Just becauseMilwaukee ’s nickname is Brew Citydoesn’t mean that ’s all we drink . We love our brandy old fashioneds just as much as Spotted Cow . So when we ’re look for a suds substitute , there are plenty of spots for tiki rum barrels , homemade vermouth , and moreMad Men - style cocktail couch than you’re able to shake a cigarette at . Next time you want to branch out from your corner tap house , see out one of these : the skillful cocktail bars in Milwaukee .
Bittercube Bar
Uptown CrossingExperimental savour way of bitters companyBittercube is a epicure bitters ship’s company , and when they made the move to the Uptown Crossing neighborhood , they also open their own cake . It feels more like a advanced living room or kitchen than a bar , with homey touches and minimalist piece of furniture . There ’s a lot of experimenting going on here , and a number of non - alcohol-dependent options , too . They apply the strained botanicals from pee-pee bitters , what would normally be waste matter , and call on them into complex concoctions . And since this is essentially Bittercube ’s tasting room , you’re able to blame up a feeding bottle or two of your best-loved diversity on the way out .
Odd Duck
Bay ViewEver - changing global small plates and cocktailsOdd Duck ’s bill of fare of minor plate is perpetually in flux depending on what ’s available and in season , and it only makes sense that their cocktail menu follow the same path . They eschew the cutesy drink name calling here in favor of bit , though a few have short names so you know it ’s their version of a Manhattan , for instance . Kitchen ingredients and herbs and spices are used heavy , like ras el hanout syrup and Greek yogurt along with particular date - tincture Applejack in No . 10 . Ever need to fuse your everyday dose of health intellectual nourishment computer memory Daucus carota sativa juice with booze ? you may do that here , just govern No . 20 .
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
Historic Mitchell StreetSwanky , historic , and nationwide distinguish cocktail loungeArguably the good bar in Milwaukee , Bryant ’s started in 1938 and has n’t lost steam yet . Several pop drinks that are now Wisconsin supper club classic , like the Pink Squirrel , were in reality invented here . There are no drink menus , a move that ’s intended to prompt a conversation with the bartender – which can serve you find the thoroughgoing drink you never bed you wanted . prevention rules , like only patron with a posterior can get a drinkable , keep the atmosphere relaxed , even if there ’s a melodic phrase out the doorway .
Vermuteria 600
Walker ’s PointWhimsical vermouth bar in a boutique hotelLocated inside the posh Hotel Madrid , Vermuteria 600 has an atmosphere to fit , but with lots of punch-drunk , unpretentious signature . The main draw is the housemade , on - tap vermouth , which is best drank mixed with seltzer out of a ceramic T. rex name Tomas . for certain , you’re able to get a classic like a paloma , but why not get the Baby Yoda - themed cocktail made with boba tea leaf ? Every little particular is paid attention to at this measure , right down to the classic novels your check is delivered in or the red licorice straw sticking out of some drinks .
At Random
Bay ViewDimly illume romantic dapple with a Rat Pack vibeA staple in its residential neighborhood , At Random really has n’t changed at all since opening decades ago , even with a recent new possessor . There are still shining tufted banquette , vintage light fixtures , and that all - comprehend crimson mood kindling . Drinks are of two mixture : with or without deoxyephedrine cream . There are Thomas Nelson Page of ice cream crapulence in the menu , and all will get you mounds of whipped cream and a cookie around the straw . The giant Tiki Love Bowls are back too for your group ’s sharing delight .
Lost Whale
Bay ViewLounge - like bar with playful mixed drinksThe Lost Whale moved into the former Boone & Crockett spot , and it ’s brought a similar vibe and concenter on cocktails . The space is bright , cheery , and mod , with a couch feel thanks to a wall of comfy blue night club chairs . The cocktail menu immix classics ( Harvey Wallbanger , anyone ? ) and whimsical , incorporating component like Crunch Berry infused milk and Jolly Good fruit punch soda in an Oops Not Berry ’s drink . Do n’t be surprised if your cocktail comes with something clothespinned to the flange , from a dry out apple slice to a cartoon Beetlejuice tattoo .
Tin Widow
Walker ’s PointCozy taproom with exceptional snare and whisky selectionsBars in Walker ’s Point tend to be a piddling more down - to - ground than the other bar hot spot , Bay View , and Tin Widow is no exclusion . It ’s dark , cozy , and intimate , thanks to numerous candles and a lounge - like region at the back . Gin is the flavour of choice here , and they probably have more types than any other taproom in Milwaukee . ( There ’s a tidy whisky collection , too , gin hater . ) Get your favorite gin mixed in a Negroni , or try out their yummy touch Old Fashioned made with mysterious " Love Juice . " If you ’re looking for a warm Browning automatic rifle to watch the snow come outside , you really ca n’t get much better than Tin Widow .
Foundation Bar
RiverwestClassic tiki drinks in a soppy , merriment atmosphereIn a city where wintertime can last five grueling months , it ’s no surprise that a vacation - like Tiki prevention is popular . The interior of Foundation is exactly what you ’d anticipate : bamboo , Pisces tanks , surfboard , and seashells in ample quantities . drink come in ceramic barrels , volcanoes , and little replicas of those gargantuan stone mo’ai heads , and are filled with rums , yield succus , and peppiness beer . This office can get crowded , but if you snag one of the sequester booths in the back , you ’ll feel like a dignitary .
Boone & Crockett
Harbor ViewRustic voguish bit for cocktails and whiskeyBoone & Crockett recently made a openhanded move from their little blank on KK Avenue to a much larger spot on KK River . It ’s keep the same laid back , hipster - play - Up - North vibration though , and now it can even kayak to it , which is actually northwoodsy . cask - age cocktail are the thing to get here , and we especially commend the classical quondam fashioned . The terrace and outdoor bar is a welcome retreat in affectionate weather , which is also where the Taco Moto motortruck makes its permanent home . Who knew tuna tacos and cask - aged negronis go so well together ?
Fink’s
East VillageUnpretentious , everyman ’s cocktail barBucking the super - swank , lavish - lounge image , Fink ’s is the everyman ’s cocktail bar . From the row of pinball game car , to the kitschy red glass standard candle holders find in every pizzeria ever , there ’s no inflation to be found here – despite the fact that the cocktail are top - notch . Wear cargo boxershorts and bring a board game ; no one cares . catch a classical cocktail , or opt for one of the house recipes , like the Tuscan Leather , which is comprised of bourbon , spiced pear liqueur , vermouth , and bitters .
Goodkind
Bay ViewCozy eatery with unique cocktail programThough a eatery first , Goodkind ’s measure is pumping out some of the most creative and luscious cocktails in the city , thanks to bar handler Katie Rose . The horseshoe cake accept up half the quad of the quaint dining way , remind customer that they well order a drink . Ingredients like celery bitters , cilantro water , and apricot garam masala syrup make for unique , complex drinks with fanciful names like In the Rain on Royal St – our favorite – and Harvey Moyman , Esquire III .
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Hotel Madrid
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge|Courtesy of Dan Bishop
At Random
Foundation Tiki Bar
Boone & Crockett
Fink’s
