Merriest

Casual dress is the guide, comfortable, everyday clothing is appropriate for a visit to Merriest.

Merriest is a Christmas-wonderland pop-up at Nightingale Bar, decked in twinkling lights, tinseled kitsch, holiday movies and festive music, with an especially magical upstairs and a darker, more tucked-away downstairs.

Merriest fills the Nightingale Bar with multiple spaces: a downstairs main bar with table seating, an upstairs bar/party area, and an outdoor extension called Santa Claude Lane.

Expect Merriest to be at its busiest during holiday pop-ups and events, guests describe the bar as packed and slammed, while arriving early when they open or on some weekday nights (one guest noted Juneteenth Thursday) can be noticeably quieter.

Yes, Merriest added an outdoor experience called Santa Claude Lane, and guests note an outside area in addition to the upstairs and main bar.

Yes, Merriest's cozy, intimate holiday pop-up vibe and festive bar spaces make it a lovely pick for a date night.

For a calmer visit, head to Merriest right when it opens, it's open Tue–Sat from 4:00 pm, and reviewers say arriving early helped them snag a table; for lively energy and deals, guests praise visits during happy hour.

Thursday evenings can be a great time to visit Merriest, one guest came on a Thursday (Juneteenth) and found it not too crowded with excellent drinks.

Private dining isn't part of Merriest's offering, the space operates as an open, festive pop-up rather than a private-room venue.

Merriest is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am.