Beware of the New Spooky Pop-Up Bar in Downtown Lincoln

Beware of the new spooky pop-up Bar in Downtown Lincoln 

BY TESSA WISER

For those who enjoy spooky things, join us at Apparition Lincoln–a bar that’s for the dead, by the dead. 

Apparition Lincoln is a secret speakeasy with thirteen signature cocktails located in the Lincoln Cornhusker Marriott. 

Owner Edward Schmalz describes this space as being for all to enjoy. 

“Instead of a tiki bar, it’s a creepy bar,” Schmalz said. “Instead of a speakeasy, it’s a spookeasy!” 

Apparition Bar started in Kansas City above a movie theater and has expanded to two other locations, including Omaha and Lincoln. 

“I came up with the idea after seeing Christmas pop-up bars [in Kansas City],” Schmalz said. “My buddies and I decided to start a Halloween pop-up bar for those who enjoy the holiday.” 

Starting in 2019, pop-up bars began growing in popularity. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, some permanent bars struggled to keep their doors open. Schmalz would help by setting up a pop-up bar inside to keep business going. 

And so Apparition Lincoln, a Halloween-themed space, came to be. 

“Apparition is for the dead, by the dead, and is only for the living for a short amount of time where our veils that separate the worlds are the thinnest around,” Schmalz said. 

Upon entering the Cornhusker Marriott, in order to get to the spooky location, enter into a coffin, where you will be given a lantern as you walk down a candle-lit hallway with a purple glow. Then, you reach the Apparition. 

Once inside, visitors can choose between a handful of spooky specialty cocktails.

“We try to do drinks you can’t find anywhere else,” Schmalz said. “They're not your average cocktails; they’ve got more of a punch. Some are very weird and alien, so the goal is that you get to Apparition, where you’ll find drinks that aren’t usually put on the menu of a bar that's open all year round.” 

Some signature cocktails include Death by Envy, a green drink made with absinthe, creme de cassis, and prosecco; The Sinful Sangria, a sangria that is bloody red from amaretto and red wine and blackberries; and the Black Agave made with black simple syrup and a black sugar rim. 

“As you sip your cocktails and explore the shadowy corners of our bar, be prepared to be enchanted by the tales of the spirits that linger,” Schmalz said. “ Each night holds a new adventure, filled with surprises that will keep you at the edge of your seat.” 

Apparition Lincoln is only available by reservation. Book your reservations today!