It rained all day and we drove for hours past several malls, chain restaurants, Wal-Marts and subdivisions. I’m not exaggerating – hours. We were suburban wanderers and we ended up lost in Waukesha. Though tired, we were on a mission to find a bar outside of the city.
My brother drove, but neither of us really knew where we were going and nothing looked too promising as we traveled west along Bluemound Road, passing strip mall after strip mall.
Our spirits shifted when we saw the sign reading Historic Downtown. And so we continued through a historic Waukesha, foggy and friendly with oblong streets and triangular buildings. Small churches with tall steeples welcomed us in after passing rather stark buildings, like the Indoor Gun Range and Waukesha Iron and Metal.
We drove around a bit under the calming rain before settling on what we thought could be a good representation of a small, suburban neighborhood bar. The sign read “Mutt’s FOOD FUN SPORTS SPIRITS.” Sold.
We walked in and were greeted with relative silence – the only sounds coming from a TV turned to the Travel Channel’s Top 10 Wonders of the West. There were four older men, each atop a lonely barstool. No one spoke.
We were helped right away to a couple of Bloodys by the lady bartender dressed in black. “How do you like them?” She asked the same question for our fries.
We knew she sought our tastes for spice and crunch, but such care is often overlooked on the main streets of downtown.
The suburban bar was a structure of cheap wood paneling, white stucco walls and stained ceiling tiles. The phone rang while she was busy with a patron.
“Be there in a second,” she calmly expressed to the inanimate object. “Hello, Mutt’s.” she finally answered. “Uh, huh, yea, okay. Tomas, your ride is out there.”
About 15 minutes later, a cab was outside to pick up another. With only two left now, we contemplated our next move. Mid-thought, the adjacent man emerged from his chair and grabbed his walker for a trip to the bathroom.
It’s hard to judge a bar like this. Each man was there on his own, lonely but familiar with one another – occasionally they made short comments back and forth. I thought the scene was a little depressing and the bar lacked energy. But the men seemed content with the simplicity and, perhaps, proximity of the bar.
There were plenty of ways to keep occupied: Golden Tee, Silver Strike Bowling, darts, a free pool table, Internet jukebox and slot machine games (For Amusement Only). Only the pool table got action. And we remained glued to the Travel Channel.
“A final warning about Arches National Park, once you go there you’ll never be the same.” How could I turn my head?
So, my first trip west was kind of a bust. But I’m not giving up yet. Please send your suggestions of bars beyond the city that I should explore and I’ll give my suburban wandering another whirl.
Dogs Bollocks NEW!
2321 N. Murray Ave.
The owners of the BritInn opened a new British Pub on Friday. Check it out.
The BritInn
4473 N. Oakland Ave.
Wednesdays: Trivia at 8 p.m. by Milwaukee Quizmaster.
Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. Water St.
New Happy Hour Specials
Monday: 10 percent off all everything on the wine list, plus $2 beers
Tuesday: 15 percent off all carafes
Wednesday: 15 percent off all flights
Thursday: No corkage on all wines over $20 from the retail shop.
Friday: $4 Fridays – each week they choose one red and one white for $4 a glass. You won’t find a better deal in town!
Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
1001 E. Locust St.
Wednesday, April 22: Acoustic open stage with featured musician (Anton Curich). Signup at 9 p.m. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. No cover.
Frank’s Power Plant
2800 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Saturday, April 25: Free Moonlight Karaoke!
Sprecher Brewery
701 W. Glendale Ave.
Sunday, April 26: Spring Vendor Fair: everything you need for Mother’s Day and more. Some vendors include Mary Kay, The Tool Shed, Pampered Chef and Avon. $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, $2 Minors. Price includes beer for adults and seniors, including a commemorative glass. Brewery tours on the hour from 12-3 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Cush Lounge
1806 E. North Ave.
Sundays: Ladies drink free 42 Below vodka and Bacardi rum flavors all night. Music by DJ Outastyle.
———————————
Have a favorite bar you’d like me to review? Email me at milmag@milwaukeemagazine.com.
———————————
What should a 17-year-old girl do when her parents won’t let her get birth control? Nikol Knows.
