I met up with some family and friends at Bar Louie in the Bayshore Town Center. I rarely get out to malls because they overwhelm me, and I’m an impatient shopper. So, I was interested to see how I’d enjoy this relatively new territory.
I’ll begin with the positive(s). There were at least 20 taps, and they’re $3 each during happy hour, which lasts until 7 p.m. Unfortunately, that’s all for the plus side.
A few panoramic windows open up to a spacious patio with a view overlooking the mall — and its surrounding parking lots. Yes, I know, what did I expect? I’m not sure what I was hoping for; perhaps this place was doomed from receiving my approval just for being part of a shopping complex.
But that’s not all. The interior is generic. The photos scattered about the bar/restaurant included a lonesome martini glass, an unknown woman laughing with this absurd grid effect going on. And by effect, I mean there were black squares drawn all over the photo. There was no real theme or emotion — I didn’t feel anything when I was there. In dive bars, I can relate to the history, intrigue, even the dirt. I knew Bar Louie was a chain before going, but it felt that way, too.
The clientele was mixed with middle-aged women and 17-year-old girls out on their summer prowl. I think one was enjoying some Chardonnay with her mother.
I have to say, I couldn’t beat the company on this particular evening, but Bar Louie was just plain uncool. The service was laughable. Not bad, just a young guy doing his thing with a sort of nonchalant attitude. We asked another server for our bill, and he literally shouted our server’s name from across the restaurant, looked back at us and said, “How bout that?” I thought that was pretty sweet.
I probably won’t go back to Bar Louie.
Mikey’s
811 N. Jefferson St.
Friday-Saturday, June 25-26
“Bye, Bye, Liver: The Milwaukee Drinking Play.” Enjoy this interactive, comedic performance from 9-11 p.m. Go to www.byebyeliver.comfor ticket and show information.
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps, and three sliders for $3.
La Merenda
125 E. National Ave.
Mondays
Half-price bottles of wine!
Rustico Pizzeria
223 N. Water St.
Mondays
From 9 p.m.-close, take advantage of $1 slice night.
Blackbird
3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Tuesdays
Free tacos from Hector’s, 4-8 p.m., or until supplies last. Also, $4 margaritas and $2 Pacifico and Corona.
Café LuLu
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Wino Wednesdays
Every Wednesday starting at 5 p.m., enjoy $10 off bottles of wine.
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.
Kenadee’s Ultra Pub
718 N. Milwaukee St.
Fridays
Bitch Pleeze Fridays: Ladies drink free mixers every Friday from 10 p.m.-midnight. Kenny Perez provides the music. No cover. No dress code.
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Saturdays
Enjoy the spins of special guest DJs from LA, Las Vegas, New York City and Chicago. The special of the evening: $100 bottles of Belvedere vodka, of course.
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.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. Ninth St.
Tuesday-Thursday
Old-Fashioned Cocktail Hour
Bryant’s happy hour is from 5-9 p.m. and includes half price Old-Fashioneds and Depression-era cocktails.
