Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman were an undeniable match as co-stars in 2001 and, to this day, Moulin Rouge! remains a cult classic among musical enthusiasts. Hamilton’s on Main channels the actors’ chemistry in this immersive pop-up bar experience perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ascend the stairs at Hamilton’s on Main and find yourself immediately and magically transported to the spectacular world of Moulin Rouge! Stunning drapery, neon and marquee lights, Eiffel Tower photos and hearts galore create the perfect ambiance. A playlist inspired by the soundtrack is the background music. The 2001 film also silently plays on the bar TVs throughout the evening to round out the experience.
Classic romance abounds from the moment you sit down. The cocktail menu is full of inventive riffs on classic cocktails. The French 76, made with Prairie cucumber mint gin, lemon and Champagne, is the perfect classic and sophisticated sip. For a fun surprise, try the Because We Can-Can—a cocktail made with Prairie grapefruit hibiscus chamomile vodka, peach and lime. The bartenders then rim the glass with Pop Rocks for an exciting and sweet little pop. Moulin Rouge-themed spins on a margarita and cosmopolitan also make the cocktail list.
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For an ideal Valentine’s date-night experience, start with the All You Need Is Love Champagne special. Get a half bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Brut Reserve with a half dozen oysters for $55. Then, order any of your Hamilton’s on Main menu favorites (we recommend the jerk scallops or the braised short rib). For small bites, you can’t go wrong with the chorizo arancini or a cheese board. If you’re keeping it casual and don’t mind a messy dish, the Hamilton’s burger is another must-try with bacon jam and gorgonzola cheese.
Finish the night on a sweet note with the “Spectacular, Spectacular” cocktail, an excellent spin on a chocolate martini with Revel Stoke toasted s’mores whiskey as the base. To pair the cocktail with something equally decadent, ask for the dessert menu.
This exciting pop-up bar experience is open Wednesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to close at Hamilton’s on Main. Just tell the team at the host stand you’re there for the pop-up bar, then head upstairs for a spectacular evening filled with love. Due to the limited run and seasonal appeal, we recommend showing up early! Previous pop-up installments filled up fast on the weekends.
Hamilton’s on Main | 102 East Main Street, Newark | 358-8533