Last Thursday, I enjoyed a fancy night out on Milwaukee Street. I know this sounds unbelievable, but we started off with a reasonably priced dinner at Cubanitas and the night only improved. We began with a round of Mojitos, which were originally $7 but on special for $5. The drinks were sweet but well balanced. Their wine selection is mostly South American and Spanish with prices by the glass ranging from $5-$9. Cocktail selections included daiquiris ($7), piña coladas ($7), a Brazilian caipiriha with aged sugar cane liquor, limes and sugar ($7) and other fruity favorites.
The atmosphere is more suited to the restaurant-goer, but the bar may not be a bad place to enjoy some empanadas and a pitcher of Sangria. Plus, the orange brightness of the walls and its antique decorative frames dare you to feel blue.
After a relaxed dinner and an experiment combining Mojito and espresso, or “Mojit-Joe” as my friend aptly coined the failed beverage, we wandered outside cringing at our nearby options for another drink. Then I saw it – the unassuming façade of My Office began to call my name. “Carly,” the bar whispered, “it’s safe in here. And we have pool tables.”
A few empty barstools were perched outside facing in through the open window. We walked past and inside to the bar, where there was only one other patron who was watching television. The dive had maybe five or six taps, including the Leinenkeugal’s Oktoberfest and Riverwest Stein. I asked the bartender what bottles he had. “Glass,” he responded. He quickly warmed up to us, though, and revealed his bottle selection. I decided on a can of Boddingtons.
Drinks in hand, we went to the next room, which was completely separate from the bar with two pool tables, a dartboard, a coffee station and, naturally, the entrance to a library. I tried to spend a majority of the evening in the reading room, drawn to the two leather chairs, the Esquire collection (including the latest October issue), a Deep Blue Sea coffee table book from the ‘80s and an Andy Warhol photo booth book. We felt unsupervised – nobody came into join us, even as the bar area was rapidly filling up.
Who knew Milwaukee Street was hiding this unobtrusive gem? Maybe we don’t have to be afraid anymore.
Be sure to check out the high-end cocktail night at Bryant’s this Thursday for a truly special tasting experience. Impress a date, or your mom. Do something different. More info below.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. 9th St.
Thursday, September 24
The Sporting Fraternity presents their high-end cocktail night with seating times at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include three cocktails, coffee and light appetizers. Email for tickets/reservations: john@BryantsCocktailLounge.com.
Thief Wine Shop & Bar
400 N. Water St.
Tuesday, September 29
Blind Tasting Challenge: Red Wines. Seatings at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. at the wine bar, cost is $15. RSVPs required. How sharp is your palate? Here’s your chance to find out! For this tasting you’ll taste five white wines from five different countries without knowing what they are. Anyone who correctly identifies the country for each wine will receive their tasting for free! And even if you don’t get them all right, you’ll still learn a bit and have fun in the process.
Stonefly Brewery
735 E. Center St.
Friday, September 25
SSSSnake and TBA. Starting at 10 p.m.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Friday, September 25
Brief Candles, LSD & The Search For God, Canyons Of Static
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Friday, September 25
Strut: An Urban Fashion Experience. Hosted by Favio with hair and makeup by Capricio. Doors open at 10 p.m. $5 tall cocktails and $100 bottles of Three Olives Grape and Cherry.
Mona’s Restaurant and Nightclub
1407 S. 1st St.
Friday, September 25
Ann Christoffer performs at 7 p.m. No Cover.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday, September 28
Check out Brocach’s Monday movie night on the patio with free kettle corn and $2.50 Lakefront bottles. This Monday, The Breakfast Club.
Kenadee’s Ultra Pub
718 N. Milwaukee St.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Happy hour 4-9 p.m. Enjoy $2 taps and $5 appetizers.
Hi Hat Lounge & Garage
1701 N. Arlington Pl.
Thursdays
Ladies Night: DJs Kid Cut Up and Steve Marxx and two complimentary drinks for the ladies.
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.
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
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps and three sliders for $3.
