If all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season has got you feeling as cuddly as a cactus and charming as an eel, take a sip of some holiday cheer.
This Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to midnight, State Street Events founder Melissa Michalczyk and Bonk’s Bar owner Pat McGinley will debut Grinches Garage, a holiday, pop-up bar in Port Richmond.
Look for the inflatable sleigh driven by the Grinch and a wreath on a silver door of the garage behind Bonk’s Bar at 2804 E. Tioga St.
“We thought it would be an amazing idea to host a pop-up bar in our neighborhood for our community. Although there are ones downtown, sometimes people want to beat the traffic and not have to search for parking,” Michalczyk said.
The duo, with some help from staff and family, has spent the last couple of weeks decking the halls from hanging artificial trees from the 12-foot-high ceilings to wrapping presents to hang on the wall, to hand-painting tables with a Grinch theme, to installing a floor.
“It was just a dirt floor garage. We have used Turf for the floors and it happens to be green!,” Michalczyk said. “But choosing the turf, we believe, was the best and quickest decision as we had to pull this off in three weeks.”
The drink menu will feature seasonal cocktails including the Grinch cocktail, Moscow mule, eggnog White Russian and ginger balls, along with hot toddy and seasonal beer.
Food will be available for purchase at Bonk’s, which will feature culinary nods to the green villain-turned-hero himself, including roast beast and Who foods.
If you’re lucky enough, the Grinch and some Whos may even join the feast on some evenings.
Helping those with hearts two sizes too small in the heart of the holiday season is what Michalczyk hopes Grinches Garages brings to the community.
“The goal is to have a place in the River Wards section that people can really get into the holiday spirit, after Christmas shopping come for a holiday drink, after work come for a holiday drink,” Michalczyk said. “We want this to be a happy place where you can forget about the stress and rather embrace the holiday season.” ••
Grinches Garage, 2804 E. Tioga St., will be open from Thursday to Sunday, from 3 p.m. to midnight, from Dec. 5 until mid-January. Holiday groups and parties are welcome on off nights and before 6 p.m. Contact State Street Events at Melissa@statestreetevents.org to book. Follow State Street Events on social media for updates and special nights.
