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By Tumpale Mwakasisi
You open the door and see string lights twinkling and oversized ornaments everywhere. Welcome to Santa Baby Bar, a Christmas-themed pop-up bar that’s taken over Bamboo Club. Open now until January 5th, this multi-level over the top experience will make you feel that you walked into a Christmas movie.
There are two parts to the Santa Baby Bar experience: there’s the restaurant and patio on the first floor, and then there’s the immersive experience powered by Bucketlisters which takes over the 2nd floor and rooftop. I got a sneak peek of the pop-up a few weeks ago, and the atmosphere is undeniably festive—every corner is begging to be photographed. Christmas music fills the air and adds to the merry ambiance.
Let’s talk about the drinks. Santa Baby Bar knows how to get into the holiday spirit with a jolly cocktail menu that goes beyond the typical spiked eggnog and mulled wine. The cocktails are on the sweeter side, but the overall flavor profile is balanced. This year’s cocktails include: Jingle Juice (Spiced Rum, Fiero, mango, orange, cranberries), The Clausmo (Cranberry vodka, Cointreau, apple juice, lime juice, cranberry juice, and a sugar rim), The Grinch (apple margarita), and the Merry Mojito (Rum, mint, lime, cranberries).
So, does Santa Baby Bar live up to its holiday hype? In short: definitely. The festive décor alone is worth a visit. While drinks can be on the pricier side, the quality, presentation, and experience justify the cost, especially if you’re looking for a full holiday experience. For groups, it’s the perfect place to grab a round of themed cocktails and snap some fun photos.
Whether you’re in town for the season or just looking for an excuse to celebrate, Santa Baby Bar is the ideal spot to enjoy some holiday cheer. The combination of charming décor, creative cocktails, and a festive atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for anyone looking to embrace the magic of the season.
Santa Baby Bar will be at Bamboo Club, 3505 N Clark St, Nov. 21-Jan. 5. For more information, visit santababybar.com.
Tumpale Mwakasisi is a Chicago-based restaurant and nightlife blogger. When she's not sampling tasty new eats or dancing at clubs, she’s busy planning events for Let's Be Friends and always watching movies. You can find them on Instagram at @malortandmoet.