AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – A cozy but festive pop-up bar has opened for the holiday season at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course.
Dubbed the Hollywood Express, it’s set up as a long stretch in the frenetic room, with siding and decor that resemble a lounge car on an old-time passenger train.
The temporary attraction opened about a week ago inside the food court area. It is open from 4 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays.
The final day will be Dec. 27.
Guests can enter the “train car” anytime they want, order drinks from the bar and then find a table. Reservations are not necessary.
Four big and fancy holiday drinks have been created for it.
The Peppermint Mocha uses schnapps, chocolate liqueur and milk chocolate, topped with whipped cream, crushed peppermint and marshmallows, and then dusted with cocoa powder.
The other drinks – Gingerbread Cream, Hollywood Express-O Martini and Hazelnut Chocolate Martini – take similarly festive approaches.
Beer and nonalcoholic drinks, such as hot mulled cider, are also available.
“The cocktails are really good,” said Carmen Kesel, director of marketing. “They were [created] by our food and beverage manager, who put a lot of heart and soul into it.”
Christmas music plays inside the bar, and – at random times – free appetizers or snacks are delivered to patrons.
Hollywood Express has been an immediate hit with guests. “We’ve got a lot of good reviews on it,” Kesel said.
Pictured at top: Lisa Johnson and Carmen Kesel enjoy drinks at Hollywood Express.