This was an epic week for me; I participated in the first Brewers game of my Milwaukee career. You might say I’m climbing the Brew City ladder.
We began early, arriving at the parking lot at 11 a.m. and immediately firing up the grill. The tailgating scene was colorful with flying footballs, bag toss and girls dancing atop dumpsters.
After cooking up some delicious cheddar brats (one more step up the ladder) and dancing to the car radio, we entered the land of overpriced plastic beer bottles – although $6.50 is not as bad as I thought for a MGD and definitely wasn’t unexpected. Other city stadiums surely charge more.
The game was particularly enjoyable, not only because of the weather but also thanks to our fake mustaches. That’s correct. Mine was called “The Sheriff.” The other mustaches had equally pertinent names like “The Bruiser” and “The Weasel.” I sure hope our guises got us on TV – if not, I take comfort knowing those mustaches were not worn in vain.
I realize Miller Park is no bar, but they sell beer and are therefore worthy of mention – plus, I want to score some points and let you locals know I cannot wait to frequent another game, or seven, this summer.
After the ballgame, we dined at Trocadero (1758 N. Water St.). They mixed a fresh $7 Mojito well-suited to the phenomenal outdoor seating. Libations and entrees took awhile, and I’ve heard that many folks have a beef with how consistently long the wait can be – in their defense, it was a busy Thursday evening. This place is definitely worth a trip for some apps and cocktails on the patio that surrounds a calming, bubbly fountain. Get there and get drinking by 5 p.m. to avoid the big dinner rush.
Unfortunately, last week wasn’t all sunshine and outdoor imbibing. The rain eventually forced us indoors, but we lucked out and enjoyed a brilliant happy hour at Hi Hat Lounge (1701 N. Arlington Pl.). I briefly reviewed this establishment previously, but I’d be remiss not to recount this experience. I was “researching” for a future story, and on this particular visit I walked out with a full belly of food and wine after dropping less than $30 for two.
The bartender was helpful and attentive, making sure to top off my wine and continuously update us on the beer selections. He even directed us to a comfy booth by the window to watch those braving the rain without umbrellas.
So you should be set this week. Even if you already know about these bars, here’s your excuse to revisit. Rain or shine, Mojito or wine, with good company and pleasant surroundings, you’ll be just fine. I’m terribly sorry, that slipped.
Trocadero
1758 N. Water St.
Mondays: Mojito Mondays: 5 p.m.-close, six variations of mojitos are only $5.
The Tracks
1020 E. Locust St.
Be active while you drink! The Tracks opens daily at 11 a.m. for your volleyball and softball pleasure. Start rounding up a team by the end of June to get in on some tournament play. Summer’s heating up!
Indulge
708 N. Milwaukee St.
Monday, May 25: S.I.N. Mondays. Indulge offers half off on select bottles of wine if you work in hospitality, salon/beauty or retail.
Tuesday, May 26: Tuesday Tastings. Each week, a guest sommelier will guide you through six wines for $15. Call by 4 p.m. the day of to reserve your spot. 414-390-WINE
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Wednesdays: You won’t find “Dude Night” listed on the Cactus Club Web site, but I assure you, it exists. “Dude Night” features $1 cans of Red Dog, Milwaukee’s Best, Natty Ice and Busch. They play old wrestling matches and movies with bad-ass bros like Van Damme, Seagal and Stallone. Oh,and I heard if you shotgun a beer, you get a free one. Dude!
Mo’s Irish Pub
10842 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa
Thursdays: Starting at 9 p.m. $2 Pearl Vodka cocktails and $4 Pearl Vodka martinis. Milwaukee’s hottest DJs will be spinning music to keep you moving all night long, plus prizes and giveaways.
Thief Wine Bar Shop & Bar
400 N. Water St. (located inside the Milwaukee Public Market)
Thursday, May 21: John Williams, renowned winemaker and owner of Napa Valley’s Frog Leap Winery, will be visiting to taste five of his organically farmed wines. Cost is only $10; stop in any time between 4:30 and 5:45 p.m. at the wine bar.
Decibel
1905 E. North Ave.
Friday, May 22: The official Milwaukee Dance Flick release party will be hosted by the film’s principal dancer and Milwaukee native Ceijrik Gardner. Dance Battles will begin at 11 p.m. featuring dancers from “America’s Best Dance Cru,” “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Got Talent.”
Red Dot
2498 N. Bartlett Ave.
Fridays: $3 Whiskey (Jim Beam, Seagram’s 7, VO, Crown)
Saturdays: $3 Flavors Bacardi and Pinnacle vodka.
Check out the Web site for more daily specials.
Stonefly Brewery
735 E. Center St.
Sunday, May 24: Dali’s Liquid Ladies: A Surrealist Funhouse . 10 p.m. So, this is a traveling play based out of Minneapolis. Oddly enough, I was once in a traveling play and performed in small bars like Stonefly. Definitely a unique experience. We should give these guys a crowd. Here’s a brief overview.
