Written by Stephanie Schettler-Cumming

Located on the corner of Mason and Jefferson Street, this newcomer to the block claims to be “not your typical Irish Pub” by mixing old and new Irish traditions. Blackthorn Pub & Grill takes its name from Irish legend. Irish heroes and fairies could be aided by the Blackthorn tree. It is said that, by throwing a twig of blackthorn behind them, it would take root and spring forth an impenetrable wall of shrubs that could aide in escape.  More practically, the Blackthorn tree provides shelter and habitat to much of Ireland’s wildlife. In that sense, Blackthorn strives to be a safe haven for hungry and thirsty patrons looking for a change of scene in this busy downtown district.

Despite its Irish etymology, Blackthorn takes almost everything you think of an Irish bar and turns it on its head—in a good and refreshing way! Rather than a cozy, modest bar, the interior is huge with an elegant wooden bar spanning the length. Blackthorn’s walls are lined with massive windows, letting the sun in during the day and exposing the bar to the vibrant nightlife. The bar and dining area are abound with TVs, so you’ll never miss your favorite team’s game.

With a live DJ playing music ranging from rock to rap and weekly live bands coming in the near future, Blackthorn offers a wide selection to those of all musical tastes. Speaking of taste, this bar has its own recipe for hard cider—a must-try when stopping in. Also, a new cocktail menu offers eight unique and tasty choices to match your mood, not to mention the four other specialty cocktails they have.

If you stop in to Blackthorn and are feeling the need to munch, its signature sandwich, which is a pile of shaved pink pastrami and corned beef brisket with swiss on marble rye, ($12) is another must.

750 N Jefferson Street
414-837-5511

Written by Stephanie Schettler-Cumming

For those of you looking to grab a drink at the area’s local lounge or to simply get away from it all for a night, stop into Cathedral Square’s beloved, hole-in-the-wall gay bar This Is It!—that is, if you can find it. With no sign posted outside of the venue’s door, This Is It! maintains an air of mystery about not only its location, but about its secret to staying in business for more than a few decades. The establishment has a steady following of regulars, so forget about social media (although, surprisingly, they do have a website)—This Is It! attracts new customers solely by word of mouth.

This little hidden cocktail lounge is located in between the streets of Jefferson and Milwaukee, with its brick diamond inlay surrounding the outside door its only distinguishing feature. With shockingly low prices (you’ll get a drink for under three dollars) and stiff pours (every drink is a double), a few dollars goes a long way here.

Although the venue has attracted an older crowd throughout its history, a steady crowd of people from all ages and walks of life have slowly been finding their way through its doors for the past few years, with new faces arriving daily. The Tiffany-style lamps and antique cash register complete the bar’s nostalgic look and feel and appeal to both the young and old.

For more than 43 years, This Is It! has thrived on its loyal patronage, funky décor and mysterious locale. With the original bar owner having passed in January of 2010, nearly 2 years later, the establishment has hardly changed—in fact, it hasn’t changed much at all since the late ‘70s. This Is It! is a bar that seemingly lives by the slogan, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,”—and, after more than 40 years, it obviously ain’t broke.

418 E Wells Street
414-278-9192

Written by Stephanie Schettler-Cumming

When you make your stop at Mi•key’s, make sure you arrive hungry. Mi•key’s prides itself on serving up a selection of scrumptious dishes, complemented by an array of signature cocktails. Offering indoor and seasonal outdoor seating, Mikey’s consistently impresses customers with its flavorful food and cocktails. The dark shelving on the wall behind the bar contrasts the exposed cream city brick walls, giving the bar/restaurant a classy, yet casual feel that appeals to a little bit of everyone.

Mi•key’s serves a variety of tasty dishes in a cooking style that they refer to as, “comfort food with a twist.” The menu provides patrons with a unique variety of appetizers, salads and entrees. For the more adventurous food lovers, try the Cathedral Spring Rolls appetizer, the Asian Crunch Salad or the Cherry BBQ Braised Shoulder. The safe route begins with the bruschetta, moves onto the house salad and finishes with the four cheese macaroni.

Drink specials are offered throughout the week, with a notable favorite being Bomb Night on Wednesdays. The Wednesday night offerings consisting of fruit-flavored shots for a buck, wine bombs for two and domestic bottled beer for three, making Mi•key’s the new destination for humpday’s night out in Milwaukee. For all of you service industry folk, be sure to stop in Tuesdays for SIN night, where you’ll get two-for-one Ketel One mixers or drafts of Miller Lite all night long.

811 N Jefferson Street
414-273-5397

Written by Stephanie Schettler-Cumming

For all of you pub-lovers out there looking for a low-key place to grab a pint, be sure to stop into Flannery’s. As you walk in the main door of Flannery’s, you’ll be greeted by a large foil inlay of the Miller High Life girl in the moon logo emblazoned on the mirror above the main bar. The dining area lies at the center of Flannery’s two fully-stocked bars, offering plenty of seating for those looking to grab a bite to eat. When the place picks up at night, the double bar layout gives patrons the opportunity to meander through the venue while drinking and chatting.

Depsite its Irish name, Flannery’s doubles as a sports bar hangout, boasting several large, mounted flat screen TVs throughout the bar. The laid back atmosphere and friendly service brings in a variety of patrons daily. Flannery’s offers a more casual option for the Cathedral Square area and is a great place to begin your night or stumble in to finish it.

Flannery’s has daily food and drink specials Sunday through Thursday, which makes it hard to resist swinging by for a drink or staying for the whole night. Stop in Sundays for a $3 tall boy and pair it with the $3.50 burger and fry combo. For all of you beer lovers, don’t miss Wednesday’s craft and import draft night, where you’ll get craft brews for $2.50 and imports for a dollar more. Friday and Saturday is Flannery’s “Power Hour” from 9-midnight, where you can get $3.50 bottles and import drafts, $3.50 top shelf cocktails and half-price appetizers! Thursday through Saturday from 10-bar close, Flannery’s East bar becomes “Club Flannery’s,” an extremely popular place to dance the night away.

The restaurant’s main menu serves an interesting mix of traditional and unique offerings throughout the day, featuring appetizers such as the Tenderloin Medallions and Cajun Shrimp, along with a variety of salads, burgers, sandwiches and wraps. Beginning at 4 pm, you’ll find an array of dinner entrees such as tenderloin, Irish ribeye and surf and turf, accompanied by bread and soup or salad. With so much to choose from, Flannery’s is a welcoming place that is sure to satisfy your taste buds as well as quench your thirst.

425 E Wells Street
414-278-8586

Written By Stephanie Schettler-Cumming

The “bad boy” in the Cathedral Square neck of town is Bad Genie. This rock ‘n’ roll bar definitely makes a statement, from its giant paintings of rock legends plastered all over the walls, to the eclectic mix of patrons it attracts. Since taking over the establishment (formerly known as Club Havana) in November 2006, Bad Genie has been an instant success. Those who appreciate great drinks and music pack this hot-spot to listen to the live bands brought in most Wednesdays through Saturdays.

As you walk into Bad Genie, the main bar sits to the right. Up a short half-flight of stairs is more seating with a stage set up to the left. This intimate setting gives listeners the chance to get up-close and personal with whichever local or regional band is featured, playing a variety of rock, funk and blues late into the night. The upper level of Bad Genie boasts a fully-stocked second bar and pool table, offering its patrons free games of pool each and every night. With an outdoor deck just steps away from the action, the second floor’s corner bar feel contrasts the dimly-lit rock bar atmosphere downstairs.

Bad Genie also caters to the area’s more decerning drinkers, carrying a wide variety of bottled craft beers. You can’t miss the phrase written on the chalkboard immediately upon walking in, which not so subtly suggests trying one of their many craft brews, “Drink Fucking Craft Beer!” Although the venue is fully-stocked with a variety of spirits, whiskey is the liquor of choice here. Wednesday night at Bad Genie is half-price scotch and whiskey night, providing novices and aficionados alike with a list of over 90 whiskeys to choose from.

789 N Jefferson Street
414-810-1670