I met a couple friends at Rustico (223 N. Water St.) in the Third Ward on Friday night. The bar area was quiet, with a cool breeze blowing in through the wide-open windows. The restaurant was long and narrow. No one was sitting at the tables to eat any longer. A friend of a friend, who was completely fractured, told us the “party” was downstairs. We followed, past the kitchen to the staircase. The basement level was cozy with brick surroundings, couches and a small bar.
I don’t know about “party,” but we met a dentist. I’m not sure if the dentist thing is just a line because this mouth care physician was sucking down the cigarettes without any sense of the irony.
We gathered up some drinks and walked outside through a flowery multi-level patio. Several tables lined the Riverwalk next to the Milwaukee Ale House. Rustico’s patio area was more subdued, which I preferred.
After a glass of wine, we strolled around a bit and ended up on a public dock. We watched and called for the ducks that passed by. I imagined jumping into the water and what childlike joy would follow – reality reminded me that city river swimming might not be the best idea.
I’ll be going back on a Thursday night for Rustico’s free pizza with purchase of a pitcher special – probably the best combination since bread and butter.
After Rustico, I may head to Brocach Irish Pub (1850 N. Water St.). The music and the $1.50 High Life special draws me in without much resistance. They hold their open mic night on Thursdays, which is hosted by a couple of funny dudes, who play Pixies covers.
The bar is dressed in your usual Irish décor. Dark wood stalls section off the downstairs bar – a style I don’t particularly enjoy. There is a seating area adjacent to the bar, backed by shelving holding objects that might be found at an old apothecary shop. Upstairs, where the open mic is held, you’ll find ample audience seating and a bar. If you’re looking to host a private party, this is an option. The spacious outdoor patio is also accessible from upstairs.
So, this Thursday, try out these bars and let me know what you think. If you have a better Thursday night special, post a comment and share with the rest of us.
Rustico Pizzeria
223 N. Water St.
Thursdays
Every Thursday buy a pitcher of beer and get a free pizza. Check out the Web site for more daily specials.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. 9th St.
Tuesday through Friday
Half-price Old Fashioneds and Depression-era cocktails from 5-9 p.m.
Stonefly Brewery
735 E. Center St.
Saturday, August 1
10 p.m.
Dead Man’s Carnival, a modern day vaudevillian variety and circus gang.
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Saturday, August 1
Apartment 720 presents DJ Evil One. Doors open at 10 p.m.
Mad Planet
533 E. Center St.
Saturday August 1
Chalice in the Palace presents: Chalice at the Planet with DJ Avets, DJ Auresh, DJ Eltronix, DJ Prince Ruff, DJ Marcus Garvey.
Reggae Night: 9 p.m.-midnight, $3 Red Stripe, $2 PBR.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday, August 3
Check out Brocach’s Monday movie night on the patio with free kettle corn and $2.50 Lakefront bottles. This Monday: Goodfellas.
Café Lulu
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Monday-Friday
Try the Lulu happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7 p.m. and Mon-Thurs 11 p.m.-close. Take a $1 off all rail drinks, tap beer and wine.
Blackbird
3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Tuesdays
Blackbird offers one of my new favorite Happy Hour specials: Free tacos from Hector’s, 4-8 p.m. or until supplies last.
Also, $4 margaritas and $2 Pacifico and Corona.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Friday, July 31
8 p.m.
Group Of the Altos, White Problems and Night Owl.
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps and three sliders for $3.
