She said/she said is a series of rapid reviews written by the intrepid duo, Lori Fredrich (the foodie) and Carolynn Buser (the socialite). Tune in weekly for our latest meanderings on hot spots around town.
Destination: Boone & Crockett
Reason for visiting: Happy Hour. Takes place daily from 4 to 7 p.m.
Specials: Half price taps and $5 house cocktails.
Regular Pricing: $8 for house cocktails; $6-7 for taps
Pro Tip: Stop by on Wednesdays for $2 off all whiskey and half-off select bottles of wine. Or meander over on Thursdays for $2 PBR or $3 shots of Cowboy Whiskey.
Upcoming Events: Stop in on July 24 for Boone & Crockett's 3-Year Anniversary party featuring the Quaker City Night Hawks.
Mood: Relaxed. Boone & Crockett is just the sort of bar that makes you want to sit back and enjoy -- whether it's inside at one of their old-timey booths or tables or outside on their comfy patio, it's the perfect spot for anyone who appreciates a great cocktail with friendly bar staff to boot. A chalkboard above the bar proclaims: "Pretentious Drinks without the Pretentiousness," and that pretty much sums things up.
Go here when:
Lori: Anyone who says Milwaukee is devoid of cocktail culture needs to set foot in this bar. It's a great spot that takes their drinks seriously... but not too seriously. They also have a decent beer list, and they have Island Orchard Pear Cider on the regular (which, if you haven't tried it, it's delicious). It's the sort of spot I'd take out-of-town friends for some day drinking. And it's a great spot to see a band. I'll admit, I also love the fact that B&C makes me feel a little like I'm caught somewhere between the set of an old Wild West movie and somebody's well-executed man cave. And that alone will probably keep me coming back time and time again.
Carolynn: Boone & Crockett provides a comfy, charming and intimate space inside which feels comforting to me. The dead deer heads on the walls are so tastefully done that I feel like I am getting a taste of the up-north I love -- not just some backwoods. It must be the lovely chandeliers ambiance! "The shack" back patio is a great option rain or shine -- being that is it covered -- and is a winner on any warm day. It's hard to pass up $5 house cocktails -- as theirs are amazing! -- so I'd come back often by myself or with a group of friends.
Go back for:
Lori: The patio in the summer. It comes complete with fun "man-cave-ish" signs, picnic tables, and plenty of seats. You can choose shade or sun, and since most of the patio is covered, you can even enjoy it in the rain. I'll be back there drinking the Camp Radler -- a deliciously refreshing grapefruity cocktail that has just the right amount of bitterness.
I'll also be back (with my belly prepared) for great eats from Gypsy Taco -- just as soon as they're up and running in their well-equipped new trailer. After all, a girl sometimes needs a snack with her cocktails.
Carolynn: A visit to the "the shack" is needed! B&C can get pretty crowded on a band night -- I'd love to come back and see one outside. The pirate flag flying proudly on the stage assures me that would be a good life decision. I'm anxiously waiting for "Gypsy Taco" to get up and running so I can enjoy some "peace, love and taco." I'd bring along some of my friends with pups too -- that patio is dog friendly.
Overall Rating:
Lori: In case you haven't noticed, I'm a pretty big fan. They've got the patio with plenty of shade, cocktails I can totally get into, and an atmosphere that's completely un-intimidating. During happy hour, I had two drinks for under $10, so I can't really complain about that either.
Carolynn: Solid thumbs up. Once they get some Gypsy Taco going I think this could just become one of my favorites -- I get hangry quickly! This hipster heaven will probably be jam packed all summer long -- as it should be.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.