Bear with us while we explain the concept for this series of articles: we take two seemingly unrelated Milwaukee icons, then pit them against each other in 10 categories. In each category, we assign points, one through 10, then add them up and name the winner.

No, it's not scientific, but yes, it's fun. In the past, we compared the Pabst Theater vs. Pabst Beer, the Marcus Amphitheater vs. the Big Bang and even the "The Nutcracker" and Buddy Squirrel.

For this edition, we get ready for baseball season by comparing Milwaukee's long lived tradition of Brewers tailgating to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in town, Bartolotta's signature property, Bacchus.

And ... fight!

Affordability:

Brewers tailgating, 8
Sure, you can find high-end items on the lot with a grill grate full of ahi tuna skewers or 10-oz. filets, but accepted pre-game staples like brats, beer and chips aren't going to break the bank. You can buy Usinger's brats for about $3.99 per pound and a 12-pack of Miller High Life for around $10. Throw in the $8 cost of parking and you can round out a full meal for about $10 a person.

Bacchus, 3
If you're dining at Bacchus, it's unlikely you're expecting to grab a bite on the cheap. Blurring fine dining with a full fledged cultural experience, there's quite a lot that goes into each and every Bacchus meal. Starting with drinks, appetizers, salads and then moving on to entrees, desserts and coffee, the bill adds up at a quick and pricey pace. Appetizers run about $8-$10 and entrees follow at $25-$40 apiece and a drink at the bar runs anywhere from $6-$20. On average, expect to throw down about $75 a person for the full five-course ordeal.

Value to the city:

Brewers tailgating, 8
The issue of tailgating was one of several top level concerns influencing decisions on the location of the new Miller Park Stadium. From the first to the last game of the season, thousands of cars line up hours before the first pitch to grill out and drink up.

Bacchus, 7
From fine dining to high-profile chefs, the Bartolottas continue to up the ante for what passes as a strong, local business in this town. As one of their flagship restaurants, Bacchus enforces the desire to maintain thriving, locally-owned businesses.

Popularity:

Brewers tailgating, 9
It's impossible to put an exact number on how many fans tailgate each season but it's fair to say about half in attendance each and every game set up shop at their car before the big game. With recent annual Miller Park attendance averaging 2.5 million, that's a hefty population grilling burgers and brats in the tailgating tradition.

Bacchus, 6
The Bartolotta franchise of restaurants has become synonymous with fine dining in Milwaukee both locally and throughout the nation. Bacchus is one of four well known Milwaukee establishments not to mention a well-known Bartolotta catering service and Boerner Botanical Garden's Friday fish fry.

National name recognition:

Brewers tailgating, 7
Dozens of national sports commentators and news articles have taken a dedicated and inquisitive look at tailgating in Milwaukee, primarily a Wisconsin tradition. In 2006, Major League Baseball said, "There's something different, something unique about tailgating in Milwaukee. It's not a fad. It's not a trend. It's a tradition that holds as a rite of passage."

Bacchus, 3
Bartolotta's Bacchus is probably known among chefs and foodies in the culinary world but it's doubtful that the general population outside the Wisconsin area is as clued in about this Milwaukee institution. However, in 2008, Chef Adam Siegel was awarded the prestigious James Beard award as the "Best Chef in the Midwest."

Design:

Brewers tailgating, 3
There isn't necessarily a precise design shaping the look of tailgating at Miller Park. Grills, lawn chairs, tables and food are all part of the mix and in the last couple years, games like beer pong and "bags" have added an active twist.

Bacchus, 9
Bartolotta didn't skimp on elegant design and ambiance when they drew up plans for the Bacchus restaurant. Because it's located in the Cudahy Towers on Prospect Avenue, diners gaze out over Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee Art Museum while seated in a classic set up. Sleek leather banquettes, low-level lighting and soft white linens create classy fine dining.

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3 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by katiebug16 on April 17, 2009 at 9:52 a.m. (report)

I thought this article was very interesting. A comparison you would never expect! Thanks

Posted by Hails on April 16, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. (report)

I would argue that tailgating has just as much of economic value as Bacchus. People have to spend money at local stores buying beer and brats. If brats are $3.99 a pound and half of the 2.5 million in attendance tailgate (as the article guesses) that's almost a half of million dollars in brats alone. Add in all the beer and other stuff people buy at Pick n' Save and Sendik's and other local stores, and i'd say that there is quite a bit of economic value !!

Posted by girl on April 16, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. (report)

This was extremely boring.