Wow. I walked into the Bay View Post (2860 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.), down the steps and along the stair lift into what felt like a Girl Scout lodge from my sash-and-patch wearing days. Bodies were flailing or dancing, depending on who you watched. The big screen above the open end of the U-shaped bar displayed lyrics from not one, but two Journey songs in a row – never a good feeling to walk in on a “Don’t Stop Believin’” sing-a-long, stone cold sober. Even if one were completely wrecked, that band needs to take a jukebox vacation. I think year or two without Journey would benefit society.
But I digress. I grabbed a $4 Riverwest Stein, which seemed a bit steep for the surroundings. But really, you should go for a pitcher and saddle up at a fold-out table, plastic checkerboard cloth included.
This bar, by far, was the most unique Milwaukee experience for me. I showed up to meet a friend and didn’t expect the night would lead to her crew singing Blondie’s “Heart of Glass.” The Post drew a diverse crowd. You had your hipsters out for a drunken laugh, some neighborhood folk and the regulars who take their singing seriously.
A few days after this karaoke wild ride, I explored Bay View a bit further. Café Lulu (2265 S. Howell Ave.) was the first stop of a happy hour evening. I wasn’t too impressed with the décor. The original, throwback café was definitely more appealing than the recent bar addition. The building was spacious with high ceilings and modern art on the walls. Behind the bar was exposed Cream City brick, complemented well by the wooden shelving. The new space seemed disconnected from the original café.
Martinis and cocktails were the specialty here, $7.50-$9.00. They also offered a limited selection of taps and bottled brews. For the most part, I felt like I was drinking at a restaurant bar.
After Lulu, we went to Frank’s Power Plant (2800 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.). I was warned not to expect much, but I really enjoyed our time there, more than Lulu. They feature a Blatz draught, $2 Schlitz (nightly special) and several other taps. Motorcycles were raised and adorned with strung lights. Red-lit gas lanterns added to the namesake. The adjacent room featured a red felt pool table, an old time piano and a small stage.
The bartender was quiet but helpful, recommending taps and uneasily answering my random questions.
We left Frank’s in a hurry, and tried to score some free tacos at Blackbird Bar (3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave .) before 8 p.m. We made it just in time to finish off the chicken. It was a dark, smoky scene with birds painted on the walls, a few pinball machines and a “Labyrinth-esque” arcade balance game that I’d never seen before. This was more of a dive with a younger crowd and cheap drinks, so I liked it.
I’m excited to make my way to Bay View more often. I forget how close the neighborhood is and the scene is a great change of pace. Plus I’m running out of bars downtown – well, not really. The bar possibilities in Milwaukee are endless.
Maxie’s Southern Comfort
6732 W. Fairview Ave.
Chicken-Fried Tuesdays: Fried chicken dinner, $10.95; Half-priced wings, $2 PBR tall boys.
Milwaukee Ale House
233 N. Water St.
Saturday, June 6: Liam Ford and the Band in Black. 9:30 p.m.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Thursday, June 4: Singer/Songwriter series with TBA. 9 p.m.
Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. Water St.
Thursday, June 4: Winemaker Tasting: David Barnes of Sturino Trotta. 5:30-7 p.m. at the wine bar. Sturino Trotta is a boutique winery based in central California making stunning wines (only a few hundred cases of each) from top vineyards throughout the state. Cost $10.
Stonefly Brewery
735 E. Center St.
Saturday, June 6: Check out Dead Man’s Carnival, a modern day vaudevillian variety and circus gang, at 10 p.m. There may be fire!
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Friday, June 5: Apartment 720 presents Doug Reinhardt and special guest. I guess this guy was on “The Hills,” so he must be pretty cool. “Soundz” by DJ Wizz Kid.
The Gig
1132 E. Wright St.
Wednesdays: Every Wednesday, enjoy the folky, jazzy, bluesy sounds of Riverwest’s Dim Peepers. They play from 8
10 p.m. $1.50 rail cocktails and domestic bottles.
Mad Planet
533 E. Center St.
Saturday, June 6: Reggae night, featuring Chalice in the Palace. 9 p.m.-midnight. $3 Red Stripe, $2 PBR.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday, June 8: Brocach kicked off their Monday movie night on the patio last week with free kettle corn and $2.50 Lakefront bottles. This Monday, Good Will Hunting.
