I just spoke with my old college roommate and she told me she was having her year review this week. “Damn, that’s crazy!” I articulated in Gchat. Our brief conversation about where our first post-college year went got me thinking about my arrival to Milwaukee. I came into town just as the seasons were changing – when I still went running on the Lake trail along Bradford Beach. I was crashing on my brother’s couch, looking for a place to live.
In my early exploring, I’d go to nearby bars like Vox and Yield to read, meet people or chat with the bartenders. I put my time in at MJ’s on Milwaukee Street and the County Clare. And I’m still discovering new bars – nearly every week, in fact. Some, I hurry back to. Others, I try to forget.
So here it is: My year review.
Top 5 Bars
1. County Clare (1234 N. Astor St.)
The County Clare holds a special place in my Irish-blooded heart. The bartenders are kind, they remember what you drink and they pour a wicked Guinness. Though you may sit through consecutive U2 albums, at least their song selections have merit. If Bono isn’t bumping, you’ll hear traditional Irish tunes or American folk/rock classics. The décor includes Gaelic sayings and Guinness signage. They usually have live music on weekends and if you’re lucky at closing time, with only a few remaining patrons, an Irish man at the end of the bar will recite a limerick or two – that was a special night, indeed.
2. Comet Café (1947 N. Farwell Ave.)
I go to Comet too much. The Thursday night special, half off wine bottles, is my new favorite. We sat next to one of the workers, who offered us a cupcake from the sister restaurant, Honey Pie in Bay View – delightful Blueberry. We traded him some wine in return. There’s almost always a rare movie or nature/culture show playing silently on the TV set above the bar. The music varies with the bartender in control, but is always palatable. The beer selection is what keeps me coming back, though. Two of my girlfriends were in town one night, and we set out to try an impressive variety of IPA brews. At one point the bartender says, “What are you trying to do?” That was my favorite Comet night.
3. Bruno’s (1329 E. Brady St.)
Bruno’s on Brady Street is easily missed if you’re not actively seeking out a night at what feels like a VFW post. This is a bar where you order $1 PBRs and other “bad beer.” And if you want any liquor, it’d better be whiskey because that’s all they got – four bottles of whiskey. You should also be friendly to the clientele and take their requests when inserting your money into the inexpensive jukebox filled with classic 45s. There’s no telling where you’ll end up after Bruno’s. After my last visit, I found myself regretfully making my first trip to the Casino. Not fun.
4. Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge (1579 S. 9th St.)
I put Bryant’s on my Top Five list because it’s a fascinating trip to the ’30s. The lounge offers an experience that goes beyond drinking – though the strong fanciful cocktails don’t hinder a good time. I’ve only gone once, but I have every intention of going back. I suppose I’m waiting for the right partner who will also enjoy the jarring darkness and well-dressed bartenders.
5. Blu (424 E. Wisconsin Ave.)
I was between Blu and Scaffiddi’s for this final slot. I realize they are eerily similar, but I had to go with the sweet view and people-watching offered by the classy penthouse spot. The last few times I’ve been into Blu have been completely random and all the more interesting. I am never dressed the part, nor my companions. You may run into some older gentlemen or young entrepreneurs who think they’re hot tamales, or questionable adult PDA, but that’s all part of the spectacle. And the view is worthwhile, but you’ll have a hard time getting a seat by the windows on weekends. Oh, and I have yet to go to a Full Moon party, but I hear great things.
Cringe-worthy
1. G. Daddy’s BBC (2022 E. North Ave.)
G. Daddy’s never exactly beckoned me to enter its doors, but I knew I had to think about my job and give it a whirl. My nose was immediately insulted with bowling alley-mold-smoke flavor. We sat at the bar and considered the $6 pitcher of Miller Lite on special. There were three or four others at the bar. One man carded us and then walked away. A couple minutes later, another man says, “I’ll be with you in a minute.” My friend says, “Let’s go somewhere else.” I say, “Okay,” and we never turned back.
2. Rascal’s (2311 N. Murray Ave.)
Rascal’s is dangerous. They have a special every day, all day: $1 taps and rail drinks. You can only imagine the crowd that kind of deal will bring in – college students, creeps and the homeless. Now, I’m not one to judge a crowd or a hole-in-the-wall, but I also don’t enjoy being pestered when I’m out. I’ve been there a couple times and the drinkers are predominantly older males who will talk to you. Sorry, Rascal’s.
3. Kenadee’s (725 N. Milwaukee St.)
I’ll say this again and again, Kenadee’s suffers from an embarrassing identity crisis. I simply cannot understand a lime green lodge theme. Why would anyone who lives in a lodge think, “Let’s go swanky with this thing and get some fluorescents going with a dash of modernism.” Am I missing the irony? Either way, the concept is beyond me. And they have too many televisions and antler chandeliers. The Milwaukee Street location doesn’t help either.
4. Victor’s (1230 N. Van Buren St.)
I don’t have much to say about Victor’s. I am forever scarred by my New Year’s Eve experience. No, I have not revisited and yes I will get there soon and report back. I’m gathering the courage. The 45 minutes I spent in that black hole killed my buzz, and I walked home angry and confused. The place was unreal.
5. RC’s (1530 E. North Ave.) and most of Water Street
I’ve been to RC’s twice, both times with my sister. I don’t know how anyone would choose to go there. There is a long bar, cocktail tables, a beer garden, and some loud, cocky sons-a-guns. The people at RC’s and Water Street severely turn me off. Aesthetically, the bar could be a visual Mecca, but as long as the obnoxious, whiney drunks are out, I’ll turn my back on salvation. I often question my disdain, but a trip past McGillycuddy’s or The Harp on a Saturday night justifies my intense emotion.
And there you have my year in review. Let me know where you agree or disagree. Do you have any bars that I should consider on my Top Five, or is there a bar that makes you cringe?
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. 9th St.
Tuesday-Friday
Old Fashioned Cocktail Hour from 5-9 p.m. Half price old fashions and Depression-era cocktails
Thief Wine Shop & Bar
400 N. Water St.
October 10-11
Thief Wine will be participating in Wine & Dine Wisconsin, Milwaukee’s premier wine and food festival. Dozens of food purveyors, seminars, demonstrations, and, of course, wine! Visit wineanddinewisconsin.com for more details and ticket information.
Stonefly Brewery
735 E. Center St.
Friday, October 9
Krumbsnatcha, Tableek, M-Dot, King Hell Bastard, House of M, Ra-G at 8:30 p.m.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Saturday, October 10
John The Savage, Netherfriends, Worrier. 10 p.m.
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Saturday, October 24
Samantha Ronson. Doors open at 10 p.m.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday-Friday 3:30-6 p.m.
Movie nights at Brocach have come to a close. Try their happy hour: half off all top shelf Irish and scotch whiskies, 20 oz. pint of Guinness and shot of Powers for $6.25, or $5 wines by the glass
Kenadee’s Ultra Pub
718 N. Milwaukee St.
Mondays
Touchdown Mondays. Every week starting at 6 p.m. enjoy the free taco bar and a bucket of beer for $12. Win a pair of tickets to a Packer game at Lambeau.
Hi Hat Lounge & Garage
1701 N. Arlington Pl.
Thursdays
Ladies Night: DJs Kid Cut Up and Steve Marxx and two complimentary drinks for the ladies.
Rustico Pizzeria
223 N. Water St.
Thursdays
Every Thursday buy a pitcher of beer and get a free pizza. Check out the Web site for more daily specials.
Café Lulu
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Monday-Friday
Try the Lulu happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7 p.m. and Mon-Thurs 11 p.m.-close. Take a $1 off all rail drinks, tap beer and wine.
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
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps and three sliders for $3.
