After wrapping up last week's The Room-inspired concept, Emporium Popups has already moved on to its next project, a festive watering hole called No L's Holiday Hip-Hop Pop-Up. Embracing the spirit of the season, the venue has decked its halls with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, a graffiti wall, a sleigh that doubles as a DJ booth and a hip-hop soundtrack that features classic cuts from Snoop Dogg, Run DMC, De La Soul and more.
At the bar, you'll find an exclusive beer from Logan Square's Hopewell Brewing, which was developed in collaboration with the team at Emporium. Taking its name from a famous line from Home Alone, Ya Flithy Animal is a slightly sour red ale brewed with black currants, plums and a blend of spices that will remind you of the Glühwein at Christkindlmarket.
If you're in the mood for something stronger, No L's also offers a cocktail menu with drinks that pay tribute to some of Emporium's favorite emcees. The flashiest of the bunch is the Chronikkuh by Dr. Dreidel—a blend of gin, lemon and spiced rosemary syrup, garnished with a stick of fresh rosemary that bartenders set aflame before serving it (filling the room with the scent of smoked herb). There's also a hot toddy-style drink that takes its name from the Run the Jewels track "A Christmas F*cking Miracle," made with rum, lemon, maple syrup and molasses bitters.
On Sunday, No L's will kick off its first weekend with a free DJ set from De La Soul's DJ Maseo—the party starts at 7pm, with support from WGCI 107.5's DJ NonStop and DJ Charlie Rock.
Emporium's latest pop-up will be open through December 31 (Sun, Mon, Wed–Fri from 5pm to 2am and Sat 12pm–3am).Take a look at some photos of Emporium's holiday pop-up below and get in the spirit.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas