Editor’s Note: We’re happy to introduce our new Bar Time columnist, Carly Rubach. She replaces Miranda Agee, who moved to Chicago.
I might not be a native to this fine industrial city of vacant warehouses and peeking church steeples, but I’ve learned fast. Don’t drink Budweiser in public, for one. And the Lakefront Brewery tour is the bee’s knees. Some learning came from pleasant experiences. But not all nightlife adventures can be so sweet.
Coworkers, new friends and a long-winded landlord made it known early that certain bars are for certain people, that particular neighborhoods draw particular crowds and that prostitutes and crackheads have been known to haunt the late night crowd at Victor’s (1230 N. Van Buren St).
I had my first Victor’s experience this New Year’s Eve, and aside from the well-timed and quickly devoured hot dog sold inside after paying an absurd $10 cover, I was horrified. The lights and the mirrors played tricks with my perception – I was convinced the bar was endless – I became dizzy (could’ve been the whiskey) and, unaware of my own body, I performed an awkward dance for a few minutes. The booths were straight out of some mobster movie and I was drowning in the scent of cologne and vomit.
Everyone seemed to be crawling, hiding in shady corners, or hovering – whatever your definition of “normal” human interaction, Victor’s was lacking. Zombie-like forms were drooling, looking to score, forcing themselves to stay awake. Once I found the door, I decided my New Year’s had to come to an end.
The funny thing is that my companions stressed that attending Victor’s on New Year’s Eve is a Milwaukee tradition. This I will never understand. A coworker assured me that “Wisconsin ‘traditions’ are just an excuse to get drunk at a shitty bar.” She, along with many others, referred to this Milwaukee staple as “Victims.” Never again.
One night at Victor’s was enough for me. But a bad first impression in the Riverwest neighborhood was quickly overcome.
I went to a friend’s apartment after work and waited for her to change before we went out. Meanwhile, nosing around — guitars, books, paintings, a colorful portrait of Devendra Banhart, a stoned roommate with complete disregard to our presence — I was at ease.
That is, until it was time to go. After exiting the back door of her apartment, my brother at my side, we saw this guy get mugged at gunpoint. We slammed the door, called the cops, no one answered (bad sign?) and with a little hesitation we went about our evening. The next day, we found out it was my friend’s neighbor who got mugged for about 20 bucks.
Violence may sometimes dwell in the land across the bridge and away from the city, but Riverwest is still a cool place for hipsters and misfits drawn to the outskirts for a neighborhood of impromptu reggae dance parties at The Gig (1132 E. Wright St.) and live local music at Stonefly (735 E. Center St.) and Linneman’s Riverwest Inn (1001 E. Locust St).
I spent the first (and better) half of my New Year’s dancing at The Gig. Such a great crowd and atmosphere. You can dance if you want to – no pressure, no sensory mindbenders. We left The Gig in two separate cars. Unfortunately, one went to Victor’s.
I’m glad I gave the Riverwest neighborhood a second chance. But I can’t say the same about Victor’s.
The Gig
1132 E. Wright St.
Friday, Jan. 30 jam with the The Hill Climbers, a progressive acoustic band, banjo and fiddle included.
Daily Specials:
Monday: $2 Guinness and shots of Irish whiskey
Tuesday: $12 bucket of Bell’s
Wednesday: $1.50 rail cocktails and domestic bottles
Thursday: $4.50 domestic pitchers and $5.50 micro pitchers
Stonefly
735 E. Center St.
Thursday Jan. 29 Brazilian performer Curumin plays the Stonefly with special guest DJ Andy Noble. I’ve been told he’s the “Beck of Brazil” with his blend of samba, soul, hip-hop, funk and rock. They also have a 4-7 p.m. happy hour daily with all $4 taps for $3. And Tuesday nights are Trivia Night.
The Foundation
2718 N. Bremen St.
A Riverwest bar with a tiki theme to keep your mind off the cold. They provide a superb daily happy hour with $2 Lakefront pints and $2.50 well drinks until 10 p.m. Oh, how I love the Lakefront brews.
Victor’s
1230 N. Van Buren St.
Fridays: Free crack with purchase of Schlitz bottle
Saturdays: Ladies’ night – 2 for 1 hookers
Weekdays: All you can drink mystery cocktails – Don’t ask cause we won’t tell!
(In all fairness, I hear they have good food. But make sure you get out before the sun goes down)
