One could argue that every bar in Wisconsin is a Packers bar, so we'll say it right at the start: this list is only semi-complete, at best.

Just about every establishment in and around our fair city boasts some of the elements that make a Packers bar -- plasma TVs, drink specials, mullets, Zubaz, pennants and framed jerseys -- but that isn't really enough these days.

The popularity of fantasy football has created crowds at bars for out-of-market games, too. With Brett Favre in New York, lots of area fans have adopted the Jets as their second-favorite team and will be looking for places to watch them play, too.

As fans of Packers and of bars, we feel pretty good this guide is great for watching the Green and the Gold.

Consider it more as some recommendations from the OnMilwaukee.com staff, and please feel free to add your own recommendations at the bottom using the Talkback feature.

Bay View Bowl
2416 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
(414) 483-0950

BVB, as the regulars call it, is much more than a bowling alley, especially on Packers Sundays. Mike and Andrea crank up the volume on the big screen in the bars and entertain the small but loyal folllowing with tons of free, home-cooked brats (often with green and gold peppers) as well as their famous Bloody Marys.

Bomb Shelter
1517 S. 2nd St.
(414) DUH-BOMB

Complete with Packers carpeting, three big screen t.v.'s and plenty of cheap drink specials, the Bomb Shelter exudes Milwaukee pride with local products and a hometown feel.

Brett's Farmhouse
7424 N. 60th St.
(414) 358-3400

How can you pass up a bar named Brett's that also happens to be painted entirely in green and gold? The bar itself looks strangely out of place in Milwaukee. In fact, you might expect to see this "townie" bar Up North. It serves the standard bar food (buffalo wings, fried cheese curds, etc.) and you'll find nothing too fancy on tap. The televisions are plentiful, but not particularly huge. What makes this a special place is the atmosphere. You'll find a bunch of unique Packers knick-knacks and lots of Green Bay enthusiasm. It's never terribly crowded, and the price is right. If the downtown experience rubs you the wrong way, it's worth your while to catch a game or two at Brett's.

BW-3
1123 N. Water St.
(414) 277-0293

15306 W. Beloit Rd., New Berlin
(262) 432-0100

2635 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa
(414) 302-1900

2950 S. 108th St., West Allis
(414) 431-1100

The Downtown location offers two big screens and about nine smaller televisions. Wings are the featured food here, so order some up for the game. The only drawback to watching a Packers game at BW-3 is the acoustics. It's nearly impossible to hear the commentary because it's so rowdy.

The Mayfair Road location's bar area is separate from the restaurant area and pool tables. But when it's game time, those eating and drinking team up to cheer on the Pack.

Champps Americana
5030 S. 74th St.
(414) 281-0600

1240 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfield
(262) 797-6600

Champps offers gigantic televisions, scoring updates and game-related specials to qualify it as one of the better places in town to eat a sit-down meal while watching the green and gold. Every seat is a good seat, with all the surrounding screens. And there's a wide variety of dishes and beverages available from the bar to keep you satisfied in case Aaron Rodgers and company aren't.

Charcoal Grill
15375 W. Greenfield Ave., New Berlin
(262) 432-3000

Charcoal Grill, a staple of the summer festival circuit, provides solid food and a decent atmosphere for watching the game. The bar is the place to be here, but you can sneak over to a table for halftime.

Club Paragon
3578 S. 108th St.
(414) 541-9270

A very large and very underrated stop on the southwest side. In addition to the usual trappings, Paragon offers a pre-game omelet bar beginning at 10:30 a.m. (for noon starts).

Coach House Grill
W233S7260 Vernon Lane, Big Bend
(262) 662-4444

This out of-of-the-way stop is friendly and popular with locals.

Colonel Hart's
7342 W. State St.
(414) 476-3070

Very good food in an atmosphere that is a little more laid-back than some other spots. A good choice if you want to go out, but are moving slowly from the previous night.

4th Base
5117 W. National Ave.
(414) 647-8509

OK, the knock on this one-of-a-kind pub is that the prices can be sky-high for a sports bar. But, if you just ask what things cost before you order, you'll be fine. And, you'll be blown away by the experience at 4th Base. For one, there's no menu. Just tell your bartender what you want, and the cook will make you a gourmet (yes, gourmet) breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food is spectacular, from farmers' omelets to burgers to steak. There are several TVs spread around the curved bar for your Packers-watching pleasure and they make a mean Bloody Mary for you to sip while you watch. The bar is decorated with tons of old-school Wisconsin sports memorabilia. Owner Darryl and his crew of bartenders will take the time to meet you, learn your name and treat you right. Trust us, it's definitely worth the trek to West Milwaukee to check out this legendary sports bar.

Fifth Ward Pub & Grille
814 S. 2nd St. , (414) 383-3211
http://www.5thwardpub.com/
Nestled in between Steny's and The Pint, The Fifth Ward Pub is one of the friendliest bars in town. With a brand new menu and grill, $2 Miller Lites and a Sunday night all-you-can-drink for $10 it's a perfect place to catch a little pigskin. Oh yeah, the HDTVs are crystal clear!

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