It would be safe to say that I may be the only person in Milwaukee ready for autumn. Last week I was at Kenadees (725 N. Milwaukee Street), and it was about 70 degrees outside. People were sipping mojitos and more than a few customers were knocking back one of their summery signature martinis: The Blood Orange.
I love fall. So as I excitedly await the green leaves to turn orange, I have to say summery mojitos and Blood Oranges put me off a little. I want my hot coffee with Baileys in it (Sunday morning only, of course). I want apple cider spiked with dark rum and I want to go to Coast (931 E Wisconsin Ave.) and drink their pumpkin infused vodka. Can I do that when I’m wearing tank-tops during the day and sleeping with a fan on at night? No!
But, as I sit here complaining how much I want my favorite season to arrive, I realize that I better live this up while it lasts. Just the other day I started putting my summer dresses in a storage box. There it sits half-full in my room waiting for me to pluck out a brightly hued, flowing frock for a little happy hour event tonight. Hopefully, this will be the last time I wear a dress this year without tights or suede boots.
Here is what I suggest. Let’s live up our Indian summer until we cannot take it any longer. Sit outside and flash that neon pedicure. Sip a mojito and keep on spiking that pink lemonade. Summer may officially be over in terms of the calendar, but weather wise, I think we have a couple more days of patios, pedicures and pink lemonade.
Here are some of my favorite places to keep the summer vibe alive.
Hooligans (2017 E North Avenue)
The patio is the best for people watching. Your best bet for drinks is to look at the menu for their list of over 20 tappers.
Café Hollander (2608 N Downer Avenue)
The trickle of the water fountain and the billowing boxes of flowers make this little Euro pub/restaurant the perfect outdoor lounging spot. Keeping with the European tradition, I usually order a Stella or Strongbow and stay perfectly perched on a wicker chair for a few hours.
Balzac (1716 N Arlington Place)
Everyone has their favorite Brady Street hangout and mine is Balzac. They have a great back patio, but I tend to favor the front. Order a small plate of cheese and fruit and a white wine flight. It’s the perfect way to reminisce about the summer that’s about to flash before our eyes.
Milwaukee Ale House (233 N Water Street)
I have to admit that this is one of my favorite outdoor seating places in the city. It isn’t the most refined when it comes to food and drink. But, if you are lucky enough to score a place on the patio, you are in for a real treat. Drink beer while you gaze over the river’s edge.
Barnacle Buds (1955 S Hilbert Street)
Very hard to locate (I more than encourage Google mapping this one), but once you do it will quickly become your favorite beach-like hangout. Listen to the resident Jimmy Buffet wannabe as you and your gaggle of friends gather around a picnic table and drink mini-Millers and Coronas out of a bucket,. The place is located right on the river so boaters like to dock and climb onto the deck for a rollicking good time.
Stir (1112 W Wisconsin Avenue)
Stir is one of my most loved happy hour spots in town. They are situated right along the RiverWalk. Take your $5 martini out on the patio and sit on the cushiony lounge furniture after work. Looking at the river, sipping premium vodka and people watching is the ultimate stress reliever after a never-ending day.
