Stranger Things In Nashville

Headquarters Beercade on 2nd Avenue has mastered the immersive experience, and this month the theme is perfect for Halloween. Starting October 11 through Halloween you can party in the Stranger Things world. ​

My first stop was, of course, the bar. While the bartender was mixing up a delicious take on the margarita, the De-Marg-Organ (I’m a sucker for puns), she explained it’s the staff who work on creating the artwork. And no detail was left out. ​

The De-Marg-Organ is a hibiscus-infused margarita garnished with the head of a Demogorgan. I also tried the Pumpkin Patch colada, which leans more on the chai side than pumpkin. I preferred the De-Marg-Organ over The Pumpkin Patch, but both were solid boozy drinks. If cocktails aren’t your thing there are also 12 craft beers on draft. ​

But the real reason you should visit is the amazing installation work. When you first walk in on the right you’ll see a re-creation of the iconic Joyce Byer’s living room. The portal, or the Gate, is opening up behind the DJ. A 70-foot Mind Flayer is suspended above while men in hazmat suits line the bar. Upstairs you’re transported to the upside down. There’s even an ode to Barb, where you can visit the swimming pool. ​RIP Barb.

In addition to all of the Stranger Things fun, Headquarters Beercade is an arcade bar. You’ll find 10 pinball machines and 30 arcade games with classics like Street Fighter, Donkey Kong, and Pacman. After realizing I still suck at Donkey Kong I played the Adams Family pinball machine a few times before leaving with an ice cream served straight out of Starcourt Mall.

There is so much to see you’ll have to check it out for yourself.  October 11 kicks off the opening to the public with a Stranger Draw Show at 8pm. ​​Email ​lauren@machinehospitality.com to book a table.

Headquarters Beercade is located at 114 2nd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201. Hours are Monday-Thursday 4pm to 3am and Friday - Sunday noon to 3am. Call 615-942-7436 for more information.