The Polish Falcon’s Nest 725 (801 E. Clarke St.) in Riverwest is like no
other bar—half convenience store and half retro bowling alley—truly a win-win.
I walked through the door into an empty hallway and then through the
second door to a comfy red leather barstool. The woman behind the bar
immediately warned me of the cash-only policy. A “little girl” came in not too
long before who wanted to use plastic, and the bartender worried that I might
struggle with a similar assumption. I handed her a $5 bill for my $3 Lakefront
IPA and asked how long the bar has been open.
“A bazillion years,” she said, laughing from behind the oval bar. A large
wooden cabinet in the center obstructs the view to the other side of the bar,
where regulars watched game five of the World Series. The cabinet console plays
host to a microwave, old-school cash register and many goodies. Hungry? No
problem. Step into a Slim Jim. Or opt for another behind-the-bar item such as
chips, lighters, cigarettes, ChapStick, Tums or Breath Savers. Mirrored signage
decks the walls, and a compact disc jukebox rests in the corner.
I had a hard time breaking on the pool table, butting my stick against the
window behind me, which added to the challenge. I also jumped the cue ball clean
off the table. Clearly, I need to practice. There’s a dartboard next to the pool
table and a few more in a separate room for league play.
On the other side of the bar, by the TV, a large cooler rests full of
six-packs for sale. John Okopinski runs the bar and says they have a Class B
License, so they can sell beer to-go. Carryout sales may or may not take place
after 9 p.m.
John Okopinski has been renting the bar from the insurance group and
fraternal society Polish Falcons of America since 1982. He says the bar’s
certification date was in 1913, and the bowling alley in the basement has been
around since the early 1900s.
“Can I take a look at the bowling alley?” I asked.
“You can come back tomorrow,” Okopinski said, quick to turn me down. He took
awhile to warm up.
I did a little pretty-please routine, and his associate agreed to take us
downstairs. The six-lane retro bowling alley is a beauty. The orange-and-black
leather benches and stools along with the do-it-yourself scoring tables and
aboveground ball return make for a groovy atmosphere. The bowling alley houses
another long bar, so you don’t have to go too far for a refreshment. Open bowl
is Wednesdays from 6-11 p.m. for $3.25 a game and $1 for shoes. During the rest
of the week, The Falcon hosts bowling leagues.
The bar doesn’t seem to get too busy. I was there on Friday and Monday, and
there wasn’t much difference other than the age of the patrons. Apparently
Wednesdays are hit or miss with open bowl. Regardless of night choice, treat
yourself to a throwback evening of fun and games.
new mil mag from Miles Fabishak on Vimeo.
FYI: In other bar news, Centanni Piano Bar on Water Street recently changed
ownership but remains open.
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Friday, Nov. 6
Bad Boy Bill spins
this Friday with opener Nick Rockwell. The night also includes sexy go-go
dancers and visuals by VJ Brye with $5 tall cocktails and $100 bottles of Three
Olives regular, grape and cherry.
Kenadee’s Ultra
Pub
718 N. Milwaukee St.
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Take part in $2 MGD bottles or $10 MGD buckets of five bottles with music by
DJ E.Rich. Starts at 9 p.m.
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Friday, Nov. 6
10 p.m.
The Ragadors, Bailiff, Church Of Abject
Sorrow
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Saturday, Nov. 7
The Exotics
Stonefly
Brewery
735 E. Center St.
Saturday, Nov. 7
9 p.m.
The NightKrawlers,
DJ Loveless, XL BIG
Thief
Wine Shop & Bar
400 N. Water St.
Tuesday,
Nov. 10
Southern Rhone Reds of Domaine de la Janasse. Join the action at
5, 6 or 7 p.m. at the wine bar in the Public Market. The tasting costs $20, and
RSVPs are required.
Benno’s Genuine Bar
& Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps, and three sliders for $3.
Rustico
Pizzeria
223 N. Water St.
Mondays
I’m
excited about this one. From 9 p.m.-close take advantage of $1 slices.
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.
Hi Hat Lounge &
Garage
1701 N. Arlington Pl.
Thursdays
Ladies Night: DJs Kid Cut Up and Steve Marxx. Two complimentary drinks for
the ladies.
1905 North Ave.
Fridays
Everyone can enjoy free 42
Below vodka between 8-10 p.m. Sounds like a steal.
Brocach Irish Pub and
Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday-Friday
Take half off all top shelf Irish and scotch whiskies. 20 oz. pint of
Guinness and shot of Powers for $6.25. $5 wines by the glass. 3:30-6 p.m.
Bryant’s Cocktail
Lounge
1579 S. 9th St.
Tuesday-Friday
Old-Fashioned Cocktail Hour from 5-9 p.m. Half-price Depression-era
cocktails, including the signature Old-Fashioned.
