I had my first Vintage (2203 N. Prospect Ave.) experience on Saturday night, and the place was filled to the brim. The pool table was occupied as was the bar and most of the cocktail tables. One of the bartenders was feeling pretty good and asked her patrons what they wanted to hear from the old iPod. Madonna was playing, and I had no opinion otherwise. We stayed for a couple beers at four bucks a pop, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about the bar. Where’s the old school feel, I wondered, looking at four flat screens and an Internet jukebox. I needed a second look.
Monday night rolled around, and I was thirsty for take two. I walked in and was very much alone on this quiet night. The bartender was having a sit down, enjoying a little basketball. Josh Manchester, the libation provider, says the place is usually busy with a wide-ranging demographic since they opened the bar April 1. He is a regular bartender and one of four partners. Isaac Pabst and Brian Godfrey assume the role of owners, and Manchester and Becky Godfrey team up as the co-general managers.
Josh says owning a bar has been a dream of his since he was 20 years old. “I’ve been having fun in this neighborhood for over 15 years; this is my way to give back,” he adds. So when Vox closed down after 15 years of business, the four partners got together and everything fit. With unique personalities and specialized skills, they each had something to bring to the table.
But they still have some work to do. The bar hasn’t had its grand opening yet, and they are still finishing the interior. The biggest draw to the bar’s location and design is the open-air feel, complete with a smoke-free policy. Windows and doors slide completely open to the spacious sidewalk patio. They uncovered carpet and ceramic tile to expose the terrazzo floor, which offers a clean look. The bar and liquor shelving were in fine shape from Vox, so they remain intact. And the exposed brick is always a draw in Milwaukee establishments. Plus, they held onto the large projector screen from Vox, behind the movable lounge area with two black leather couches. Josh says they might use the equipment and screen films on Sundays.
Art is another finishing touch, which will keep to the vintage theme. Josh threw out possible images like old gas pumps, pin-ups, motorcycles, James Dean and a few easily accessible items from the Pabst vault.
Josh is excited about adding theme nights and specials. “Bike Night” stuck out to me, in particular. Apparently they have a hip, young motorcycle following as well as bike polo players. The evening will feature drink specials and hard rock music. A favorite special seems to be $2 PBR and $1 off Irish whiskey. Sounds lovely to me. They also offer the new retro Shlitz 16-ounce cans, which are labeled “Tall Boy” as a cool, friendly reminder.
Eventually they’ll add live music. This Thursday night, for example, they are bringing in a flamenco guitar player.
I honestly was a little hesitant about Vintage, but Josh turned my frown upside-down. He told me the bar has been a cocktail lounge since the 1920s, and they are excited to be a part of the tradition. Let’s see how they do.
Thief Wine Shop and Bar
400 N. Water St.
Thursday, April 22
Stop in for the winemaker tasting with Ron Coleman, owner of Tamarack Cellars in Washington. Taste four wines for $5. There are no specific seatings, and no RSVPs required. Come in anytime between 5:30-7 p.m.
Mikey’s
811 N. Jefferson St.
Friday-Saturday, April 23-24
Bye, Bye, Liver: The Milwaukee Drinking Play. Enjoy this interactive, comedic performance from 9-11 p.m. Go to www.byebyeliver.com for ticket and show information.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Saturday, April 24
10 p.m.
Karaoke Party
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps, and three sliders for $3.
Rustico Pizzeria
223 N. Water St.
Mondays
From 9 p.m.-close, take advantage of $1 slice night.
Blackbird
3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Tuesdays
Free tacos from Hector’s, 4-8 p.m., or until supplies last. Also, $4 margaritas and $2 Pacifico and Corona.
Café Lulu
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Wino Wednesdays
Every Wednesday starting at 5 p.m., enjoy $10 off bottles of wine.
Polish Falcon’s Nest 725
801 E. Clarke St.
Wednesdays
Open Bowl on the oldest lanes in town. And it only costs $3.25 a game plus $1 for shoes.
Decibel
1905 North Ave.
Thursdays
Hey ladies! Free drinks until midnight. Everyone else pays $3 for Stoli drinks. Not bad. No cover.
Hi-Hat Lounge & Garage
1701 N. Arlington Pl.
Thursdays
Ladies Night: DJs Kid Cut Up and Steve Marxx. Two complimentary drinks for the ladies.
Kenadee’s Ultra Pub
718 N. Milwaukee St.
Fridays
Bitch Pleeze Fridays: Ladies drink free mixers every Friday from 10 p.m.-midnight. Kenny Perez provides the music. No cover. No dress code.
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Saturdays
Enjoy the spins of special guest DJs from LA, Las Vegas, New York City and Chicago. The special of the evening: $100 bottles of Belvedere vodka, of course.
Mo’s Irish Pub
142 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Sundays
Take your Sunday Fun-day to Mo’s for $5 Bloodies and 3-for-$1 wings.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday-Friday
From 3:30 to 6 p.m., try happy hour: Half off all top-shelf Irish and scotch whiskies. 20 oz. pint of Guinness and shot of Powers for $6.25. $5 wines by the glass.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. Ninth St.
Tuesday-Thursday
Old-Fashioned Cocktail Hour
Bryant’s happy hour is from 5-9 p.m. and includes half price Old-Fashioneds and Depression-era cocktails.
