Philadelphia’s Nightmare Before Tinsel Halloween Pop-up Complements Day of the Dead

Nightmare Before Tinsel follows strict adherence to face-mask protocol. Meet the new abnormal normal.

“Terror is a passion which always produces delight when it does not press too close.” —Edmund Burke

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

“How you pull up, Baby? How you pull up?” I pull up like I am all about the total experience. No summertime shore trip happens unless I watch Jaws first. The night before touring a nuclear facility, I popped The China Syndrome into my DVD player. A medical operation on my schedule guarantees a viewing of the suspenseful Coma the evening before I’m anesthetized. I intentionally scare myself. Apparently, I’m in good company, particularly during one of my favorite times of year, Halloween. There are numerous sources outlining the psychology of fear to explain such behavior, but if you’re really looking to be horror-struck, make a point of visiting Midtown Village‘s “Nightmare Before Tinsel” and have the Beetlejuice scared out of you.

Before I detail my October 6th invitation-only media party experience at Nightmare (along with restauranteur Teddy Sourias’s newest and Nightmare-complementing restaurant-bar, Sueno), here’s a bit of backstory for those who aren’t familiar with either Tinsel or its creepy Cousin Itt counterpart, Nightmare Before Tinsel. Once upon a dream within a dream, Teddy Sourias of Craft Concepts Group (CCG) began opening a series of eats-and-drinks jawns in Philadelphia. Maybe you’ve patronized or heard of such places as Kontrol, Uptown Beer Garden, Blume, Bru Craft & Wurst, U-Bahn, Tradesman’s or Finn McCools Ale House.

In December of 2017, Sourias launched Tinsel, a Christmas-themed Pop-up Bar in Midtown, then last year unveiled the All Hollow’s Eve-conceptualized Nightmare Before Tinsel, which returned in 2020 for its second season–this time with changes implemented to accommodate strict, safety-driven CDC guidelines. Temperature checks, mandatory masks to be removed only when eating or drinking and while seated, for starters. All other mandated measures that allow this experience to happen mid-pandemic are firmly in place.

If you’re concerned that said changes will minimize triggering your arousal system to the cob-webbed rafters or reduce blood-curdling screams to an insipid eek, fear not. The amazing design dream team of Anne White of AGW Interiors (both Tinsel and Nightmare’s designer) and the artist Scott Johnston are back on the scream scene. And this time around, rather than congregating and butt-bumping indoors because of space limitations, popularity and safety protocols, there’s a time-ticketed entry with a bemasked and self-guided prowl through Nightmare’s asylum-themed haunted house.

The pop-up is located at 116 S. 12th St. in Center City’s Midtown Village and is open Monday to Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm, then Friday through Sunday, 2 pm to 11 pm. Nightmare runs through Halloween before a hoped-for 2020 iteration of Tinsel returns. Fingers crossed. Nightmare’s tickets range in price from $15 to $20 (day-dependent) and include admission to the haunted house as well as a single comped food item and drink to be fetched from Sueno’s take-away window. Enjoy your provisions at an outdoor guest-dividing streetery that also confines to CDC guidelines, while inventively conjuring Halloween terror. Hanging mummies and separation curtains with swatches of painted “blood” anyone? Indoor dining is available at Finn McCools (the Nightmare/Tinsel Pop-ups are sandwiched between Sueno and Finn).

As generosity would have it and with perfect timing, my sister had given me a gift certificate for an overnight stay at Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Was there a better occasion for resurrecting (since mid-March lockdown) my Center City stay-and-play social scene events? A more fun getaway with a preview party and luxe accommodations I could not have imagined. Returning to form, rousing me from quarantine inertia and dolor necessitated something special. Delivered, and thanks, Sis and my hosts!

When I arrived at Nightmare Before Tinsel, it was still daylight. A few early birds (quoth the ravens?) hung out, eyeing the scene. Many wore costumes. While Halloween is predominately known as a kid-favorite holiday, we grown-ups know better. In the sober light of day, I was able to more accurately gauge the lay of the land, which meant beginning the festivities with the haunted house walk-through (its safety rules were dictated by a raspy-voiced Master of Scaremonies). The same creepy, top-hatted dude would take our selfies as we sat in Nightmare’s facsimile of Old Sparky. I made it a memorable moment, for it was the only spot where a photograph was permitted while inside.

The exceptional designs and art installations are gory and creepy, but it’s the genuine artistry that made me want to linger at these stations … to study, admire and photograph. Understandably, 2020 made that a non-option. If a certain level of artistic realism propels your creep-meter into the red zone, you won’t be disappointed. After all, anyone on a haunted house crawl has already made the decision to go all in, so man or woman up and carry on.

I’ll keep mum about the particulars within Nightmare’s haunted house; they’re best experienced firsthand! But know this: CCG and their creative collaborators did a fantastic-as-always job with presentation. It’s part and parcel of why Sourias’s Halloween and Christmastime pop-ups are not to be missed. Word has been out for some time. Those in the know are regulars. Those unfamiliar are soon hip to both pop-ups. I’ll go out on a non-severed limb here and label them iconic Philly treasures.

To those who may be wondering if the pandemic isn’t nightmarish enough (do we really need anything further that smacks of terror, dread or panic?), I have a theory that the Nightmare experience is more fear expelling and mitigating than exacerbating. Hear me out …

When I feel uncertainty looming (virus resurgence and second and third wave warnings), and when even epidemiologists and infectious disease experts are admittedly learning as they go the particulars of this novel virus, a good faux-scare diffuses (however counterintuitive that may seem) my fears. Why else do we place ourselves in darkened theaters to watch slasher flicks or the sometimes more frightening psychological thrillers? I yearly and seasonally view the original and classic Halloween movie because, decades on, it has not lost its ability to have me cowering beneath a blankie. Even Kai-Kai and Belle du Joule (my purr-fect purebred cats) cozy up to their Mommy when they hear the iconic and memorable Michael Myer’s theme tune. I can project any and all pandemic and other worries (from the comfort and safety of my living room) elsewhere. And when in some spook-house interior, I’m aware the actors will be hands off, that there’s an exit light at the end of the tunnel leading to safety.

Knowing that ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) is sometimes used to treat treatment-resistant depression, seeing a warning sign for shock therapy within Nightmare’s haunted house was admittedly a tad disconcerting. We fear what we do not understand. The history of asylums as well as the struggles of those who deal with mental-health issues cannot be disavowed, ignored or minimized. The stigma is so very real. Awareness of such associations can be impactful, so I take this opportunity to acknowledge it. I also know that I will be traditionally and yet again watching the Bogeyman in John Carpenter’s 1978 Halloween.

Sueno (“dream” in Spanish) was, once I escaped Nightmare’s asylum, my next stop. Invitees could choose to dine inside or out in socially distanced yet still Halloween-decorated curbside parklets. I opted for indoor seating because the Day of the Dead ornamentation and amazing wall murals were too stimulating to forego. Skulls of every shape and size were prominent as were lighted candles that emphasized the restaurant’s dream-like blue-purple lighting hues. Curious git that I am, I climbed the centrally located staircase leading to the second floor’s dining area, where another skully and candlelight-furnished long bar was the backdrop.

For Dia de los Muertos novitiates, it is a Mexican holiday during which the dead are remembered, honored and celebrated by family and friends. This is why you will find Sueno’s menu featuring an homage to authentic Mexican cuisine along with fusion masterpieces. Newly installed Executive Chef Carolyn Hough’s penchant for using fresh, local ingredients mixes with her dishes’ cultural respect.

Included in the evening’s invite were drinks from the Nightmare Before Tinsel cocktail menu as well as those from Sueno’s listing. I quenched my thirst with the Vampire’s Kiss specialty cocktail crafted with corralejo anejo, blood orange, jalapeno and lime (who can resist any vampyre’s kiss?!) and later added a classic frozen margarita. An appetizer, entree and featured dessert were also served. I chose as my starter the Street Corn, two corn cobs with roasted husk ends to grab hold of. Both cobs were topped with a spectacular combination of mayo, queso fresco, chili powder and cilantro. I have not stopped raving about this delicacy since ingestion. Winner here! I followed with the exceptionally flavorful Shrimp Tacos, featuring lime-marinated shrimp, avocado, carrot and cabbage slaw and salsa verde. The shrimp had a perfect bit of bite–nothing too over the top. Delicioso! Craft Concepts Group, already partnered with Tata’s Empanadas expanded the partnership with the addition of a variety of these Puerto-Rican inspired beef and chicken (along with a meat-free option) pies to Sueno’s menu. Tata’s was responsible for the evening’s dessert treat … an apple pie filling inside a flaky, crispy empanada and served a la mode.

One unexpected benefit of my decision to dine indoors was the discovery of some gorgeous artwork adorning Sueno’s walls. Philadelphia-based Alloyius Mcilwane created two murals of women, one of which favors a flamenco dancer, the other graces with striking features. Both are captivating and mesmerising in their boldness of color and style. I checked the artist’s website, and while a lot of his work involves the abstract, those at Sueno are bursting with feminine strength, mystique and a palpable energy. Kloe Coppola also is from Philly. Her featured piece is large, lush and expressive, a Day of the Dead rendering that commands immediate attention. Alona Kuser, an artist living in Bucks County, PA is onboard with the contemporary works as well.

With so many creatives in Philadelphia and its suburbs, the representation and promotion of these artists in locations such as CCG’s venues are gifts to all, City visitors and locals alike. And speaking of creatives, who knows what next treasure-venture Teddy Sourias is planning. I have learned that, whatever he’s got in the works, the results are often a distinctive and singular addition to any Philadelphia community. Halloween is not cancelled, and Nightmare Before Tinsel and its complementary Sueno are a great way to enjoy it. Kudos Craft Concepts Group for how you pull up like that … on the safe side while keeping the spook on!

Nightmare Before Tinsel flanks Craft Concepts Group owner Teddy Sourias’s latest bar-restaurant offering, Sueno. Note the walk-up window for grab-and-go ordering.

Halloween-themed Nightmare Before Tinsel calls home the building formerly occupied by Simpson’s Jewelry.

From Left, Sharon Kozden and Teddy Sourias pose in broad daylight … before the nightmare begins!

Skellies dangle and beckon in a spooky purple haze. They’re calling your name!

Nightmare Before Tinsel as seen with faux blood-spattered curtains that provide both scares and safety at street-dining parklets.

Media and guests check-in for the preview party. No one was exempt from a cover-up.

Laura Swartz is one acquainted with the fright.

Simply dreadful. Nightmare Before Tinsel never fails in its decors’ efforts to scare the beelzebub out of one and all who dare to enter.

Sharon Kozden appears surprisingly unrepentant while confined to ‘Old Sparky.’ The electric chair replica was the lone indoor location where the taking of a selfie or a snap was permitted.

Touch if you dare this creature beyond the pale (but still glam of brow and eye make-up!), and she comes to animated life.

Sharon Kozden prefers the natural look over the undead chick’s spooo-keyy face paint.

Bold color-blocking at Sueno’s (“dream”) entrance. Note the signage’s sleepy and cloud-swirly font. Makes me want to curl up and dream.

Sueno’s bartender is prepared to shake up your favorite themed cocktail or drinky-drink.

The bar at Sueno … well-stocked and with curious stools, awaiting the evening’s guests.

Inviting bar scene anticipates guests and patrons.

Sueno takes Day of the Dead decor to new heights. Massive skelly face looms large.

I snuck up early on to capture Sueno’s upper level bar scene and decor.

Works by local artists are prominently featured at Sueno, including this piece by Philly-based Kloe Coppola.

Upper level bar and dining area uses glass skulls along with candlelight and dreamy purple-blue lightning to enchant.

Staircase to upstair’s cozy bar- and dining quarters. Summit this in your Louboutins, Ladies! Me? I’ll stick with ballet flats, thanks.

Sueno’s upper level provides a room with a view of the bar area below.

Decorative skulls figure prominently in the Mexican celebratory holiday Dia de los Muertos.

From Left, Philly-based artist Alloyius Mcilwaine and Sharon Kozden pose before his vibrant works gracing Sueno’s walls.

Is there a flamenco dancer in the house? Perhaps one inspired this piece by Alloyius Mcilwaine.

From Left, Sharon Kozden reconnects with Philadelphia Magazine editor Ernest Owens.

Securing a spot for outdoor dining, the better to people watch as the ashen-faced visitors exit Nightmare Before Tinsel’s haunting experience.

Take your chances with outdoor dining and this fella, one “server” who most assuredly will not be seating anyone soon.

Slasher curtains (art by Axe-on Pollock?) keep diners social-distanced.

Drink up from a fabulous selection of specialty cocktails.

The Vampire’s Kiss sucked my blood with anejo tequila, blood orange, jalapeno and lime.

The frozen Classic Margarita was skull-icious.

Sueno’s bartender flipped me a can of Buenaveza salt and lime lager from Stone Brewing Co., headquartered in Escondido, California. I’m beer-intolerant, but the can will make a nice vase and party souvenir.

Amping (up) its partnereship with Tata’s Empanadas, Craft Concepts Group added a variety of these Puerto-Rican inspired beef and chicken (along with a meat-free option) pies to Sueno’s menu.

Executive Chef Carolyn Hough incorporates fresh, local ingredients with traditional Hispanic recipes to create gorgeous, flavorful foodstuffs.

The Street Corn with mayonnaise, queso fresco, chili powder and cilantro was everything to text home about.

The end section of twine-tied roasted husk made for one great cob-holder.

Mmm-mmm great were the Shrimp Tacos made with lime-marinated shrimp, avocado, carrot- and cabbage slaw and salsa verde.

Apple Empanada a la Mode was the sweet-treat menu item. Tatas Empanadas uses Granny Smith apples, vanilla, cinnamon and vanilla ice cream to create indulgence perfection.