The night began with my friend’s nephew’s preschool Christmas program, where we enjoyed the most precious, priceless entertainment. After coffee and cake, we decided to stick to the ’burbs for pizza and beer. My companions were familiar with Trysting Place Pub (N71W12980 Appleton Ave.) in Menomonee Falls, so off we went. A middle-aged man preceded us into the restaurant, dodging chivalry by letting the door swing closed behind him. We pushed through the first set of doors and into a spacious room that felt similar to the entrance to a grocery store or a large chain restaurant. We opted for seats at the centrally located, T-shaped bar.
I scanned for goodies and noticed two pool tables with matching MGD racecar lights, a dartboard, a popcorn machine and a jukebox. We got to business discussing a pitcher when the bartender overheard and offered to fill us up. One Miller Lite pitcher put us $6.50 in the hole — the prices in the suburbs are definitely a relief for the pocket. The crowd was, however, suburban. A group of women on one side of us were gathering before a volleyball game and discussing line lengths at Target. The four women on the other side of us were in sweatpants. The tables of men next to them wore dress shirts, enjoying an extended happy hour. We were the youngest people in the bar.
Nevertheless, we carved a niche for ourselves near the dartboard. Playing several games ate up a solid portion of our time and money. See, they put a change machine right next to the board, and, for some reason, it makes cashing quarters fun and easy. But you must be careful when selecting a dart game such as cutthroat cricket. I thought I started a normal game, but when it came to player three, the computer (aka Ernie) started nailing triples down the line. Curse you, Ernie. He beat us in fewer than 10 rounds.
We distracted ourselves with pizza, free popcorn and more than 17 televisions. I began to wonder though why anyone who lives in the city would want to go out in the suburbs to drink. Prices might be better in certain establishments, but why drive out of the way when a selection of bars is just around the corner from home? I’m conflicted because I enjoy seeking out the unknown. I love walking into a place I’ve never been before and sitting among people who I wouldn’t otherwise interact with. It’s something to think about. Share your thoughts in the comments section. Do you have to force yourself to leave the city and try out a new bar in the suburbs or elsewhere? Or vice versa?
Holiday Spice Challenge
I also have to share a seasonal side note concerning the Lakefront Holiday Spice. My brother, a friend and I were relaxing with this beer and began feeling a little strange. After some online research, I discovered that the brew boasts a dangerous 11 percent ABV. Things get awkward after two. Anyway, my brother was intrigued and sought out beer reviews online. One that stuck out was a post mentioning the “Holiday Spice Challenge.” If you drink a six-pack solo, you win. Similar to the “Milk Gallon Challenge,” this has to be impossible. Have you had the Holiday Spice? What were your thoughts?
Kenadee’s Ultra Pub
718 N. Milwaukee St.
Wednesday, Dec. 23
Join Kenadee’s Pub for its holiday party. Enjoy half off drinks and Nintendo Wii on the big screen. Party begins at 8 p.m.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Saturday, Dec. 26
10 p.m.
DJ Doormouse and DJ Anonymous, Kid Millions, Juiceboxxx
Stonefly Brewery
735 E. Center St.
Saturday, Dec. 26
9 p.m.
Tap the Masses presents the Third-Annual Air Guitar Showdown.
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps, and three sliders for $3.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. 9th St.
Mondays
Open Christmas Eve and Christmas day from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Bryant’s second-floor lounge turns into a Speakeasyon Monday nights. Check out the link for more details.
Rustico Pizzeria
223 N. Water St.
Mondays
I’m excited about this one. From 9 p.m.-close, take advantage of $1 slice night.
Blackbird
3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Tuesdays
Blackbird offers one of my new favorite happy hour specials: Free tacos from Hector’s, 4-8 p.m., or until supplies last. Also, $4 margaritas and $2 Pacifico and Corona.
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.
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Saturdays
Doors open at 10 p.m. with music by Kenny Perez, and $100 bottles of Belvedere vodka.
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.
Café Lulu
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Monday-Friday
Join the Lulu crew and watch Cash Cab from 4-5 p.m. Enjoy $1 off all rail drinks, tap beer and wine.
