Richmond's holiday pop-up bars return with reservations starting now
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Miracle on Cary at The Jasper in Carytown. Image: Courtesy of James Loving
Toss those pumpkins and don't even think about Thanksgiving, it's Christmastime in RVA — at least if the city's holiday-themed pop-up bars are any indication.
Driving the news: Reservations open this week for several beloved holiday bars — and they usually go fast.
- Some will even start pouring holiday cheer as early as next week.
Zoom in: Here are a few that have already announced their schedule and reservation plans.
- And per usual, we'll keep updating the list throughout the season. Last year, there were dozens.
The Evergreen at Birdie's opens Friday, Nov. 14, and runs through Jan. 6.
- New this year, reservations can only be made in person at the downtown restaurant's canned food drive on Wednesday from 4-7pm. Donations are required, per their Insta.
- After that, an online waitlist will open Thursday.
The Jefferson: The downtown hotel will be dripping with holiday splendor Dec. 1-Jan. 4. Some reservations for holiday meals and teas were still available, as of Tuesday afternoon.
Miracle on Cary at The Jasper in Carytown is once again offering large party reservations for its festive bar takeover (Nov. 19-Dec. 30) and, FYI, they fully book in minutes each year.
- Reservations open Wednesday at noon and are available for parties of six to 12 people at 5, 7:15 and 9:30pm (and at 11:45pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
- A $300 deposit, which goes toward your tab, is required, and reservations have a two-hour time limit.
Noël at Beaucoup, the holiday pop-up at the Robinson Street oyster bar, runs Dec. 1-Jan. 1. Reservations opened this week, and Fridays and Saturdays in December are going fast.
- Expect the restaurant to bring the "atmosphere of Christmastime in the Vosges mountains" with sophisticated, seasonal cocktails and "hearty French food," per its Insta.
Rum & Reindeer: The drinks-heavy pop-up with a tropical vibe from (and at) Island Shrimp Company opens Friday, Nov. 22.
- The whole Rocketts Landing restaurant and patio will be all decked out with festival cocktails flowing, plus igloo rentals are back this year for $15 per person (they can be booked through OpenTable Experiences).
- Pro tip: It's a great place to view the Parade of Lights, which is Dec. 14 this year.
Santa's Cocktail Shop will be back at Cirrus Vodka's tasting room Nov. 19-Dec. 31, featuring more than a dozen Cirrus-made holiday cocktails.
Sippin' Santa at Emerald Lounge in Church Hill returns Nov. 21.
- Limited reservations open Wed., Nov. 12.
Tinsel & Tequila: Casa del Barco's version of Rum & Reindeer starts Nov. 22, but instead of rum-based festival cocktails, the Canal Walk and Short Pump restaurants will have festive decor and lots of tequila-based holiday cocktails.
'Tis the Season at Tarrant's Café's downtown location is popping for the first time this year, starting Nov. 29, and including festive cocktails, bites and tons of Christmas decor.
- Reservations are now open.
West Pole at Bar West restaurant in the Near West End opened reservations this week for its Nov. 25-Jan. 3 pop-up.
The Winter Wonderland at NAPA Kitchen and Wine in Chesterfield returns Nov. 12 and reservations are up and running now.
Reality check: If you miss out on the reservations, you can still stay merry. Walk-ins are welcome at most of the bars.