The piano has long been a social instrument. Before the days when Billy Joel and Elton John tickled the ivories for sold-out crowds, Old West pianists cranked out ragtime music in saloons and post-Civil War families used Steinways to entertain guests in their parlors. The piano’s communal nature lives on here in Milwaukee, where piano bars offer patrons both live music and libations (is there any better combination?). As a pianist and bar enthusiast, I scoped out a pair of piano bars to see which provided the best music to my ears and pleasure to my palate.
My first stop was Lucille’s Rockin’ Pianos (1110 N. Old World Third St.), which had sparked my curiosity since its Web site had described it as “group therapy with cocktails.” It only took seconds after walking through the door to affirm Lucille’s group dynamic. Most patrons were crowded around the dueling baby grand pianos, belting out the lyrics to Don MacLean’s classic “American Pie,” dancing, clapping or even all three. With the pianos sitting at the center of the open room and tables surrounding them on three sides (the bar makes up the fourth wall), even guests sitting against Lucille’s windows and rich red walls feel in on the action. For a crowded Saturday night, the waitress’s prompt arrival at our table was a welcome surprise. As most of the bar’s 20-something to Baby Boomer patrons were cradling a beer bottle or glass of wine, I opted for a Miller Chill ($4.50).Its cool lime flavor kept me refreshed as the pianists cranked out one upbeat classic tune after another.. A few warnings to take note of: (1) Napkins and song request sheets are strewn across the entire floor, so watch where you step or dance (2) Expect a $5 cover charge after 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. These inconveniences aside, Lucille’s energetic feel and enthusiastic audience participation make it a fun place to grab a drink or exercise your vocal chords.
The transition from the harmonica riffs of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” to the gravelly crooning of Louis Armstrong perfectly marked the change from Lucille’s to the Mosaic Piano Bar (2624 N. Downer Ave.). While Lucille’s thrived on its openness and energy, Mosaic did the same on its intimate feel. Linen cloth-covered tables sat around the Baldwin baby grand piano, situated in the window facing the Downer Avenue entrance. The melodic voice of Doris Day singing “Dream a Little Dream of Me” resonated softly from the speakers, a precursor to Mosaic’s smooth jazz and Rat Pack-centered evening entertainment. Down the hall from the main room was Mosaic’s beautiful stone bar decorated in– yes, you guessed it – a mosaic pattern. Outside tables sat outside next to Mosaic’s other entrance on Hackett Avenue, a tempting option on a balmy summer evening. The bartender was prompt and friendly in taking our orders, even conversing with us after I closed my tab. For my cocktail, I chose the bar’s signature drink, The Mosaic ($10), a truly delectable combination of cherry, vanilla and fruit flavors filled to the brim. Not only did the beverage satisfy my palate, it packed a powerful, teeter-inducing punch to leave me confident I got my money’s worth.
Trust your mood, drink preference and willingness to sing to guide you towards Lucille’s or Mosaic for a refreshing evening out. Whether you’re dancing at your bachelorette party or gazing into the eyes of your date, a night at Lucille’s or Mosaic is sure to hit all the right notes.
