I found myself in Burlington again last week. Though the extended visit was unexpected, I soaked up each moment spent with the family. We cousins, all seventeen of us, attempted a choral performance, which was heartfelt but comical. Another day we took turns shooting Jose Cuervo until the bottle emptied – there is a somewhat sensible context here, but I’ll leave you in the dark, for curiosity’s sake. Later that night, the family gathered around the bonfire for s’mores, Smithwick’s, stories and songs.
What I’m trying to say is that my family knows how to have a good time. On a couple nights, the cousins went out to the Burlington bars after most of the family retired for the evening. The first was B.J. Wentkers (230 Milwaukee Ave.), the historic triangular bar and grill. The front section looks more like a cocktail area with high tables and chairs next to the dark wood bar. An old cigar lighter atop the bar lends to the historic feel. My cousin immediately spotted the extra-large promotional Stella glass, and without hesitation told the bartender to “fill ‘er up.” We enjoyed kind service as the young man continued to humor our ridiculous behavior and scattered requests – he gave me a half pint free of charge, since they normally don’t serve that size. Of course, we then jestingly ordered nothing but half pints, since they “didn’t compute.” The back section of the bar was the restaurant area. Wentkers provided a relaxing, classy atmosphere.
For something a little cheaper, we tried our luck at John’s Main Event (556 N. Pine St.). This was your typical sports bar with longer tables and an Internet jukebox. We battled for songs with the other three people in the bar, who must have put in $5 just to disrupt our enjoyment of The Kinks. John’s was a cozy joint, but nothing too impressive about the atmosphere. Nevertheless we had an expected good time.
After nearly a week in Burlington, I was back in the Mil at Balzac (1716 N. Arlington Pl.). I have to point out that we received excellent service. I sat on the patio outside with a friend. I enjoyed a half price glass of Malbec from their pricier bin selection (they offer half price specials on wine every Sunday, all day) and my friend chose the Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter accompanied by his rendition of the Gordon Lightfoot song. I’ve already reviewed Balzac with screeching disapproval, but I must say I enjoyed this revisit. The patio is gorgeous with trellises covered in ivy and white Christmas lights. Seating was nearly full, yet our server was quick to get us started with a drink, and pleasant to boot. I still stand by my earlier outrage, but all is not lost for Balzac. Take a seat outside before it’s too late.
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.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. 9th St.
Tuesday through Friday: Half Price Old Fashions and Depression Era Cocktails from 5-9 p.m.
Stonefly Brewery
735 E. Center St.
Friday, September 11: Bike Federation Bike-In movie after party starts at 10 p.m.
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Saturdays: Soundz by Kenny Perez. Doors open at 10 p.m. $100 bottles of Belvedere vodka.
Kenadee’s Ultra Pub
718 N. Milwaukee St.
Monday-Wednesday: Happy hour 4-9 p.m. Enjoy $2 taps and $5 appetizers.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday, August 31: Check out Brocach’s Monday movie night on the patio with free kettle corn and $2.50 Lakefront bottles. This Monday, Star Wars.
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
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Friday, September 11 at 9:30 p.m.: Wizard Of Cause, Lookbook, Daylight Robbery, Johnny Prophylactic
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays: $1 off all taps and three sliders for $3.
