The Highbury Pub
2322 S.
Kinnickinnic Ave.
414-294-4400
When
Joe Katz proclaims “We ride at dawn!,” he means it. Home to arguably
the city’s most rabid, ravenous soccer fans, Katz’s Highbury Pub opens
early any day there is a professional match of note. Don’t be
intimidated by the Arsenal colors, as you won’t be turned away for
sporting Chelsea blue (or any other jersey). The Highbury also presents
plenty of live local music, and is home to the long-running WiscoJazz
Friday series, featuring DJ Lukewarm. A good selection of imports and
microbrews is on hand to help you enjoy the upcoming World Cup action.
Go early: It fills up long before match time. (Brian Muilenburg)
The Foundation
2718 N. Bremen St.
(414) 374-2587
As
Milwaukee’s only tiki bar, The Foundation adds a tropical flavor to the
heart of Riverwest. Serving up a wide variety of exotic drinks
(sometimes on fire) alongside a great selection of beer and more
traditional cocktails, the bar has become a favorite hangout for a
diverse group of locals. The breadth of selection extends to the
musical choices as well—in addition to the classic surf and lounge
music you may expect from the décor, it’s not at all uncommon to find
yourself enjoying soul, jazz or vintage punk and power pop as you sip
that Mai Tai. (Thomas Michalski)
Nomad
1401 E. Brady St.
414-224-8111
Often
credited with being a pioneer in the mid-’90s revitalization of Brady
Street, the Nomad World Pub is celebrating its 15th anniversary. It’s
an immensely popular, no-frills saloon with a small but lively outdoor
seating area. The pan-cultural décor reflects the influence of owner
and globe-trotter Mike Eitel. Well lit and friendly, the Nomad is also
a popular destination for area soccer fans, especially during World Cup
play. (B.M.)
Redroom
1875 N. Humboldt Ave.
(414) 224-7666
With
its sleek design and intimate atmosphere, Redroom cocktail lounge has
all the sophistication of an upscale club, but with the friendly and
welcoming attitude of your favorite neighborhood corner bar. While it’s
a great place to go for a casual, after-work drink with friends, the
place really hits its stride on the weekends, when some of Milwaukee’s
best DJs preside over an always-packed makeshift dance floor, dropping
a mix of house, disco and up-tempo R&B. (T.M.)
Whiskey Bar
788 N. Jackson St.
(414) 312-8566
Adjacent
to historic Cathedral Square Park in a lively neighborhood that hosts
Jazz in the Park and Bastille Days, Whiskey Bar is a classy, modern
watering hole that draws young professionals and a lively pre- and
post-theater crowd. Knowledgeable bartenders serve shoulder-to-shoulder
patrons from the center of a circular bar, while efficient cocktail
servers weave through the spacious split-level seating to the beat of
modern pop music. Under the watchful gaze of Doors frontman Jim
Morrison, who resides in a 10-foot print on the wall, Whiskey Bar
serves up a respectable range of bourbons, scotches and whiskeys, as
well as craft beer and wine. (Sarah Biondich)
Photo: Nomad | by Lindsey Abendschein
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We at the Foundation can accept Pub People hanging in our bar since the fall of The Pub, but we don't appreciate tourists from around the city and suburbs infiltrating our glorified neighborhood dive bar. Tourists: stay the fuck out of our bar!