"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee.com is back for another round! The whole month of February, we're serving up intoxicatingly fun bars and club articles -- including guides, bartender profiles, drink recipes and even a little Brew City bar history. Cheers!
Let's hope the scenario in this hypothetical article never comes true: if you had to pick one, and only one, bar to visit for the rest of your days, which would it be? Before you blurt out an answer, consider the question: Is your favorite bar right now the place you went five years ago, or where you expect to go in 10 years?
Here are the picks of our editorial staff. If you can do better, please post your pick using the Talkback feature below.
Molly Snyder Edler
Staff Writer
Pick: Art Bar
This was a very difficult decision, but Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., edged out the competition because of its close proximity to my house. I try not to drink and drive -- and for some reason I haven't grown out of the tendency to get "over served" -- so it's important that my sole bar is within stumbling distance. Plus, Art Bar offers Alterra coffee, free Wi-Fi, live music, interesting art shows and pizza -- with more food coming in the future. I particularly like Art Bar's range of vibe.
Depending on the night, the place is anywhere from a quiet cocktail lounge to a thumpin' party zone. My multiple personalities appreciate this.
Julie Lawrence
Staff writer
Pick: Nessun Dorma
For me to frequent only one bar for the rest of my drinking days, it had better have everything I need: Interesting selection, affordable prices, good music, knowledgeable staff, breathable air and something to munch on in case I get hungry.
For me, Nessun Dorma, 2778 N. Weil St., has all these bases covered. The owners are constantly evolving the wine list to keep it fresh and eclectic. Some nights the music is a classic Italian opera like the one from which the bar gets it name; other nights it's Wilco or Wolf Parade. The bartenders and servers are happy to offer samples of new beers on tap or recommend something you might like.
The only thing that doesn't really change is the menu. With the exception of the rotating daily specials, the panini, salads and appetizers stay exactly the same, which is to say, delightfully delicious and satisfying. Although I have no idea what would cause a person to have to commit to just one bar forever, I'm prepared to stick it out with Nessun Dorma should the hypothetical become a reality.
Drew Olson
Senior Editor
Pick: Wolski's Tavern
Two of my favorite bars of all-time -- the Honey Bucket in Menomonee Falls and Brubaker's on Downer Avenue -- are no longer with us. My current frequent stop of choice, Leff's Lucky Town, has some of the elements of those places. In choosing one bar for eternity, I considered what I like about bars. Good people. Stimulating conversation. Good music. No pretense or velvet ropes. A bar where I would take someone from out of town and say "This is what a bar is like in Milwaukee." And, there really is only one place. Wolski's, 1836 N. Pulaski St., is like your favorite pair of jeans. You walk in and feel comfortable. Plus, you know it will never go out of style. Some nights (or afternoons) can be magical. But even the average nights are pretty good. I don't ski at all. But, I do love Wolski's.
Bobby Tanzilo
Managing Editor
Pick: Von Trier
I don't get to Von Trier, 2235 N. Farwell Ave., all that much, but if I could only go to one bar for the rest of my life, I think I'd choose it for a number of reasons. First, it's got a beer garden, so when the weather is good, I can sit outside and enjoy it. Second, it's got two great rooms inside, full of fun and interesting decor. One would never get bored! Third, there's a never-ending flow of popcorn. Fourth, the owner Mark seems like a nice guy and takes his beer seriously. Fifth, there's a great selection of beer. Sixth, it's centrally-located in the East Side bar district, across from where I work, so it's convenient to the Oriental, to my office, to Palermo Villa, to the lake, to Alterra, etc. Seventh, it's got an interesting history, so there's always sometbing to talk about.
Andy Tarnoff
Publisher
Pick: Palomino
This is a harder exercise than it looks. To simply pick the bar that's my favorite right now is short-sighted and doesn't take into consideration the "forever" part. That's why I chose Palomino, 2491 S. Superior St. Honestly, I don't go there all that often right now, but it has all the qualities I need if it's gonna be the only bar I ever go to again: food, good music, outside seating, proximity to home, sports on the TVs, a mix between cheap beer, good wine and fancy drinks, and ample people watching.
Surely, there are bars that do each individual bullet point better; for example, a man can only eat so many fried hushpuppies. But add them all up, and you could have a different Palomino experience every day of the week.
