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Mighty Duck
We review The Thirsty Duck, the new Wauwatosa duckpin bowling alley operated by Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub owners.
Bowling forged a rich tradition in Milwaukee, thanks to the same German forebears who brought brats and beer in the 1800s. But despite the centuries-long adoration for the game, its scaled-down cousin, duckpin bowling, never caught much action here (excluding always-crowded Koz’s Mini Bowl). And yet, now we have The Thirsty Duck (11320 W. Blue Mound Rd., Wauwatosa), a six-lane alley operated by Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub owners. The small menu features pizzas and fried chicken, which can be enjoyed at the Duck’s bar, which serves a decent selection of local favorites, craft brews and cocktails. But feel free to eat and drink while rolling softball-sized balls (sans finger holes) at those short, tubby pins. Lanes are reserved by the hour ($30), employees hand-set pins (tipping encouraged), and scoring is done manually. Its laid-back, friendly atmosphere converts the split between 20-somethings looking for a relaxed night out and easy-going birthday parties for kids.
