If you're a college student, you're 21, and you're ready to tackle Milwaukee's bar scene, here is a brief list of the Milwaukee bars that every co-ed must hit before graduation. (Don't forget your designated driver, or, better yet, take advantage of our public transport system).
After going to classes and checking out the taverns on campus (or in the immediate area), why not venture further out for some hops-fueled fun?
Brady Street is loaded with great bars. If you're into blues, check out the Up and Under Pub. With bands from Milwaukee, Chicago and beyond, the Up and Under promises a rockin' good time.
Just up the street on Arlington you'll find Thurman's. Named after the late New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson, this bar has turned into one of Milwaukee's most colorful spots. Fantastic bartenders, friendly people, the city's best juke box and shuffleboard give Thurman's its unusual character.
If you're into martinis and gin and tonics, the Hi Hat is the place for you. With live jazz and a swinging atmosphere, Hi Hat has quickly become one of Milwaukee's favorites.
Don't miss The Nomad before leaving Brady St. A great selection of beers and cigarettes from around the world are served up by cool and friendly barfolk. They've got outdoor seating and often have live music or djs spinning hoppin' sounds.
Next, move over to North Ave., where Von Trier is an absolute must. In this authentic German tavern you'll find numerous imports and a beer garden. Stop by Vitucci's across the street for a few cocktails. Wednesday is ladies' night and is always popular for its lounge atmosphere and second bar in the back.
Tuesday night is import night in the three bars downstairs at Landmark Lanes. Each bar has its own crowd of regulars and the place is usually packed. There are also video games, bowling, darts and pool as diversions.
Head south towards the Allen Bradley clock tower and you'll find Walker's Point, an area riddled with great watering holes. There's Tony's Tavern, a dark bar with a mellow atmosphere and a good vibe. A pool table in the side room draws the hipsters. Just a few doors south, Zinn's has replaced Shaker's and next to that is The Social. Further south, at National Avenue, are The Pint, La Cage, Steny's, Timer's and a few other places you can belly up to a beer.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
