Bartenders, those unsung heroes of the libation world, satisfy immense thirsts, refill holes in the heart and settle drunken disputes of epic proportions—all in the name of keeping peace at bar time. Surely that’s worthy of a Nobel Prize.

Since opening earlier this decade with little fanfare, the Palm Tavern has become a low-key Bay View nightspot, known for its inconspicuous blink-and-miss-it location, a dark yet welcoming interior decorated with music posters and thrift-store seating and a hip selection of recorded music. Owner Bruno Johnson knows a few things . . .

Nothing ushers in a new morning like a cocktail glass full of vegetation and booze—and the more the merrier (pun completely intended). Poured over a healthy helping of ice and garnished with a meat stick, shrimp, a marinated mushroom, a blue-cheese-stuffed olive and strings of mozzarella cheese, the well-seasoned Bloody . . .

This is a great place for a romantic, after-work rendezvous or a post-dinner drink on the fashionable East Side. The main bar of the split-level establishment is located down a flight of stairs. The bar area is dimly lit, with small tables available for private conversations. The food is top-notch, as are the cocktails, particularly . . .

The next time you toss a football around the American Museum of Natural History and knock over a priceless Egyptian artifact, think of what you’d give for the ability to improvise a humorous line that makes people laugh at the entire situation. To find the best in the biz at making stuff up and making you laugh, make your way . . .

Perhaps no other establishment better captures the changing face of Bay View than this bar, which despite opening just this summer is already packed to the brim with regulars. Located on the corner of Logan and Potter, just a block or two off of South Kinnickinnic’s beaten path, Burnhearts attracts the . . .

As soon as you enter this neighborhood gay bar, you're swept up in its charm and friendly atmosphere. You immediately know it's a place you can hang out with friends for hours. There’s a pool table, dartboard, outdoor patio and even a popcorn machine. At Boom, there is always music playing, people laughing . . .

Regardless of how hung-over you are, Ma’s gigantic menu can help you sate just about any craving. You can get the requisite eggs, waffles and pancakes, as well as big, cheesy omelets, but Ma’s also serves a full menu 24 hours a day—that means you can get Greek, Italian and even Mexican dinner specials at 9 in the morning . . .