Sometimes, after a long day at work, you need a quick cocktail at happy hour to calm those jangled nerves.

Then, there are those days when that happy hour turns into a six-hour bender. Stinko, loopy, or just plain drunk -- call it what you will. We've all been there, and while we don't endorse binge drinking, some bars are just better for getting hammered. You know what we mean -- you don't go to Hotel Metro to drink five martinis, but you do go to Import Night at the Landmark to tie one on.

Arguably, we could list thousands of corner taps as taverns where you can get blotto (they are bars, after all -- serving booze is why they exist). Instead, we picked some of our favorites. Grab a designated driver, drink one for us, and use the Talkback feature below to add your own favorite watering holes for getting wasted.

At Random (2501 S. Delaware Ave.) -- It's actually hard (and expensive) to get drunk on weak, tasty and expensive ice cream drinks. But the curve ball at this Bay View landmark (which, coincidentally seems to be open, at random, too) is the Tiki Love Bowl. Designed for two, but frequently consumed by one, it might better be called a Hangover In A Big Glass.

The Eastsider (1732 E. North Ave.) -- In the land of young professionals and college students, happy hour is king and cheap beer is queen – making this corner bar a royal palace. When happy hour taps of tasty brews like Guinness, Smithwick's Irish Ale and Spotted Cow set you back a mere $2.50 until 8 p.m. (after which the Thursday night $1 Jaeger bombs kick in), the chances of stumbling across the street for mini doughnuts at midnight is moderate to high.

The Foundation (2718 N. Bremen St.) -- Tiki Tuesdays at the Foundation are the ideal get-drunk destination. The drinks are tall, strong and festive which makes binge drinking less sad. In fact, it's downright fun to soak up cocktails any night of the week in this hip, Hawaiian lounge that's usually cranking superb tunes.

The Harp (113 E. Juneau Ave.) -- With its serene setting on the Milwaukee River, this is one of those bars that can sneak up on you. Sit down for a happy hour or a late Sunday afternoon and you may find it difficult to pull yourself away.

Hector's South (3040 S. Delaware Ave.) -- Maybe it's those pints of hand-mixed margaritas (and they use decent tequila, too). Maybe it's the atmosphere, with bartenders who feel like old friends. But try to sit at the bar at Hector's and leave sober. Muy difícil, amigo.

Jim Hegarty's Pub (1120 W. Wells St.) -- The best bar on Marquette's campus, and by best, we mean drunkest (naturally). Bartenders make drinking bets with patrons. Girls (and guys even) are known to dance on countertops. Some drunken streaking is not even outside the realm of possibility. The intoxication culminates during infamous Wednesday nights, where the bar "doubles your dough" until 10 p.m.

Landmark Lanes (2220 N. Farwell Ave.) -- Does it really need to be said? Landmark Lanes has been the place to tie one on for generations. Especially on Import Night Tuesdays. Two more words: drunk bowling.

Leff's (7208 W. State St., Wauwatosa) -- Thirsty patrons won't feel out of place at this Wauwatosa landmark. The softball, kickball, volleyball and basketball teams are in constant competition to see who can consume the most pitchers in a season. There is free popcorn and a menu of good bar food.

King Pins (4102 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., St. Francis) -- There's nothing fancy about King Pins. The beer is cheap, the vibe is pure South Side softball and darts pub. But with owner "Babs" behind the bar, you might just find yourself drinking more than you bargained for at this St. Francis hideaway.

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Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by AJStanislaw on July 10, 2007 at 11:54 a.m. (report)

I am actually shocked, and slightly impressed by this article. I was sure it'd be another mindless piece pitching all things Eastside. Not so, and rather well done. Some questionable picks like The Safehouse, not so conducive for a bender. However top notch selections like Walters evened that out. I'm adding: Derry Heagharty's (sp) on Bluemound Ray and Dots in Greendale Col. Harts on State Kips Inn on Hwy 100 d00t!