When people ask Mike Roman how he became a bar owner, he’ll reply, "I didn’t pay attention, and I skipped out on career day, but it’s my passion."
Mike Roman moved into the historic, humble house with beige siding, now known as Romans’ Pub (3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.), in 1978. He bought out his partner seven months after opening and has been serving MKE since.
A lot of history has happened, and a lot of booze has been drunk, within the old house’s walls since it was built in 1885. Originally an old stagecoach stop roadhouse, the building went undercover as a speakeasy during prohibition. The legacy continues. For thirteen years, now, Mike’s joint has been named one of the best bars to drink beer in America (Imbibe Magazine Sept/Oct 2008). He’s proud to call it home.
"Mike Roman is one of those guys who’s not afraid to tell somebody if he likes him or not," says regular and former "customer of the week" Dave A.
Dave continued to inform me that Mike has no tolerance for people who come in completely inebriated.
"We do not deal with intoxicated and/or obnoxious people," Mike adds.
Dave shared tips to getting on Mike’s good side, or at least not pissing him off: "Don’t ask him &lsquowhat’s good’ or &lsquowhy don’t you have Miller Lite on tap?’
On the contrary, he and the other bartenders are incredibly helpful with tastes and descriptions when called upon for assistance form a curious customer – has long as you’re not a pompous jackass.
Mike’s relationship with Miller distributors is nonexistent. He threw out their kegs when they wouldn’t give him the same perks of his higher volume competitors. They restricted any gifting of signage or concert passes, so Mike now begrudgingly only serves Miller bottles.
Oh yes, and they endearingly refer to Miller and other bad beer as "ball wash." You can take that either as a golf reference or…you know .
Mike’s motto is pretty simple: Clean beer lines and fresh beer at the right temp, in the correct glass. After talking to one of his regulars who used words like gregarious and classic to describe Mike, it’s clear that the man behind that bar is a big attraction&mdashof course the 31 diverse taps updated hourly by Mike with descriptions by Mike (and a little help from the internet) certainly help.
I sat at a stool and drank Mike’s favorite, the Goose Island IPA, while talking to him and watching him tend bar. The ashtray in front of me read "Smile, you’re in cigar country," and all around me the walls were decked with signage from microbrews and old photos of the house from the turn-of-the-century. In the midst of answering a question, Mike paused to say goodbye to a customer.
"Say hi to Kathy, give her my love," and he was right back to his answer.
Or out of nowhere, he’d sidearm a one-liner.
"I’m polish and Italian," he paused, "I’ll make you an offer I can’t understand."
And right when I arrived he confessed, "I had a couple beers so I could be more charming."
Beer or no beer, Mike is personable and, indeed, charming to boot. He made sure to show off his beer garden and the hops growing like vines along the fence. Then, standing over the humidor, he addressed the smoking ban along with his willingness to adapt and a feeling of fortune that he could afford to. He plans to expand the deck and add a four-season room outside to accommodate his smokers.
He expressed remorse for those businesses that may fail as a result of the new law. Mike also spoke highly of newer Bay View establishments like Sugar Maple and Palm&mdashwhereas another bar owner may hesitate with intimidation.
But Mike’s not the cowering type. He does most everything himself when it comes to the beer selection, the Nitrogen/CO2 levels and many bar repairs or carpentry concerns.
Mike Romans’ passion creates a unique bar experience that cannot be reckoned with. So go check out Romans’ Pub, show some respect and drink some good beer.
3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Tuesday, June 30
New Belgium pint night, featuring Fat Tire and 1554 on draft. Buy a pint and keep the very nice glass with $1 off New Belgium tap refills. Enter to win a fat tire bike! Check out the lovely beer garden chat with friendly folk.
400 N. Water Street
Tuesday, June 30
For this winery spotlight, we’re focusing on Orin Swift, one of the few cult Napa Valley producers who’s primarily known not for Cabernet Sauvignon, but for Zinfandel. His "The Prisoner" blend is highly sought-after and regarded every vintage, and his inaugural "Saldo" release is hot on its heels. Don’t miss this tasting to taste and discover four gems from this fast-rising producer. Cost of the tasting is $15. Seatings are at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. RSVPs are required.
735 E. Center St.
Thursday, June 25
10 p.m.
The Cranberry Show presents Supersonicdopealicious. Check out this Drum & Bass/Hip Hop/Pop show this week.
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Thursday, June 25
Help Apt. 720 launch the new Three Olives flavor: Three O Bubble. Enjoy complementary cocktails of the new Three Olives flavor all night! Featuring sounds by Kenny Perez, doors open at 10 p.m.
1132 E. Wright St.
Saturday, June 27
Funky raggae party with Chalice in the Palace this weekend! No better time to dance than the present.
533 E. Center St.
Saturday, June 27
10 p.m.
Love Sounds with Andy Noble and Frank Straka
1850 N. Water St.
Monday, June 29
Check out Brocach’s Monday movie night on the patio with free kettle corn and $2.50 Lakefront bottles. This Monday, The Royal Tenenbaums. One of my favorites – don’t forget your jumpsuits.
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Wednesdays
Don’t miss Wino Wednesdays beginning at 5 p.m. Half price on all list bottles!
3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Tuesdays
Blackbird offers one of my new favorite Happy Hour specials:
Free tacos from Hector&rsquos, 4-8 p.m. or until supplies last. Also, $4 Margaritas and
$2 Pacifico and Corona
2496 S. Wentworth
Saturday, June 27
10 p.m.
The Championship (EP Release), Birdlips
Don’t miss this week’s Dish on Dining column for the low down on patios, mobile food, farmer’s market eats and other tasty bits.
