There’s no shortage of Halloween pop-ups in Nashville, but The Spookeasy at Holston House Nashville has one thing going for it right away: the space is genuinely fun to walk into.
The seasonal pop-up has transformed Bar TENN into a haunted hideaway for the spooky season, complete with flickering portraits, ghostly illusions, and Halloween-themed details throughout the space. The atmosphere is dark and playful without feeling like it completely takes over the hotel’s polished aesthetic.
We stopped in to check out the pop-up and try a few of the seasonal offerings. While we didn’t get to make our way through much of the menu, we did try the Witch’s Brew Queso and Graveyard Truffle Fries, along with a couple of mocktails served in the pop-up’s Halloween glassware.
The Witch’s Brew Queso arrives in a bubbling cauldron with smoky chorizo, fire-roasted poblano and charred corn, served with blue corn tortilla chips. The presentation fits right in with the theme, although the queso itself didn’t stand out as much as some of the other elements of the experience.
The Graveyard Truffle Fries were the highlight of the food we tried. The fries had a really noticeable truffle flavor, which I appreciated, and they were the dish I’d order again.
The drinks were another fun part of the visit. We went with mocktails, which were served in The Great Pumpkin and Devil Tail glassware. The themed glasses added a lot to the experience and made the drinks feel like part of the pop-up rather than an afterthought.
For me, The Spookeasy is more about the atmosphere and overall experience than the food. The space is beautifully done, the Halloween touches are everywhere, and it’s an easy place to stop for a drink and take in the seasonal setting if you’re already downtown.
The pop-up is open daily through Oct. 31 from 3 PM to midnight. Tarot card readings are offered every Saturday from 8-11 PM, and Master Carver Lundy Cupp will also host a live pumpkin carving demonstration on Oct. 24.
The Spookeasy is located inside Bar TENN at Holston House Nashville, just steps from Broadway.
