27 minute read
Milwaukee Music
ACOUSTIC MUSICIAN
Evan Christian The term virtuoso shouldn’t be used lightly, but in the case of guitarist Evan Christian, it is well deserved. While he can demonstrate immense technical style while playing plugged in, Christian also has the capability to emote soulful, heartfelt tones when playing acoustically, merging blues, soul and folk together seamlessly. A lengthy discography and back catalog of written works have cemented Christian’s legacy as one of the most skilled musicians in the city. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • Jake Williams • Keith Pulvermacher • Myles Wangerin
ALT-COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS BAND
The Whiskeybelles
whiskeybelles.com
With big personalities and traditional country charm, The Whiskeybelles have become a staple of the Milwaukee country music scene for several years, including previous Best of Milwaukee Awards. Beyond their stage presence, however, lies a sound rooted in old-school country, with a uniquely Milwaukee flavor to it. The trio of Chrissy Dzioba Clobes, Kimmy Unger, and Sara Moilanen play expertly off of one another with a hee-haw flare that can entertain generations of country fans. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP—ALT COUNTRY: • Chicken Wire Empire • Rebel Grace • Road Crew RUNNERS-UP—BLUEGRASS BAND • Chicken Wire Empire • Sawdust Symphony • The MilBillies
BLUES BAND
Robert Allen Jr.
robertallenjr.com
With several accolades already to his name, Robert Allen Jr. shows why he is one of Wisconsin’s stars within the world of blues every time he touches the stage. With a passion for a genre of music that requires emotional investment, Allen Jr. and his band are stellar, with an energy that the guitar slinger brings not only to his instrument, but his songwriting and vocals as well. The Robert Allen Jr. Band continues to regularly play out, consistently providing listeners with an entertaining experience. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • Altered Five Blues Band • Blind Fiction • Tweed
CLUB DJ
DJ Shawna
djshawna.com
DJ Shawna lives by the motto to “dare to be,” and that comes across not only in her open-format DJ sessions, but in the success she’s seen as a live performer throughout the city. A former collegiate basketball standout at the University of Wisconsin, Shawna has taken her talents off the court to becoming the official DJ of the Milwaukee Bucks, as well as standout events like the NCAA Women’s Final Four. There’s no telling where DJ Shawna will turn up next. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • DJ Bizzon • DJ Nustylez • Mr. New York
COVER-TRIBUTE BAND/ROCK BAND
Cherry Pie A longtime fixture of Milwaukee’s many festivals, hair metal tribute band Cherry Pie generally gets to make thousands of heads bang every summer. With a repertoire that includes covers of everyone from Def Leppard to Guns N’ Roses, including namesake band Warrant, there’s an undeniable fun atmosphere whenever the tribute act takes the stage. If you crave the nostalgia of ’80s hair metal, Cherry Pie delivers that, from authenticsounding covers to the look and feel of their live shows. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP—COVER-TRIBUTE BAND: • Clove • Failure to Launch • FM RODEO • Smart Mouth RUNNERS-UP—ROCK BAND: • Almighty Vinyl • Betsy Ade & the Well-Known Strangers • Fightin' Bob
ELECTRONIC ARTIST
Immortal Girlfriend Synthwave act Immortal Girlfriend continues to take Milwaukee and the world by storm. The brotherly duo of Will and Kevin Bush have made their name with a sound that evokes images of a cool, latenight drive along the city’s lakefront, which
MILWAUKEE MUSIC
you fittingly hear on their 2020 EP, Ride. With dark, brooding textures and an everconsistent thump to their beats, Immortal Girlfriend create tracks that feel like they could score the most futuristic of video games and movies. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • 0pticBox • Guerrilla Ghost • Immortal Girlfriend • Moonbow
FOLK BAND
Chicken Wire Empire
chickenwireempire.com
Chicken Wire Empire offer a distinctly Midwestern take on modern bluegrass, bringing a down-home approach to music not generally associated with their geographic area. Incorporating elements of Americana and country, the band has a twang that is inescapable and has catapulted them from regional performances to overseas tours and festival bookings, deservedly so. Chicken Wire Empire continue to make music that stomps, howls and plucks its way to your heartstrings, and that is truly something special. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • Frogwater • Nickel & Rose • Thriftones
JAZZ COMBO
We Six Attempting to encapsulate the wide range of jazz’s many subgenres is no easy task, but local ensemble We Six have demonstrate that they are more than capable of doing those styles of music justice with their diverse individual skill sets. Whether performing original material or standards that have been passed on for generations, the Milwaukee Jazz Institute musicians find ways to give their music personality, creating an identity for themselves as a group. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • Cosmic Endeavors • J. Ryan Trio • No Seatbelts
METAL BAND
Beatallica
beatallica.org
The what-if mixture of The Beatles and Metallica have been thrashing along with a little help from their friends for nearly two decades. In that time, they’ve toured the world, shared the stage with metal legends and released four albums that blends the two iconic bands together. The combination of songwriting styles into musical parody works extremely well, and that has left Milwaukeeans cheering for years. Beatallica are truly a unique experience for anyone that is a fan of metal. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • American Bandit • Chief • Thrasher
MUSIC PRODUCER
Vincent Van Great Before taking over on the microphone as well, SAFS Crew emcee Vincent Van Great was primarily a beatmaker. Now a dual threat, Van Great brings lethal beats to projects for himself as well as others in the circle of artists that he works with. With top notch skill behind the boards and in front of the microphone, Vincent Van Great is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of local hip-hop. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • 40Mil • ChefboiJc • Moonbow • Renz Young
POLKA BAND
The Squeezettes Polka in Milwaukee is not only beloved by the city’s residents but embedded deep within traditional roots. For The Squeezettes, that tradition is not only embraced but expanded upon, working in the standards alongside pop hits from a smattering of decades. The quintet continues to adore audiences throughout the city, injecting an energy within their genre that can only be beneficial if done exactly right. Fortunately, the band’s technical prowess not only gives polka a facelift but keeps the spirit of its roots alive. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • Alpine Blast • Blaskapelle • November Criminals
RAP/HIP-HOP ARTIST
Kaylee Crossfire 2020 has seen women rise to the top of hip-hop from a mainstream standpoint; locally, it has been another big year for Kaylee Crossfire. The “Baddie Alert” rapper has gotten plenty of attention off of her radio-friendly single, as well as an appearance on Netflix series “Rhythm and Flow,” where she performed in front of the likes of Cardi B, T.I. and Chance The Rapper. The potential is high for Kaylee Crossfire in the near future. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • D'Aych • Maal Himself • Spaidez
MILWAUKEE MUSIC
VOCALIST (FEMALE)
Amanda Huff With a brooding, operatic tone that commands the room from the moment she begins to sing, Amanda Huff is a talent unlike many others locally. She continues to ascend the ranks of Milwaukee’s music scene, both as a solo act and with her altpop collaboration “You Win!!!” alongside producer This Random Machine. Huff’s vocal performances make her a standout amongst her peers, and the sound lends itself to just about any style of music. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • Abby Jeanne • Alexa • Aly Wangerin
VOCALIST (MALE)
Lex Allen
theofficiallex.com
As one of the stars of Milwaukee’s burgeoning R&B scene, Lex Allen has continued to shine with his strong vocal range and dynamic approach to creating music. Whether on heartfelt tracks like “Mama’s Boy” or the liberating anthem “Let Go,” Allen is a combination of personality and performance. There’s a clear influence from the pop and soul greats of the past that transcends into Allen’s vocals, making him a fan favorite and frequent headlining attraction throughout the city. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • Adam Fettig • Nick Montag (Smart Mouth) • Tr3y
OUT AND ABOUT
ALL-AGES VENUE
Cactus Club 2496 S. Wentworth Ave. 414-897-0663
cactusclubmilwaukee.com
Since taking over the booking responsibilities for Cactus Club, owner Kelsey Kaufmann has made important strides to create an inclusive space for all, and that includes all ages as well. After successfully helping alter the restrictions for all-ages concerts, Cactus Club have previously hosted youth showcases and all-ages matinées, as well as made younger acts part of their digital programming. Going into 2021, the venue is one of the best spots to discover Milwaukee’s musical talent for all. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • Hangout MKE Cafe & Lounge Co. • The Rave / Eagles Club • X-Ray Arcade
ARCADE/GAMING
Up-Down MKE 615 E. Brady St. | 414-585-0880
updownarcadebar.com
With two floors of nostalgic gaming on classic arcade games, pinball machines, skee-ball alleys, patio activities and more, Up-Down MKE is a great stop for group activities, large and small. The craft beer selection and house-made pizza by the slice make it a one-stop shop for a night out. The walls are decked out with memorabilia from the ’80s and ’90s, and all games cost only a quarter to play. It’s no surprise Up-Down MKE is a winner. (Tyler Nelson) RUNNERS-UP: • First and Bowl • The Garcade • Hangout MKE Cafe & Lounge Co.
ART STUDIO/CLASSES (NON-BAR)
Find Your Light Art School and Gallery 3701 E. Layton Ave. | 414-759-1253
findyourlightartschool.com
The goal of Find Your Light Art School and Gallery is to provide to artists, novice to experienced, the tools needed to grow within a welcoming, positive and inspiring environment. Find Your Light offers group classes, private lessons, a gallery for art produced there and on Sundays for five hours, they hold an open studio where artists can work on projects and share a little knowledge. (Griffin Bradley) RUNNERS-UP: • KitscheCoo Unique Gifts & Classes • NEIGHBOR art studio • Vibez Creative Arts Space
OUT AND ABOUT
ATTRACTION FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
Milwaukee County Zoo 10001 W. Bluemound Road 414-771-3040 | milwaukeezoo.org Did you know that the Milwaukee County Zoo is home to the largest group of bonobos in North America? Bonobos also share 98.7% of their DNA with humans, making them—and chimpanzees— the closest living relatives to us. The Milwaukee County Zoo started in 1892 in Washington Park but moved to the 190acre Bluemound Road location in the late 1950s. With special activities going on all year round, it’s easy to find something to do at the zoo. (Tyler Nelson) RUNNERS-UP: • First and Bowl • Milwaukee Art Museum • NorthSouth Club • SafeHouse
AXE THROWING BAR
AXE MKE 1924 E. Kenilworth Place 414-488-9340 | axemke.com Looking for a fun activity where you and your friends can throw axes in a controlled environment and drink beer? Look no further! One of the first of its kind in the area, AXE MKE has 12 lanes for up to six people per lane. Groups with reservations get a 90-minute session along with a lesson from an “Axe Master,” while walkins get 60 minutes. Before COVID, guests were encouraged to come sit at the bar, watch some axe throwing and enjoy some local beer, craft cocktails or wine. What a way to blow off some pent-up steam! (Griffin Bradley) RUNNERS-UP: • Falls Axe • Fling Milwaukee • NorthSouth Club
At Random 2501 S. Delaware Ave. | 414-481-8030
atrandommke.com
Some real estate money-grubber wanted to tear it down and build a condo, but fortunately, At Random was saved. Although located on a corner, it’s no mere corner bar. At Random is more like the side room at a Vegas casino circa 1955—there’s Frank and Dino and Sammy, chuckling quietly as they trade quips over luscious tropical and ice cream drinks topped with colored umbrellas. You want beer or wine—you can find it down the street. With COVID, At Random began offering cocktails that customers can assemble and consume at home. With the colder weather, hot cocktails have been all the rage for customers. One huge hit has been “Under the Volcano,” which is made with hot chocolate, Mezcal, nutmeg, cinnamon, hot pepper and vanilla topped with marshmallows. Yummy. (David Luhrssen/ Griffin Bradley) RUNNERS-UP BAR FOR QUIET CONVERSATION: • Bryant's Cocktail Lounge • Sugar Maple • The Tin Widow RUNNERS-UP—COCKTAIL LOUNGE: • Blu at the Pfister Hotel • Bryant's Cocktail Lounge • Lost Whale RUNNERS-UP—COCKTAIL KIT: • Lost Whale • The Packing House • Twisted Path Distillery
BAR ON A BUDGET/KARAOKE BAR
landmarklanes.com
Landmark Lanes is the East Side’s destination for bowling, arcade games, live music and a bar with drink specials offered daily. The bar’s happy hour is Monday through Thursday from 5-7 p.m., offering $2 pints and rail mixers. While Landmark has had to reduce their capacity to 25%, pausing karaoke and league nights, they have continued to provide an affordable, wide variety of drinks to their customers who have shown unwavering support. (Quinn Clark) RUNNERS-UP BAR ON A BUDGET: • The Drunk Uncle • The Newport • Redbar RUNNERS-UP KARAOKE BAR: • Amelia's • The High Note Karaoke Lounge • Nomad World Pub
BAR TO BE SEEN IN
Elsa’s on the Park 833 N. Jefferson St. | 414-765-0615
elsas.com
With its marble and terrazzo surfaces, Elsa’s classic, never-out-of-fashion look has endured after more than 35 years in the same Downtown location. The menu includes some of the town’s best burgers, the bar serves a potent martini, and walls have seen a changing array of local art. It’s always been busy at night with a
OUT AND ABOUT
diverse crowd locked in conversation and looking for familiar faces. (David Luhrssen) RUNNERS-UP: • Brewskis • Nettie's Irish Pub - NIP’S • NorthSouth Club • Trailer Park Tavern
BAR TO WATCH SOCCER
The Highbury Pub 2322 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. | 414-294-4400 No matter what club you support, The Highbury Pub in Bay View is an atmosphere that feels inclusive for all soccer fans. With matches from the Premier League and Bundesliga all the way to the Serbian SuperLiga on TV at any given point throughout the day, owner Joe Katz and his staff help transport Milwaukeeans to another part of the world to watch the beautiful game however they please. If you’re looking to roar with your fellow supporters at all hours of the morning, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to do so. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • Moran's Pub • Nomad World Pub • Red Lion Pub
BAR WITH A PATIO
Von Trier 2235 N. Farwell Ave. | 414-272-1775
vontriers.com
The hue and cry that went up when rumors spread of Von Trier closing—you’d think they were tearing down the Hoan Bridge or removing the dinosaur from the Public Museum! This beloved reminder of Milwaukee’s Germanic past, all dark wood, stained glass and beer steins, is a womblike retreat in the winter months. But come summer, the enclosed backyard is the place to sit at the crossroads of the city’s and watch the crowds go by. (David Luhrssen) RUNNERS-UP: • Lost Whale • Nettie's Irish Pub - NIP’S • Nomad World Pub • Station No. 06 • Three Cellars
BEER GARDEN
South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden 2900 S. Shore Drive | 414-617-1147
southshoreterrace.com
Milwaukee’s Bavarian heritage makes beer gardens a natural fit. Our limited outdoor season means we enjoy them to the fullest. We can boast four permanent beer gardens, a wine and beer garden and a Traveling Beer Garden, which visits 12 Milwaukee County parks each season. As a bonus, when you drink at a beer garden, you're helping to fund future projects in the parks. (Blaine Schultz) RUNNERS-UP: • Estabrook Beer Garden • Franklin Beer Garden at Croatian Park • Hubbard Park Beer Garden
BLOODY MARY
Sobelmans Multiple locations
sobelmanspubandgrill.com
What used to be a simple cocktail with the base of tomato juice and vodka has turned into a pageant where the most exotic sides included in the mug are rewarded. Sobelmans has a long history as one of the best burger bars around and is also home to the original Bloody Mary Bar. Not long after first being offered, their signature Bloodies with cheeseburgers as garnish made national news. Since then, they even offer one Bloody served with a whole fried chicken. (Tyler Nelson) RUNNERS-UP: • Café Hollander (Tosa) • Steny's Tavern & Grill • The Wicked Hop
BREWERY TOUR
lakefrontbrewery.com
Lakefront Brewery provides one of the most fun, yet informative tours in town. Your paid ticket guarantees four sixounce samples, a free souvenir pint glass and a ticket for a free beer from a sizable list of area bars to be used the same day as the tour. For those who seek a more immersive experience, Lakefront offers once a week a three-hour, technical tour which allows in-depth educational opportunities with experts and a posttour pairing menu. (Susan Harpt Grimes) RUNNERS-UP: • Miller Brewery • Milwaukee Brewing Company • Sprecher Brewing Co.
CRAFT BEER SELECTION AT A BAR
Sugar Maple 441 E. Lincoln Ave. | 414-509-6035
mysugarmaple.com
Milwaukee lager lovers and hop-heads alike will not be surprised by Sugar Maple’s victory in this category. Dozens of tap lines pour a constantly rotating list of craft beer from all over the United States. There are also hard seltzers, wines and even handmade cocktails available, but beer is definitely the reason customers come through the door. One of the best things about the bar, besides
OUT AND ABOUT
the comedy, music and other events, is the fact they don’t have any televisions inside. (Griffin Bradley) RUNNERS-UP: • The Brass Tap • The Drunk Uncle • Sugar Maple • WhirlyBall Brookfield
DANCE CLUB
Mad Planet 533 E. Center St. | mad-planet.net A Friday Night Retro Dance Party at Mad Planet was one of my firsts tastes of the scene in Riverwest and fond memories of a genuinely fun night out. There’s definitely a mood that brings people back. You’ll catch people from different backgrounds, different generations and suburbs making the trek to let loose and set their worries aside. Depending on the entertainment on nights of shows, that same energy comes out. Would recommend. Do recommend. Will continue to recommend and can’t wait until it’s time to get weird again, the oldfashioned way. (Tyler Nelson) RUNNERS-UP: • Jo-Cat’s Pub • LaCage NiteClub • RWB Milwaukee • This is it!
ESCAPE ROOM
Escape MKE 3333 N. Mayfair Road | 414-301-7183
escapemke.com
Immerse yourself in a world of breaking codes and solving crime at Escape MKE. Players can choose between a selection of missions to take on with their friends, families or coworkers. Employees are dedicated to providing a realistic, entertaining experience, going into character to explain how teams can complete their mission before time runs out. (Quinn Clark) RUNNERS-UP: • City 13- Milwaukee’s Premier
Escape Room • Save Milwaukee Escape Rooms • TeamEscape 262
HAPPY HOUR
Maxie's 6732 W. Fairview | 414-292-3969
maxiesmke.com
Cajun restaurants have come and gone, but Maxie’s keeps chugging along. Over the years, their focus has changed slightly, but their consistency in quality and creative food has not wavered since the day chef Joe Muench opened it in 2007. In recent years, as Southern cooking has become more popular in Wisconsin, there’s been more of an emphasis on Carolina Lowcountry cuisine and barbecue on the menu. The posted happy hour schedule is 4-6 p.m. daily with $1 fresh shucked oysters. (Lacey Muszynski) RUNNERS-UP: • Mason Street Grill • Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill • Trailer Park Tavern
HOOKAH LOUNGE
casablancaonbrady.com
Forty years ago, in most of the U.S., hookahs were known only to Middle Easterners and druggies. Since then, the tactile pleasure of holding the longstemmed pipe and drawing smoke through a water bowl has gone mainstream. But still, a restaurant serving Middle Eastern food sets a great atmosphere for the experience of filtered tobaccos in many flavors. Due to the pandemic, hookahs are available only on the patio when weather allows. (David Luhrssen) RUNNERS-UP: • Casablanca (Brookfield) • Dream Lab • Oakland Cafe
HOTEL LOUNGE
Ash (The Iron Horse Hotel) 500 W. Florida St. | 414-374-4766
theironhorsehotel.com
Branded and Ash Hearth and Bar at the Iron Horse Hotel serve pub fare, beer, cocktails and more than 75 bourbon and scotch selections. The outdoor space, The Yard, is open from Memorial Day through October. It offers communal fire pits and cozy lounge furniture, and it is always petfriendly. (Blaine Schultz) RUNNERS-UP: • Kimpton Journeyman Hotel • Pfister Hotel • Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel
OUT AND ABOUT
IMPORT BEER SELECTION
Café Benelux 346 N. Broadway | 414-501-2500
cafebenelux.com
The Third Ward would not be the same without Café Benelux and their extensive beer selection. Benelux emulates the grand cafés of Europe’s Lowlands right in Milwaukee. The café takes their beer selection seriously, hand-picking beers from their yearly visits to Belgium and Holland in order to bring home the best. Café Benelux has recently opened their Lux Domes, private domes that allow customers to enjoy the cafe’s rooftop during the winter. (Quinn Clark) RUNNERS-UP: • The Brass Tap • The Drunk Uncle • Von Trier
IRISH PUB
County Clare Irish Inn & Pub 1234 N. Astor St. | countyclare-inn.com It doesn’t get any more Irish than the East Side’s County Clare Inn & Pub. Chances are you’ll hear legitimate Irish accents from some of the employees. A staple for traditional Irish music and classic Irish pub fare, Guinness Brewmaster, Fergal Murray recognizes County Clare as the best Guinness pint in Wisconsin. Upstairs, there are 29 rooms available for rent for travelers or those looking to get away for the weekend. Sláinte! (Tyler Nelson) RUNNERS-UP: • Campbell's Irish Pub • Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill • Nettie's Irish Pub - NIP’S
JAZZ CLUB
The Jazz Estate 2423 N. Murray Ave.
exploretock.com/jazzestate
The Jazz Estate has been serving drinks and live music since 1977. Now under new ownership, that same business model is in place. It is perfect spot with everything you would imagine in a jazz club: It’s dark and cozy with a regular stream of local and national acts performing. Obviously, there’s not much opportunity for live music while they’re adhering to safety measures put in place during the pandemic. While the music is not happening, they’re serving up some pretty serious to-go cocktails! (Tyler Nelson) RUNNERS-UP: • Caroline's • the cheel / baaree • Snifters Tapas & Spirits
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Pabst Theater 144 E. Wells St.
pabsttheater.org
The historic building in Downtown Milwaukee is a legacy of the city’s German cultural heritage and has seen just about every kind of performance since opening in the 1890s. Under its current management, the Pabst has been one of many venues for touring bands that have kept Milwaukee in the music promotions spotlight while also serving as a stage for comedy and the performing arts. (David Luhrssen) RUNNERS-UP: • Cactus Club • Linneman's Riverwest Inn • Saloon on Calhoun with Bacon
MARGARITA
Café Corazón Multiple Locations
corazonmilwaukee.com
The Corazón Margarita started thousands of legendary nights. The simple concoction, now served at three Café Corazón locations, is part of the reason the small restaurant from Riverwest has been around and expanded after all these years. Add the fact that they’re farm-totable and support local farmers through Restaurant Supported Agriculture and you’ve got yourself a regular spot for Mexican food and a guilt-free margarita or two whenever the opportunity knocks. (Tyler Nelson) RUNNERS-UP: • Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria • Botanas Restaurant • Conejito’s Place
MARTINI/ROMANTIC BAR
Blu at the Pfister 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. | 414-273-8222
thepfisterhotel.com
It’s an elevator ride to an incomparable view—at least in Milwaukee where, unlike Manhattan, bar windows seldom take in a 23rd floor skyline. Perched atop the
OUT AND ABOUT
Pfister Hotel in the heart of Downtown, Blu has been a lounge where local jazz singers and combos perform. Perhaps the sophisticated audio ambience, plus the view and those potent martinis, equals romance? (David Luhrssen) RUNNERS-UP—MARTINI: • Don's Grocery & Liquor • Elsa's On the Park • JoJo's Martini Lounge RUNNERS-UP—ROMANTIC BAR: • At Random • Bryant's Cocktail Lounge • Painting with a Twist
MICROBREWERY/TAPROOM
Eagle Park Brewing 823 E. Hamilton St.
eagleparkbrewing.com
Eagle Park Brewing is working its way into becoming a staple on the Lower East Side of Milwaukee. In the taproom, you’ll find a long list of flavorful and hoppy creations, whether you’re a fan of NEIPAs, milkshake IPAs or imperial fruited sours. Grab some suds to-go or stop in and order some food with your brews. The Friday fish fry is the perfect way to enjoy some local beer and kick off the weekend. (Griffin Bradley) RUNNERS-UP: • Black Husky Brewing • Indeed Brewing Company & Taproom Milwaukee • Vennture Brew Co
MILWAUKEE TOUR
Edelweiss Milwaukee River Cruise Line 205 W. Highland Ave. | 414-276-7447
edelweissboats.com
Whether you know the ins and outs of Milwaukee or you’re new to the city, Edelweiss Cruises and Boat Tours are the go-to for public and private cruises. While they provide narrated tours for sightseeing, customers can reserve a tour to celebrate any occasion. Edelweiss has shown a passion for Milwaukee, teaming up with Milwaukee Riverkeeper to collect trash from bridges downtown to help keep the city’s rivers clean. (Quinn Clark) RUNNERS-UP: • Gothic Milwaukee • Herb Walk (Tippecanoe Herbs) • Historic Milwaukee, Inc.
NEW BAR (OPENED IN 2020)
Eagle Park Brewing & Distilling S64 W15640 Commerce Center Parkway, Muskego
eagleparkbrewing.com
Banking off the success of their East Side location, Eagle Park Brewing opened their newest branch in Muskego this year, where they’re offering a whole lot more than just their sought-after beer. This location features a tasting room, restaurant, distillery and private event space. Not an easy feat in 2020, but there’s enough space to stay socially distant and you can always take a pack of tall boys or a growler or two to enjoy at home. Definitely worth the drive to Muskego! (Griffin Bradley) RUNNERS-UP: • The LOKAL Beer Garden • Pete's Pub • UNION HOUSE | Public House & Bakery
PAINT & WINE BAR
Painting With a Twist 155 E. Silver Spring Drive | 414-988-5050
paintingwithatwist.com
What started as a small business hoping to bring together a community devastated by Hurricane Katrina became so successful that it’s reached 41 states. Painting With a Twist provides an escape from the reality of everyday life. The studio’s step-by-step instruction allows even a beginner to create a work of art. Painters can enjoy wine while they complete their masterpieces. (Quinn Clark) RUNNERS-UP: • Charmbiance Wine Bar & Arts • The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall • Splash Studio
PET-FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT
Sip and Purr Café 2021 E. Ivanhoe Place | 414-585-0707
sipandpurr.com
Sip and Purr Cat Café serves coffee and pastries that can be enjoyed with the company of adoptable cats, and since its opening in 2018, it has already helped more than 600 cats get adopted. In 2020, COVID-19 forced the small business to
OUT AND ABOUT
rethink how it can safely continue to care for the cats and get customers in the door. At the beginning of the pandemic, owner Katy McHugh decided it was best that the 10 cats inside the café remained there. They were cared for a few times daily by staff members. Then, until the café reopened in June, McHugh decided to start doing one-on-one adoptions. (Quinn Clark) RUNNERS-UP: • Black Husky Brewing • The Highbury Pub • Twisted Path Distillery
PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN
Hangout MKE Café & Lounge 1819 N. Farwell Ave. | 414-808-1006
hangoutmke.com
Located on the East Side, Hangout MKE Café and Lounge is a place that encourages patrons to turn off their phones and socialize with one another. With a gaming area that encompasses the entire location, there’s plenty to do, including a giant soccer billiards table, table tennis, pop-a-shot machines and more. Whether you’re taking someone out for a date night, spending the day with friends or just looking for something new and interesting to do in the city, Hangout MKE is a gem. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • First and Bowl • Little Sprouts Play Cafe • WhirlyBall Brookfield
ROCK CLUB
Cactus Club 2496 S. Wentworth Ave. | 414-897-0663
cactusclubmilwaukee.com
Music fans of a certain age fondly remember bands playing the Cactus Club and having to duck under the ceilingmounted heating unit. For nearly 25 years, the little-club-that-could has attracted such acts as The White Stripes, Queens of the Stone Age, Interpol and Death Cab for Cutie before they hit big. They also club such legends as The Reigning Sound, Scott Morgan and Brazilian singer-songwriter Sessa. The forward-thinking venue is also a good neighborhood partner committed to creating a welcome and inclusive environment. Rules include: no sexism, no racism, no ableism, no ageism, no homophobia, no transphobia, no fatphobia, no hatefulness. (Benjamin Dover) RUNNERS-UP: • Paulie's Pub and Eatery • Saloon on Calhoun with Bacon • Shank Hall
SPORTS BAR
The Mecca Sports Bar & Grill 1134 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. 414-908-0401 | themeccamke.com There’s a giant 38-foot television, need we say more? Located in the heart of the Deer District, The Mecca Sports Bar & Grill is a great place to not only watch the Bucks, but also Brewers games, the Packers and just about any major sporting event. If you’re looking to recreate the arena experience, there are fan cams and a rotating ticker board of sports updates to accompany great drinks specials and food. The Mecca Sports Bar & Grill is a massive celebration of all that’s great about sports, all in one convenient location. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • First and Bowl • The Highbury Pub • Moran's Pub
STRIP CLUB
Silk Exotic Gentlemen's Club Multiple locations | silkexotic.com Who’da guessed every night at a gentleman’s club would come to look like the Dance of the Seven Veils minus six? The newest location, Silk Exotic on Water—the former home of Art’s Performing Center, for art’s sake— completes a trifecta of local locations here in the city that always sweeps ain’a’? (Benjamin Dover) RUNNERS-UP: • Encore • Heartbreakers • On the Border
OUT AND ABOUT
TRIVIA NIGHT
Three Lions Pub 4515 N. Oakland Ave. | 414-763-6992
threelionspub.com
Three Lions Pub is Shorewood’s “community living room,” bringing patrons together to enjoy an authentic British experience, from the menu to their emphasis on hospitality. Every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. is Three Lions’ trivia night. Trivia night is so important to the pub that they’ve modified it to be more COVID-19-safe. Even if you’re not well-versed in trivia, if you come up with the best team name you may still win a prize. (Quinn Clark) RUNNERS-UP • Campbell's Irish Pub • Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill • Painting with a Twist
VIDEO ARCADE
Up-Down MKE 615 E. Brady St. | 414-585-0880
updownarcadebar.com/milwaukee
Up-Down MKE has brought back the original arcade games from the ’80s and ’90s, recreating the classic arcade feel. Up-Down’s daily specials offer affordable deals on game tokens, drinks and pizza. The arcade bar has become a birthday favorite, offering 40 free tokens to patrons celebrating their day. Up-Down is bringing back the fanny pack, reloading customers’ Up-Down fanny packs with a pound of tokens for just $20. The arcade’s customer appreciation and wide range of specials has made it a Milwaukee favorite. (Quinn Clark) RUNNERS-UP: Bounce Milwaukee The Garcade JB's On 41
WHISKEY SELECTION AT A BAR
The Vanguard 2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 414-539-3593 | vanguardbar.com You may know The Vanguard primarily for their delectable sausage combinations, but the drink selections can be as smoky as you prefer. With a wall of spirits that lines the Bay View bar, chances are there’s just the right whiskey for you. The bar also has their own signature Private Select blend of Maker’s Mark, with the bourbon purists in mind. Straight or neat, be sure to grab yourself a pour to pair with your food, or just to watch vintage WWF Superstars episodes on their TVs. Be somebody at The Vanguard. (Allen Halas) RUNNERS-UP: • Bass Bay Brewhouse • The Tin Widow • Trailer Park Tavern
