On Saturday night in the Historic Third Ward, my friends and I met on the riverfront patio of the Milwaukee Ale House to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Our seating near the Milwaukee River spotlighted downtown and local boat docks. As I admired the sailboats floating along, I enjoyed the humid night while tasting the various handcrafted Ale House specialty beers. We sampled the crisp tasting Downtown Lites Honey Ale (city lights in a glass they say, yet I’m not sure what the really means) and the rich, malty amber ale, Louie’s Demise, which is my favorite. This unique experience is one that brings Milwaukeeans back to their roots and visitors closer to the rich life of the city that made brewing famous. After kicking back, making random conversation, and tasting the fantastic appetizers for an hour or so (I highly recommend the macaroni and cheese bites. They’re fried triangles stuffed with real Mac n’ Cheese goodness!), we moved the party to another unique bar, The Irish Pub.
This pub is new to the corner of Erie and Water Street. It’s a classic Irish owned and fully functional bar that is reminiscent of pubs found in Ireland, so I’m told. I ordered up a Harp and Guinness, which were ridiculously expensive (or I’m just a cheapskate) and ventured outside. Fortunately, the ambience of the outdoor patio made me forget about the arm and leg I left at the oak top bar inside.
The patio was something I’ve never seen before. It wasn’t that the outdoor set-up was architecturally magnificent, it was simple; and it certainly wasn’t swanky, but humble and comfortable. The patio was built next to a large parking garage that normally would be an ambient blemish, but on this summer night it was magnificent. The entire wall was covered with lush vines that crept and covered every concrete wall and metal brace making the parking structure resemble a fortress that blocked the patio from the bustling nightlife. As our large group of friends sat at the black iron tables on the wooden deck, I felt like we were in the backyard of an Irish lad’s home. This guy really enjoyed his Gaelic Storm albums and kept “Bring Yer Wellies” on repeat all night. I willingly clapped along to its traditional Irish melody and acoustic instrumentals. You can’t help it, or at least I can’t, but that’s because I think I have ADHD.
After two Irish car bombs for the birthday boy, we were out of money and liveliness. The time was up for playing catch-up with long lost friends and discovering the unique bar and restaurant scene in the Third Ward. Still, this night wasn’t just a Birthday celebration; it was a celebration of a perfect summer evening spent in Milwaukee. Like a good beer, we savor these nights for as long as we can.
I had a feeling this blog was going to come full circle with posts of "booze hagging" downtown and in the TW. Let's steer clear of your drinking nights on the town so we don't scare the outsiders, shall we?
Posted by: Andthefunbegins ... | June 19, 2007 at 12:08 PM
In addition to writing about the variety of festivals and the large art scene, I was told to write about Milwaukee’s nightlife since many visitors venture out on the town for fun. I’m not sure why you’ve made the assumption that I’m only about “booze hagging,” but you’re mistaken. I’m positive you don’t know me enough to pass such judgment, so I suggest you refrain from doing so. Furthermore, Milwaukee is known as “Brew City,” if you didn’t know that, and was once home of four of the world’s largest breweries. Being the number one beer producing city in the world for many years, Milwaukee became known for this (and is still know for its beer production). I don’t find it wrong to highlight something that put this city on the map, especially because there are so many restaurants/bars with specialty brewed beers. This blog wasn’t even about boozing anyway.
Posted by: KarenC | June 19, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Yes, this blog should be much more Puritan.
Just kidding. If writing about boozing is good enough for Mulgrew, it's good enough for KarenC. I know if I didn't post about my drinking nights on the town, I wouldn't post much at all.
But Karen, do you always use that many adjectives when you drink?
Posted by: dan | June 19, 2007 at 01:50 PM
I love the Milwaukee Ale House. It has such a fun atmosphere, really great food and delicious beer as well!!!
Posted by: Christi | June 19, 2007 at 04:05 PM
THANK YOU FOR THE POSITVE FEEDBACK AT THE ALE HOUSE. WE ARE LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED AND WE WORK OUR BUTTS OFF TO MAKE NIGHT THAT THAT POSSIBLE! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT LIVE IN GRAFTON, ALE HOUSE #2 OPENS IN JANUARY!!!
Posted by: John | June 19, 2007 at 05:20 PM
I argued against the idea of blogging against nightlife too, but VISIT seems to think that's the way to go. Because if one if there's one thing about Milwaukee that never gets enough attention, it's the bars. :^)
But if you don't like it, tell it to the VISIT people. Other than that, shut your face.
Posted by: Andre | June 19, 2007 at 06:01 PM
Andre, is "blogging against nightlife" like "not speaking against genocide in Darfur?"
Posted by: dan | June 19, 2007 at 06:25 PM
Yeah, sometimes I sound smart. Maybe someone should try to achieve a drinking world record to bring attention to the plight of women in Iran.
Posted by: Andre | June 20, 2007 at 08:08 AM
hahaha Andre, I'm happy to see your comments still popping up around these parts =)
Posted by: Christi | June 20, 2007 at 08:36 AM
I'm still listening to the Beastie Boys in hopes of a free Tibet.
Posted by: Dave | June 20, 2007 at 09:10 AM
I believe that every time I listen to U2's "One" a small African child is adopted.
Keep rockin' Karen. I appreciate your writing style (adjectives included). It hearkens back to the days of overly-articulate youth on Dawson's Creek (in a good way).
Posted by: mjonthemove | June 20, 2007 at 12:05 PM