Summit, WI: Highwater Bar & Grill

Posted: August 31, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Sometimes a Bloody Mary starts with a drink, and sometimes it starts with spotting a bar from your paddleboard and deciding you need to come back. That was the case with Highwater Bar & Grill on Upper Nemahbin Lake.

We spotted the bar from the water while paddleboarding and immediately made a mental note to stop. The only problem? We didn’t have our wallets with us. So once we were done on the lake, we made it a point to drive over and check it out.

The Bloody Mary was simple but delicious. It came with a pickle and two olives, along with a beer chaser. No giant skewer or over-the-top garnish—just a straightforward Bloody that let the mix do the work.

And at only $7, it was an excellent value. The flavor was really good, and the relaxed lake atmosphere made it even better. When we stopped in, rugby was playing on the TV, which added to the casual, laid-back bar feel.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Really good flavor
• Fixin’s: Pickle, two olives
• Chaser: Beer chaser
• Presentation: Simple and classic
• Price: $7

If you’re out on Upper Nemahbin Lake, keep Highwater Bar & Grill in mind. We literally spotted it from the water and went back specifically to try the Bloody—and I’m glad we did. Sometimes the best Bloody Mary stops are the ones you discover along the way.

Oconomowoc, WI: Stolley’s Hog Alley

Posted: August 31, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Tucked between Upper and Lower Nemahbin Lake, just off I-94, Stolley’s Hogg Alley is one of those classic Wisconsin bar-and-grill spots that feels like it has been there forever. With its laid-back, up-north atmosphere and genuinely welcoming vibe, it’s the kind of place where you can picture settling in for a drink, some food, and a little time with the locals.

Their Bloody Mary was a really pleasant surprise. For $10, it came with a beer chaser and a fun lineup of fixin’s: half a pretzel rod, several pieces of sausage, a piece of cheese, a pickle, and an olive. It’s not the biggest garnish I’ve seen, but there was plenty there to snack on.

The real standout, though, was the mix. It had a really interesting flavor that almost made us wonder if there was some kind of seafood or Clamato involved. Naturally, we asked the bartender, and she confirmed there was no seafood, Clamato, or anything along those lines. It was one of those Bloodies where you keep taking sips trying to figure out exactly what you’re tasting. Turns out it was a cucumber lime infused vodka that created a unique flavor that I really enjoyed.

And that’s what made this one memorable. The combination of a flavorful Bloody, a beer chaser, a few classic Wisconsin bar snacks, and the relaxed atmosphere made for a great overall experience.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Really flavorful with a unique, savory quality
• Fixin’s: Half a pretzel rod, sausage, cheese, pickle, olive
• Chaser: Beer chaser
• Presentation: Classic Wisconsin bar Bloody with a solid lineup of garnishes
• Price: $10

If you’re looking for a classic Wisconsin bar experience, Stolley’s Hogg Alley is worth a stop. You don’t have to be a biker to feel at home here—and you definitely don’t have to be a Bloody Mary expert to appreciate this one. The mix alone makes it worth trying.

Hartford, WI: The Pour House

Posted: August 31, 2026 in Uncategorized
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The Pour House on Main Street in Hartford, Wisconsin wins the award for cheapest Bloody Mary in this round of reviews—and at $4.50, you’re really not in a position to complain.

I ordered this one on a Sunday (let’s be real… at this price I ordered THREE!) and let’s just say you get what you pay for. There was no chaser, no lemon or lime, and no garnishes at all. It was essentially tomato juice and vodka, and I honestly don’t even know if anything else was mixed into it.

But here’s the thing: it was $4.50. At that price, who’s going to complain?

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Very basic—essentially tomato juice and vodka
• Fixin’s: None
• Chaser: None
• Presentation: About as basic as it gets
• Price: $4.50

Was this the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever had? Absolutely not. But was it worth $4.50 on a Sunday? Also absolutely. Sometimes you don’t need a gourmet cocktail—you just need a cheap drink, and The Poor House delivers exactly that.

Avalon, WI: Prairie Woods Golf Course

Posted: August 31, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Prairie Woods Golf Course in Avalon, Wisconsin served up a very average Bloody Mary—but sometimes average is still pretty satisfying, especially when it arrives in a giant glass.

This one was simple: a pickle, lemon, and lime, served in what felt like an extra-large portion. There was no beer chaser, but the sheer size of the glass certainly made up for some of that.

The flavor was nothing particularly memorable, but it was perfectly drinkable and did the job on the golf course.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Average, but enjoyable
• Fixin’s: Pickle, lemon, lime
• Chaser: None
• Presentation: Giant glass with simple garnishes
• Price: Approximately $9

Not every Bloody Mary is going to make the Hall of Fame, but a giant glass of one after a round of golf still isn’t a bad way to spend an afternoon.

Springfield, IL: Motorheads

Posted: August 31, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Motorheads Bar & Grill was a stop during my trip to Springfield for the Illinois State Fair, and this Bloody Mary was a very pleasant surprise.

It came with a salted rim and a simple but satisfying lineup of garnishes: a sweet pickle, olive, piece of salami, and cheese. The sweet pickle was a little different from the traditional dill I’m used to seeing on a Bloody Mary, but it worked—and we enjoyed it all the same.

The Bloody itself was very good and hit the spot after spending time exploring Springfield and the State Fair. Sometimes a Bloody doesn’t need a mountain of toppings to be memorable, and this one kept things simple while still delivering on flavor.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Very good and flavorful
• Fixin’s: Sweet pickle, olive, salami, cheese
• Chaser: None
• Presentation: Classic with a salted rim and traditional garnishes
• Price: Not listed

If you’re visiting Springfield, Motorheads is worth adding to your list, especially if you’re looking for a solid Bloody without all the unnecessary fuss.

Kewaskum, WI: Hon-E-Kor Golf Club

Posted: August 31, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Hon-E-Kor Golf Club in Kewaskum, Wisconsin is another example of a Bloody Mary that can hit the spot even when you’re drinking it out of a plastic cup at a golf event.

I had this one during a golf outing, so presentation was understandably pretty basic. It came with a pickle, an olive, two mushrooms, and lemon and lime. No chaser was offered, but honestly, the drink itself didn’t need much else.

The Bloody was delicious—a really enjoyable mix that made for a great companion during the outing. Since drinks were included with event tickets, I don’t know what the regular price would be, but I’m certainly not complaining about a complimentary Bloody on the golf course!

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Delicious and well-balanced
• Fixin’s: Pickle, olive, two mushrooms, lemon, lime
• Chaser: None
• Presentation: Plastic cup, appropriate for a golf outing
• Price: Unknown (included with event drink tickets)

Sometimes you don’t need an elaborate Bloody Mary to make an impression. A good mix, a few classic garnishes, and a golf outing are a pretty great combination.

West Allis, WI: Wisconsin State Fair (Pop’s)

Posted: August 31, 2026 in Uncategorized
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If you’re a Bloody Mary fan and a mac and cheese fan, the Bloody Mary Mac Daddy at Pop’s Paradise at the Wisconsin State Fair is pretty much made for you.

This was a 2026 Sporky entry, combining two Wisconsin State Fair favorites into one very indulgent dish. The creamy mac and cheese is infused with Pabst and reduced Bloody Mary mix, then topped with house-made Bloody Mary relish, chopped cheese, and a sprinkle of tomato powder. Basically, all the best parts of a Bloody Mary turned into comfort food.

And it was delicious. I liked it enough that I had it twice during my visits to the fair this year—which is saying something when there are approximately a million things to eat at the Wisconsin State Fair.

The Bloody Mary flavor was definitely there, but it didn’t overpower the mac and cheese. Instead, it added a savory, slightly tangy twist to an already rich and creamy dish. The Bloody Mary relish and tomato powder on top really helped bring the whole concept together.

At $16, it’s definitely a splurge for a serving of mac and cheese, but this is the State Fair, where calories don’t count and everything tastes better on a paper tray.

The Bloody Mary Mac Daddy

• Spices/Flavor: Creamy, savory, with a noticeable Bloody Mary-inspired kick
• Ingredients: Pabst-infused mac and cheese, reduced Bloody Mary mix, Bloody Mary relish, chopped cheese, tomato powder
• Presentation: Classic State Fair comfort food with a Bloody Mary twist
• Price: $16
• Sporky Entry: 2026

And one more Bloody Mary-related discovery at this year’s fair: Bloody Mary entries actually showed up in the food and vegetable competitions (Grand Champion Eats & Treats)! I’ve never noticed that before, and seeing them included among the entries definitely caught my attention. Maybe I’ll have to consider entering one myself someday…

If you’re at the Wisconsin State Fair and want to try something a little different, the Bloody Mary Mac Daddy is absolutely worth seeking out. I went back for it twice, so clearly it made an impression.

Roseville, MN: Burger Dive

Posted: July 22, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Burger Dive may be tucked inside a shopping mall, but don’t let the location fool you—this place serves a Bloody Mary that’s well worth seeking out.

Their signature Dive Bloody is one of the best values I’ve come across. For just $11, you get a house-made Bloody Mary mix served with a beer chaser and a generous lineup of garnishes. Mine came topped with house-made pickles, a full beef stick, celery, olives, lemon, and one of my favorite Bloody Mary garnishes—a deviled egg.

The house mix was flavorful and well-balanced, and the dry rub rim added another layer of savory goodness with every sip. It’s the kind of Bloody that doesn’t need an over-the-top presentation because the flavor speaks for itself.

One of the most unique things about Burger Dive is its Bloody Club. For an extra $5, you receive a branded Bloody Mary glass to keep. Bring it back on future visits, and you’ll score a Dive Bloody for just $6—for life. That’s one of the more creative Bloody Mary promotions I’ve seen.

I paired mine with an order of tots, and between the hearty garnishes and crispy potatoes, it easily counted as dinner.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: House-made mix with excellent flavor and a savory dry rub rim
• Fixin’s: House pickles, full beef stick, celery, olives, lemon, deviled egg
• Chaser: Beer chaser included
• Presentation: Hearty and colorful with generous garnishes and a signature dry rub rim
• Price: $11

If you’re shopping in Roseville or simply looking for a surprisingly great Bloody Mary, Burger Dive is absolutely worth a stop. The Dive Bloody is flavorful, filling, and an incredible value—and the lifetime Bloody Club might just be one of the coolest deals around for Bloody Mary fans.

Stillwater, MN: No Neck Tony’s

Posted: July 21, 2026 in Uncategorized
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No Neck Tony’s definitely does not disappoint when it comes to a Bloody Mary. Located in downtown Stillwater, this is exactly the kind of spot that makes exploring this historic river town so much fun.

The first thing that caught my eye was the surprise garnish on top: a giant serving of Minnesota sushi. If you’re not familiar, Minnesota sushi is the classic Midwestern party appetizer made with a pickle, cream cheese, and ham rolled together and sliced into bite-sized pieces. No Neck Tony’s takes it to the next level by serving a full roll-up on top of the Bloody Mary. The bartender also shared that theirs is finished with everything bagel seasoning, adding another layer of flavor to this already perfect Bloody Mary snack.

The presentation was one of my favorites. It came in a beautiful glass with a salted rim, a slice of lemon, a piece of cheddar cheese, and a fun little clothespin holding a gold coin. Add in a beer chaser, and this Bloody Mary checks all the classic boxes while still bringing something unique to the table.

The bartender also shared that their mix uses Clamato as the base, which gives it that extra savory, slightly briny flavor that Bloody Mary fans love. Combined with the seasoning on the rim and the Minnesota sushi garnish, this one had a really memorable flavor profile.

At $13, it’s a great value for what you’re getting—not just a drink, but a full experience.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Savory and flavorful with a Clamato-based mix and everything bagel seasoning
• Fixin’s: Minnesota sushi (pickle, cream cheese, and ham roll-up), cheddar cheese, lemon
• Chaser: Included
• Presentation: Beautiful glass with salted rim, clothespin detail, and gold coin accent
• Price: $13

If you’re spending the day in downtown Stillwater, No Neck Tony’s deserves a spot on your itinerary. The town itself is charming, and this Bloody Mary perfectly matches the vibe—creative, fun, and unmistakably Minnesota. This one was a standout.

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