Craftsman Row Saloon

An Inside Look at Craftsman Row Saloon’s Christmas Decor in Philly | Eater

"Unapologetically Christmas and unforgettably festive, this downtown Philadelphia saloon’s Holiday Wonderland Christmas Pop-Up looks like a scene from How the Grinch Stole Christmas — the walls are draped with colorful ornaments, piney wreaths, shiny wrapping paper, and bright tree lights. According to brother/sister owner duo George Tsiouris and Vasiliki Tsiouris Balis, this year they’ve added 3,000 more lights, 500 more Christmas tree ornaments, 20 more Christmas trees, 1,000 more hanging ornaments, 300 more feet of fabric, 500 more feet of garland — and more elves on shelves. The bar menu matches the bold, eccentric decor: expect gingerbread margaritas with spiced rims and a massive "All I Want for Christmas" eggnog milkshake that feels like you’re drinking an edible stocking stuffer. The food is equally adventurous, with a dynamic menu that includes a Christmas Dinner Burger with patties topped with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato fries. The writer/photographer Caean Coutois recalls first visiting during the pandemic and thinking it might be a marketing spectacle destined to be boom-and-bust; years later, they say it’s arguably one of the most charming things they look forward to as the weather gets colder, and that the venue’s audacity to outlandishly promote joy during a time when many people need it makes it feel more than just another loud Christmas bar — a symbol of being happy out loud during the holidays." - Ernest Owens