Pop-Up Restaurants

In big cities across the United States, a new phenomenon is taking hold: pop-up restaurants. These temporary restaurants-within-restaurants are ideal for less-established chefs to test out a concept or a menu without the input and commitment of opening an entire restaurant. They simply use an existing restaurant’s kitchen and dining room while it’s closed.

Pop-ups are often used for chefs to build buzz ahead of opening their own restaurant. The pop-up acts as a trial period, and it often whets the appetite of their potential audience. With limited hours and only a few seatings, pop-up chefs can build buzz — and a sense of desperation among a growing fan base.

Pop-ups are especially popular with food nerds who are eager to discover the next big thing while it’s still under the radar. These meals are typically multicourse and require advance reservations.

Blink, Urban Picnic at the Downtown Arts District in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada © Mack Male | Flickr

Pop-ups can be found in cities like New York, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. One of the most popular riffs on the pop-up concept is the Dinner Lab supper club, with an exclusive membership system. Dinner Lab members have access to innovative dinners from highly skilled — but less established — chefs in their city. Dinner Lab currently runs in multiple U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Austin, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh.

One of the best ways to find out about pop-ups in your city is to visit the Eater for your city; the site’s food writers frequently announce new or upcoming pop-ups.

Demonstrating how to de-shell shrimp in Seoul, South Korea © Chelsea Marie Hicks | Flickr