Nestled inside Mi Cita, an upscale bar and lounge, is a chic holiday pop-up establishment serving high-end wines and champagne, craft cocktails, beer and mocktails as well as small plates.
This is the second year for the Bar Noel Sewickley concept. In 2023, it was located inside the Sewickley Tavern. Bar Noel owner Anthony Roppa decided to bring it back this year because Sewickley residents are “on the nice list,” he said. He created an Instagram page with Santa Claus decking the halls and inviting patrons to celebrate the season with him.
“We wanted to create a warmth and an atmosphere where people can sit around a piano and have a drink and relax,” said Roppa, of Sewickley Heights.
He is collaborating with Julio Peraza, owner of Mi Cita and Torogoz, for the pop-up, which opened Dec. 3.
Throughout the space, there is live garland, large wreaths with red bows and lights, and trees from Robinson’s Home & Garden in Sewickley.
Tables are decorated with candles and festive tablecloths. Some of the décor was done by Roppa’s wife, Danielle, and their daughters, Caralee, 7 and Juliet, 4.
“We wanted to create a place that has a nostalgic feel,” Roppa said. “We tried to keep it simple and elegant. I wanted this in Sewickley because this is where my roots are.”
Susan Kinser of Sewickley said she feels that nostalgic vibe.
“I love this place,” she said. “There is such a warmth and it has an elegance to it. It’s an elevated experience and it’s cool.”
Kinser said the décor and the lighting, with the piano playing in the background, create a welcoming, cozy atmosphere. She said during the holiday rush, this will definitely be a spot where people will want to stay a while.
“It’s like you are stepping into a holiday masterpiece,” she said. “It’s a lovely venue and so wonderfully done for this joyous time of the year.”
Some of the craft cocktails on the menu are a Red Ryder Pomegranate Old Fashioned with bourbon, a Silent Espresso Martini with vodka and a St. Nick Spritz with prosecco, each for $18. Small plates of deviled eggs, seared tuna and beef tartare are available.
Bar Noel offers live piano music by performers Wiz, Ron Soltis, Karl Bailey, Dan McElroy and Todd Cutshaw of Piano Maniacs in Ohio.
There is seating surrounding the piano, where guests can sit and sing along if they want to.
“This place will be rocking,” Roppa said. “The live piano will be off the charts. These guys have played all around the world and they get the crowds going.”
