Netflix Asks 'Stranger Things' Pop-Up Bar To Close: 'We Won't Go Full Dr. Brenner On You'

CHICAGO, IL — A Logan Square pop-up bar based on Netflix's 1980s-set, sci-fi-horror series "Stranger Things" won't be continuing past the end of September. But its definite closing Oct. 1 has nothing to do with a Demogorgon infestation or any other supernatural event. In fact, the actual reason deals with something even more frightening: lawyers and possible legal action.

The owners of Emporium Arcade Bar — the organizers behind The Upside Down at 2367 N. Milwaukee Ave., near the Emporium — didn't ask Netflix for permission to create a bar based on the show, which prompted a cease-and-desist letter from the streaming service's legal team, according to New York magazine's Vulture blog. Netflix, though, is a brand-savvy company, and its official request to owners Danny and Doug Marks, which was shared on Vulture, is filled with playful references to the series, as well as a promo for the upcoming season, which premieres next month.

"My walkie talkie is busted so I had to write this note instead," the letter states. "I heard you launched a 'Stranger Things' pop-up bar at your Logan Square location. Look, I don’t want you to think I’m a total wastoid, and I love how much you guys love the show. (Just wait until you see Season 2!) But unless I’m living in the Upside Down, I don’t think we did a deal with you for this pop-up. You’re obviously creative types, so I’m sure you can appreciate that it’s important to us to have a say in how our fans encounter the worlds we build." (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Bucktown and Chicago — or other neighborhoods. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

In the letter, Netflix assures the owners that it doesn't want "to go full Dr. Brenner" on them — a call-out to Matthew Modine's shady scientist and director of the just-as-shady Hawkins National Laboratory, the origin point for the series strange things. The letter asks the owners to shut down the pop-up bar after Sept. 30, the pop-up's original closing date, and to secure permission for any future "Stranger Things"-themed activities.

RELATED: 'Stranger Things'-Style Bar Pops Up In Logan Square

"We love our fans more than anything, but you should know the Demogorgon is not always as forgiving. So please don’t make us call your mom," the letter states.

Named after the creepy alternate dimension in "Stranger Things" that's home to the nasty, aforementioned Demogorgon, The Upside Down bar opened Aug. 18 as an homage to the show, which is set in 1983 and based on the extraordinary happenings in Hawkins, Indiana, and the group of kids trying to discover what's behind them. Some of the pop-up bar's details included "Stranger Things"-themed artwork and design installations from local artists and designers, as well as live music and series-inspired cocktails.

The Upside Down is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wedneday through Friday, noon to 3 a.m. Saturday, and noon to 2 a.m. Sunday. The bar will continue to host special events in its final days. An all-ages open house is set for Monday, Sept. 25, and the pop-up will host a dance party Sept. 30 with DJ Heaven Malone playing music from the mid-late '70s and very early '80s.

Go to the Upside Down's Instagram page or the Emporium's websitefor updates and more information. The entire second season of "Stranger Things" debuts on Netflix Oct. 27.

Image via Netflix

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