Halloween Review: Evil Deadites invade The Set Speakeasy

The Set offers a new Evil Dead theme for their 2025 Halloween Speakeasy.

The Set, a speakeasy tucked in the back of That ’80s Bar in Montclair, presents a variety of themes throughout the year (Matterhorn Lodge in winter, the Tron-ish The Grid in spring/summer). Halloween of course means horror, and this year horror takes a new form: The Rift, which replaces last year’s Macabre Manor with a cabin in the woods. And not just any cabin in the woods – this one has been invaded by Deadites, creating an Evil Dead Halloween speakeasy! As Ash (Bruce Campbell) would say in the movies, “Groovy!”

The basic setup remains the same: a ninety-minute immersive experience, in which you imbibe themed cocktails while surrounded by convincing props and sets that put you inside your favorite horror movie franchise. Horror fans in general should have a great time, but Evil Dead fans in particular will want this on their must-see list.

Evil Dead Halloween Speakeasy Review: Bringing Deadites to Life

There are plenty of bars offering immersive/interactive Halloween experiences. How does The Rift measure up? First, it nails the isolated cabin setting with wooden walls, “oil” lanterns, and half-boarded windows which offer tantalizing glimpses of horror outside (via video projections). Adding to the immersion is the spectacular ceiling (more projection effects) with broken rafters revealing swirling clouds and (occasionally) swirling spirits.

More than a generic cabin in the woods, The Rift features numerous props that are instantly recognizable to Evil Dead fans: two versions the Necronomicon book chained to the wall, the tape recorder with the incantation that raises the Kandarian demons, the rocking chair moved by an invisible hand, a mounted deer head that comes to macabre life, and a chained cellar door with a Deadite straining to get out (looks a little more like Henrietta than Cheryl, but we need to rewatch the films to be sure). Hell, before you even get into the main cabin section of the speakeasy, there’s a nice depiction of the infamous work shed where Ash puts his dead girlfriend Linda’s possessed head in a vice. And justifying the title, a window behind the bar reveals the swirling rift in time and space that opens at the end of Evil Dead II.

The only thing missing this year is live entertainment. Past presentations at The Set have included a couple of performers, usually a magician and an actor playing an in habitant of the setting. None were on view this year. When we made inquiries, we were told that we were attending a “soft opening,” implying that more would be added later in the show’s run, but no specifics were given. Truly, what The Rift needs to send it completely over the top is a Bruce Campbell-lookalike marching around with his chainsaw hand while proclaiming protecting the audience from Kandarian demons.

Evil Dead Halloween Speakeasy Review: Cocktails for a haunted Cabin

The Rift’s cocktails and other beverages are themed to the seasonal setting, with names like Boomstick Blond Ale, Deadite Destroyer, Ash’s Basil Smash, Dead by Dawn Daquiri, Linda’s Sugar Lips, Groovy Old Fashioned, and Henrietta’s Headspin. Straight shots and The Set Vesper (a variation on the famous James Bond martini) are also available. Based on flavor alone, the Boomstick Shot (Rumchata, Fireball Cinnamon whiskey, and vanilla vodka whipped cream) will leave you feeling dead by dawn. Served in a souvenir shotgun shell, it packs quite a punch despire its small size.

Other drinks benefit from clever presentation in addition to their flavor profiles. Cellar Dweller and Evil Tree Entanglements are topped with frothy bubbles (the latter release smoke when popped). Possessed Punch comes with a swizzle stick inspired by the movies. The menu description indicted the stick would resemble a chainsaw, but instead it was a withered hand with a raised middle finger (as Ash’s severed hand flips him off in Evil Dead II), so who’s complaining? Definitely not us!

One important note: tables at The Rift have individual bar codes so that you can order and have your drinks delivered. Considering the short walk to the bar, this may sound like an unnecessary luxury, but it really pays off with Cellar Dweller and Evil Tree Entanglement, whose bubbles are likely to dissipate by the time you walk your drink back to your seat. Better to order via your phone and let the bartenders add the bubbles at your table, so you get the full effect.

Evil Dead Halloween Speakeasy Review: Conclusion

The Rift‘s Evil Dead Halloween Speakeasy feels more casual than previous events at The Set. Entry times were not strictly policed (perhaps because crowds are light earlier in the season), and there was no mention of a two-drink minimum in addition to the entry fee (not that that stopped us). Also, guests are invited to check out That 80’s Bar after completing their time inside The Rift, which did not happen before.

The relaxed atmosphere is nice, enhancing a possibly overlooked feature of The Rift: a chance to bond with fellow cult-film lovers. The Evil Dead is a niche film franchise. Your neighbors and coworkers may not know about it, but odds are high for finding fellow fans here. You can explain details to the uninitiated while arguing over which film is best (spoiler: correct answer is Evil Dead II). This is an opportunity not to be missed.

Our only disappointment was the absence of live talent. Other than that, the Rift is more than just good. It’s “Groovy!”

The Rift Evil Dead Halloween Speakeasy Photo Gallery