Wauwatosa, WI: Explorium Brew Pub

Posted: March 15, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Explorium Brewpub in Wauwatosa is one of those places that quietly does a lot of things really well. Known for their wide selection of craft beers and an expansive menu, it’s a great spot to meet friends, grab a bite, and—of course—order a Bloody Mary.

I went with their regular Bloody, though they also offer a spicy/pepper vodka option for those who like a little extra kick. This one came nicely garnished with a pickle, olive, a small piece of string cheese, and a mini beef stick. Even better, it’s served with a chaser of your choice from their extensive beer list—and Explorium has a lot of beers to choose from.

The flavor was really solid—well-balanced and easy to drink, making it one of the better Bloodies I’ve had recently. It’s the kind of Bloody Mary that hits the spot whether you’re starting a weekend brunch or just stopping in for a casual drink.

One thing that always surprises me is that Explorium never seems overly packed when I visit and its predecessors, ABV Social and Good City, were also never very full. However, with the quality of the food, the variety of beers, and a strong Bloody Mary to match, it’s actually a fantastic meeting spot right in the heart of the Mayfair Collection.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Well-balanced and flavorful
• Fixin’s: Pickle, olive, string cheese, beef stick
• Chaser: Your choice of from their extensive beer list
• Presentation: Classic Bloody presentation with traditional garnishes
• Price: $8 per website

If you’re in Wauwatosa and looking for a great place to meet up with friends, Explorium Brewpub deserves a spot on your list. The Bloody Mary alone is worth ordering—and with all those beers on tap, you won’t leave thirsty.

Note: Explorium has two additional locations, including Greendale and the Third Ward.

Brookfield, WI: Schmidtys Bar & Grill

Posted: March 15, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Schmidtys Off the Rail in Brookfield is one of the newer spots in town, having opened in 2024. The place has clearly been refreshed a bit, and from the looks of it, they’re aiming to be a lively neighborhood hangout with live music, specials, and plenty of events on the calendar.

Naturally, I had to check out the Bloody Mary. Served in a standard pint glass, this one kept things simple. There was no rim seasoning, but it did come with a few classic fixin’s: a beef stick, a chunk of cheese, and an olive. You can also choose any chaser you’d like, which is always a nice touch and a very Wisconsin move.

The Bloody itself was pretty average—nothing particularly bold or memorable, but perfectly drinkable. Sometimes that’s all you need, especially when you’re settling in at a big bar with a lot going on around you.

Schmitty’s looks like it has the potential to be a fun gathering spot, especially when the live music and events are in full swing. If I’m back in the area, I’d definitely pop in again to see what’s happening.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: They used Jimmy Luv’s mix and doctored it up a bit
• Fixin’s: Beef stick, cheese, olive
• Chaser: Your choice
• Presentation: Served in a pint glass, no rim
• Price: Unknown, probably about $10 or

If you’re in the Brookfield/Menomonee Falls area and looking for a lively bar with music and events, Schmidtys Off the Rail could be worth a stop. The Bloody Mary may not steal the spotlight, but it’s a solid companion for a casual afternoon.

Oconomowoc, WI: The Etcetera Bar & Grill

Posted: March 2, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Next up: Etcetera in Oconomowoc — the spot that took over the former Lakerz location.

Right out front, the sign boldly claims “Voted Best Bloody Mary in Oconomowoc,” so naturally, expectations were set.

The Bloody arrived in a little mason jar (always a solid Wisconsin touch) and was garnished with a beef stick, a chunk of cream cheese, a pickle spear, and a pepperoncini. It also came with a chaser — your choice of any of their beers on tap — which is always a win in my book.

Flavor-wise, it was good. Solid. Well-balanced. It had enough spice and body to keep it interesting without overpowering the palate. The garnishes felt classic and satisfying — nothing over-the-top, but no complaints either.

One interesting note: I didn’t see it listed on the drink menu or the food menu, which felt a little odd for something advertised as the “best.” I’m not sure on the price point or the exact mix details, but from a taste standpoint, it delivered.

That said… while it was absolutely enjoyable, I wouldn’t say it stood head and shoulders above some of the other Bloody Marys I’ve had recently. It’s a good, dependable Bloody — especially with that beer chaser — but not necessarily one that redefines the category.

If you’re in Oconomowoc and craving a classic Wisconsin-style Bloody with solid flavor and the full chaser experience, it’s worth a stop.

Menonomee Falls, WI: Social Haus

Posted: March 2, 2026 in Uncategorized
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The Spicy Bloody Mary at Social Haus in Menomonee Falls keeps things fairly traditional but brings enough heat to make it interesting. Made with Absolut Peppar vodka, their had a noticeable peppery kick without overwhelming the drink.

The garnish lineup is straightforward — pickle, olive, lemon, and lime — but well executed. And the generous beer chaser adds value, especially in a state where that’s practically expected.

It’s not overly elaborate, but it’s dependable and drinkable — a solid choice if you’re already there for brunch or drinks.

We were also impressed with the variety on their breakfast menu… and the fact that you can get free pancakes with the purchase of a beverage!

Spicy Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Peppery heat, balanced, drinkable
• Fixin’s: Pickle, olive, lemon, lime
• Chaser: Generous beer chaser
• Presentation: Classic, no-frills
• Price: Unsure,

The verdict? Fun place. We will be back!

Wauwatosa, WI: Buckatabon

Posted: March 2, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club (from the Lowlands Group, which has built a reputation for strong Bloody Marys across all of its restaurants, including Cafe Benelux and Cafe Hollander) appears to have upped its bloody mary game since we last reviewed this spot in 2022, so we’re re-reviewing!

Once again, I tried the Buckatabon Bloody, their classic house version. Made with vodka, Bloody Mary mix, celery juice, and topped with Frank’s Secret Shake seasoning, it had a fresh, savory flavor profile with a little extra kick from the seasoning blend. The garnish lineup was simple but thoughtful, and the small beer chaser sealed the deal — especially at a very reasonable price point.

You’ll see they now offer several new bloodies including “That Dills My Pickle,” “The Smug Clam,” the “Spicy Badger,” and even a non-alcoholic “Side Salad” version — which shows just how seriously they take their Bloody menu.

The supper club vibes and strong brunch menu make this another solid stop from the Lowlands Group family.

New Berlin, WI: Matty’s Bar & Grille

Posted: February 18, 2026 in Uncategorized
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It’s been a while since we last reviewed Matty’s Bar and Grill in New Berlin, and after a recent stop, it’s clear why this place continues to rack up accolades. Their website proudly claims Home of Milwaukee’s Best Bloody (2019, 2020, 2021, voted at teh Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation’s Best Bloody Contest) and the Bloody Mary Festival’s 2022 People’s Choice Award — and honestly, there’s a reason for it.

Matty’s doesn’t just serve a Bloody Mary. They’ve built a reputation around it.

From their website:

We offer 2 different sizes of Bloody Marys:

Pint Size, or as we call it the Baby size (when you see all 3 you would agree the name suits it.)

The Matty Mary which is for the Bloody lover; this biggin is 25 oz. and is garnished with the following:

Celery, Cucumber, Kosher Dill Pickle, Pepperoncini, Olive, Sausage Beef Stick, and a Mozzarella Cheese Whip…..and of course served with a chaser of your liking.

The Ultimate Matty Mary  This beauty is the same whopping 25 oz. as our Matty Mary, with all the same delicious Fixin’s. What makes this one really special is the topping that is added to this already monstrous concoction!  It rotates weekly and is always a crowd-pleaser.  Past toppings have included: a Mini Brat, a Tamale, Bourbon Glazed Meatballs……the list just goes on and on!

Spread the word, your Bloody Mary destination has just been found!

The last time I was here, I was also amazed to learn that they have their Bloody Marys on tap. In a state where consistency and efficiency matter (especially during busy brunch hours), having it on tap is a power move.

This one deserved a more thorough spotlight than we gave it before.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Smooth, refreshing, balanced — award-winning for a reason
• Fixin’s: See above.
• Chaser: See above.
• Presentation: On tap; available in pint or giant size
• Price: Unsure

If you’re keeping a Milwaukee-area Bloody bucket list, Matty’s isn’t just a stop — it’s a staple.

Orlando, FL: Bar Tenders at PopStroke

Posted: February 18, 2026 in Uncategorized
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We recently traveled to Orlando and checked out PopStroke, the fun restaurant/bar/mini golf concept spearheaded by Tiger Woods. Their slogan is “Eat. Drink. Putt.” and we did just that. It was a bright sunny Tuesday afternoon, perfect for draining some putts…and a bloody!

The “Hair of the Bird” at Bar Tenders leans into the restaurant’s chicken-forward theme in a fun way. At first glance, the drink itself looks fairly simple—just a seasoned rim and no towering garnish—but that’s because the crispy chicken slider arrives separately.

Made with Aspen vodka (or Flecha Azul tequila, if you prefer), horseradish, Worcestershire, olive juice, and hot sauce, the flavor is bold and nicely balanced. While it may not have the over-the-top garnish presentation some expect, the slider addition makes it a memorable and unique take.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Finest Call loaded bloody mary mix
• Fixin’s: Minimal garnish; crispy chicken slider served separately
• Chaser: None
• Presentation: Simple cocktail + separate slider
• Price: Unsure

We had such a fun time at PopStroke and highly recommend stopping by one if you can to check it out!

Delafield, WI: Lumber Inn

Posted: February 18, 2026 in Uncategorized
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After a morning hike at Lapham Peak in Delafield, Wisconsin, the Bloody Mary at the Lumber Inn feels less like a cocktail and more like a reward. Hearty and generously garnished, this one almost doubles as an appetizer. The variety of sausages and the unexpected artichoke make it stand out from the typical lineup.

The mix itself is solid and drinkable, and the tiny can beer chaser keeps things very Wisconsin. For the price, this is a well-rounded, satisfying option—especially on a Sunday morning.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Classic, savory, brunch-friendly
• Fixin’s: Three types of sausage, artichoke, mini gherkin, cheese, olive, celery
• Chaser: Tiny can of Miller Lite
• Presentation: Garnish-heavy, meal-in-a-glass vibes
• Price: $11.50

Muskego, WI: Gingerbread House

Posted: February 18, 2026 in Uncategorized
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The Gingerbread House in Muskego serves up a Bloody Mary that feels both classic and a little playful, just like the restaurant itself.

In keeping with the farmhouse theme of the restaurant, this bloody is presented in a mason jar and generously garnished; it definitely leans into the “more is more” philosophy. The addition of shrimp and pretzels gives it a fun twist while still keeping the overall flavor traditional and approachable.

The mix itself is very flavorful and easy to drink, and the full can chaser makes it feel like you’re getting a little extra bang for your buck. It’s the kind of Bloody that fits perfectly with a cozy brunch outing.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Bold, flavorful, well-seasoned
• Fixin’s: Lemon, lime, celery, pickle, beef stick, shrimp, pretzels
• Chaser: Hopewell Little Buddy (full can)
• Presentation: Mason jar, generously loaded
• Price: $14.25

Waking Daisy – Brookfield, WI

Posted: February 18, 2026 in Uncategorized
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We stopped in just before Christmas to check out this newer all-day brunch café located at the Corners of Brookfield in Brookfield, Wisconsin — and of course, we had to test the Bloody.

If you’re looking for a flavorful, well-balanced brunch Bloody Mary, the version at Waking Daisy is a solid choice. Made with their house mix and served with a classic lineup of garnishes, this one delivers good flavor without going over the top. The addition of a beef stick and a touch of what tasted like barbecue sauce on the olive added a little personality without straying too far from tradition.

It’s a straightforward, enjoyable Bloody that pairs perfectly with brunch. While the overall menu leans a bit on the pricier side, the drink itself feels fair—especially with the included chaser, which always earns bonus points in Wisconsin.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: House-made mix, well-balanced, flavorful
• Fixin’s: Pickle, beef stick, olive with BBQ-style drizzle, celery, cheese
• Chaser: Shorty of Miller High Life (included; $2 off without)
• Presentation: Classic brunch-style build
• Price: $12 with chaser

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