I had preconceived notions of what goes on inside Jo-Cats (1311 E. Brady St.). I was right for the most part, but I didn’t have a horrible time. The music is loud and dance-worthy. We walked in on a little Daft Punk, followed by some crazy Beyoncé remix. I don’t know when this happened, but I have a terrible weakness for Beyoncé. She might have altered my opinion of the place. “A diva is a female version of a hustler.” Damn straight.
After passing the door guy and scanning the full bar, we walked around to the back. On our way, we shuffled through the crowd, which was made up mostly of males. Their eyes told me there was a lot more drinking to be done. We found a nice ledge to hover over, and it happened to be on the edge of a miniature dance floor. A small group of women ranging in age from 20 to about 40 were all over the beat. Three mirrors reflected their sweet moves, but the one on the far right was cracked – a little “popping” gone wrong, perhaps?
I like the thatched ceilings, but that’s all for decor.
A different bartender checked on us once we were settled. The bartenders are attentive and are also attractive women who join in the drinking and dancing. This definitely explains the male majority.
I’m told the scene changes up a bit toward the night’s end. You guessed it, drunken debauchery. This is true in many establishments, but I hear Jo-Cats linked to such shenanigans more than any other bar – except maybe Judges.
I must say, this is not my kind of place, and I probably won’t go back. But I can see the draw of the mini-dance floor and Beyoncé.
We traveled to Hi-Hat (1701 N. Arlington Pl.) and then Roman Coin (1004 E. Brady St.) to cap off the evening. The Coin is a great spot to shoot pool and meet some new folks as a result. Plus they have Donkey Kong, which is a challenging game that makes me feel bad about my skills.
Jo-Cats isn’t for everyone, but maybe you like to dance in crowded places with loud Top 40 hits. There’s nothing wrong with that. You can even dance from your chair. If that doesn’t sound appealing, try Roman Coin.
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Friday, Jan. 15
This weekend, Apt. 720 hosts its fifth-annual Black Party. Doors open at 10 p.m., and black attire is encouraged. DJ Graham Funke will be the evening’s special guest DJ.
Café Lulu
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Friday, Jan. 15
Check out Gallery Night at Lulu with art from Soar Studios and tunes by 5 Card Studs.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Saturday, Jan. 16
10 p.m.
Brief Candles, His & Her Vanities
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps, and three sliders for $3.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. Ninth St.
Mondays
Bryant’s second-floor lounge turns into a Speakeasyon Monday nights from 8 p.m.-midnight, hosted by Bittercube. Check out the link for more details.
Also at Bryant’s:
Thursday, Jan. 21
The Sporting Fraternity
Advanced tickets are required for this event with limited seating, so act accordingly. Seatings are at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include three cocktails, coffee and light appetizers made by National Café – also a wonderful place. Don’t miss this!
Rustico Pizzeria
223 N. Water St.
Mondays
I’m excited about this one. From 9 p.m.-close, take advantage of $1 slice night.
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.
Polish Falcon’s Nest 725
801 E. Clarke St.
Wednesdays
Open Bowl on the oldest lanes in town. And it only costs $3.25 a game plus $1 for shoes.
Decibel
1905 North Ave.
Thursdays
Hey ladies! Free drinks until midnight. Everyone else pays $3 for Stoli drinks. Not bad. No cover.
Hi-Hat Lounge & Garage
1701 N. Arlington Pl.
Thursdays
Ladies Night: DJs Kid Cut Up and Steve Marxx. Two complimentary drinks for the ladies.
Kenadee’s Ultra Pub
718 N. Milwaukee St.
Fridays
Bitch Pleeze Fridays: Ladies drink free mixers every Friday from 10 p.m.-midnight. Kenny Perez provides the music. No cover. No dress code.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday-Friday
From 3:30 to 6 p.m., try happy hour: 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.
