The June 2006 edition of Esquire mentions Milwaukee twice in its 162-page print edition. In a story called "16 Things to Before Labor Day" (page 50), No. 5 reads is Solly's Grille in Glendale, Wisconsin (4629 North Port Washington Street; 414-332-8808), home of the 'butter burger,' a patty served with a big slab of butter on top of it."

In another feature called "Esquire's Best bars in America," the Holler House makes the cut. The listing (page 112) goes like this: "Holler House -- Milwaukee -- You're Having: Beer all night long. If Milwaukee can't do a beer bar right, then America's in worse trouble than we thought. Judging by the venerable Holler House, things'll be okay. (2042 West Lincoln Avenue; 414- 647-9284)."

Esquire is available online at esquire.com.

But for every pro, there is an inevitable con. The New York Times snubbed Milwaukee and Summerfest in its summer festivals magazine on Sunday, May 14. Although Sturgis, S.D. Rock'n the Rally motorcycle meet made Ben Sisario's "Summer Stages: Pop/Jazz: Big Names, Big Shows, Big Nights" article, the event that bills itself as "The World's Largest Music Festival" didn't make the cut.