I have to start by telling you that DJ AM has cancelled his appearance at Apartment 720 this weekend. Keep checking back for updates on when he is looking to reschedule.
Now that I have your undivided attention, let’s talk bar hopping shall we?
It’s no secret that Milwaukee, as unique and cultured as we have slowly, but surely, become is a little divided. Now, before you start calling me a cynic hear me out. There is no way you can disagree with how certain street names are coupled with the type of establishment you are visiting.
Think Water Street and what comes to mind?
The type of people that raid Water Street are the types I used to be and the types I now like to avoid at all costs. Young people who willingly take a pass at the class for a 50 cent Miller-Lite and hot-wing specials, or who know what bars over-look their older sister’s driver’s license.
This crowd is looking to hook-up, throw-up, cut- up and generally has not taken the plunge to grow-up, yet. That’s fine. I’ve been there, done that and in time, have lovingly graduated to what seems to be the natural progression of North Avenue.
When I turned 21, North Avenue was my refuge. It has the perfect mix of sticky-floor type bars like Live (2028 E. North Ave.) and BBC (2022 E. North Ave.), relaxing hang-out bars like Hooligan’s (2017 E. North Ave.) and Von Trier (2235 N. Farewell Ave.) and, just incase you are looking for a dress up-type evening but want to stay close to the eastside, the only fancy drinks and fancy shoes required place is Decibel/Deep Bar (1905 E. North Ave.).
My all-time favorite place, Vitucci’s (1832 E. North Ave.), is there too, like it has been for decades. And, just a few blocks up, the best live jazz in the city is at Jazz Estate (2423 N. Murray Ave.). What’s so intriguing about The Estate is the lighting or the lack there of. You could go in jeans, sequins or pajamas and no one would be able to tell. One small candle on every table and the over-head lights above the band act as the ultimate mood setters.
So, with all of the growing up you are bound to do on and around North Avenue, in a few years time you eventually receive your diploma and head out to my favorite side of town, The Third Ward.
Some people call this Milwaukee’s Fashion District. Others like to call it a Metrosexual cesspool but they would be misinformed.
Hip glamour and swanky atmospheres perfectly describe the chicest places in town. Like Cuvee (177 N. Broadway), Milwaukee’s premiere champagne bar and SoHo 7 (231 E. Buffalo St.), the place I instinctively gravitate to when I am going through my all-too-common Manhattan withdrawals.
SoHo 7 is truly divine and what Milwaukee needed to amp up our fabulous factor. There’s no dancing or baskets of popcorn awaiting your arrival. There are, however, low white couches who beg their patrons to sit closely, talk minimally and come up for air frequently.
Milwaukee Street can also be categorized into the upscale and urbane sense that consumes the Third Ward. Slowly, but surely becoming everyone’s new favorite hip hangout is Razor and Star Bar (631 N Milwaukee St.). The first time I went to this brand new hotspot was about a month ago, and honestly, I didn’t like it the first five minutes I was there.
Then, at about 10 minutes and a two drinks in, I took a walk around, up the stairs, down the stairs, to the dance floor, VIP section and “red room” as I called it. The place is huge, chic and easily accommodates all different types of personalities. If you’re looking to hang-out at the bar and chat, sit down with glasses of champagne and canoodle or dance until your blisters start to bleed: Razor will be for you.
