‘Buffy’ Pop-Up Deploys Candy Corn Malort for a True Chicago Nightmare

The Bronze ranks high among fictional TV teen hangouts. The adolescent club, depicted from 1997 to 2003 on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, was anti-establishment compared to the diner scene at Arnold’s from Happy Days or the Max’s wholesome vibe from Saved by The Bell. While the popular kids would frequent those places, the Bronze wasn’t for everyone. It was dark and moody. Bands no one had heard of would play there. This wasn’t a Peach Pit After Dark situation, the 90210 club was strictly for adults. The Bronze served coffee, juice, and soda. Not even Chicago’s famous all-ages bowling alley and punk club, the Fireside Bowl, never had NA options (though the Fireside had a Hammer, advantage: Fireside).

The Bronze is the foundation for the Buffy: The Slayer Experience, a pop-up that debuts today, Friday, September 27 at the Wicker Park location of Cheesie’s Pub & Grub, 1367 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The pop-up extends next door to Cheesie’s sibling, Whiskey Business, utilizing the bar’s rooftop deck where designers have tapped into the horror aspect with a faux graveyard and a DJ booth. Unlike TV’s Bronze, the pop-up is 21+.

Whiskey Business/Cheesie’s has become the de facto home for holiday pop-ups from Bucketlisters, a company with roots in the Saved by The Bell pop-up that premiered eight years ago near Wicker Park’s Six Corners intersection. That pop-up earned a reputation for fan service and Easter eggs. Expect the same level of love when it comes to the gang from Sunnydale High School.

The pop-up also leans into Doublemeat Palace, the fictional fast-food spot where Buffy Summers briefly worked. The menu features a burger, a sausage pizza puff with a side of ranch, chicken tenders, loaded tots, and fried pickles. Be assured that all the items have witty names tied to the show.

Drinks include a welcome cocktail, called Spike’s Bloodbag. There are six themed drinks, but take a closer look at Vampire Bitters. Candy corn might be the most polarizing Halloween candy. But is it as polarizing as Jeppson’s Malört? The drink features candy corn-infused Jeppson’s Malort, lime juice, and hibiscus syrup, topped with prosecco. No, it’s not the first time candy corn has been mixed with Chicago’s bitter liquor. Let’s avoid any hurt feelings.

Wander through the space below. The pop-up runs through the end of October.

Buffy: The Slayer Experience, 1367 N. Milwaukee Avenue, now through Sunday, October 27.