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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

If you’re looking for a no-frills, classic-style Bloody Mary, the version at Natty Oaks fits the bill—but doesn’t do much more. Served with a simple garnish lineup of a pickle, olive, lemon, and lime, it’s as basic as they come. The salted rim is a nice touch and adds a little extra flavor, but beyond that, there isn’t much to set this one apart.

The mix itself is straightforward and drinkable, but nothing memorable. No beer chaser was offered, which feels like a missed opportunity in Wisconsin, where a chaser is pretty much a state tradition. I wasn’t able to confirm the price, but based on the presentation and experience, this is a standard, bare-bones Bloody that gets the job done but won’t top any must-try lists.

If you’re already at Natty Oaks for food or drinks, it’s a fine option. But if you’re on the hunt for a standout or creative Bloody Mary, you’ll want to keep looking.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Classic, love a salted rim!

• Fixin’s: Olive, Pickle, Lime, Lemon

• Chaser: None

• Presentation: Simple, functional, cruise-perfect

• Price: Unsure

There’s something magical about sipping a Bloody Mary while floating in the ocean. I should know. Thanks to the drink package, I had several over the four days I sailed from Miami to Cozumel on the Hallmark Christmas Cruise aboard the Norwegian Joy. I bopped around to many of the ship’s bars and restaurants, including poolside, a pub, and a fine dining spot to test ‘em out.

These Bloodies were plain, simple, and consistent across the ship, but that’s all I needed. They had the perfect balance of flavor, olives, and lime, with just enough garnishing. My mom even discovered she enjoyed Virgin Bloody Marys, which was a fun twist.

Obviously, they tasted better when served in a glass, but even in disposable cups at the pool, they hit the mark. I’m not sure what mix Norwegian Cruise Lines uses, but it was decent, and these bloodies served their purpose perfectly on a trip full of holiday fun.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Classic, smooth, consistent

• Fixin’s: Olives, lime

• Chaser: None, but I had the drink package so I could’ve ordered one easily.

• Presentation: Simple, functional, cruise-perfect

• Price: Included in drink package

A cruise essential—these Bloody Marys weren’t fancy, but they were reliable, tasty, and exactly what you want at sea.