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

West Allis, WI: Natty Oaks

Posted: November 30, 2025 in Uncategorized
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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

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Aboard the Joy for The Hallmark Christmas Cruise

Posted: November 21, 2025 in Uncategorized
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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.

Catch of the Day: Miami, FL

Posted: November 21, 2025 in Uncategorized
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Miami, sun, and Bloody Marys—it’s the perfect trio. I stopped at Catch of the Day Seafood Bar & Grill for lunch and a Bloody Mary while soaking up some patio vibes.

This Bloody is made with Zing Zang mix and comes garnished with a jumbo shrimp, celery, olives, a wedge of lime, and supposedly a beef jerky straw. I didn’t get the jerky straw this time (a personal disappointment because those are amazing), but the carrot and celery were a nice substitute. The salted rim was a definite plus. Flavor-wise, it was solid, perfectly balanced, and refreshing under the Miami sun.

Price-wise, at $16.99, it’s on the higher side—but you’re paying for the view, atmosphere, and quality seafood lunch too. No chaser was offered, which isn’t surprising given the location. Overall, a very good Bloody Mary and a perfect companion to a sunny patio lunch.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Good, balanced, Zing Zang base

• Fixin’s: Jumbo shrimp, carrot, celery, lime, olives

• Chaser: None

• Presentation: Classic, patio-perfect

• Price: $16.99

If you’re in Miami and want a solid, classic Bloody Mary with a seafood twist, this is a great stop.

Grand Lux Cafe: Las Vegas, NV

Posted: October 27, 2025 in Uncategorized
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Vegas is known for over-the-top drinks, but this Bloody Mary at Grand Lux Café, located inside the Venetian… not so much.

We flew in on an early morning flight and were starving by the time we hit the Strip, so breakfast and Bloody Marys seemed like the perfect first stop. Unfortunately, this was a quick reminder that my long-standing opinion about Vegas Bloodies still holds true: Vegas simply lacks outstanding Bloody Marys.

I just don’t get it. In a place known for excess—flashy food, extravagant cocktails, and general overindulgence—you’d expect the Bloody Mary scene to be next-level. But time and time again, it’s the same story: basic, boring, and overpriced. I did spot a few more elaborate options, but at $40+ a pop? No thanks. Especially when so many people in this city are battling hangovers, you’d think there’d be a better Bloody Mary effort.

Maybe someday I’ll move out there and open a 24/7 build-your-own Bloody bar that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg… because clearly, there’s a market gap waiting to be filled.

The Bloody Mary: a salted rim, a stalk of celery, and maybe a hint of lime.

Flavor-wise, it was fine—nothing offensive, nothing memorable. And in Las Vegas, where every cocktail carries a hefty price tag, this one felt overpriced and underwhelming. Sometimes, simple isn’t synonymous with satisfying.

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Mild, uninspired
  • Fixin’s: Celery, lime (maybe?)
  • Chaser: Not listed
  • Presentation: Simple, clean
  • Price: $$$ (Vegas standard)

A decent breakfast companion but far from the show-stopping Vegas experience you’d expect.

Perspective Brewing Co: West Allis, WI

Posted: October 27, 2025 in Uncategorized
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Perspective Brewing in West Allis isn’t your typical Bloody Mary destination—they’re a craft brewery. But a one-time special I happened to catch on Facebook this October in celebration of Spooky Season, called Sunday Bloody Sunday, was a feast.

The Bloody itself likely featured Cholula, not my favorite base, but honestly, the fixings stole the show. For $15, you got a build-your-own kit loaded with fixings: a deviled egg (dyed black and made with avocado), chicken salad on a cucumber slice with a little skull-shaped piece of mozzarella on top, trail mix, cheese, tortellini, and a variety of meats. You could then pick a chaser from any of Perspective’s offerings. I paired mine with a pumpkin beer chaser, complete with a whipped cream squirt, and it was Halloween-perfect, delicious, (and far better than any over-priced Vegas cocktail I had earlier this month).

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Medium, Cholula-based
  • Fixin’s: Deviled egg, chicken salad on cucumber, trail mix, cheese, tortellini, meats
  • Chaser: Pumpkin beer with whipped cream
  • Presentation: Over-the-top, festive, build-your-own
  • Price: $15

If you want a Bloody Mary that doubles as brunch entertainment, keep an eye on their social pages for future specials—it’s a one-time experience you don’t want to miss.

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