Looked what popped up at this Rockford bar
Rural on Tap bar manager Jessica Lundquist wasn't going to let another holiday season go by without making something special of it.
Envious of the good times and Christmas spirit spread across other cities with holiday pop-up bars, Lundquist and Rural on Tap owner Matt Pendergrass got to work on a surprise.
Rural on Tap in Rockford's Rural Oaks neighborhood unveiled a new look Dec. 1.
"We said we had a surprise, and here it is!!!" the bar posted on its Facebook page along with a photo showing the bar's new over-the-top Christmas decor. "We are going all out this year! Who is ready for some holiday cheer?"
More:Searching for that perfect gift for Fido? These Rockford area pet stores have you covered
Along with the next-level decorations, Rural on Tap has been tapping holiday beers, serving Christmas-themed cocktails and hosting special events, like Christmas Movie Trivia Night.
"People have been loving it," Lundquist said. "Even the staff — They're always wearing Christmas sweaters."
'It's a beaut, Clark'
The theme for Rural on Tap's holiday vibe is traditional Christmas with sparkling lights, ornaments, garland, balloons, Christmas wrapping paper, Christmas stockings, Santa hats everywhere you look and of course Christmas music.
The neighborhood bar at 1710 Rural St. is open daily from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. if you want to check it out.
Cheers, it's almost a new year
With the over-the-top Christmas decorations come Christmas-themed cocktails.
Try a Mrs. Claus Martini, a combination of Absolut Citron, Chambord, lemon and lemonade; or how about a Grinch Mule, which is Rush Creek Jalapeno, fresh-squeezed lime juice, pineapple juice and ginger beer.
Buddy the Elf is the bar's top-selling Christmas drink — Rush Creek Coffee, Jackson Morgan peppermint mocha, cold brew, whip cream and peppermint.
Decking the halls
Rural on Tap's nostalgic holiday look is courtesy of Savannah Fletcher, co-owner of Savvy Event Co. in Cherry Valley.
Fletcher and her elves also were responsible for decorating two other bars owned by Pendergrass. The Deaf Pig in Byron is decked out with a Candyland theme, and The Hunt Club in Oregon is rustic and woodsy.
"Who doesn't love to get into the holiday spirit," Fletcher said. "When you can go out to somewhere and grab a drink and a bite to eat and be surrounded by the Christmas spirit, it's always a little bit more fun."
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford, Illinois, bar gets a '10' for Christmas spirit with holiday pop-up
