Photos By Jeff Martin, Words By Brandon Wetherbee
The nativity scene at Mockingbird Hill’s Miracle on Seventh Street isn’t traditional. It’s a nativity scene but it’s not a religious nativity scene. It’s a nativity scene with dinosaurs and Godzilla. It’s an inclusive scene everyone can support, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Mockingbird Hill has been overtaken by a welcoming and overwhelming cherry spirit. Derek Brown’s Miracle features nine Christmas cocktails, one Jewish cocktail and one shot of Baltimore egg nog for the lactose lovers. You never really need a reason to visit Brown’s trio of Shaw restaurants/cocktail bars/coffee shops, but the Can I Interest You in Hanukkah? sherry and soda drink is a fine one.
Katie Parker and Kim Burke have done an excellent job planning and executing the glittery, gold, garish takeover. From the dreidel chandelier to the spray painted dinosaurs, the place screams, “Miracle!” The giant Miracle sign helps.
If the decor and drinks weren’t putting you in the right holiday state of mind, the daily special events will handle your grinchy spirit. Our favorite nights are Sunday and Friday. Every Sunday will feature the Gay Men’s Chorus Happy Hour from 9 p.m. to close. This is great because you don’t have to sing and happy hour is the best hour. Each Friday is Ledroit “Bad Santa” Happy Hour from 5 to 8 p.m. Santa will allow you to take an adult photo with him (be reasonable, it’s still a public establishment) and punch is only $7.
If you’re still reading this and absolutely can not fathom going to a place that celebrates holidays loosely related to religion even though they serve alcohol and have punny drink names and a “Bad Santa,” just go to Eat The Rich. As of now, they have no holiday plans.
Miracle on Seventh Street takes over Mockingbird Hill through December 24. We would not mind one Christmas themed bar open year round but we understand that we’re most likely in the minority.
