I found a good day drinking spot. I’d heard bad things about The Irish Pub (124 N. Water St.) — that it’s crowded, smoky and loud on the weekends. Plus, the directness of the name always threw me off, and it’s located on Water Street. Well, I was not in on the weekend, and the sun was still shining when I pulled up to the snaking, oak-top bar complemented with dark cherry wood chairs.
As I began looking around, I noticed no glowing Miller Lite Irish signs, and I was immediately impressed. This pub has class, I thought. A neon Jameson sign hangs in one of the large front windows facing the drawbridge. Guinness mirrors are backed by Cream City brick, which contrasts well against the surrounding gold and green walls under the black panel ceiling. There are only two televisions, and the bartender sensibly opted to keep only one turned on. A few folks at the bar were interested in the rugby game. The pub is known for broadcasting rugby and soccer.
The patrons at the bar were regulars who knew and were entertained by their bartender. This is always a good sign. Every bar has their regulars, and I was pleased to see positive and relatively sober interaction.
Beyond the bar is a magical solarium with plants and tables. The sun pours through and warms the face. Just outside the dining area, there is a patio wedged between two buildings. What should be a stark alley is transformed with the help of sprawling ivy that masks the cold concrete. There is a small bar and thatched roof area. I wished I didn’t have to go back to work so I could post up for a few brews.
The weather should warm up soon, and I recommend that we all sit outside at The Irish Pub for a Guinness, Smithwicks or iced tea, even. Its happy four from 4-7 p.m. includes $2 Miller products, $2 PBR and a $5 drink called The Irish Donkey (Ginger beer, lemon and Jameson — sounds interesting).
I also looked into their nightly specials. Monday nights offer Irish coffee for $5 and Miller products for $2. Friday nights look promising with two-for-one Old Milwaukee ($2.50) and the unfailing PBR/Jameson combo ($4). Occasionally they have live music, if not, the trusty Internet juke should do the trick. Or perhaps you’ll luck out and the bartender will have good taste in music, as I did.
I definitely prefer this pub to many of the surrounding Third Ward bars. I never enjoyed Swig or Palms, and I always get them confused. They’re too high-brow for me, I suppose. I am but a simpleton, and The Irish Pub caters to my basic needs of Guinness and sunshine.
Mo’s Irish Pub
142 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Download a Recipe Card and fill it out with your original cocktail recipe for a chance to win a $200 gift card. Entry deadline is May 31.
Thief Wine Shop and Bar
400 N. Water St.
Friday, May 14
Check out this winemaker tasting with Kenny Likitprakong of California’s Hobo winery. Taste six wines for $10. Come anytime between 5-7 p.m. No RSVP required.
Mikey’s
811 N. Jefferson St.
Friday-Saturday, May 14-15
“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.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Saturday, May 15
10 p.m.
muzzleofbees.com and trueendeavors.com present: Hurricane Bells, Deep Dark Woods, Mark Waldoch
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.
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.
