I didn’t think I’d end up at Soho 7 (231 E. Buffalo St.) on Saturday night. We started the evening at MJ’s for their last night of business; the place was packed. We sat outside to avoid the chaos and left after a short while to the Wicked Hop. We had one round and began to get restless.
“Let’s go dancing,” my friend shouted. She led the way to Soho 7. Three of us were in jeans and the fourth in scrubs. I worried we might not fit the part. We walked into the corner warehouse building and past the doormen who let us in, out of pity perhaps. I felt intimidated at first in the sleek lounge with its equally sleek and well-dressed patrons.
The black liquor shelving against Cream City brick walls led the eye up and up to the exposed wood beam ceilings. Sheer, white curtains fall gracefully to the floor and separate the bi-level room with a second bar behind the DJ booth. Classy sectional couches are scattered in groups throughout the lounge. Gorgeous modern light fixtures provide a romantic glow with the help of candlelight.
The bathroom was also a highlight of the evening. Several jars filled with goodies sat on the countertop and begged for my attention. I scored a couple of nail files, a handful of Hershey kisses and breath mints, and put an unneeded bobby pin in my hair—sure to utilize all available amenities. A few ladies came in, and I was quick to leave with my souvenirs.
We took over the vacant corner below the DJ booth and let the dancing begin. The music wasn’t crazy loud, and we weren’t shoulder to shoulder. There was plenty of space to mind your own business or mingle, if you chose. The majority of the dancing took place in an open area in front of a large, framed mirror. My friend led the way and we were dancing with a group of about 10 or 15 people. “Shake that booty,” said a couple of girls encouraging my sorry moves. I tried the best I could and had a lovely time. Everyone around us was friendly and up for a some good fun.
I didn’t notice anybody who was super wasted or obnoxious like you might see on Water Street. This could have to do with the drink prices — cocktails are more in the $8-$12 range, so you’re less likely to knock ’em back. They make more fanciful martinis that call for more time and appreciation.
I can’t afford to hang out at Soho 7, but I was surprised by how much fun I had at a bar with no pool table or dartboard. When we left, a girl stopped and complimented my dance moves. “I saw you getting down in there, girl.” I know she was praising effort rather than execution, but I felt like a million bucks. I got down.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Thursday, April 1
9:30 p.m.
Jaill(Sub Pop Records), The Strange Boys, The Sugar Stems
Mikey’s
811 N. Jefferson St.
Thursday, April 1
Every week, Mikey’s hosts Triple Threat Thursdays with drink specials and live music. This week, Altered 5 will play at 9 p.m. Drink specials start at 8 p.m.
The Riverhorse
701 E. Center Street
Saturday, April 3
Check out this super cool dance party with Diamonds starting at 10 p.m. No cover and cheap drinks.
Thief Wine Shop and Bar
400 N. Water St.
Tuesday, April 6
Maligned Varietal Month: Pinot Grigio
Taste six different wines for $15. Seatings at 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. RSVPs are required.
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps, and three sliders for $3.
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. 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.
Mo’s Irish Pub
142 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Sundays
Take your Sunday Fun-day to Mo’s for $5 Bloodies and 3-for-$1 wings.
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.
