I felt like I was walking into the Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. Not due to fanciful colors or magic, but rather because the place is much bigger than I expected. Formerly occupied by Vucciria and Coco Bella, Crisp (1323 E. Brady St.) takes on a modern industrial feel with black painted walls and beams.
The first level is filled with tall, large window booths and the main bar. The open kitchen is to the back of the restaurant, the flames kindly waving from the wood-fire oven. The upstairs is home to a second bar, the DJ Booth, lighting system and patio. The outdoor deck, sandwiched between two buildings with a narrow view to the street, was my favorite feature. I predict an afternoon beer and slice in my near future.
Usually a DJ plays each night of the week, starting at 10 p.m. This night, however, Chris Grant opted for a couple of his favorite Pandora stations at a reasonable volume. A local music and event promoter, Chris tells me he and his co-owners Rob Settecase and Ian Pesch were excited to open Crisp in March. Fun fact: Ian thought up the restaurant’s name in the shower, using the owners’ initials while appealing to the senses. What great ideas don’t come from the bathroom?
I sipped on a $5 Bell’s Oberon while inquiring about drink specials. Thursdays are Ladies’ Night with $1 refills. Weekdays, they offer $1 Schlitz with a pizza slice anytime before 3 p.m. — awesome. And for $15, you can add a hookah to the mix.
While doodling in my notebook, I thought back to my visit to Zaffiro’s last week. I liked being crowded in the dining room with plastic, red-checkered tablecloths. The place has an undeniable charm. Crisp is a totally different creature that feels like more of a nightclub than anything. It’s not even fair to compare the two.
I don’t see Crisp as a spot that I would necessarily go to when I’m out late on Brady Street. I’d rather go to Bruno’s. But I do plan on checking out the patio for a slice and a Schlitz. I recommend you do the same.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Friday, April 30
9:30 p.m.
“Hip-Hop Hates Multiple Sclerosis” with: KingHellBastard, MudKids, Frankie Flowers, SPEAK Easy and DJ Him & Her
Mikey’s
811 N. Jefferson St.
Friday-Saturday, April 30-May 1
“Bye, Bye, Liver: The Milwaukee Drinking Play.” Enjoy this interactive, comedic performance from 9-11 p.m. Go to www.byebyeliver.com for ticket and show information.
Thief Wine Shop and Bar
400 N. Water St.
Tuesday, May 4
Get Screwed: Wines Under Screwcap
Taste six wines for $20. Seatings are at 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. RSVPs are required for this event.
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps, and three sliders for $3.
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.
Rustico Pizzeria
223 N. Water St.
Mondays
I’m excited about this one. 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.
