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With a dozen establishments, Old World 3rd St. has become a leading destination for Downtown bar-goers. |  |
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| By OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writers Photography by Andrew Wagner |
| Last updated Nov. 10, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. |
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Note: The contents of this guide were checked for accuracy when this article was updated on Nov. 10, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. We continually update the thousands of articles on OnMilwaukee.com, but it's possible some details, specials and offers may have changed. As always, we recommend you call first if you have specific questions for the businesses mentioned in the guide.
For years, Water Street was the preeminent destination for Downtown drinking.
Lately, though, the venerable "legacy" establishments on the east side of the river have gotten increased competition from venues along Milwaukee Street, the Third Ward and the always-popular East Side.
In recent years, though, Old World 3rd Street has become a contender. For years, the street's few establishments were mainly used by nearby workers or Bradley Center patrons, but an influx of new bars and restaurants over the last few years has vaulted the historic street into prime-time status.
At one time, this section of N. 3rd St. was considered the "Downtown" of Milwaukee's large German population. It's been said that shopkeepers used to hang signs in the window saying "English spoken here" in order to not discourage non-Germans from bringing business.
Legendary and iconic Milwaukee busnisses like Usinger's, Schlitz and Schuster's Dept. Store were staples on the street. Many of the original buildings still stand today, some among the oldest in Milwaukee, and now house some of its more popular nightspots.
Here's a quick look at the bars of Old World 3rd St.:
Bootlegger's
1023 N. Old World 3rd St.
(414) 347-2337
bootleggersmke.com
Congratulations, you've turned 21; welcome to Bootlegger's. This multi-level bar - with a rooftop patio - is usually loud and packed on the weekends. Consider it your typical college bar, drawing evenly from both Marquette and UWM. Frequent specials like karaoke and discount nights keep it steady during the week.
Buck Bradley's
1019 N. Old World 3rd St.
(414) 224-8500
buckbradleys.com
The "veteran" of the Old World 3rd St. family, Buck Bradley's and it's longest bar east of the Mississippi is a proven joint. Classy without being pompous and full of itself, Buck's has great food, friendly and quick bartenders and decent prices. The music, during the early evening, is usually a little softer and classic but switches over to loud and danceable as the hour gets later. Featuring some really, really good burgers and one of the best fish fries in town, Buck Bradley's also is a solid choice for some no-hassle Downtown dining before making the switch to a liquid diet.
Buckhead Saloon
1044 N. Old World 3rd St.
(414) 390-0233
buckheadmilwaukee.com
Loud, young and packed; Buckhead Saloon - or, "Buckhead's," if you prefer the Milwaukee-slang term - is a typical college party bar. Lots of room, but always packed, Buckhead usually features a mix of DJ-mixed dance music and collegiate cover bands on the weekends.
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13 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by duhawk05 on Nov. 14, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. (report)
Brat House Thursday karaoke=glorious. 3-4-1 domestic taps (small mugs, but hey, it's a good deal) with Keegan, an awesome karaoke dj, at the mic. The atmosphere is as described above--chill, enough seating, friendly staff, good prices.
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Posted by HmongkeyHmongsta on Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. (report)
Going to Old World 3rd Street bars and saying you've been to Milwaukee or Wisconsin is like going to Epcot's World Showcase and saying you've been to 11 countries.
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Posted by HmongkeyHmongsta on Nov. 13, 2009 at 12:43 p.m. (report)
3rd street bars are like a knock off hotel in Las Vegas called Milwaukee based on a caricature of how outsiders percieve us. Why do we need to fake Up North or fake a Milwaukee Tavern? Sad.
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Posted by MKEpantherfan on Nov. 12, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. (report)
Great article! I agree with the past comments about OW3rd offering a great varity of places to go out. I think the comments about the OGBH have some merit, but the crowd and atmosphere changes by the day of the week, time of day, and current season. If you want a more traditional German expierence, go during the day or Mon-Wed evening, Thurs-Sat will be more of a college crowd. Also gotta agree about th Brat House, always a chill atmoshere with great prices.
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Posted by Aardvark on Nov. 12, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. (report)
Old German Beer Hall rocks.
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