after dark

Drinks and dessert take the edge off winter

Come in from the cold and discover the drink and dessert menus of local establishments. The following are just a sampling, with more information about these spots in KeyMilwaukee.com Dining.

In the Historic Third Ward, the MILWAUKEE ALE HOUSE offers seasonal brews that warm beer-lovers to their toes. For dessert, the chef has created a bread pudding that is served with a caramel-molasses sauce.

At CARINI’S LA CONCA D’ORO on Milwaukee’s upper east side near the UW–Milwaukee campus, you’ll think you’ve hopped a jet and escaped to Italy for a drink or dessert. The made-on-the-premises limoncello is wonderful on the rocks or in a martini. Satisfy a sweet tooth with homemade tiramisu, cannoli, cassata cake or lava cake.

TRINITY THREE IRISH PUBS has an authentically decorated interior with three different eating and drinking areas, all with their own unique character. Irish Coffee and Bailey’s Cheesecake is a great dessert combo here.

LOUISE’S has convenient locations in Milwaukee’s East Town and in Brookfield. The Hot Sangria is a favorite--it’s spiced, steamed like an espresso drink and served in a glass mug. On the dessert side, find a luscious triple chocolate truffle cake.

At the SAFE HOUSE, drink ingredients remain “classified,” but the ever-popular “Spy’s Demise” has been joined by the “Chata-Hari,” with the secret ingredient of Rum Chata, produced in nearby Pewaukee, Wis.

If dessert for you means crepes, visit CHEZ JACQUES in the Walker’s Point neighborhood just south of downtown. Owner Jacques Chaumet has created a French oasis where dessert crepe choices include caramelized apples, banana Nutella, poached pears or vanilla with berries. Espresso drinks are beautifully served, or try a dessert wine.

Also south of downtown (off 6th Street) is GREAT LAKES DISTILLERY, where visitors can try distinctively Milwaukee concoctions using the distillery’s popular products – the Milwaukee Mule with Rehorst Premium Vodka, the Milwaukee Mai Tai with Roaring Dan’s Rum or Ward 5 with Kinnickinnic American Whiskey.

METRO BAR & CAFÉ is located in the heart of downtown. Hot drinks include the Banana Nut Coffee, compared to warm banana bread pudding by enthusiastic fans.

POTAWATOMI BINGO CASINO’S Bar 360 is located in the heart of the gaming floor and slightly elevated, offering a view of the entire gaming floor. Heat up your night with the sights and sounds of the casino while savoring a signature drink like the Jack Pot.

At JOEY’S SEAFOOD & GRILL in Brookfield, warm up by thinking of beaches, warm breezes and Caribbean islands. Made-from-scratch mojitos and Jimmy Buffett’s Landshark Beer warm up patrons. Adding to the topical feel is the yummy, homemade Key Lime Pie.

Venture further west to WEISSGERBER’S SEVEN SEAS to enjoy the romantic lake country in Delafield. With more than 500 different selections in the wine cellar, the wine list is a delight. For the sixth consecutive year, Seven Seas has been awarded the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine. Dessert choices may include the Black Forest Torte – sour cherries, Kirsch liqueur, rum, chocolate and whipped cream between layers of yellow and German chocolate cake.

BARS & CLUBS BY LOCATION

Downtown Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE BRAT HOUSE, 1013 N. Old World 3rd St. 273-8709.
Serving brats and fun until closing.

ENVOY LOUNGE, 2308 W. Wisconsin Avenue. 345-5005.
Located in the historic Ambassador Hotel. Food until midnight, live jazz Fri. & Sat. evenings.

METRO BAR & CAFÉ, 411 E. Mason St. 272-1973
Extensive list of wines, featured by the glass; over-sized martinis and world-class beers. $5 martini night every Friday. Great place to relax.

MYKONOS GYRO & CAFE, 1014 N. Van Buren St. 224-6400
Serving Greek specialties until 3 a.m. Thurs., 3:30 a.m. Fri. & Sat.

COUNTY CLARE, 1234 N. Astor St. 272-5273.
Irish food with an American spin, plus the best in Irish drink and entertainment.

SAFE HOUSE, 779 N. Front St. 271-2007.
Internationally known for “James Bond” décor. “Secret” entrance just south of E. Wells St. starts the unique experience. Entertainment nightly. DJ and dancing on weekends.

NEWSROOM PUB, 137 E. Wells St. 273-4900
Houses Milwaukee Press club collection of historic signatures and memorabilia dating back to the 1890s. Open 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sat. Karaoke Wednesdays, open mic comedy lab Thursdays.

WATER STREET
One of the city's oldest entertainment districts, this area from E. State Street north offers something for everyone.

WATER STREET BREWERY, 1101 N. Water St. 272-1195
Variety of own award-winning mirobrews. Enjoy games on big screens.

TRINITY - Three Irish Pubs
1215 E. Juneau Ave. 278-7033

RUDY'S, 1122 N. Edison St. 223-1122
Known for its specialty margaritas.

FITZGIBBON'S PUB, 1127 N. Water St. 278-8847
Friendliness of an Irish pub, with darts, video games and pool.

THE HARP, 113 E. Juneau Ave. 289-0700
Traditional pub food by the fireplace or on the patio.

ROSIE'S WATERWORKS, 1111 N. Water St. 274-7213
Popular with pro athletes from the nearby Bradley Center.

THE LODGE, 154 E. Juneau Ave. 765-9999
The atmosphere of Wisconsin's northwoods.

MCGILLICUDDY'S, 1135 N. Water St. 278-8888.
Irish food, fun and drink.

BRADY STREET
Once a very ethnic area, this East Side area now hosts trendy restaurants, often with live music or Djs.

APOLLO CAFÉ, 1310 E. Brady St. 272-2233
Authentic Greek food favorites in a European atmosphere. Good place to start or pause during a night out.

CASABLANCA 728 E. Brady St. 271-6000.
Come see and be seen every weekend with live DJs, exotic hookah flavors and live belly dancing performances every Friday night. View VIDEO here.

BALZAC WINE BAR, 1716 N. Arlington Pl. (Arlington at Brady St.). Vast wine list, 23 different bottled beers, eight beers on tap, and 13 different martinis, plus “small plate” fare.

CRISP PIZZA BAR & LOUNGE
1323 E. Brady St. 727-4217. Enjoy the contemporary vibe as well as weekly drink specials and Hookah service. Open every day 11 a.m. to bar close.

HI HAT LOUNGE & GARAGE, 1701 N. Arlington Pl. 225-9330
Upscale appetizers, extensive wine list and specialty drinks. Live music in the adjacent “garage.”

EAST SIDE

DISTIL, 722 N. Milwaukee St.
New upscale experience with exclusive bourbon and rye selections, cheese varietals, cured and dry-aged meats, and more. Open 4 p.m.-bar close Mon.-Sat.

WEST SIDE/BRADLEY CENTER AREA
This area west of the Milwaukee River includes the Midwest Airlines Convention Center, the Bradley Center, Milwaukee Theatre and U.S. Cellular Arena.

MILLER TIME PUB, Corner of N. 5th and W. Wisconsin Ave. in Hilton Milwaukee City Center. 271-BEER.
Great spot for sports fans near the Midwest Airlines Center.

HISTORIC THIRD WARD AND WALKER'S POINT
Just south of downtown is the Historic Third Ward, once a major distribution center and now a well-lit and lively entertainment venue. Continue south over the Milwaukee River and you're in Walker's Point, another emerging district with new clubs in historic buildings.

MILWAUKEE ALE HOUSE, 233 N. Water St. 226-BEER
All-grain brew pub with great patio on the Milwaukee River offers live music almost every evening. Second location on the Milwaukee River in Grafton, just south of Hwy. 60 on 13th St.

RYAN BRAUN’S GRAFFITO, 102 N. Water St. (opening April 4). 727-2888.
Lounge open 4 p.m.-midnight Mon.-Thurs; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.

CHEZ JACQUES 1022 S. 1st St., in Walker’s Point. 672-1040
This touch of Paris in the heart of Milwaukee offers live music Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Superior wine list.

NUOVO CENTANNI, 218 N. Water St. 221-6565.
Live music mingles with martinis at Milwaukee’s premier piano bar, a modern take on classic 1940s nightclubs. Open 8 p.m.-bar close Wed.-Sat.

PALMS BISTRO & BAR, 221 N. Broadway. 298-3000.
Upscale, casual, comfort. Palms offers a refreshing twist on global-fusion cuisine and a distinctive drink menu.

SOUTH SIDE

ST. FRANCIS BREWERY, 3825 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., St. Francis, near Mitchell International. 744-4448. Special events, team trivia 8 p.m. every Thurs.

WEST SIDE OF METRO AREA

BENNO'S GENUINE BAR & GRILL, 7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Operated by Milwaukee's most knowledgeable “beer man,” offers 30 selected microbrews on tap, 200-plus bottled beers.

JOEY'S SEAFOOD & GRILL, 12455 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield. 262-750-9500.
Open until 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Joey's takes you dockside in Boston or San Francisco where you can pair a favorite drink with appetizers like calamari or scallop poppers.

SAZ'S STATE HOUSE, 5539 W. State St. 453-2410
Award-winning BBQ ribs and chicken. Close to Miller Park and Miller Brewery and always packed with sports fans.

NORTH SIDE OF METRO AREA

ANCHORAGE, 4700 N. Port Washington Rd. 962-4710
This popular spot in the Milwaukee River Hilton boasts an elegant bar, overlooking the Milwaukee River.

PORT HOTEL RESTAURANT AND BAR, 101 E. Main St., Port Washington
Enjoy the turn-of-the-century character of the hotel as you relax in the bar.

VON ROTHENBURG BIER STUBE, N116W15863 Main St., Germantown. Choose from more than 200 imported and domestic beers.

TRY YOUR LUCK…

POTAWATOMI BINGO CASINO, 1721 W. Canal St. 645-6888 or visit
www-paysbig.com. Located minutes from downtown and open 24 hours a day. In addition to gambling and big-name entertainment, the Casino's Fire Pit Lounge is one of the best sports bars in the area.

FOR A GOOD LAUGH…

COMEDYSPORTZ, 420 S. 1st St. 414-272-8888.
Milwaukee's longest-running comedy show offers improvisational comedy designed for all ages. Call for show times and reservations.

COMEDY CAFÉ, 615 E. Brady St. 271-5653.