Stash away the bright lights, water, and midnight snacks. Gremlins are taking over Hotel Madrid, 600 S. 6th St., beginning tonight at 5 p.m. And you won't want to miss all the shenanigans that are in store.
Welcome to Dorry's Tavern
Step into the bar and you'll be surrounded by dim red lighting, tinsel, adorable mogwai, rogue gremlins and plenty of unexpected surprises.
First off, don't be surprised if you're greeted by the flasher gremlin. He's got a penchant for showing off his pretty little Christmas bow.
Feel free to step right past him and order up a Gremlins themed cocktail including the tear-jerkingly good "Bye Billy" featuring Milagro Reposado Tequila, plum-infused sweet vermouth and Amaretto ($12); the "Gizmo Saves the Day," a warm drink with Hendrick's gin, chamomile, Moscatel sherry, Drambouie and lemon ($12); or the "I Told You, We Should've Got a Zenith," an indulgent boozy shake with chocolate ice cream, peanut infused Tullemore Dew, whiskey caramel and snickers ($15).
There's also the "RockinRickyRialto," a take on Irish coffee featuring Tullamore Dew XO, Stone Creek Coffee, coconut cream and whipped cream ($12). It's one of the gremlins' favorite drinks.
And, if you're in the mood for a cocktail that captures all the goodness of eggnog with a hint of matcha, reach for the "Baby Yoda" featuring Monkey Shoulder Scotch, matcha tea syrup, egg and heavy cream ($12). (Snap an amazing Instagram photo with Michael Cerda's Baby Yoda mural while you're there and you could win a subscription to Disney+).
As for food, there will be plenty to feed your inner gremlin, from popcorn and pastry chef Vonda Brown's delicious gingerbread cookies to special one-off menus like fried chicken night (on Dec. 19 only).
On opening night, you'll also be able to enjoy the original 1984 film, which will be broadcast on the big screen. The film will debut at 5:30 p.m., with a second showing at 7:30.
Take a seat wherever you please, but be on the lookout for dastardly Stripe, the murderous, water-guzzling gremlin leader. He's likely to be lurking in the shadows ... waiting for an opportunity to create chaos.
Most importantly, remember to follow the rules.
The Gremlins pop-up takes place Dec. 10-24 with hours Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 5 to midnight (food until 11 p.m.).
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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