I met my aunt at a Mexican restaurant on Brown Deer Road before heading out to see the public radio show, This American Life, broadcasted live at a theater in Mequon. (If you haven’t seen it yet, get tickets for the rebroadcast on May 7 – even if you’re not familiar with it, you will be tickled.) We had to leave right after we ate, but I noticed there was a bar below us, the Speak Easy (600 W. Brown Deer Rd.). I suggested that we come back after our cinema experience for a beer. My aunt and brother agreed – why not, right?
So back to the Speak Easy after the film and we descended the stairs to a tiny bar that reeked of cigars. Posters of New York architecture and landmarks like Grand Central Station and the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel decked the walls. There were a handful of wood tables and a cozy bar, maybe 10 feet long. Mounted above the fireplace was a large drop screen, hooked up to a Nintendo Wii.
Two middle-aged men sat at the end of the bar watching a disappointing Bulls/Celtics game, an older woman sat next to a younger man. They didn’t seem to know one another, but were friendly and shared a meal delivered from upstairs in addition to some conversation.
A large fish tank was set into one of the walls with a few big, good-looking fish. We discussed the film with background sounds ranging from Hootie and the Blowfish to “The Boss.” I enjoyed the atmosphere, the bartender’s flattering tuxedo-esque shirt and the short draught glasses that I too have in my kitchen.
I recommend the Speak Easy. After a long day out shopping in a strip mall – right across the street, you’ll find a Best Buy and other superstores – you can wind down at the tiny basement bar with friendly faces intending to remember yours for next time.
Anywho, back to the city. I ended up in Bay View last Thursday – when I’m usually attending the Brocach open mic night. But we decided to mix it up and headed to Burnhearts (2599 S. Logan Ave.). Love Burnhearts. How do you not enjoy a game of Jenga, a couple rounds of pool and a fine beer list. Burnhearts’ décor is scattered with nude paintings, a 3-D mural of a woman’s head with her popping, textured hair, and a small collection of plastic school chairs. We claimed a comfy black, leather couch for the better half of the evening. But after losing every game possible in one night, I decided what better time to leave, eh? Oh, they also have Shuffleboard and a “Desperate Housewives” board game.
I’ll likely be going back to the Speak Easy and definitely back to Burnhearts.
Sugar Maple
441 E. Lincoln Ave.
Wednesday, April 29: Featuring the music of Slander Cannon and Bully Pulpit in the back room. 8pm, $5 cover.
Riverfront Pizzeria Bar & Grill
509 E. Erie St.
Happy Hour: Tues-Fri. 4-6 p.m. $3 tap beer or house wine, $5 martinis
Old German Beer Hall
1009 N. Old World Third St.
Thursday, April 30: Maibock Fest. $5 admission includes complimentary roast hog buffet, maibock keg tapping with samples and a souvenir glass. Plus midnight celebrity keg tapping.
The Pub
114 N. Main St., Oconomowoc
Thursdays: Every Thursday, check out The Pub for a traditional Irish session around 7:30 p.m. until whenever the musicians decide to pack up.
Mo’s Irish Pub
142 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Friday, May 1: Mo’s 2nd Annual “Get Leid” Summer Kick-off Beach Bash. 9 p.m.-? (that’s right, question mark). $3 Captain Morgan drinks, $2 shots of Doctor McGillicuddy’s, bikini contest with cash prize, giveaways all night and DJ entertainment.
Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
1001 E. Locust St.
Friday May 1-Sunday May 3: International Pop Overthrow Festival. Tens of twenties of bands will be performing pop sensations all weekend long. Catch it!
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Have a favorite bar you’d like me to review? Email me at milmag@milwaukeemagazine.com.
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What should a young girl do when she doesn’t completely trust her friend-with-benefits? Nikol Knows.
