I was at the opening of Charro (729 E. Milwaukee St.) and I was quite impressed. The hottest new Latin fusion lounge/restaurant is finally here. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever.
Walking into the old Tangerine, there were no remnants of a club gone ghetto. Charro is sleek, sophisticated and caters to many different crowds.
The foodie will enjoy Charro for its diverse and eye-opening menu. The ladies who like to perch on a bar-stool will love that the drink menu is fun and fruity. And the late night crowd will enjoy that Charro is open late and claims to have a late-night food menu, too.
However, I wonder how long that concept will stick around.
Speaking of sticky-factor, who remembers Have a Nice Day Café? Anyone…anyone? Yeah, I barely remember it either. One too many fishbowls during my 365 days as a 21-year-old did some serious damage to my memory, but some things are better left in the past.
That’s why Suite (1103 Old World Third St.) decided not to bring back the fishbowl and foot-long straws. However, bringing the classy scene to Milwaukee means satisfying all patrons, not just the ones who are able to buy a bottle of Grey Goose.
If you are going to Suite, and the only way you’ll ever be able to afford bottle service is if your Grandmother comes with you, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Unless you’re a baller, or with a baller, or you have the guts to try to impose on a baller, Suite doesn’t allow you to sit down…anywhere.
I tried taking a breather on a couch after dancing my heart out and the sweetest lingerie-clad couch bouncer came over to me and my friend. She smiled so politely and asked me if I needed a bottle of Grey Goose. I smiled back and said, “No, thank you.”
She walked, actually more like scooted – you can’t really walk in the outfit she was wearing unless the overall goal was Northern Exposure – to find her boss. I’m assuming it was the same guy who told her to embarrass herself by dressing up in Victoria’s Secret.
Anyway, his name was Ray. I know this because after he threatened to throw me out of the club for sitting on a white couch that a) had nobody on it b) had no reserved sign c) was calling my name after I tore-up the dance floor, I asked him what his name was.
At Suite, when you buy a bottle, scantily-clad women scoot over with the bottle of liquor chilling on ice. One girl puts the chilled bucket on top of her head like she is living in Africa and collecting the day’s water supply from the river. Then, a parade of other girls light sparklers, similar to the ones seen at Fourth of July festivities. It’s supposed to draw attention. I think it’s over-done and tacky.
I won’t be trying Suite again. My feet have never been as swollen after a night out on the town as they were last Friday. I get what Suite is trying to do with the whole bottle-service thing. However, when it comes to the club scene, instilling the classy on this town is a concept that has yet to be fully grasped.
Okay, here’s what I’ve been obsessed with in Milwaukee lately. I’m a little late in the game seeing as everyone was talking about this place a few months ago, but I finally went to Brocach (1850 N. Water St.), and you should too. The cozy fire upstairs and the candlelight on every table makes this the perfect place to perch when it’s five degrees outside and snowing.
They also made my night because I ordered spiked hot chocolate and it was pretty amazing. Below is a list of what they have going on everyday and if you’re saying, “Yeah… been there, done that.” Call me old fashioned, but this place is so much better than any club or swanky lounge on a cold and dreary night. The fire, the hot toddy… come on, it’s brilliant!
Happy Hour
Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Receive half off all top shelf Irish and Scotch whiskies; a pint of Guinness and a shot of Bushmills for $6; and all wine by the glass is $6.
Late Night Drink Specials
Everyday, 10 p.m. – close
Come in to close the bar and you get $3 Van Gogh and Rehorst mixers, $5 Van Gogh and Rehorst martinis, $1.50 Miller High Life bottles and $4 Hendricks mixers.
Trivia with Paul Kennedy
Wednesday, 9 p.m.
This place is packed every Wednesday night for the game where watching every episode of “Friends” is sure to make you a winner.
Open Mic Night
Thursday, 9:30 p.m.
Time to show off as Brocach gives you your 15 minutes of fame.
