The nightlife world has embraced pop-ups in recent years, as creative operators brought temporary life to unique concepts. A Denver couple wanted to go beyond the pop-up by opening a permanent space with rotating themes, so they could explore a variety of ideas under one roof.

The result is Adventure Time Bar, a newly opened bar in Denver’s Baker neighborhood. Its first theme is Neon City, designed as a futuristic cyberpunk world filled with glowing plasma walls, neon holograms, and creative cocktails. It draws inspiration from works like “Blade Runner,” “Akira,” and “The Matrix.”

The bar is about 1,550 square feet and has interactive elements sprinkled throughout the space, including special lights and lasers that react to sound and touch. There’s also a custom playlist tied to the Neon City setting that will evolve as new themes are unveiled.

Tickets are required for entry, with 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. seatings on Thursdays, and an additional 10 p.m. seating on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations include a welcome cocktail, a themed souvenir, and 90 minutes to explore the space and hang out. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

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“Adventure Time Bar is about creating a true escape,” said Sam Wood, a veteran bartender who opened the bar with his wife and creative partner, Laura. “Every theme is a brand-new adventure. That sense of wonder extends to every detail, from the music and design to what’s in your glass. The cocktails don’t just complement the world, they’re central to the story.”

This type of storytelling isn’t an entirely new venture for the couple. Laura works in the entertainment industry, and Sam has spent nearly two decades behind the bar, building award-winning cocktail programs and launching the ’80s arcade-themed bar, The One Up, in Los Angeles.

The cocktails match the setting and enlist modern techniques, like centrifugal clarification, forced carbonation, and molecular manipulation. Many include extravagant garnishes, layered textures, and creative presentations.

Co-owners Sam and Laura Wood wanted to create an escape for guests.

A few standouts are the milk-washed Cyberpunk Punch, made with mezcal, miso syrup, acidified pineapple, and ginger bitters, and the Lucy’s Dream, a fun take on the Ramos Gin Fizz that’s flash-frozen and served on a plate with a knife and fork. The Atom Smasher is like boozy Dippin’ Dots, and it’s essentially a Last Word cocktail (gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime), but frozen into pearls and served in a saucer with a spoon.

“Every drink is meant to spark joy and surprise,” said Laura Wood. “We love playing around with nostalgia, those familiar flavors and memories, but presenting them in a way that feels brand new.”

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Themes will change quarterly, so the bar will close for about a week between themes to allow for the breakdown and set up of new installations. Each new concept will also feature a corresponding cocktail menu.

The next theme isn’t decided yet, but the team says they’ve been toying with ideas like a ’90s after-school setting, Gotham City, or Oz.