photo by Cody Aldrich
It’s the most wonderful time of year to be dazzled by the return of Craftsman Row Saloon’s Holiday Wonderland Christmas Pop-up – bigger, brighter, and even more over the top! Craftsman Row (located at 112 S. 8th Street) is Philadelphia’s most famous and festive Christmas pop-up bars and restaurants for the holiday season. Owners and operators brother sister duo George and Vasiliki Tsiouris are thrilled to welcome back all the holiday merry-makers into the Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights, decorations and themed food and drinks.
This year look for thousands more lights, garland, ornaments and THREE giant signature over-the-top holiday milkshakes. The special decor and menus will run from Thursday, November 7th through January 2024. New for this year, Craftsman Row Saloon will be open seven days a week, starting at noon Monday to Sunday. Closing/kitchen hours are 11:00pm Mondays to Thursdays, Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00pm on Sundays.
“We love to see the joy on people’s faces when they experience what we have put together in both decorations and the menu items,” said George Tsiouris. “We are very excited to offer this pop-up again to our guests. Christmas holds a special place for our family and it’s so great to bring this pop up together another year with the whole family team.”
“We are excited to bring the festive fun back to Jewelers’ Row with the Craftsman Row Saloon Christmas Pop-up,” said Vasiliki Tsiouris. “We believe in the magical time of Christmas being a time to share experiences with family and friends and doing something for someone, this is an opening of our hearts with Philadelphia and we have so much fun putting it together. Please join us for our holiday wonderland!”
This year the brother and sister duo added 3,000 more lights, 500 more Christmas Tree Ornaments, 20 more Christmas trees, 1,000 more hanging ornaments, 300 more feet of fabric and 500 more feet of garland and more elves on shelves. Nods to the cozy holiday feels were incorporated with fireplace additions flanking the one wall. A new ugly sweater wall may inspire you for your next party. The 4-story twinkling light show that illuminates the whole building is brighter than ever, with ornaments greeting everyone outside. New nods to traditional Christmas décor provides the perfect touch of reminiscing to Christmases past. Additionally, the drinks and food items tie into the décor perfectly taking guests on a full sensory experience. Float into a dreamland of various holiday experiences. Whether inside or out, there is a perfect spot to take your holiday picture so have your camera ready!
Taste buds will be celebrating the special food and dessert menu running from the 7th of November through January 31st.
Special Menu items for this season:
SPECIALTY COCKTAILS:
Gingerbread Margarita- tequila, ginger-molasses sugar, triple sec, lime, decorated cookie $18
100% that Grinch (house made coquito and a staple since day 1 is back with a fun twist $19
Santa’s Treat – vodka, vanilla, amaretto, bailey’s, cream, chocolate chip cookie and crumble, keepsake cookie jar $19
Ornament Globe- vodka, white cranberry, lime, smoked rosemary simple $20
Candy-Cane-Tini – vanilla, peppermint schnapps, chocolate liqueur, cream, candy crumble $19
Light Show Mojito – coconut, malibu rum, brown sugar, lime, mint, keepsake lighted ice cube $20
Tropical Getaway– rum, pineapple, coconut milk, lime, blue curaçao, lei $17
Garland Punch- gin, midori, lemon, Christmas wreath $18
Ugly Sweater Mulled Mule- jameson, merlot, mulled spices, thyme, ginger beer $17
Snow Globe Spritz – pear vodka, rosemary, cranberry, edible glitter, sparkling wine $19
Elf Help Book Sangria – pinot grigio, white cranberry, rosemary, orange, apple cider $18
To You, From Us Espresso Martini – tequila, chai, espresso, kahlua $19
Fireside Chat – skrewball whiskey, chocolate bitters, cream, toasted marshmallow, cinnamon rim $19
Nutcracker Old Fashioned- smoked rosemary tableside, whiskey, brown sugar, walnut bitters, orange peel-rosemary cube $19
SHOTS $11
Family Gathering- eggnog, martell, cinnamon simple served in a gift box
Peppermint Wish List- vanilla vodka, peppermint, rumchata, whip, candy cane crumble
FOOD:
The Christmas Dinner Burger is back, a guest favorite consisting of 2 smashed patties, stuffing cranberry sauce, sweet potato fries, American cheese, martins potato roll $19
French Dip Sandwich- chuck roast, provolone, pomegranate-molasses au jus $17
Brussels Sprouts- red apple, honey-maple, bacon, pecans, pomegranate, balsamic $15
Festive Salad with romaine mix, brussels sprouts, apples, pecans, cranberry, feta crumble, pomegranate, feta-cranberry dressing $15
Candy Cane Caprese- mozzarella, tomato, basil, arugula $17
Holiday Pasta– basil-pistachio pesto, gemelli $19
Lasagna Burger- 2 smashed patties , american cheese, layered pasta, marinara, mozzarella, martins potato roll $19
Turkey BLT- turkey breast, rosemary-mayo, bacon, lettuce, tomato, country bread,sweet potato fries, $17.5
Seasonal Wreath- Italian deli meats, mozzarella, sesame seeded dough, spiced dipping sauce, rosemary accent $17
MILKSHAKES:
Pumpkin’ to Talk About- pumpkin ice cream, festive pretzel stick, slice of pumpkin pie, holiday sprinkles $19 (*through Thanksgiving only)
All I Want for Christmas- vanilla ice cream, eggnog, crushed sugar cookie, holiday decorated cookie, lollipop, green and red sour strip $19
Fab-Yule-Ous- Local chocolate ice cream, yule log slice, rock candy, festive sprinkles $19
All of the above will be available on the full larger menu of comfort food staples with all of Craftsman Row Saloon’s other dishes that include Dorito coated mozzarella sticks, award-winning burgers, and fiery buffalo mac-n-cheese. As the perfect pairing with the shakes, for all the sweet tooths, George recommends also trying Donut Fried Chicken with glazed, bacon, american, maple syrup, and the Mac Daddy Burger with smashed patties that are smothered and dripping with mac and cheese on a martin’s potato roll.
Craftsman Row Saloon is owned by brother-and-sister restaurateurs George and Vasiliki Tsiouris, co-owners of Midtown Village’s popular Drury Beer Garden that currently features their beloved Greek cuisine with the Opa Pop-up. Craftsman Row, located at 112 South 8th Street, is named for the hard-working artisans that comprise this area known as Jeweler’s Row. Craftsman Row offers guests in a comfortable, neighborhood setting.
Since taking it over, the Tsiouris family has refreshed the space, a landmark for eating and drinking for 100 years, most recently known as Coco’s, which opened in 1984. Respecting the building’s deep history, the Tsiouris’ chose to maintain specific aspects of its character, such as the original bar facade, marked by nameplates of Coco’s regulars at each end. The nine booths, reupholstered in button tufted brown leather, and the 16 bar stools have been painted black to match the new distressed black hardwood floors that were installed. The ceiling is dark as well, brightened by light wooden beams that are now exposed. Five televisions positioned at various points of view will broadcast sports games and other events for those looking to root for their favorite local teams. Clever accents, including small, wooden faux taxidermy and modern campfire-style pendant lighting and sconces, are thoughtfully placed throughout the space, lending to the saloon vibe.
Reservations can be made on Open Table. For more information, visit craftsmanrowsaloon.com and follow on social at @craftsmanrowphl
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