Snuggle up with some holiday cheer as OnMilwaukee shares stories of everything merry and bright in the spirit of the season.
The OnMilwaukee Ho Ho Holiday Guide is brought to you by Harley-Davidson Museum and MolsonCoors.
Santa Camp is in full swing at Camp Bar Tosa, 6600 W. North Ave., offering up the jolliest holiday bar experience this side of the North Pole. But for those looking for a change of scenery, there’s a dazzling new winter wonderland to explore in the space that normally houses Birch (right next door).
Frosty's Speakeasy, a limited edition pop-up, is mixing up icy-cool vibes for just four nights this holiday season: Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21 starting at 7 p.m.
Just locate the secret passageway in the back hallway of Camp Bar and prepare yourself for an upbeat experience unlike any other.
Cross over to the Frosty side
With disco balls spinning like snowflakes and cocktails as crisp as a fresh layer of frost, Frosty’s Speakeasy pop-up is serving up holiday cheer with an unexpected twist.
Forget the traditional tinsel. We're talking blue mood lighting, DJ beats that'll make even the elves want to dance... and a vibe so cool it might just make Jack Frost jealous.
There’s plenty of soft seating for socializing with friends, a gondola-themed photo booth and live music from Joe Wray on Friday, Dec. 20 starting at 8 p.m.
Chill out at the bar
Step up to the bar for Frosty’s signature cocktails like the Old Fashioned Christmas (a chilly take on the classic Old Fashioned); the Angry Elf (a mule with cranberry, lime and ginger beer); Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritzer with Aperol, seltzer, sparkling wine and a float of blackberry syrup; Gin & Tidings (Hendrick’s shaken over ice with simple syrup, lime and cranberry); and Jack Frost, a creamy drink with hints of mint, cacao and coconut.
There are also “Santa Claws” served in personal White Claw cocktail buckets, a variety of hard seltzers and 15 ice-cold tappers flowing with red and white wine and craft brews.
But don’t delay. Frosty’s Speakeasy is slated to melt away faster than the snowman himself. This limited-time engagement is open for just four nights this season: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14 and Friday and Saturday Dec. 20-21 with hours from 7 p.m. to bar close.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
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 every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, 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.
