SEATTLE — A new dive bar in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is a huge hit – but it’s only here for the holidays.
Christmas Dive Bar is a pop-up, featuring floor-to-ceiling kitschy decorations and special holiday menus.
"A dive bar is cozy, it's dark and warm,” said Special Events Manager Christy Elliot. "It's comforting."
She and the staff transformed The Woods, used as an event space, into CDB. The main room has a life-sized Santa and Christmas tree, a festive hearth with a fireplace, garlands and oversized ornaments hanging from the ceiling, and a wall of bows perfect for selfies.
"We hand-stapled every single one with a staple gun, it's about 4,000-ish,” Elliott said. "People walk in and immediately have their phones out taking pictures, and that's kind of the best part is watching people walk in here and their eyes light up, I can see them saying wow and it's really rewarding to see that after doing all of this."
The holiday vibes extend upstairs to a second seating area and bar, decorated with faux snow, lanterns and fur throws. It’s designed to resemble a ski chalet.
"It's really, really cozy,” Elliott said.
Drink menus include options from both a “naughty” and "nice list," including Santa's Sangria, Eggnog Espresso Martini and crowd favorite Merry Ube Coco.
Elf Jell-O Shots are also available.
If you're avoiding alcohol, they also have marshmallow hot chocolate and zero-proof spirits.
"If you come in and have a request, (the bartenders) will grant it and make your little Christmas wish come true,” Elliott said.
Snacks include fresh-popped corn, a classic cheese ball, a tray of Little Debbie treats, and Chex mix that’s homemade by the kitchen manager.
"The thing that I think is really special about what we've done is that everything has been done by people that work with us, so it has been a big family effort for all of us,” Elliott said.
Christmas Dive Bar is open daily from 5 p.m. to “until late” and runs through the new year. It’s located on 11th Avenue between Pike and Pine.
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