"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee.com – brought to you by Stoli Vodka, Altos Tequila, Fireball, OR-G, Jim Beam, Plymouth Gin and 2 Gingers – is back for another round! The whole month of February, we're serving up intoxicatingly fun articles on bars and clubs – including guides, the latest trends, bar reviews, the results of our Best of Bars poll and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!
The Third Ward is a cultural gem here in Milwaukee. The shopping is to die for, the dining is great and it's one of the most historic districts in the city. Also, it's a great place to get liquored up. Whether you prefer upscale wine joints, homey neighborhood pubs, or you get bored just drinking and want to play some table tennis, the Third War has the perfect bar for you.
Cafe Benelux
346 N. Broadway, (414) 501-2500
cafebenelux.com
Cafe Benelux gets rave reviews as a dining experience, but this homey tribute to the Belgium-Netherlands-Luxembourg region also holds its own as a watering hole. Not only does Benelux have a great bier selection, but the wine list and craft cocktails are equally impressive.
Club Charlies
320 E. Menomonee St., (414) 763-8548
clubcharlies.com
Club Charlie's is the Third Ward's neighborhood bar, with a friendly staff and a warm atmosphere. It's still serving its famous $6 lunch, Monday through Friday. It also offers a full lunch and dinner menu, including a fish fry.
Cuvée
177 N. Broadway, (414) 225-9800
cuveemke.com
Perfect for a romantic evening or a night out on the town with the girls, Cuvée is the best bar for bubbly in these parts. Some say it's hard to find, but others swear it's worth the search (psst: it's on the second floor). Customers love the premium drinks and upscale desserts.
Evolution Milwaukee
233 E. Chicago St., (414) 831-7746
milwaukee.spingalactic.com
If bowling's not your thing but you're still looking for that indoor-sport experience, Evolution Milwaukee has just what you need: specifically, 12 table-tennis courts on cushioned Olympic flooring. Court rates are $16 per hour before 6 p.m. and $24 after. The bar and restaurant also serves lunch and dinner daily.
Hinterland Erie Street Gastropub
222 E. Erie St., (414) 727-9300
hinterlandbeer.com
Hinterland is where quality meets casual. The specialty is beer, of course, but it also serves specialty cocktails and a selection of wine. If you're hungry, Hinterland also serves a nice selection of appetizers, entrées and desserts.
The Irish Pub
124 N Water St., (414) 225-9400
theirishpub.us
The name says it all. There's no pretension here, and everyone is family within the Cream City brick walls. It's been named among CNN Travel's Best Sports Bars in the U.S., but it can't be pigeonholed as just a great place to watch the game. It also offers a full menu and has a separate dining room.
KASANA Restaurant & Bar
241 N. Broadway, (414) 224-6158
kasana-mke.com
KASANA, located on Broadway, offers a slew of cocktails ranging from $8 to $12, a selection of red and white whines by the glass and bottle, and bottled beers ranging from $4 to $11. Lunch and dinner featuring Argentinean and Brazilian-inspired gourmet fare.
Milwaukee Ale House
233 N. Water St.,(414) 226-2336
ale-house.com
Milwaukee Ale House, an all-malt brewery and restaurant, is located in the heart of the Historic Third Ward on the Riverwalk. Six fresh ales are brewed on the premises, and lunch and dinner are served in the turn-of-the-century beer hall atmosphere. The happy hour includes drink and appetizer deals.
Milwaukee Sail Loft
649 E. Erie St., (414) 223-0100
milwaukeesailloft.com
The Sail Loft's beer list is expansive and the wine selection is ample, featuring both domestic and international brands. Already-affordable prices are improved by weekly specials. A daily happy hour boasts cheap libations and appetizers.
Oak Lounge
231 E. Buffalo St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202, (414) 270-1018
oakmilwaukee.com
This upscale lounge brings a big-city feel to the Third Ward. The drinks are on the pricier side, but it hosts DJs and VIP parties for you to have a wild and dance-filled night.
Riverfront Pizzeria Bar and Grill Rustico Pizzeria Splash Studio Swig Thief Wine Shop & Bar Vino 100 Water Buffalo The Wicked Hop
509 E. Erie St., (414) 227-1800
facebook.com/riverfrontpizzeriamilw
This trendy pizza joint is open Tuesday through Sunday and has outdoor seating, affordable prices and a full bar selection.
223 N. Water St., (414) 220-9933
rusticopizzeria.com
Pizza is just the beginning at Rustico. It offers a menu that includes a slew of selected wines ranging from $7 to $9 per glass or $21 to $36 per bottle.
184 N. Broadway, (414) 882-7621
splashmilwaukee.com
Ever feel inspired when you drink? Splash Studio has you covered. Drop into Splash, pick up a paintbrush and a drink and let the creative juices flow. Friday and Saturday night sessions are offered, or you could stop into the bar and paint on a mini-canvas. Lacking inspiration? The lounge is packed with art books.
217 N. Broadway (414) 431-7944
swigmilwaukee.com
Swig offers a small-plate dining experience like no other – plus over 20 martinis, wine, champagne and award-winning dessert options.
Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. Water St., (414) 277-7707
thiefwine.com
This wine nook is a calm island amidst the bustle of the busy Milwaukee Public Market. Sit at the bar or at a table and tune out. The prices are great, with glasses ranging from $5.50 to $16 - and for not much more, you can get a whole caraffe. Thief also offers great weekly deals.
219 E. Erie St., (414) 277-8466
vino100milwaukee.com
This wine boutique boasts domestic and international brands sold for retail prices. For a small corkage fee you can enjoy them in the intimate tasting room with a few friends (or alone, if that's how you like to drink). Join the Wine Club for exclusive benefits like wine tasting nights, or take advantage of weekly wine classes.
249 N. Water St., (414) 431-1133
waterbuffalomilwaukee.com
What's better than drinking on the river? Even if you're inside, Water Buffalo's floor-to-ceiling windows afford you a priceless view as you get tipsy. The menu is delicious, and the contemporary decor gives off a casual but elegant vibe.
345 N. Broadway, (414) 223-0345
thewickedhop.com
The Wicked Hop offers dozens of wines, a handful of beers on tap and a full bar. It's an intimate, cozy place for just after work with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on Broadway and its fashion boutiques. The Bloody Marys are where they really shine.
