For many people, Feb. 14, 2025, was just another Valentine's Day. Perhaps a time to give or receive chocolates and a card; maybe a meal or a drink out to celebrate a loved one. But for Roxanne Nappier, this past Valentine's Day was not only her 39th birthday, but it was also the day she and her husband Dave purchased a bar.

And it wasn't just any bar, it was Nickel's Pub, 13915 W. Greenfield Ave. in New Berlin – a place that Dave and Roxanne frequented for two years and made true friendships. The timing couldn't have been better, as both were at a crossroads in their corporate careers after being downsized from a Brookfield-based company.

"When we first started coming here, we were the weirdos who hung out in the back. But once we integrated ourselves, we made so many friends," says Roxanne. 

Two years ago, a Nickel's bartender broke her foot and asked Roxanne if she could work for two hours on a Monday night.

"I've been behind the bar ever since," she says. 

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In the past four weeks, Nickel's has undergone myriad changes, with many more to come. So far, after a rigorous deep cleaning, there's fresh paint, a new ceiling, upgraded lighting and purse hooks on the bar. 

"Basically, everything's new," says Roxanne. 

In the next few months, there will be a renovated patio with a small dog park and, eventually, a name change for Nickel's. The original owner was named Penny and, as a play on her currency-themed name, friends called her Nickel. Hence, the bar's moniker. However, Roxanne plans to change the name to a nickname of her own, Fox Trot, that was given to her by her best friend who passed away three years ago.

"She didn't like it when people called me 'Foxy Roxy.' She thought it sounded trashy," says Roxanne. "So instead she started calling me 'Fox Trot.'"

It's been a whirlwind for Roxanne and Dave, getting so much done in such a short amount of time. "I miss sleep," says Roxanne.

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But the work is already paying off. On a Wednesday afternoon, the bar is filled with people talking, laughing, playing pool and relaxing. "Everyone is really friendly here," says Roxanne. "The only person I don't know is the guy in the purple sweatshirt."

Drinks at Nickel's are fast and simple. It's a beer-and-shot kind of spot – for the most part. "We will make an Old Fashioned, this is Wisconsin after all," says Roxanne. "But otherwise our cocktails have no more than three ingredients, and one of them is ice."

The bar will also soon serve Nico's Pizza that's made in West Allis. 

Nickel's opens daily at 9 a.m. Although it's not a busy time for the bar, it is cherished by a few regulars and an important part of their daily routine. Hence, Roxanne says they decided to stick with the morning open, and are even considering opening earlier.

Despite Roxanne's allergy to canines, dogs are welcomed guests at Nickel's. During our visit, we met a sweet boy named Basil, a therapy dog in training for Dawgs At Work. This organization, among others, will receive proceeds from charity events at Nickel's. 

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"Every Sunday we do some kind of give-back to an organization and the proceeds go towards different organizations," says Roxanne. "Giving back to the community is really important to us."

Sundays also feature free games of pool for customers. Pool is popular at Nickel's, and the bar hosts quarterly tournaments. Roxanne is still working on other specials, but so far offers Old Fashioned Fridays and a mimosa bar on Saturdays.

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Safety is a top priority at Nickel's and any customer who takes an Uber or Lyft ride home receives a free drink card to use on their next visit.

"The people in here are extremely important to my husband and I," says Roxanne. "They have changed our life for the better."

Nickel's is open every day from 9 a.m. to midnight. Follow Nickel's on Facebook.

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