By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published May 28, 2015 at 1:02 PM

She said/she said is a series of rapid reviews written by the intrepid duo, Lori Fredrich (the foodie) and Carolynn Buser (the socialite). Tune in weekly for our latest meanderings on hot spots around town.  

Destination: Finks

Reason for visiting:  Happy Hour. Takes place weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. 

Specials: Half price off pretty much everything, including beer and craft cocktails.

Regular Pricing: $4-10 for cocktails and $5-6 for pints of beer

Upcoming Events: Stop by for Tiki Tuesdays starting June 2.

Mood: Finks feels like a laid back tavern with a bar up front and arcade games in the rear. But, it differentiates itself from other corner taps by serving up amped-up craft and classic cocktails and craft beers from breweries like Founders, Lagunitas, New Glarus, Evil Twin, Three Floyds and Lakefront Brewing.

Go here when:

Lori: Definitely a spot I'd think about when I'm craving a great drink before dinner. It's also a great spot to go with a group, since there are at least two community tables that seat 8-10 people and a menu that could please just about everyone. I think I even saw a few bottles of wine on the back of the bar.

Carolynn: A fun bar with a cool vibe to meet a small group of friends -- the pinball games (5, count 'em 5!) will keep everyone entertained along with the delicious cocktails. Many will joke that this corner tap is actually the first time Riverwest has crossed over the Humboldt Ave. Bridge, and I can't say I disagree. It's a great corner spot to sit outside and people watch once the tables are out for summer too. You can easily wait here during a long wait at Bel Air Cantina as well -- they will even text you when your table is ready. 

Go back for:

Lori: The Gabriel cocktail. It's fresh, light and gin-forward with a nice grapefruity note. The old fashioned is also a winner (and they occasionally have $5 specials showcasing this Milwaukee staple).

Carolynn: Probably any of the cocktails on the menu -- especially the old-fashioned -- or for a tap-takeover from a brewery I really like. I'd bring a friend who has some good vinyl too -- they will play your requests. 

Overall Rating: 

Lori:  Not quite a full thumbs up, since they were out ingredients to make my two first-pick cocktails. But, I'm definitely going back.

Carolynn: I give it a thumbs up for sure -- they had my cocktail ingredients luckily! The only downfall for me is the lack of food -- one or two of those boozy cocktails and I need to eat. 

Random Notes: The bar is really attractive. It's a great spot to take Instagram photos of your cocktails.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.