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 Minnesota, and displaced fans following their favorite teams, the atmosphere during games can get pretty lively.

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.

Karma Bar & Grill
600 E. Ogden Ave, (414) 220-4118
http://www.karmamilwaukee.com

Opened in 2007, Karma has quickly become a favorite for both Downtown Residents and Eastsiders to watch the Green and Gold. Easily the most convenient Sports Bar to find parking anywhere near Downtown, Karma also boasts a Packers Game Special which awards you a Free Pitcher of Miller Lite with the purchase of a 9-inch Pizza. TV's galore, comfy booths, and a friendly waitstaff make Karma a great spot to cheer on DA PACK!

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
bombshelterbar.com

Complete with Packers carpeting, three big screen TV'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
buffalowildwings.com
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
charcoalgrill.com

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. There are locations in Grafton, Appleton and Burlington.

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

A very large and very underrated stop on the southwest side. In addition to the usual trappings, Paragon offers a top-notch pre-game Bloody Mary bar for games.

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

This out of-of-the-way stop is friendly and popular with locals. Lots of people who go for college games on Saturday afternoon end up staying to watch live music and join the lively crowd at night. That often leads to a return trip on Sunday.

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 & Grill
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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8 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by hairdye on Nov. 2, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. (report)

My favorite place is Liquid Johnny's. Great place to have fun before during and after the Packer games. Half price appetizers on all Sundays until 5:00 p.m. Kitchen is open 7 days a week. Come on in and have some fun!!

Posted by tomjulio on Nov. 1, 2009 at 3:01 a.m. (report)

EASY call on this one...the new Tonic Tavern, 2335 S KK in Bayview. Every Sunday $3 PINT bloodies, $3 mimosas and special Pack-mosas, and free pack score shots. and it doesn't feel like you are sitting in a dark corner bar on a nice Sunday with all the windows and a fireplace! Beat that poser bars. ;)

Posted by milROCKeeguy on Sept. 20, 2009 at 9:08 p.m. (report)

I have an idea for a Bears bar...just a little place south of hear in a town called Chicago...Lots of bars...u should think of going there to watch ur Bears games. Bomb Shelter might be the best on the list...great drawings...free halftime food...great bloodies

Posted by ChicCritique on Sept. 18, 2009 at 3:27 p.m. (report)

How could Palomino in Bay View have been left off this list?! Great food, decent bloody's, AND during the commercials, they play recordings of old radio broadcasts of classic games. Hands-down the best spot on Sundays, with Zim's at second.

Posted by ActionDan on Sept. 18, 2009 at 2:32 p.m. (report)

I agree.... Packers games must be viewed in corner bars. Though I spend most of my Packers games at TomKen's in West Allis (there is generally a special halftime meal made up for everyone to enjoy and the regulars shoot Old Crow for each Touchdown scored.), I am going to be sampling some other places throughout the season: Varsity Club Sportz Medicine II Liquid Johnny's Colonel Harts Fairview Tap etc Dickens inWest Allis also has great specials and pools every Packer sunday.