Màs Por Favor Hails The Pumpkin King This Christmas

'Nightmare Before Xmàs' is a must for fans of Tim Burton, seasonal pop-up experiences and Instagram-worthy cocktails

From the outside, Màs Por Favor seems to be just another taco shop in the neighborhood, but it’s not.

Past an unmarked “magical” sliding wooden door is a hidden hallway illuminated by dangling string lights, reminiscent of an otherworldly portal, with a Sally and Jack Skellington cardboard cutout at the end of the passageway. With its returning “Nightmare Before Xmàs” seasonal pop-up, which runs from November 16 to December 27, Chinatown’s part taco shop, part speakeasy transports visitors to Christmas Town.

From the ceiling to the glassware, the entire room is adorned with Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” themed decorations. A life-size Oogie Boogie replica stands beside a spooky Christmas tree dressed with paper snowflakes and shimmery ornaments. The ceiling is layered with colorful clusters of lights, upside-down umbrellas and an upturned tree, among other cutesy-creepy decor.

Cozy couches are on one side of the room with a lively DJ spinning hip-hop remixes. A mural of skeleton lovers, a nod to the “Pumpkin King” and queen, paints a dreamy backdrop. TV screens flash a montage of winter holiday movie scenes from “Elf” to “Home Alone” to “Trading Places.”

On the bar side, there are wooden tables surrounded by walls with Jack Skellington votive candles and a buoyant bar top. The ambiance is versatile, both fitting for a memorable night out with friends or a festive date night. Above a long table, big enough for a tight-knit group, hangs an eerie wreath with pointy teeth and muppet eyes.

A toothy wreath, upside down umbrellas and other spooky Xmàs decor / Photo Credit: Mike Kirschbaum

A seasonal menu featuring specialty cocktails and tasty bites playfully matches the “Nightmare” theme. Sip on a “Christmas Town Eggnog,” made with white rum, Grand Mariner, agave and eggnog; or a “Deadly Nightshade Hot Cocoa” fashioned with reposado tequila, sweetened condensed milk and hot cocoa garnished with a candy cane.

Other yuletide drinks on the menu include a rum based “Jack Skellington,” “Dr. Finkelstein Champagne Cocktail,” as well as tequila-based beverages “Oogie Boogie” and “Sally Apple Punch.” All the holiday cocktails are served in spirited mugs. Mocktail versions are available, too.

‘Jack Skellington’ rum cocktail served in a Jack Skellington mug / Photo Credit: Mike Kirschbaum

Pair a few boozy beverages with a sweet or savory treat. For savory, try “Zero’s Bones,” baked loin ribs glazed with ancho BBQ sauce, garnished with green onion and pickled red pepper. The juicy rib slathered in tangy sauce is hard to pass up. Seafood lovers dig into the “Sandy Claws Tacos” made with chipotle lobster tail, pineapple habanero slaw, cilantro and avocado cream.

For something more hearty, slurp on a warm, cozy bowl of “Frog’s Breath Posole.” It is a fun spin on a Mexican dish, made with melt-in-your-mouth chicken, shredded cabbage, and finished with crunchy blue tortilla chips and sliced watermelon radish.

Rather nibble on a sugary snack? Sweeten a visit to Màs Por Favor with one of their playful goodies. There are two festive desserts: “Pumpkin King Cheesecake Brûlée” topped with caramelized black sugar mirroring Skellington’s face and ”Oogie Boogie Dirt Pie” made with creamy pistachio pudding, crushed chocolate cookie and garnished with gummy worms and spiders. It’s to die for.

To quote the Pumpkin King himself, “I really tasted something swell.”

The holiday pop-up bar is open daily from 3 p.m. until 2 a.m. It is located at 3879 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102. Visit Màs Por Favor or call (702) 201-1133 to make a reservation. It’s an intimate space, with an occupancy of 60 in the speakeasy, so securing a spot is recommended. Dishes range from $4-18 and cocktails range between $16-18.

Need more scares this winter that are kid-friendly? Watch Jack and Sally at AREA15‘s immersive movie experience in The Portal.


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