Bar & restaurant guide

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Bar & restaurant guide: Wisconsin's hidden gems

by peter n. long

Bars and restaurants are the lifeblood of Wisconsin. They sustain us and entertain us, providing us with places to go and things to do. We need them to survive, but we also need them to have a great time. That said, bars and restaurants in Wisconsin are a dime-a-dozen - not all bad, but certainly not all good. For every fantastic joint, there are countless other haunts that just don't make the grade. That's why we here at curb wanted to highlight the best eating and drinking establishments in Wisconsin - the true "hidden gems" of the Badger state. Whether you're new to town or a regular on the scene, our selections will provide you with the best food and drinks in all the land. Our promise.

Appleton

Cleo’s
every day is a holiday
203 W. College Ave. | 920-739-2288

Cleo’s Brown Beam has operated under the mantra of “every night is New Year’s Eve.” And Christmas. And Halloween. And St. Patrick’s Day. And Easter. And just about every other holiday you can think of. For more than 30 years, this “world famous” College Avenue hotspot has attracted anyone and everyone looking for a fun and festive night out, any night of the year. Able to put anyone in the holiday spirit, Cleo’s wall-to-wall holiday decorations are a sight that no Appleton bar hopping experience can be without.

Chances are, just about everyone’s favorite holiday is represented at Cleo’s Brown Beam. Kudos to the patrons able to find them all in one visit.

Mongo’s
an experience any invading hoard will love
231 W. Franklin St. | 920-730-8304

Mongo’s Mongolian Barbecue, not necessarily “Mongolian” or “barbecue,” offers a fun and exotic dining experience for open-minded customers. Upon entry, customers are charged with the duty of creating their own stir-fry dish—selecting the veggies, meats and other ingredients—and handing their creation off to the Mongolian chef to be cooked right in front of them. With a décor designed to mimic an inner Mongolian sanctum, and a bar that attracts the hottest up-and-coming national musical acts, Mongo’s is the “spice” of Appleton’s dining scene.

As the spiritual successor to the hibachi craze of the 1980s, Mongo’s is perfect for a group night out in Appleton!

Eau Claire

Shanghai Bistro
a bit of the east in western Wisconsin
2930 Craig Rd. | 715-835-3348

The Shanghai Bistro provides an upscale yet comfortable dining atmosphere, which is important if you’re the only true sushi bar in town. Offering Eau Claire’s only source of quality sushi and Asian culinary faire, the Shanghai Bistro has a wide menu of cooked and uncooked specialties. From Chow Mein to Sashimi, the Shanghai Bistro has the Eastern cuisine you crave.

Chopstick etiquette exists! Place your chopsticks parallel to the edge of the counter when not in use, and never, ever rub them together to “remove splinters.” Hi-end sushi bars like the Shanghai Bistro use only the best chopsticks – it is considered very rude to rub them together!

House of Rock
live and rockin' at the house
422 Water St. | 715-838-0158

The House of Rock does not believe in false advertising, especially when it comes to a name. The House of Rock does just what you’d expect it to, and that’s rock. Hard. With perhaps the best in-house sound system in Western Wisconsin (engineered by in-house sound techs), the House provides live music to Eau Claire, no-holds-barred. With live rock and blues shows every Wednesday through Saturday night each week, the House of Rock will quench your thirst for an amplified night out.

Bloody Mary’s are the House specialty. Made completely from scratch, the management will put their bloodies up against any other recipe in the world. That’s at least worth one try, right?

Green Bay

FiveSix
the pride of Packer Nick Barnett
405 W. Walnut St. | 920-435-1057

FiveSix, as in the number “56,” are the two digits that adorn the jersey of the Green Bay Packer Nick Barnett. Barnett, starting middle linebacker and the owner of this brand-new “ultra lounge” housed in the former historic West Theatre, wanted to bring the big-city lounge experience he craved to Titletown. FiveSix was born. Fusing a laid-back jazz club atmosphere with a classy lounge-restaurant feel, FiveSix is primed to be the highlight of GB’s nightlife.

Game on! While Barnett didn’t want another jerseys-on-the-wall type sports bar, he remembered to keep the renovated theater’s gigantic projection screen intact so NFL fans could watch him blitz and sack on Sundays at his own bar. Hey, this is Green Bay after all!

Stan & Ollie's
dock, dine and drink
348 S. Washington St. | 920-437-6103

Stan & Ollie’s Boathouse has offered two distinct things since opening in 1997: first, it provides great bar food and fantastic drink specials. Second, it is the only public place to dock a boat in the center city of Green Bay. Perfect for an evening respite from a long day of boating on the Fox River, Stan & Ollie’s lets patrons simply pull into their slips off the river, dock and step in for some food and drinks right in the heart of downtown Green Bay.

Docking at the Boathouse is in high demand during the boating months. Call ahead to make sure you can pull in without delay, or you’ll be treading water while waiting for a slip to open.

Kenosha

The Wine Knot
"tie" one down
5611 6th Ave. | 262-653-9580

The Wine Knot Bar & Bistro is the kind of place where you pay for the drinks, but come back for the service. Located near Lake Michigan, the Wine Knot is Kenosha’s answer to the jazz clubs of Chicago. While the exquisite menu compliments the wine selection well, it is the live music that really helps the merlot go down. A professional, helpful staff and a laid-back bistro feel make the Wine Knot a fine choice for splitting a bottle on a Friday night.

Service with a smile is not a rule at the Wine Knot – it is a way of life. The staff goes out of their way to make your night the best it can be, so you can focus on the sights, sounds and tastes, rather than the service. ‘Wine Knot’ check it out?

Villa D' Carlo
a good pizze pie - now that's amore
5140 6th Ave. | 262-654-3932

Villa D’Carlo, a downtown Kenosha institution for over 40 years, more than amply fits the bill for any young professional looking for a big Italian mean at a reasonable price. Though a varied menu replete with pastas, steaks and appetizers is available, Villa D’Carlo’s main attraction is the thin-crust pizza. Still made using the original 1957 recipe, “Carl’s Famous Pizza” is a hit with those craving a pizza respite from the dime-a-dozen delivery chain pies.

The cozy Italian atmosphere equates to a packed house on weekend nights at Villa D’Carlo. Call ahead for reservations.

Madison

Brocach
the pub where Irish Badgers go to play
7 W. Main St. | 608-255-2015

Brocach (pronounced “bro-kaaa”) – Gaelic for “badger den” – is Madison’s premiere Irish pub. Located on the Capitol Square, Brocach’s unique, authentically Irish atmosphere makes it the perfect pub for an after-work drink, or a great place to while away a weekend night. Boasting an enormous selection of Irish beers (think Guinness) and Irish whiskeys (think Jameson), you’ll be singing along as if you were deep in the heart of Dublin.

The renovation of two adjacent properties – a candy shop and a jewelry store – gave way for Brocach’s two-story, one-of-a-kind drinking and dining experience. The Irish call it “craic” – you’ll call it a “good time!”

Tornado Club
Madison's best-kept steak secret
116 S. Hamilton St. | 608-256-3570

The Tornado Club offers not only the best steak in the Capital City, but also the best food in Madison, period. Tucked away just off the Capitol Square, Tornado’s provides the ideal setting for any elegant night out, whether a romantic dinner for two, or some drinks and appetizers before a show at the Overture Center. From rack of lamb to rabbit, from escargot to Coquille Saint Jacque, The Tornado Club is a must for Madison fine-dining.

Tornado’s is downtown Madison’s only “true” steak house, offering at least eight steak specialties available every night. An intimate setting and a phenomenal menu make Tornado’s the perfect venue for entertaining your important clients…or your next date.

Milwaukee

Bartolotta’s
the lake park bistro
3133 E. Newberry Blvd. | 414-962-6300

Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro, situated adjacent to the Frederick Law Olmstead-designed Lake Park region of Milwaukee, boasts Wisconsin’s only true French Rotisol (rotisserie), housed in a historic building overlooking Lake Michigan. With a menu besplended with the finest French cuisine in the Midwest, and an unpronounceable wine list as long as your arm, Bartolotta’s provides a unique dining experience with that certain je ne sais quoi your palette needs.

Bartolotta’s authentic French vibe, coupled with its rich architectural beauty, makes it perfect for special occasions and weddings…or simply a Sunday champagne brunch.

The Safe House
your license to thrill
779 N. Front St. | 414-271-2007

The Safe House is a Wisconsin hidden gem because, well, it’s so hidden! With an entrance disguised as an international exports company, this spy-themed bar seeks to entice patrons in the style of 007 himself. Requiring a “top-secret” password for admittance—and boasting multiple levels of hidden rooms and interactive features—The Safe House provides a fun night out for any group of “covert” young professionals.

One part espionage, two parts fun, there is nothing like The Safe House in Milwaukee…or anywhere. According to James Bond, you only live twice, but just to be safe, check out this Mil-town hotspot the first time around.

Oshkosh

Peabody's
this ale house is all good
544 N. Main St. | 920-235-4004

Peabody’s Ale House is quickly becoming the watering hole of choice for Oshkosh’s young professionals. With an unbeatable location in the heart of downtown, and a varied selection of brews, liquors and specialty drinks, Peabody’s is a can’t-miss destination for a night out in Oshkosh. Live music, an Import Beer Club and a fun atmosphere make the Ale House a winner.

The Jazz Orgy is the hottest Sunday night activity around. Local and traveling musicians join up at Peabody’s for a mind-blowing jam-fest. Check out www.jazzorgy.com for a run-down of talent and events.

Ardy & Ed's
delectable drive-in dining
2413 S. Main St. | 920-231-5455

Ardy & Ed’s Drive In is unwavering in its dedication to the old-fashioned. Changing little else but the name and ownership since 1948, this Oshkosh institution continues to thrive on a solidly American business plan of burgers, root beer and roller skates. In the summer months, carhops skate out to customers’ cars to take orders while ‘50s era music plays over the speakers. Order a “Tall Boy Burger” with a basket of fries, and transport yourself back to a simpler time!

A Seasonal schedule is the name of the game at Ardy & Ed’s. Open from March to October, you’ll be left out in the cold if you venture out in the off-season. Plan your nostalgia trip accordingly.

Racine

The Yardarm
y'arrr, me mates - great drinks ahoy
920 Erie St. | 262-633-8270

The Yardarm Bar & Grill is the Treasure Island of Racine. Reminiscent of the English pubs of pirate myth, the Yardarm has been serving frosty mugs to thirsty buccaneers since 1983. Live music every Wednesday and Saturday night bring in the landlubbers and sea dogs alike, and a customer-picked wine list ensures mutinies will be kept at bay. Be sure to order a plate of the Signature Sand Dollar Potatoes – worth their weight in gold!

Vast booty awaits at the Yardarm, with nautical treasures displayed as far as the eye can see. Graciously donated by regular customers from their personal reserves, the “wall art” at the Yardarm adds a historical touch to the maritime décor of this fun sea tavern!

Helen & Craig's
brick oven Italian goodness
340 Main St. | 262-637-4340

Helen & Craig’s Bistro emphasizes the contemporary and casual…well, as much an authentic Italian “ristorante” in a historic 19th century setting possibly can! Boasting one of the state’s only wood-fired ovens, Helen & Craig’s pizza and pasta specialties are baked to perfection, and patrons are encouraged to relax and take as much time as needed to enjoy these culinary perfections. Whenever the Italian spirit tempts your tummy, Helen & Craig’s will hit the spot.

Sam & Gene’s Grotto is the newest feature at Helen & Craig’s. Billed as “Racine’s most unique private facility,” the Grotto is quickly becoming the place for the young professional’s personal gathering needs – showers, wedding rehearsals and meetings.

Waukesha

Weissgerber's
Bavarian beer garden bliss
2720 N. Grandview Blvd. | 262-544-4460

Weissgerber’s Gasthaus & Beer Garden is, to put it bluntly, a beer-drinker’s paradise. Instituting true Oktoberfest spirit as a daily occurrence, Weissgerber’s provides authentic beer hall gemutlichkeit right in Waukesha. An assortment of German and domestic brews, including some Weissgerber exclusives, the Gasthaus & Beer Garden is the right place to drink to friendship and enjoyment. Ein prosit!

Prost! Become a member of Weissgerber’s “Stein Club” – $35 gets you lifetime membership in the club, and a one-liter numbered stein to drink from every time you visit. Remember: only members can drink from the steins!

The Union House
144 years of hospitable service
S42 W31320 Hwy 83 | 262-968-4281

The Union House, a fixture of the Waukesha-area Genesee Depot since the Civil War, is both one of the most enduring restaurants and historic landmarks in Wisconsin. Having originally culled customers from the nearby train depot, The Union House now brings in patrons by sheer virtue of quality and hospitality. With an extensive collection of spirits – 250 wines and 155 single malt scotches – The Union House has the perfect drink to match any item on their exquisite menu.

“Award of Excellence” winner, selected by Wine Spectator Magazine, The Union House is a world-class wine institution internationally-recognized for their serious commitment to wine and wine lists over the past decade.