It’s a well-known fact that horror movie fans have strong stomachs. Their appetite for terror is decidedly insatiable, but if anything in this town can satisfy that craving, it’s Nightmare Cafe, a themed bar and restaurant in the Arts District.
Fan and memorabilia collector Kristy Adams opened Nightmare Cafe last fall in conjunction with her year-round Halloween store, Nightmare Toys, next door—and the neighborhood has welcomed it splendidly. In its first week, the café spawned so much business, it had to close its kitchen early because it kept selling out of food.
Nightmare Cafe goes all-in on its theme, feeling more like a movie set than perhaps any Downtown establishment—even the ones famously used in cinema. Mummified bodies hang from the ceilings, and life-size crypt-keepers meet you near the door. You’ll also get a horror refresher at the bar, where TVs screen classic slasher flicks and monster movies. They’ll also help prepare you for the café’s biweekly trivia nights.
Adams’ Alabama roots inform the menu here, with a diverse selection of Southern-inspired and cheekily named dishes like the Alabama Massacre braised chicken nachos ($16) and the Sorority Po-Boy ($17), a down-South favorite packed with crispy fried shrimp, Cajun remoulade and pepper marmalade. Poultrygeist ($28) offers a monstrous portion of buttermilk fried chicken, red smashed potatoes and cheddar mac and cheese.
From Morgue-aritas to cocktails themed for the seven deadly sins, the drinks feel inspired and satisfyingly offbeat. But for a real sight, order the off-menu Fang Banger, which comes in an IV drip bag.
NIGHTMARE CAFE 1307 S. Commerce St., 702-268-7907, nightmarecafelv.com. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.,
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