Posts Tagged ‘oconomowoc’

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: Lucky Chucky’s Beach Bar

Posted: July 16, 2026 in Uncategorized
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Lucky Chucky’s Beach Bar & Grill is another perfect lakeside stop after a day on the water. After paddleboarding on Silver Lake, this Bloody Mary was exactly what we needed.

This one keeps things simple with two olives, lemon, and lime. No elaborate garnish tower here—just a solid, refreshing Bloody Mary that pairs perfectly with a beach bar atmosphere.

Sometimes it’s less about the toppings and more about the setting, and enjoying a Bloody after a day on the lake is hard to beat.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Refreshing and enjoyable after a day on the water
• Fixin’s: Two olives, lemon, lime
• Chaser: None offered
• Presentation: Simple, classic beach bar Bloody
• Price: Not listed

Lucky Chucky’s is all about the atmosphere. If you’ve spent the day paddleboarding or soaking up the sun on Silver Lake, a Bloody Mary here is the perfect way to wind down. Sometimes the location makes the drink taste even better.

Oconomowoc, WI: The Etcetera Bar & Grill

Posted: March 2, 2026 in Uncategorized
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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.

Oconomowoc, WI: Burke’s Lakeside

Posted: March 22, 2015 in Uncategorized
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This morning, I had brunch with friends at Burke’s Lakeside in Oconomowoc.

For just $12.95, you can access a full buffet with all kinds of breakfast and lunch foods, including made-to-order omelets and pasta.

The food was good, but we really came to try the Wisconsin Supper Club Bloody Mary, aptly named because is served with fixin’s on a Lazy Susan:

Burke's Lakeside Supper Club Bloody Mary

To get the full effect, you really have to watch this video, which offers a 360 view:

Here’s a slide show:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Mix: They use Zing Zang.

Chaser: Lagunitas Ipa

Fixin’s:  See photos… bacon, hardboiled egg, pickle, pepper, celery, shrimp, cheese, pepperoni, pickled veggies, tomatoes, tater tots and shrimp

Price: $10

Burke’s is a pilgrimage every bloody mary fan needs to make at least once. The Wisconsin Supper Club Bloody Mary is only served on Sundays, so you’ll want to make the most of your trip and plan on staying for brunch. Cheers!