So, here’s the deal.
I did something very much out of my box this past weekend; you may want to hold onto an object that is securely nailed down to the floor.
I was hanging out at West Allis bars. I know, I know, this is not something that I generally keep in my repertoire of weekend venues, but I met up with old friends from high school and I had more fun in good ole ‘Stallis than I’ve had in a very long time.
First, we went to the Happy Tap (6801 W. Beloit Rd.). There were probably no more than 20 people in the place yet the cigarette smoke in the air accounted for about 200 people. We picked a seat close to the door to get as much fresh air as possible and ordered our drinks.
Here’s one of the best parts of my evening: A vodka seltzer cost me $2.50. What is that? When I’m at Anyplace downtown or on the East Side, I’m used to paying upwards of $7 for the same drink. I guess the perk of going west in search of a good time is cheap drinks and a juke box.
That’s right, I plugged in two bucks and got 11 songs; it was truly amazing. Where have all the jukeboxes gone? It’s sad that I have to go to the ultimate dive bar to find one.
After I paid for my songs and the first round of Elton John classics started to rotate, I was feeling a little dangerous. I did something I normally only do when someone else (whom I am close to, not some random stranger, thank you very much) is buying the drinks – I went for the good stuff.
When I went up for round two, I asked what kind of Top Shelf vodka they had. I got an eyebrow raise and confusion. “Whattyda mean?” said the bartender. “The expensive sh**?”
Yeah, I guess that’s what I meant.
I didn’t even bother trying to figure out what kinds they had but something tells me that the only Grey Goose in the place was the old bitty in back, slamming Miller Lites faster than my 21-year-old brother.
My head was starting to get fuzzy from all of the cigarette smoke inhalation and we decided it was about time to leave.
I had a lot of fun doing something new for a change and waking up the next morning with a wallet full of cash – something I am not really used to after a night on the town. I may not go back to West Allis for awhile, but I’m happy to say that I experienced it in the first place.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7
SoHo 7
231 E. Buffalo St.
8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Ladies, tonight is your night at this Third Ward hot spot. Come dressed to impress and watch the red carpet (and the drinks) roll out.
Cuvee
177 N. Broadway
7 p.m. – close
It’s all about the BBQ and Bubbly, of course! Come and enjoy barbecue, baguettes, and a glass of Gruet’s Blanc de Noir. All of this for only $11.00. Thanks to Cuvee, the midweek blues are no longer.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8
Decibel/Deep Bar
1905 E. North Ave.
8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
It’s Ladies Night tonight and Decibel plans on taking care of everyone. Two free martinis for the ladies and no cover all night long. Gentlemen, start your engines!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
Hooligan’s
2017 E. North Ave.
4 p.m. -6 p.m.
Happy Hour has never tasted so good. Pull up a stool and shell out not a lot of dough for $2 tap beers, $3 micro brews, $4 imports, $2.75 bottles of select beers and $4.50 rail cocktails.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
Balzac
1716 N. Arlington Pl.
3 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Get “Elegantly Wasted” tonight as selected bottles and glass pours of wine are ½ off. Not a Sunday drinker? Join them during the week for the same special from 3 -7 p.m.
MONDAY, JANUARY 12
Hi-Hat
1701 N. Arlington Pl.
3 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Get a $1 Bag of Beer at Hi-Hat. You won’t know what you get and they don’t want to hear your whining if you don’t like it. In the words of the bartender I spoke to, “Just drink it and shut up. It’s a dollar!”
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13
Cuvee
177 N. Broadway
7 p.m. – close
POP ‘TIL YOU DROP with Cuvee’s Service Industry Night! Purchase a “split” (187ml) bottle of sparkling wine or champagne and receive the next split half price (of equal or lesser value).
