Twelve years ago, Mike Eitel opened the Nomad World Pub on Brady Street, and it remains one of Milwaukee's most popular social spots, offering a cozy, spirited environment for drinkers of all kinds, from sippers to soaks.

In fact, the Nomad's concept is so good that Eitel's longtime friend, Todd "Tuna" Smith, wanted to open a similar bar in Minneapolis. As a fan of the Twin Cities who visited regularly to see his sister-in-law, Eitel liked the idea.

"Tuna loved the Nomad here so much that he bought the name, and some consulting from me," says Eitel.

Smith scouted out locations, and found a building in the West Bank neighborhood -- formerly the Five Corners Saloon where Bob Dylan gigged long ago -- and knew it was a great fit for "The Nomad of the North" concept.

"Both the building and the neighborhood have a striking resemblance (to Milwaukee's Nomad)," says Eitel. "The West Bank neighborhood is kick-ass, with racial / ethnic diversity, international flavor and an interesting "Willy Street" / university crowd, along with a '90s Bucktown feel. I absolutely love the place."

The Nomad of the North opened on March 15, 2005 -- on the 10-year anniversary of the Milwaukee Nomad and Eitel's birthday.

Smith says he and Eitel considered co-ownership of the Minneapolis Nomad, but the timing wasn't quite right, so he -- along with Steve Hance -- became the sole owners. So how does Eitel fit in? Basically, he's a consultant, but it's difficult to get either Eitel or Smith to speak seriously about their business relationship.

"I'm the 'adviser general' -- that's with a soft g -- and a proud customer," says Eitel.

"He's our spiritual leader," says Smith. "A little shrine with candles kind of thing."

The two friends, who met through Smith's college roommate in 1986, take a couple of informal business trips every year. In the past, they've gone to Mexico, but plan to travel to Costa Rica for their next trip.

The nothernmost Nomad has the same signage, but is bigger than its Milwaukee brother. Also, it offers more live music; about three times a week. On Friday evenings, the Minneapolis Nomad hosts a mix of emerging local and national groups. On Thursday nights, they host "Minneseries," a music residency that features the same band every week for a month. In December, Mel Gibson and The Pants play a free show every Thursday.

Because smoking is not permitted in Minneapolis bars and restaurants, the Nomad of the North's outdoor scene includes a bustling patio with fire pits and a fireplace. They also have bocce ball courts.

But one thing the Minneapolis Nomad doesn't have is the Stein Club. In Milwaukee, Nomad patrons can join the Stein Club by ordering a personalized ceramic mug -- made by Eitel's dad -- that stays behind the bar.

"We don't have that here. My dad's not a potter," says Smith.

And no, the Minneapolis Nomad's sink is not located outside the bathroom like the Milwaukee Nomad's.

"But we do have a sign in the bathroom that discourages users from throwing butts in the urinal. It makes them soggy and hard to light," says Smith.

Both Nomads have a lively vibe and an assortment of what Smith describes as "killer beers." Brew City natives – who travel often to check out the Minneapolis Nomad -- especially appreciate the similarities.

"We have many alcoholics that frequent this Nomad as well," says Smith.