Archive for February 18, 2026

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