Posts Tagged ‘milwaukee’

Milwaukee, WI: Von Trier

Posted: July 16, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Von Trier has long been known for its German beer hall atmosphere, and their Bloody Mary is a worthy addition to the experience.

This one comes with everything you’d hope for in a classic Wisconsin Bloody, including a handmade Wisconsin beef stick, cheese, olive, lemon, and lime, along with a shorty beer chaser. The handmade beef stick is a nice local touch that helps set this Bloody apart.

The mix itself was flavorful and easy to drink, making it a great companion whether you’re stopping in for brunch or simply enjoying one of Milwaukee’s classic neighborhood taverns.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Well-balanced and flavorful (They told me they use Filthy Mix, in a bag)
• Fixin’s: Handmade Wisconsin beef stick, cheese, olive, lemon, lime
• Chaser: Shorty beer
• Presentation: Traditional Bloody with classic Wisconsin garnishes
• Price: Unsure

Von Trier does what it does best—classic, unpretentious, and consistently good. If you’re already stopping in to this east side establishment for a beer, don’t overlook the Bloody Mary.

Pewaukee, WI: 4 Keeps

Posted: July 16, 2026 in Uncategorized
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After a great morning paddleboarding on Pewaukee Lake, 4 Keeps, Pewaukee’s self-proclaimed “neighborhood dive bar,” was the perfect stop to relax and enjoy a cold beverage.

Their Bloody Mary may not be over-the-top with garnishes, but the flavor more than makes up for it. It was one of those Bloodies that immediately makes you take another sip. Well-seasoned, balanced, and just plain delicious. At only $7, it’s also one of the better values you’ll find.

The garnish included a pickle, two olives, cheese, and a beef stick, plus a shorty beer chaser—a classic Wisconsin finishing touch.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Excellent flavor with a well-balanced mix
• Fixin’s: Pickle, two olives, cheese, beef stick
• Chaser: Shorty beer
• Presentation: Classic Wisconsin-style with traditional garnishes
• Price: $7

Whether you’re coming off the lake or just looking for a neighborhood spot with a great Bloody Mary, Four Keeps delivers. Great flavor, a fair price, and a beer chaser make this one an easy recommendation.

West Allis, WI: 4th Base

Posted: May 5, 2026 in Uncategorized
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4th Base Restaurant is one of those classic spots that has built a loyal following over the years—especially for its sports bar/ old-school supper club feel and over-the-top presentations. We’ve talked about it before, and while there’s a lot to love, the experience can be a bit of a mixed bag.

I hadn’t been here in years, but there was a special 90s theme brunch going on that happened to coincide with my birthday, so I decided to check it out with a group of friends.

The Bloody itself leans into presentation. It’s topped with a skewer of veggies (pickle, carrot, cheese and broccoli) and extras, including haystack onion rings. It definitely gives you that classic Wisconsin-style, “drink plus snack” experience. And, it also comes with a full pint beer chaser—a major win. You can choose any beer, and I went with a Blue Moon, which felt like a slightly unexpected pairing but still did the job.

Flavor-wise, it’s solid and drinkable, though this one is more about the overall experience than a standout mix. The real draw is everything that comes with it—the chaser, the garnishes, and the setting.

One thing that continues to stand out (and not necessarily in a good way) is the lack of a clear menu. 4th Base is known for its “we’ll make you whatever you want” approach, which some people love—but if you’re someone who prefers structure or likes to know pricing upfront, it can feel a little overwhelming. I guess that’s what deters me from going there more frequently.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Classic and easy-drinking, but not overly memorable
• Fixin’s: Haystack onion rings, pickle, carrot, cheese, broccoli
• Chaser: Full pint beer (choose your own—I went with Blue Moon)
• Presentation: Over-the-top Wisconsin-style with a loaded skewer
• Price: Not listed

If you’re heading to Fourth Base, go in ready for a unique, anything-goes dining experience. The Bloody Mary is fun, filling, and comes with a great chaser—but the overall visit might depend on how much you enjoy a little unpredictability with your order.

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.

Williams Bay, WI (Lake Geneva): Pier 290

Posted: September 9, 2025 in Uncategorized
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Sometimes you stumble across a Bloody Mary that surprises you—not because it’s the best you’ve ever had, but because it exists at all. That was the case at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, just off Lake Geneva. We visited via boat on a perfect summer Saturday morning and were amused to find that the Bloody Mary isn’t actually on their menu—but they made one for us anyway. (I mean, really, what type of establishment in Wisconsin doesn’t serve one?!?

The drink came with three cheese curds, a beef stick, an olive, and both a lemon and lime. Flavorful and fine, but nothing mind-blowing. No chaser was offered. Price? Probably around $15. The real charm was the pier and the lake views—sometimes that’s all you need.

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Good, standard
  • Fixin’s: 3 cheese curds, beef stick, olive, lemon, lime
  • Chaser: None
  • Presentation: Casual, lakeside
  • Price: Around $15

If you’re boating around Lake Geneva, Pier 290 is worth a stop for a drink and a view—but don’t come expecting a show-stopping Bloody Mary.

Wauwatosa, WI: Crafty Cow

Posted: September 9, 2025 in Uncategorized
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If you’re on the hunt for bottomless brunch bliss in Wauwatosa, Crafty Cow is your new best friend. With unlimited mimosas, house Bloody Marys, coffee, and OJ, it’s a 90-minute feast of endless sipping—just bring your appetite and make an entrée purchase.

I ordered the bottomless Bloody Mary, and wow, this one is a keeper. (It should be noted that the restaurant has made great strides in its Bloody Mary game since we last reviewed them!) The garnishes are a little showstopper: a cheese curd, a pickled mushroom, two olives, a lemon lime, and a tiny modolito “sidecar” chaser in a cute little bottle. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to linger, and paired with a brunch Sammy ($15.25) of eggs, bacon, breakfast sausage, American cheese, and cheesy potatoes, it was heaven on a plate. My dining companion’s Cali breakfast burrito—eggs, smoked cheddar, avocado, corn and poblano, cilantro crema, pickled red onion—was equally delicious, and we couldn’t resist some pancake-battered white cheddar curds with syrup for good measure.

The bottomless Bloody Mary experience at Crafty Cow is well-kept secret magic. If you’re a brunch lover in the Milwaukee area, this spot deserves a weekend stop—your taste buds will thank you.

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Delicious, house classic
  • Fixin’s: Cheese curd, pickled mushroom, 2 olives, lemon-lime
  • Chaser: Tiny Modelito sidecar bottle
  • Presentation: Cute, thoughtful, brunch-ready
  • Price: $18–BOTTOMLESS!

If you’ve been sleeping on Crafty Cow, now’s the time to wake up and smell the bottomless Bloody Marys.

Waukesha, Wisconsin: Tally’s Tap

Posted: January 2, 2025 in Uncategorized
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After a long day of Black Friday shopping, I made my way to Tally’s Tap in Waukesha, and their Bloody Mary was the perfect way to wind down. Served in an adorable mason jar, this $10 cocktail was both charming and delicious—a great reward after braving the holiday crowds.

The drink is made with Zing Zang mix and Absolut Vodka, with the rim dusted in Forest Floor Salt, adding an earthy depth to every sip. The flavor was bold and well-balanced, striking just the right mix of spice and smoothness.

The garnishes were impressive and plentiful: lemon, lime, asparagus, green bean, mushroom, olive, pickle, beef stick, and cheese. It was essentially a full snack tray in a glass! To top it off, you get a chaser of your choice, and I opted for a Spotted Cow, which paired perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of the Bloody.

The presentation in the mason jar added a fun, rustic touch, making the drink as Instagram-worthy as it was delicious. Tally’s Tap’s cozy atmosphere and attention to detail made this a stop I’ll be eager to repeat.

After a long day of Black Friday shopping, I made my way to Tally’s Tap in Waukesha, and their Bloody Mary was the perfect way to wind down. Served in an adorable mason jar, this $10 cocktail was both charming and delicious—a great reward after braving the holiday crowds.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Zing Zang mix with a bold, earthy kick from Forest Floor Salt

• Fixin’s: Lemon, lime, asparagus, green bean, mushroom, olive, pickle, beef stick, cheese

• Chaser: Your choice (I went with Spotted Cow!)

• Presentation: Served in a cute mason jar

• Price: $10

If you’re in the Waukesha area and craving a classic Wisconsin Bloody Mary with a fun twist, Tally’s Tap is a must-visit. It was the perfect end to a busy day of shopping!

Milwaukee, WI: Saint Bibiana

Posted: December 21, 2024 in Uncategorized
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This weekend, I ventured to the east side of Milwaukee to visit Saint Bibiana, a cozy spot tucked away on Brady Street. It’s rare for me to get over to this area, but I’d heard great things about the food and drinks, so I couldn’t resist checking it out while in the area to pick up some essentials at Glorioso’s and Scortino’s Bakery.

Of course, I ordered their Bloody Mary, which was made with Zing Zang as the base and “doctored up” with various spices, per the bartender. The presentation was simple yet classic, with a garnish of pickle, olive, lemon, and lime. The cutest touch? A mini can of Lil Buddy beer served as the chaser. It was as delicious as it was charming.

For lunch, I paired my drink with the Ooey Gooey Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich, which felt like an elevated version of grilled cheese and tomato soup—a perfect companion to the Bloody Mary. The fries were crisp, well-seasoned, and just what I needed.

While I don’t make it to Brady Street often, Saint Bibiana might be worth the trip again. Its cozy vibe, great food, and expertly crafted Bloody Mary make it a spot I’d happily recommend.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Zing Zang mix, well-enhanced

• Fixin’s: Pickle, olive, lemon, lime

• Chaser: Lil Buddy beer (adorable mini can!)

• Price: I believe this was $11.50

Oh— and if, like me, you’re wondering who Saint Bibiana is/was… she is the Patron Saint of Hangovers. This Bloody probably has something to do with that.

Milwaukee, WI: Biersal Tavern

Posted: October 21, 2024 in Uncategorized
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Over the weekend, we stopped by the relatively new Biersal Tavern on 55th and Vliet, the former Wonder Bar, which closed in 2023. While we had never visited Wonder Bar, we checked out Biersal, which opened in March, on the recommendation of a friend.

Biersal Tavern—named after a mischievous, beer-thirsty German gnome—has completely transformed the interior of the building, which has long been home to various taverns. The atmosphere is inviting, with plenty of drink options, including seasonal craft cocktails. Since it’s spooky season, in addition to our Bloody Mary, we also tried a drink featuring pumpkin spice and apple cider.

We arrived right at opening on a Saturday morning and had the place to ourselves for most of our visit, but the bartender was welcoming and friendly. They provided great recommendations and even bought us a shot!

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Housemade Mix and Vodka
  • Fixin’s: Cheese curd and mini beef stick
  • Chaser: Yes, a tiny Lil Buddy can
  • Price: $9

This Bloody Mary hit all the right notes with its flavorful housemade mix and classic fixin’s. The cheese curd and beef stick added a delicious local touch, and the Lil Buddy chaser was a fun bonus. We will definitely be back to Biersal Tavern!

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