Bar 828 Pop Up Bar

Three stars for the cool factor. Three stars for being a great concept for a charity fundraiser. Three stars for the cocktails. OK?
An addition to the concept is the «daily mural» painted by a different artist on one wall during the bar’s open hours. When I arrived, the spray paint fumes were overpowering. The garage’s doors were open, so there was plenty of ventilation. I had to stand outside. The paint fumes were too much.

This pop up bar (the first in Dallas) is only opened for nine days, so hurry up and experience it before it’s gone forever! Some clever bartenders took a vacant garage in the Tyler-​Davis neighborhood of Oak Cliff and turned it into a pre-​Prohibition speakeasy filled with the top bartenders in town, classy cocktails, and a space for community artwork.
Mixed drinks are $ 10 while beers and wines are $ 5. I made the mistake and ordered a Malbec, which was disgusting. But you don’t come to Bar 828 for beer and wine – remember, these are some of the best bartenders in town. I asked for something citrusy and with clear liquor. I got some delicious concoction with gin, mint and lemon. I should have asked for the name or at least the other ingredients, but I was too busy downing my drink.
Dates to try Bar 828: October 13, 14, 15; October 20, 21, 22; October 27, 28, 29.

The pop up is located at the corner of Davis and Tyler, across from Pepe’s Body Shop (which sounds like a great name for a strip club, btw). The space is expansive. The bar is in the back and against the walls are a number of large, almost lodge style tables. You buy drink tickets at $ 5 per (2 for drinks, 1 for beer or wine). There’s only the one bar so at times the line can be long. However, to help with that the bartenders will do things like say «who are the gin drinkers? step up!» I did, as did 5 others, and we were treated to a concoction with Bombay Saphire, Grand Marnier (I think), some citrus, thyme, cucumber and finished with a chartreuse foam. It was delish. I went back for seconds. Proceeds benefit charity.
On the con side, they had the place overly bright. I liked the large tables, but with the music booming, it was pretty hard to hear your friends across six feet of table. Overall we had a great time and we’ll be back while it’s open!
Adding to the guerilla element, when we were leaving we saw this other garage space that looked like a pop up bar. We tried to get it (it was empty) and started talking to the owner. Turns out it is his man cave. He gave us a tour. Interesting space, interesting character. Only in Oak Cliff, I suppose, can you leave a pop up bar and turn someone’s private clubhouse into another pop up bar!
(ps — 828 is cash only)