Netflix Tells Stranger Things Bar to Close ‘Unless I’m Living in the Upside Down’

All good things, or in this case, Stranger Things, must come to an end. At least that’s the sentiment behind a cease and desist letter Netflix sent to the Stranger Things pop-up bar in Logan Square, Chicago.

Emporium Popups, an extension of Emporium Arcade Bar in Chicago, launched a Stranger Things themed pop-up bar aptly named the Upside Down Bar on August 18th that was supposed to run through late September. Although the wildly popular Upside Down Bar was planning on staying open past the original end date, it seems like the portal is closing.

“We’re not going to go full Dr. Brenner on you, but we ask that you please (1) not extend the pop-up beyond its 6 week run ending in September, and (2) reach out to us for permission if you plan to do something like this again,” the letter, which was obtained by DNA Info, reads. The letter ends by saying that the demogorgon, the monster in the Upside Down, might not be “as forgiving” as the Netflix legal team. “So please don’t make us call your mom,” Netflix admonishes Emporium.

Netflix means business, but its cease and desist letter wasn’t without humor and its own allusions to the show. The Director/Senior Counsel of Content and Brand IP for Netflix writes how appreciative he is for Emporium’s enthusiasm for the show, and tries to take a lighter approach when the cease and desist business begins: “But unless I’m living in the Upside Down, I don’t think we did a deal with you for this pop-up.”

It seems like the folks at Netflix were more than somewhat amused by the idea of a Stranger Things bar. The Upside Down Bar paid true homage to the show with décor such as an electro-alphabetic wall and a themed drink menu that included garnishes such as Eleven’s favorite snack, an Ego waffle.

Netflix does have a legitimate claim to protect its intellectual property. And while creative license comes into play, the Upside Down Bar is making a profit off of Netflix’s copyrighted intellectual property. If Emporium had an Upside Down themed night, it might be more difficult for the lawyers to object. Either way, check out the Upside Down Bar before the gateway closes forever.