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| BTW Lounge |
The “T” in their logo is fashioned after the iconic entertainer Madonna, so it only makes sense that BTW Lounge (231 E. Buffalo St.) is as classy and chic as the recording artist herself. Once Soho 7, the contemporary Historic Third Ward location houses chiffon tapestry, vibrant teal and modern club chairs, all of which made my Tuesday night vodka and seltzer feel incredibly posh. Although to be fair, a votive candle could probably improve the elegance of my weekday drinks.
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| Miss Anastasia Deverreoux |
While the décor screams swank, the Tuesday night drag queen bingo host, Miss Anastasia Deverreoux, channels a more explicit tone, bringing the event into the realm of dinner and a show. She peppered rounds with amusing anecdotes surrounding the Chris Brown vs. Rihanna saga and provided helpful tips to players including “don’t drink and drive, drink while driving. It’s more efficient.” Prizes could be anything from champagne gift baskets to an array of pornographic videos (previewed during the event with commentary provided by Miss Anastasia.)
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| BTW Lounge |
Rehorst mixers were half price during my visit, but the pleasant and prompt bartending staff are eager to serve up an extensive cocktail menu with a couple concoctions I’ve diagnosed as having an identity crisis. Milwaukee is infamous for its brewing heritage, maybe some sausage, but a drink of this namesake at BTW tastes of a chocolate martini and is garnished with a chocolate chip cookie? Maybe there is a correlation I’m missing. The “Honolulu” ($9) is sprinkled with what is said to be “espresso beans” but unfortunately for them espresso beans are just as likely to be as real as unicorns and the tooth fairy. Not to mention that while Hawaii is the only one of the 50 states that harvests coffee beans, it’s predominately the big island that grows the plant. Perhaps the opinionated nature of this job is getting the best of me but if you’re going to call something the “Honolulu” it should smell of suntan lotion and taste of coconuts.
Ill-named cocktails aside, Tuesday nights are not the only occasion to embrace the art of the drag queen with periodically scheduled shows and a Sunday Disco Brunch. And not to be outdone, the lineup for the rest of the week has equal opportunities for what is bound to be raunchy good fun. Late nights at the lounge get provocative with bikini and “best package” contests. Check btwlounge.com for details and get your fluffer on standby because they’re excited to “teach you how to lounge.”
