{image1}The $50 bar credit awarded to the winner of trivia nights at Bigg's Roadhouse may be short of a Ken Jennings Jeopardy payout, but it's still about the best you can get anywhere that's not Potawatomi.
It's a serious affair For trivia experts each Tuesday night at the Wauwatosa bar and grill at 1900 N. Mayfair Rd.
A lot of the regulars partake in the contest, says bar manager Scott Olson. Nobody drinks too much or gets very rowdy, as everyone seems to be intent on winning the contest.
It's all about the big payout at his bar, says Olson. Through April 23, Friday night karaoke singers can also win a trip to Las Vegas, a snowboarding trip or a stay at Sybaris.
If listening to amateurs warble week after week gets old, Olson won't let on. "Sometimes I look back and think, 'Holy cow, that's someone singing, I thought we were playing a CD.'"
Bigg's hosts Badger Poker tournaments on Sundays, which is another opportunity to win a trip to Vegas. About 100 people show up to play Texas Hold'Em. An eight-week tournament session just ended, but another will likely be held this summer, says Olson, a former manager at Papa's Social Club.
To quench your thirst during these games, there are 12 beers on tap, including a seasonal Berghoff and a seasonal Red Hook beer. Specialty drinks include margaritas on the rocks for $2.50 and mixed drinks for $3.50. Happy hour runs from 2 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Domestic taps, rails and house wines are two-for-one, and appetizers are half off.
Appetizers range from $7 to $9, and include a rib tip basket, spinach artichoke dip and onion loaf. Pizzas start at $12.95 for a 12-inch and $15.95 for a 16-inch. Dinners include filet of sirloin ($11.95), sourdough pretzel chicken ($9.95) and steak and shrimp ($17.95). The sandwich menu includes a cheeseburger ($7.95), barbecue rib sandwich ($8.95) and an Italian sausage sandwich ($7.95).
In addition to the trivia, a DJ spins songs on Tuesdays. Live music -- blues and rock -- is featured on Wednesday and Saturdays. There is a big screen TV and eight regular-sized TVs for sports fans. And Olson says he plans to expand the bar area to include a dance floor.
A second Bigg's Roadhouse is located at 789 W. Layton Ave.
