019s Advocate and The Quackening.<\/p>\n

Information: rosaliaskitchen.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"WOBWOB Bar & Kitchen in Coconut Creek has a Halloween pop-up for the season with themed food and drinks. (WOB Bar & Kitchen Coconut Creek\/Courtesy)
\nWOB Bar & Kitchen\u2019s A Very Spooky Pop-Up Bar<\/p>\n

4437 Lyons Road, Suite 101, Coconut Creek<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Cauldron Dip.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss: Themed shots, cocktails, beer and one mocktail, including the Crypt Keeper, Witch, Please!, Vampire Bite, Haunted Orchard, Witch\u2019s Brew, Wicked Apple Margarita Trick or Treat, For The Ghouls, Pumpkin Patch Flight and Forbidden Fruit.<\/p>\n

Information: worldofbeer.com<\/a><\/p>\n

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