"Deep Ellum drinkers can let their creative juices flow at a new DIY workshop-meets-bar opening this week called Upstairs Circus. The chain’s fifth location (2810 Main Street), scheduled to open on Wednesday, December 4, follows other openings in Denver, Minneapolis, and Austin. A “project menu” features over 30 customizable and crafty projects patrons can tackle over cocktails, wine, and local brews, like leatherworking, woodworking, jewelry making, and design projects. Creations include flasks, wallets, leather koozies, concrete coasters, and beaded bracelets. Themed cocktails include a vodka-infused “Trapeze Tea,” a “Circus Donkey” spin on a Moscow mule, a colorful sangria “Strongman’s Punch,” and a spicy “Mexican Firebreather” margarita. There’s also (free) self-serve truffle popcorn, and Upstairs Circus allows patrons to bring in food from local restaurants. Weekday “project socials” include happy hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ($29, discounted by $10) with $7 cocktails. On weekends, Upstairs Circus hosts a bottomless “Making ‘n Mimosas” party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($44). “We strive to inspire ingenuity and creative experimentation and we do it in a way that is a bit gritty, messy and a whole-lot-of fun,” said “ringmaster” and co-founder Kelly Johannsen. Prices are discounted during its first opening days on Wednesday and Thursday. To incentivize patrons during its first weekend of business, there’s prize giveaways and free champagne." - Tierney Plumb
