Spring Drink Guide 2020

8th annual

celebrate all things wisconsin!

Saturday, April 18, 2020 • WI State Fair Park Expo Center For more info, go to page 7 or www.steinanddinemke.com YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 21+ OF AGE TO ENTER THIS EVENT.

SPRING DRINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW SPRING DRINKS

—FROM BOURBON TO GIN TO RUM TO MEZCAL—

2235 N. FARWELL AVE

ON THE CORNER OF NORTH & FARWELL

WWW.VONTRIERS.COM SERVING BRUNCH EVERY SUNDAY FROM 11-3 SERVING FOOD 7 DAYS A WEEK

BEST TAP IMPORT SELECTION

WE HAVE A SPRING DRINK JUST FOR YOU!

• Lillet Collins • Plane of Existence • The B.B. King • • Pineapple Express • Painkiller • Trier Gimlet • • The Aviator • Dark & Stormy • El Diablo • • French 75 • Sidecar • Negroni • • Pimms Cup • Horsefeather • Moscow Mule •

THINK SPRING

springdrink‘20

drinking locally Some dates are red letter days on our editorial calendar. As in past years, the Shepherd Express’ Spring Drink focuses on St. Patrick’s Day. Since everyone says they’re Irish on Tuesday, March 17—or the weekend prior—we may have missed a few places where green beer is served, but we trust all major celebrations—especially those with music and dance—are covered in our article by Milwaukee food and beverage writer Lacey Muszynski.

This year’s Spring Drink also includes a look at locally owned liquor stores by our Eat Drink columnist Sheila Julson. Milwaukee is a proud city of local ownership, and most of our liquor stores are owned by Milwaukeeans.

This isn’t a comprehensive list but only a reminder of the strength of Milwaukee retail in all sectors.

So if you drink, have one—but not too many. And let someone else drive you home.

THINK BEER GARDEN • BEER GARDEN • BEER GARDEN

David Luhrssen Managing Editor

•BEAUTIFUL AUTHENTIC GERMAN TAVERN SETTING•

COME SEE THE ORIGINAL ELK CHANDELIER THAT ONCE HUNG IN THE PABST MANSION

Mamie’s

3300 W. NATIONAL AVE. (414) 643-1673

BIRTHDAY BASH!

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY!

THE SQUEEZETTES

O’MARVELOUS MACK’S

Saturday, March 14

8:30 PM - 12:30 AM

CELEBRATE FROM 3 PM - CLOSE!

Tuesday, March 17

OPEN JAM 8 PM - MIDNIGHT GREEN BEER, IRISH STEW, AND DRINK SPECIALS STARTING AT 6 AM!

SHEPHERD EXPRESS EXCLUSIVE

2 | MARCH 12, 2020

HOT DEALS ON GIFT CARDS!

50% OFF

• Ambassador Hotel • • Jewels Caribbean • • The Fitz Restaurant • • Marx Pioneer Inn • • & More • LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE!

Visit ShepStore.com to take advantage of these discounts!

Web sales only. Gift cards can be mailed or picked up at the Shepherd Express office.

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

MI CASA ES SU CASA AT THE ORIGINAL BOTANAS!

est ofe B Milwauke

015 2010- 2E R

WINN

Best Mexican

Thank you for 20 years!

816 S. 5th St. Milwaukee, WI 53204 414-672-3755 botanasrestaurant.com

ALSO SERVING FISH FRYS AND OTHER SEAFOOD DISHES! SPRING DRINK ‘20

MARCH 12, 2020 | 3

springdrink‘20

where to celebrate st. patrick’s day in milwaukee ::BY LACEY MUSZYNSKI

S

t. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drinking days of the year, even when it falls—as it does this year—on a Tuesday.

Since most of us can’t take the workday off, many activities have been scheduled for this weekend. The holiday offers other things to do aside from drinking green beer (whiskey?), including a taste of Irish food, music and dance. Don’t forget the St. Patrick’s Day Parade marching through Downtown starting at noon on Saturday, March 14, or the Shamrock Club Post-Parade Party at the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center (2133 W. Wisconsin Ave.) from 1-6 p.m.

All events are on Tuesday, March 17, unless otherwise noted.

A.J. O’Brady’s

N88W16495 Main St., Menomonee Falls 262-250-1095

The 10th annual St. Patrick’s Weekend Festival runs March 13-17 with live music, dancing and family activities each day. Open at 6 a.m. on March 17 for breakfast and a special Irish menu, with Rebel Grace at 6 p.m.

Champion’s Pub 2417 N. Bartlett Ave. • 414-332-2440

The 64th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration & Family Reunion starts at 9 a.m. in a heated tent featuring Bette Champion’s Irish stew, free swag and surprises.

The Greater Milwaukee Fire and Police Pipes and Drums perform at 4:45 p.m.

County Clare Irish Inn & Pub 1234 N. Astor St. • 414-272-5273

Doors open at 6 a.m. for a full Irish breakfast, door prizes, the Blessing of the Shamrock and 10 acts of music and dancing inside the pub and in a tent. A $5 cover charge goes to local charities.

4 | MARCH 12, 2020

Flannery’s

Lost Whale

The annual green wing-eating contest starts at 4 p.m. FM 102/1 will be there from 6-8 p.m. with contests and ticket giveaways. Green Miller Lite will be available.

The bar will be transformed into Paddy’s Pub for the “It’s Always Sunny at Whale” pop-up with “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”-themed trivia at 8 p.m. plus Tullamore Dew cocktail and canned wine specials.

425 E. Wells St. • 414-278-8586

Hacienda Beer Co. 2018 E. North Ave. • 414-296-7200

On Saturday, March 14, get $10 green enchiladas plus a free lime Jarritos float with purchase.

The Harp Irish Pub 113 E. Juneau Ave. • 414-289-0700 Trinity Three Irish Pubs 125 E. Juneau Ave. • 414-278-7033

On March 14, the Irish Intersection block party will start at 10 a.m. with two stages of live music, a caricaturist, giveaways, Trinity Irish Dancers at 2 p.m. and Irish food all day.

The outdoor party continues on March 17 at with live music starting at 10 a.m., Trinity Irish Dancers at 6 p.m., Irish food and giveaways.

Izzy Hops Swig & Nosh 2311 N. Murray Ave. • 414-249-4489

2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. • 414-249-3188

Matty’s Bar and Grill

14460 W. College Ave., New Berlin 414-427-3838

Doors open at 8 a.m. with music, dancing and events all day inside and outside: G&R from 9 a.m.-noon, The Acoustix from 1-5 p.m., Totally Neon from 2-6 p.m. and Ian Gould from 6:30-8:30 p.m. FM 102/1 will be present between noon and 2 p.m. with giveaways, plus Guinness promotions and Irish food all day from the kitchen and Matty’s food truck.

McBob’s Pub & Grill 4919 W. North Ave. • 414-871-5050

Open at 8 a.m. with free Irish breakfast and live music.

Bands include Three Pints Gone at 11 a.m., Horn Dogs at 3 p.m. and James Kiley with Thirst Degree at 8 p.m. Additionally, the band Tis plays March 14 at 5 p.m. and March 15 at noon.

On March 14, there will be live music and face painting from 3-5 p.m., plus $6 Irish coffees, $3 Powers Whiskey shots and brunch from 11-3 p.m.

McGillicuddy’s Bar 1135 N. Water St. • 414-278-8888

J&B’s Sports Bar & Blue Ribbon Taproom 5230 W. Bluemound Road • 414-443-1844

Miller Time Pub & Grill 509 W. Wisconsin Ave. • 414-271-2337

On March 14, live music by Trevor Mihalski begins at 5 p.m.

There will be Irish food, green beer, $6 Irish coffee and $3 shots of Jameson and Tullamore Dew.

Kelly’s Bleachers

5218 W. Bluemound Road • 414-258-9837

Open at 6 a.m. with free breakfast from 7-8 a.m., free t-shirts for the first 100 patrons, DJs all day and night and Irish food specials like Reuben rolls, Irish stew, corned beef and Irish tater tots.

Landmark Lanes 2220 N. Farwell Ave. • 414-278-8770

On March 14, get $4 Tullamore Dew shots and $4 Guinness pints.

Open at 10 a.m. on March 14 with Irish food served all day, Guinness and Jameson specials and giveaways.

The Shamrock Kick-off Party on Friday, March 13, from 5:3011 p.m. is part of West Town’s St. Paddy’s Day festivities and includes green Miller Lite, $5 Boots of Saint Archer Gold and $5 Tito’s cocktails. The drink specials are also available on March 14 and 17.

Moran’s Pub

912 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee 414-902-0148

The 24th annual St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebration runs March 13-15 and 17 with a container bar, giveaways, Irish stew and Reubens, live music, bagpipers, dancing and a fundraiser. Open at 7 a.m. March 17 with traditional Irish music and Little Frankie and the Creeps at 6:30 p.m.

Mo’s Irish Pub Downtown 142 W. Wisconsin Ave. • 414-272-0721

Open at 6 a.m. with Killarney Blarney at 10 a.m., McTavish at 2 p.m., Hearthfire at 7 p.m. and bagpipers and dancers throughout the day. Open at 8 a.m. on March 14 with Eric McKlassen at 10 a.m., Trinity Irish Dancers at 10 a.m., 3 and 6 p.m., Listening Party at 3 p.m. and Leahy’s Luck at 8 p.m.

Mo’s Irish Pub Wauwatosa 10842 W. Bluemound Road • 414-774-9782

Open at 8 a.m. with Mark McCroft at 10 a.m., Leahy’s Luck at 3 p.m., Trinity Irish Dancers at 6 p.m. and Derek Dyrne & Paddygrass at 7 p.m. Open at 10 a.m. on March 14 with Ryan McIntyre at 2 p.m., Trinity Irish Dancers at 5 and 7 p.m. and The Rhythm Kings at 9:30 p.m.

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

springdrink‘20

MOTOR Bar and Restaurant 401 W. Canal St. • 414-287-2778

Slim McGinn

14735 W. Lisbon Road, Brookfield 262-373-1500

A Smokehouse Reuben with pastrami, sweet red cabbage kraut, smoked gouda and tomato and thyme aioli, as well as a Shamrock Sour cocktail with Jameson, are available throughout March.

Open at 8 a.m. with free breakfast while supplies last and a prize to the first 50 people in the door, plus $9.50 green beer pitchers starting March 12.

Mulligan’s Irish Pub 8933 S. 27th St. • 414-304-0300

800 S. Second St. 414-672-7139

The 11th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party begins at 6 a.m. with menu specials like a full Irish breakfast and corned beef hash, Irish whiskey shot specials, plus a heated tent with live music: Ian Gould at 11 a.m., Bushwood at 2 p.m. and Clove at 6 p.m.

Nomad World Pub 1401 E. Brady St. • 414-224-8111

Open at 6 a.m., this pub features $1 Miller Lite taps until noon (or sold out), $3 Tullamore Dew shots, $5 Tully doubles and $5 Guinness pint and Tully shot special, plus corned beef sandwiches.

O’Connor’s Perfect Pint

8423 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis 414-395-7468

Open at 6 a.m. with free breakfast starting at 7 a.m., free giveaways for the first 50 patrons, party tent opening at 9 a.m., corned beef, Guinness stew and Reuben soup available at 11 a.m., as well as music by Thirst Degree at noon and The Windy Kilts at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

O’Lydias Bar and Grill 338 S. First St. • 414-271-7546

Open at 6 a.m. with music and dancers all day: FM 102/1 from 9-11 a.m., Frogwater from noon-3 p.m., The Pubby’s from 3-6 p.m.

The Outsider

310 E. Chicago St. • 414-291-3980

Warm up with $6 Irish coffees made with Clontarf Irish Whiskey, demerara syrup, coffee, heavy whipping cream and nutmeg.

Paddy’s Pub

2339 N. Murray Ave. 414-223-3496

Celtic band Atlantic Wave will be playing from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. to celebrate “Paddy’s Day at Paddy’s Pub.”

The Pharmacy

(inside Crossroads Collective) 2238 N. Farwell Ave. 414-763-9081 On March 14, get $6 Irish coffees, $6 Irish mules and $6 Paddy’s punch.

Steny’s Tavern & Grill From 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., drink and food specials include $1 off Guinness milk stout, Guinness stock ale, Jameson cocktails and Tully shots, $5 bomb shots and a menu with shepherd’s pie, Reubens, Reuben rolls and Guinness beef stew.

Three Lions Pub 4515 N. Oakland Ave. 414-763-6992

Camp Bar Shorewood 4044 N. Oakland Ave. 414-962-5182

Milwaukee Brat House Shorewood 4022 N. Oakland Ave. 414-539-5826

The annual Shorewood Shenanigans party takes place on March 14 from noon-6 p.m. with two sections of Oakland Avenue closed off for music, food, family friendly activities and Trinity Irish Dancers in the street. A free shuttle will run between the two party locations.

Von Trier

2235 N. Farwell Ave. 414-272-1775

On March 14, get $5 Guinness cans, $5 taps of HBH Freising Jagerbier, $6 Bloody Marys and $4 shots of Killepitch, Lemon Drops and Stolen X.

JOIN US FOR THE BIGGEST ST. PADDY’S DAY PARTY ON MILWAUKEE’S SOUTH SIDE

16 BEERS ON TAP!

w

he

21 HDTVS

re

str eve ryone gets an extra

e ok

Open at 6 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day Full Irish Breakfast and Housemade Corned Beef Hash & Eggs served 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Authentic Irish Specialties

all day starting at 11 a.m.

Huge Heated Party Tent LIVE MUSIC BY

APPEARANCES BY

Ian Gould

Trinity Irish Dancers Guinness Girls Irish Bagpipers

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bushwood 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Clove

6 p.m.-10 p.m.

VOTED MKE’S 2010 ER BEST IRISH PUB WINN

est oef B Milwauke

- 2013

BY WISN A-LIST

Best of Milwaukee 2019 WINNER

Happy Hour

8933 S. 27th St. • 414-304-0300 • mulliganson27th.com SPRING DRINK ‘20

MARCH 12, 2020 | 5

springdrink‘20

locally owned liquor stores have deep roots in milwaukee ::BY SHEILA JULSON

L

ocal liquor stores have come and gone over the years, but the mainstays of the Milwaukee liquor retail marketplace go back decades. Attributes such as experienced staff, established relationships with industry pros, events, tastings and community engagement help keep them competitive after all these years.

A Destination Experience

Ray’s Wine & Spirits (8930 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa) was originally founded by Ray Dietz in 1961. Today, the business is owned by Orey Laev, whose father, Rick, bought the store from the Dietz family. The Laevs expanded the store into a destination by adding rare single

barrel spirits selections and wines from small U.S. and international producers for exclusive releases. They’ve also added the Growler Gallery, a bar and event space attached to the store.

Ray’s Growler Gallery hosts wine classes and tastings for their customers. “Most tastings are themed, and there’s something for every type of wine and spirits enthusiast out there,” says Nate Norfolk, a certified sommelier and the director of wine and spirits for Ray’s. Past classes and tastings included sampling a 100-year-old sherry, tastings from the exclusive Dominus Estate in Napa Valley and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve bourbon whiskey. Classes cover wine basics and simple cocktails. Ray’s also has a customer rewards program. rayswine.com

Family Owned Since Day One

In 1960, Frank Greguska Sr. and his wife, Irene, opened Discount Liquor (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave. and 919 N. Barstow Ave., Waukesha) at their first location on 45th and Forest Home. Today, if you walk into either the Milwaukee or Waukesha store, somebody from the Greguska family will be there. Frank and Irene’s five children—Marie, Frank Jr., Michael, Tom and Barb—run the business today, and some of their children also work there.

“We’ve all grown up in the business. We’re second generation, and we’ve got the third generation in the business, as well,” says Marie.

“This is our livelihood; this isn’t just a job for us. We live and breathe the industry.” Discount Liquor has 1,500 import, craft and domestic beers, more than 8,000 wines from around the world, 3,500 liquors and a wide variety of bar

syrups, tonic water, club soda and bitters. They can also specially order products. She says that selection, service and consistently low prices has been instrumental in building their customer base throughout the community.

Discount Liquor will have multiple events throughout the year to celebrate their 60th anniversary; watch the website for future updates.

They’ve also sponsored Crafts & Drafts Spring Beer Fest for the last seven years, with all proceeds benefitting the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance. discountliquorinc.com

Employee-owned

Since Otto Kujus opened Otto’s Wine & Spirits (multiple locations) in 1945, the business has expanded to seven locations throughout the greater Milwaukee area. In 2001, Otto’s established an employee ownership program in which employees earn shares based upon the number of hours worked.

“We really pride ourselves on service and selection,” says Tim Berger, president of Otto’s.

“If you engage customers properly and treat them like family, it establishes relationships that help the longevity of your business. People enjoy coming to our store because they see the same people.”

Otto’s employees tour wineries, distilleries and meet brewmasters behind the products on the shelves. Berger says a group of employees had visited the Jim Beam plant to have the distillery create and bottle a bourbon exclusively for Otto’s. They plan to host liquor evenings, in which Otto’s will partner with distillery reps to offer customers an evening at a hotel with a sit-down tasting. ottoswineandspirits.com

Mom-and-pop Service

Mike Bugalski has owned Avenue Wine & Liquor (4075 S. Howell Ave.) since 2013, when he purchased the business from his neighbor, Dennis Score, who owned Avenue since the ’70s. Bugalski had gone to school with Score’s younger son and began working at Avenue in the late 1990s, says Ryan Bednarski, who has also been at Avenue for more than 20 years.

Bednarski says they receive new product all the time and specialize in hard-tofind items, especially liqueurs. They carry imported wines typically not seen at chain stores. Avenue gets many compliments on the store’s mom-and-pop shop feel, Bednarski says. “When customers come in the door, we always greet them and say hi. We’ll also carry things out to your car. Mike and I have been here so long, and we’re very knowledgeable to answer questions or recommend a bottle of wine to someone for a dinner or a special occasion.” facebook.com/avenuewineliquor Looking for a locally owned liquor store in your neighborhood? Here are a few more liquor retailers that have stayed strong over the years: Downer Avenue Wine & Spirits, 2638 N. Downer Ave. Oklahoma Liquor, 933 W. Oklahoma Ave. Siegel’s Liquor, 2632 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Smith Beer & Liquor Mart, 1413 E. Brady St. Sunrise Liquor and Gifts, 9330 W. Capitol Drive

BACON! Great Food. Live Music.

ENJOY OUR SPECIALTY COCKTAIL BAR & CRAFT BEERS!

BUY ONE BO SALOON ENTREE, BO GO GET ONE FREE! GO Valid for an entree of equal or lesser value. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Not valid with any other coupon or offer, expires 3/30/2020, no cash value, dine-in only.

Best of Milwaukee 2019 WINNER

17000 W CAPITOL DRIVE /// BROOKFIELD Call for catering info! 262-783-0222 6 | MARCH 12, 2020

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

ENJOY UNLIMITED BREWS, BOOZE, BITES, AND MORE.

S

A

V

E

T

H

E

D

A

T

E

!

- Mil waukee-

Burger Week S h e p h e r d

8933 S. 27TH ST. FRANKLIN

you don’t want to miss!

E x p r e s s

kickoff party

MAY 11 /// 5-8PM MULLIGANS IRISH PUB & GRILL

a true wisconsinite event 8th annual

PRESENTED BY

Last year’s Burger Week: shepherdexpress.com/ burgerweek

Coming Soon 2N

NN DA

UAL SHEPHERD EXP RE

SS

Saturday, April 18, 2020 WI State Fair Park Expo Center VIP: 1-2pm GA: 2-6pm

sample items from over

>>> 100 vendors <<< be ready to indulge

—ROUND BY ROUND, BEERS WILL ADVANCE—

STARTING MARCH 26 TO APRIL 12

WINNER TO BE CROWNED AT STEIN & DINE: APRIL 18 SPRING DRINK ‘20

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: WWW.STEINANDDINEMKE.COM YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 21+ OF AGE TO ENTER THIS EVENT. MARCH 12, 2020 | 7

8 | MARCH 12, 2020

SHEPHERD EXPRESS