Bars & Clubs - July 3, 2009
Uncorked: A tribute to the American cocktail
With Independence Day weekend approaching, it seems appropriate to highlight the alcoholic beverage so distinctly American -- the cocktail. We list some of the perennial classics, possible origins and their corresponding original recipes. If you are looking for some inspiration this weekend, try one of these libertarian libations.
Tags: american cocktails, mint julep, martini, old fashioned, sazerac

Bars & Clubs - Feb. 14, 2009
Milwaukee's best martinis, 2009: Hi-Hat Lounge
Tradition says a classic martini is a cocktail made with gin and dry vermouth. Inviting vodka to the party has, more recently, opened the floodgates and significantly blurred the lines of martini qualifications. Most of what you see today is just a frou-frou drink in a martini glass. But, regardless of your flavor preference, a good drink is a good drink, and the readers of OnMilwaukee.com know one when they have one. That's why it's no surprise they chose the Hi-Hat Lounge as purveyor of the city's best martinis.
Tags: best of, bar month, martini, hi hat lounge, angelo's

Bars & Clubs - April 27, 2008
Viridarium is the Third Ward's new little hideaway
Third Ward cocktail lounge Viridarium has been open since December, though you may not have known it. Tucked away from the bustle of Broadway or Milwaukee Street, the cozy, comfortable bar sits on the corner of Jackson and Corcoran.
Tags: viridarium, third ward, lounge, manny fuentes, summerfest, martini

Bars & Clubs - Feb. 29, 2008
Take the Milwaukee Challenge: Hi-Hat vs. Elsa's martinis
When surveyed about Milwaukee's best martini shakers and stirrers, OnMilwaukee.com's readers chose Hi-Hat Lounge and Elsa's on the Park. We sent our editorial staff to put each establishment to the test. Here are the results.
Tags: milwaukee challenge, martini, hi-hat lounge, elsa's on the park, cosmo, vermouth

Milwaukee Buzz - Feb. 10, 2008
Sunday Sound-off: How many martinis will you drink during an outing?
Whether you like your martinis mixed with vodka or gin, “up” or on the rocks, dry or sweet, dirty or with a twist, the question remains: What's your limit?
Tags: martini, martini bar, vodka, gin, dirty, Cosmopolitan, "Lipstick Jungle"

Bars & Clubs - Dec. 18, 2007
Versatile vodka makes mean winter cocktails
Whether you're partying in a bar or at home this holiday season, popular vodka drinks contribute to the cheer.
Tags: vodka, Effen, Rehorst, DeepBar, martini, Bloody Mary, Jell-o shot, cocktail, holiday cheer, vodka drinks

Bars & Clubs - April 23, 2007
New martini lounge opening soon in Third Ward
Another new lounge, Penthouse on Broadway, will open "this summer" at 184 N. Broadway.
Tags: Penthouse on Broadway, martini, lounge, Third Ward, Broadway, new openings, Private Gardener, Fifth Ward

Dining - March 12, 2007
Port Washington's Wind Rose succeeds in both dinner and drink
There are bars that serve food, and there are restaurants that have bars, and somewhere in between there is the Wind Rose Wine and Martini Bar, 308 Franklin St., Port Washington, which carefully blurs the line between the two.
Tags: Wind Rose, Port Washington, martini

Bars & Clubs - Aug. 3, 2006
Allegro lounge serves drinks, dishes with hint of Asian flair
In a tiny Thiensville location seconds from Fiddleheads Coffee House and Remingtons River Inn, first time restaurateur Gary Wong launches Allegro, 105 S. Main St., a wine, martini and dining lounge with just a hint of Asian flair.
Tags: asian, wong, thiensville, allegro, martini, lounge

Bars & Clubs - July 27, 2006
Kozak's Velvet Room becomes Martini Mike's
On Friday, July 21, Mike Kozak re-opened the doors to the former Velvet Room with not only a new name -- Martini Mike's -- but also with a fresh interior design, brand new menu and, despite its sleek look, a much more casual take for the Milwaukee lounge scene.
Tags: Martini Mike's, Velvet Room, lounge, martini, Mike Kozak

Bars & Clubs - June 19, 2006
Despite long history, martinis still thriving in Brew City
There is something about a martini. Maybe it’s the glass: tall, stemmed and sometimes intricately designed, or perhaps it’s the crisp, cool liquor that just kisses the upper quarter of that glass when properly poured. Or maybe it's the implied status boost. Doesn't matter why; Milwaukee just loves 'em.
Tags: Martini, vermouth, JoJo, Twist 'n Olive, Elsa's, Angelo's, Shaker's, Palm, Swig, Ka, Yaffa

Bars & Clubs - June 5, 2006
Angelo's Lounge is the real thing, baby
If you've ever seen a real Picasso or Van Gogh at an art museum, or if you were fortunate enough to have heard Frank Sinatra sing live, you know what it is like to experience an original. Angelo's piano bar on Van Buren Street is a Milwaukee original.
Tags: Angelo's, Sinatra, Brady Street, piano, lounge, martini, Rat Pack, Tom Jones, Marcella, Martellano, Angeli, Cucunato

Bars & Clubs - May 15, 2006
Twist 'n Olive adds nightlife to Lake Country
The Twist 'n Olive, 2730 Hillside Dr., opened March 10 to the delight of Lake Countrians looking for a nice place to have a pre- or post-dinner drink. The completely liquid menu includes a plethora of martinis, over 42 beers, a wine list and a full bar to accommodate just about any cocktail concoction.
Tags: Twist 'n Olive, Lake Country, martini, Amy Williams, Nick Williams

Bars & Clubs - Nov. 10, 2005
Swig introduces the Milwaukee Martini Society
Joe Sorge, co-owner of Swig bar and restaurant, introduces the Milwaukee Martini Society on Wednesday, Nov. 16. The event is a monthly tasting and socializing event to take place in Swig's west lounge.
Tags: Swig, Milwaukee Martini Society, Water Street, Joe Sorge, cosmos, martini

Milwaukee Buzz - Oct. 7, 2004
Vliet goes Indigo
A new martini bar, Indigo swings open its doors today in the Vliet Street space that formerly housed The Highlander restaurant. Word is, Indigo is a modern martini bar and restaurant with a range of fine and casual dining options.
Tags: Vliet goes Indigo, martini, highlander