We were out in the ‘burbs, finishing up a shopping rampage at the Brookfield dollar store. My friend’s parents’ house was on our way back to the city, so we stopped in for a bit. After a brief conversation and a little time in their lovely garden, tree swing and all, we decided to catch some fresh bait at the local watering hole — Haybalers (13327 W. Greenfield Ave.).
We walked into a full bar and were the only two ladies there, save the bartender. Cigar smoke hovered over the pool table as a few men took turns shootin’ stick. We sat at a table at first — no spots at the bar. After observing one of the locals taking a chance at one of the amusement gambling machines, we found ourselves a couple of empty spots, so we saddled up.
“You guys aren’t sisters, are you?” says the old jovial drunkard pumping LeAnn Rimes into the jukebox. We shake our heads, focus on our beer and laugh quietly. Around this time we spot what seems to be a notable, handsome man across the way. He appears to have some sway and rapport with the regulars. Turns out, this man is the owner and his dog, Bayler, is a bit of a boozehound. Well, maybe not, but he lays his paws right up on the bar with the rest of us.
The décor of the place is a basement log cabin. Nascar calendar signage decorates the wall along with your bargain beer art — Coors and the sort. Most of us are indulging in High Life. Out back, there are a couple pits for horseshoes. I ask the man next to me if it gets any use. He assures me it does in the summertime and another gent tells us he’s got some horseshoes in his truck. The regulars were very kind to us. Not creepy; kind.
Meanwhile, the jovial drunkard continues playing his favorites as the high-heeled bartender play dice with the boys. I quite like this classic Wisconsin dive and will be back on a Monday for free pool.
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.
Mikey’s
811 N. Jefferson St.
Friday-Saturday, May 21-22
“Bye, Bye, Liver: The Milwaukee Drinking Play.” Enjoy this interactive, comedic performance from 9-11 p.m. Go to www.byebyeliver.comfor ticket and show information.
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. Not bad. 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.
