“Party” listings
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The Hamilton
An old tannery garage has found new life as one of the most deluxe lounges in the city. Besides an extensive wine and beer list, this fabulous bar handcrafts some of the most interesting cocktails in town— with exotic gins, bitters and infused liquors. Try the Painted Lady, made with tea-infused gin. (09/2011)
823 E Hamilton St
414-223-1020
thehamiltonmke.com -
Victoria’s on Potter
The old View Inn was a dive, but Barnacle Bud owner Gene McKiernan has transformed it into a cozy tavern with just the right amount of attitude. Peanuts in shells are served in stainless steel dog dishes—and feel free to toss empty ones on the floor. And there's no Wi-Fi here; instead, try your hand at typing on an old typewriter while enjoying a perfectly mixed Old Fashioned or cold brew. (08/2011)
1100 E Potter Ave
414-226-5120 -
Trocadero
When this East Side French enclave reopened last year, it wasn’t just the dining room that got a facelift. The menus—for drinks and eats— changed, too. In fact, forget the French wines and order one of dozens of top-notch tequilas, including the $52 Gran Patron Bordeos. What hasn’t changed, thankfully, is Troc’s tremendous patio. (08/2011)
1758 N Water St
414-272-0205
ztrocadero.com -
The Oyster Bar at Barnacle Bud’s
More of a daytime party spot, this is Wisconsin’s largest and only outdoor oyster bar. Wash those babies down with a great bloody Mary or local beer, and while you’re sunning yourself, watch the boats go by on the Milwaukee River. (05/2011)
1955 S Hilbert St
414-481-9974
barnacle-bu...terbar.html -
BYO Studio Lounge
This art gallery, which doubles as a cocktail lounge, was the runner up for best local gallery in the recent Shepherd Express reader’s poll (bested only by the Milwaukee Art Museum). Local artists sometimes come to sketch and drink, but you don’t have to be creative to enjoy the margaritas. (04/2011)
2246 S Kinnickinnic Ave
414-489- 7474
byostudio.com -
Spin Milwaukee
Practice your beer pong in this new Third Ward bar/lounge, which features 12 tables, a stadium-like center table and a pro shop. A disk jockey spins tunes on Saturday nights, while Fridays feature $4 Jack and cokes all evening. (03/2011)
233 E Chicago St
414-831-7746
spingalacti...m/milwaukee -
ROCCO’S
In the basement of the old Legion Post 180, this bar is a great place for beer and conversation. Order a side of homemade—and addictive— chips and blue cheese with your brewski. (01/2011)
2860 S Kinnickinnic Ave
414-483-0677 -
HYDE BAR
Rain Nightclub has been transformed into a hip Walker’s Point destination. Nationally known DJs spin on weekends, and Thursday’s dollar drinks can’t be beat. (01/2011)
906 S Barclay St
414-435-0332
hydebarmke.com -
DISTIL
The food—including 85 cheeses—is great, but the focus of this lounge is the bar, which serves 90 wines, 26 ports and dozens of cocktails dreamed up by Bittercube’s craft bitter makers. (01/2011)
722 N Milwaukee St
414-220-9411
distilmilwaukee.com -
KNIGHTS BAR
This historic tap, located within a locally famous German restaurant, serves solid martinis and wickedly large glass boots of brew, all under the watchful stares of medieval coats of armor. Be sure to check out the $3 million collection of art and antiques while you drink. (12/2010)
1041 N Old World Third St
414-271-3377
madersrestaurant.com -
BITTER CUBE
This isn’t a where—it’s a who. Two of Milwaukee’s most talented bartenders, Nick Kosevich and Ira Koplawitz, mix up their own bitters, liquors and elixirs for parties, bars and special events. This holiday season, they’ll be sharing their skills at locations across Milwaukee. Fire off an email (info@bittercube.com) or tweet (@bittercube) to catch up with them. (11/2010)
No Address
bittercube.com -
THIEF WINE BAR
Need a pick-me-up after a shopping excursion in the Third Ward? Sit yourself down at this Milwaukee Public Market bar and relax with a glass of fine wine and perhaps a nosh or two. If you like your glass, you can buy a bottle to go. (11/2010)
400 N Water St
414-277-7707
thiefwine.com
