Eight years ago, Benjamin Buss and his wife Codi Peters moved to West Allis and shortly after a friend referred to them as “Stalley Cats.” When the couple opened a bar four years later, Peters was certain “Stalley Cats” was the perfect name, but Buss needed a little convincing.
He eventually agreed to the name, but his one caveat was “as long as it’s not a weird cat bar.” Today, this quote is framed and hangs above the tavern’s door as a reminder.
Stalley Cats, 6201 W. Mitchell St., is certainly filled with lots of cat art and statues and clocks and posters, but “weird cat bar” it is not. Unless, of course, we’re talking about weird in a good way. Cats – and dogs – are welcome at the bar. Buss and Peters have two cats they adopted from the Humane Society and one of them, Sumo – who Peters describes as a 14-pound loaf – sometimes accompanies them during a shift.
“We welcome pets here, but it’s probably best to call ahead and see if there are already other animals in the bar,” says Peters.
Peters, a graphic designer by day, loves to decorate the bar for the major holidays such as Christmas. The light fixtures over the J-shaped (yes, J-shaped!) bar have elves who appear to be pole dancing. There’s a large tree in the “stadium room” – which features bleachers that seat 30 and five large televisions – with “Grumpy Cat” as the topper. “Meowy Christmas” is draped across another wall and even the beer tappers are decorated for the holiday.
“I have a competition with myself to do a little more decorating every year,” says Peters.
Stalley Cats hosted a Friendsgiving at the bar last month and almost 30 people attended. During the event, they decorated mini stockings, which are now hung on a line and sometimes filled with little treats.
Arguably the biggest conversation piece in the bar doesn’t have to do with cats or Christmas. Instead, it’s the large neon TYME sign. ("Take Your Money Everywhere” was one of the first ATMs and was available only in Wisconsin, Florida and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.)
“Many customers have wanted to buy that from us, but no way. We love it. We traded it for a snowblower. Isn’t that the most Wisconsin thing ever?” says Peters.
During the week, most of the customers at Stalley Cats are regulars, but on weekends, the crowd expands. Gambling games and dice are extremely popular.
“Usually all three dice cups are in use,” says Buss. “We play a lot of games: bar dice, Ship Captain, Crew, Sixers.”
“It’s a tiny little Vegas in here,” jokes Peters.
The bar also offers numerous vintage video game systems including The Nintendo N64.
Stalley Cats is primarily a beer and a shot bar, but also serves wine, cocktails and a plethora of THC drinks. Specials include a nightly happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. that features a “Plinko” game. The bar also hosts White Claw Wednesdays and offers a special Mule Menu on Tuesdays. “Jesus Bombs” made with red wine and energy drinks are also quite popular at $3 a shot.
Stalley Cats serves pizza and other snacky foods such as tater tots, mini tacos, mini corn dogs, mozzarella sticks and pretzel bites.
Buss grew up in the city of Milwaukee, but is very happy in West Allis as both a home and business owner. “We’ve seen so much change in West Allis,” he says. “It’s a pleasure to be a part of a growing neighborhood.”
Being a part of the community is important to Peters, too. She organizes a gallery night on the last friday of every month for area artists.
“It’s been a lot of fun, and definitely a community-building event,” says Peters.
For Buss and Peters, community building begins in their bar. Ben Nothem is a full-time bartender who’s been working at Stalley Cats for 2 1/2 years.
“They brought me in like family,” says Nothem. “I get a lot of leeway because they trust me. I really appreciate that. It can be hard to come by in this industry.”
Stalley Cats is open weekdays from 3 to close; Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to close. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
