If ever there were to be a bar that did not serve alcoholic drinks, Ann Arbor would certainly be the place to test out the first pop-up location.
Ann Arborite Nic Sims has taken the helm in establishing a dry bar pop-up in which people come out to enjoy non-alcoholic drinks, socializing, and "conversation and connection". Sims goes on to explain how the idea came about and elaborate on her vision for the alcohol-free bar:
I haven't had a drink in 20 years, and I know a lot of people who don't drink. I love to go out on a weekend, but not in a bar. I wanted a bar-like convivial atmosphere, with snacks and drinks and conversation, without it being a bar.We know we would like to run it at least once a month," said Sims. "The question is if demand is there, should we do it more frequently? People are familiar with the pop-up concept, so we'll start with that. We’re testing the water – testing our ability to support it and the interest in the community. We don’t want to start something and fall short of our ideal, so I am looking at this as planting a seed.
At the moment the Brillig Dry Bar will be operating as a pop-up at Mighty Good Coffee, a cafe operated by Sims husband, David Myers off of Main Street in Ann Arbor. The dry bar will take over the space when Mighty Good closes at 6 p.m.
Though some detractors have accused Sims of being anti-alcohol, the bar’s opening night Friday, December 5th, was packed. According to BuzzFeed, “Brillig’s first customers included former drinkers, pregnant women, Muslims, teenagers, and college kids.”
The Brillig Dry Bar menu features delectable sounding treats such as Brooklyn Egg Creams, Pomegranate-Rosemary Sodas, and Vegan Pumpkin Chillers, as well as snack plates with meats, cheeses, and cookies.
Friday, Dec. 26th, 2014, marked the second debut event for the new bar. It is uncertain when the next pop-up will occur in the new year.
