Mixing history, sports, food, martinis and a little Zen appeal makes Karma (600 E. Ogden Ave.) a distinctive spot to enjoy a game or mingle with young professionals downstairs in their Sutra Lounge.
Karma embraces its former tenant John Ernst Café, which was the oldest restaurant in Milwaukee, by hanging its original 1878 wood door above their large fireplace on the main floor. This wooden décor complements the open beams and earthy tones of the establishment. Deep wood tables and spacious, red velvet booths are matched, as past meets present, by the HDTV flat screens suspended on the walls.
Today, Karma’s neighbors are Chipotle and Panera. The patio, which will have a new drink menu, will be open this summer, overlooking Pick N Save’s parking lot.
The current drink menu includes two of their most popular martinis, the Kosmo-Sutra ($9) and Karmagranate ($9). The Kosmo-Sutra is a sweet mixture of Absolut Mandarin, Black Raspberry Liqueur, cranberry juice and lime juice that will make your lips pucker. The Karmagranate reminded me of cough syrup, but includes ice cold Pearl Pomegranate Vodka shaken with Pama Pomegranate Liqueur and a splash of sweet mix.
If you’re feeling daring, try the Double Vision ($6), which is a blue specialty cocktail with Absolut Mandarin Vodka, Absolut Vodka, Blue Curacao and tonic. This tonic-y treat gets you the most bang for your buck.
Other ways to cash in on deals are to take advantage of happy hour, which is Monday-Wednesay 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring $5 house wines and a free pitcher when you purchase a pizza. Ladies can also enjoy free Finlandia drinks on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The other unique feature of Karma is their lower Sutra Lounge, which is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to the public. This ultra-trendy lounge has an intimate feel with exposed rock walls and a plush, red and zebra-printed furniture below the full bar. This space is ideal for private parties, which can hold between 30-60 people, depending on the set-up. You can also order catering options and use the projection screen to plan audio and visual presentations. Premium booths are available upstairs and downstairs on a first come, first serve basis with a minimum spending of $60 per hour.
To book at private party: (414) 220-4118
