Despite a decrease in issued liquor licenses and a troubling economy, bars in Milwaukee have carried on. It's a segment of the economy ostensibly able to ride out declining retail, construction and investment markets; it seems, for all practical purposes, people can find a few bucks to spend at the bar regardless of economic hardship.
That's good news for bar owners and better news for newly erupting trends illustrated by new bars and clubs throughout Milwaukee. In the last year, we've seen several new spots open and few spots solely selling alcohol close down.
"In the last 10 years, the number of new bars has gone down. I think it's a combination of a lot of different factors- the economy, demonization of liquor, home entertainment and stiffer drinking and driving laws," Pete Maddlin of the Tavern League of Wisconsin says.
Those establishments able to persevere represent the norm but it's the new locales across the city bringing some striking trends to our attention.
In the last year, "luxury ultra lounges" opened on Milwaukee Street and Old World Third Street. Wine bars are pulling corks both downtown and in the suburbs. We're still tapping our fair share of hometown breweries but more and more beer stops are opening imported bottles. And, of course, the push for smoke free establishments continues.
Here's a look at some of this year's biggest trends in bars.
The Ultra Lounge
Last year, Vanity Ultra Lounge, Suite and Soho 7 elevated the concept of club luxury in Milwaukee.
Bottle Service, velvet roped entrances and extravagant interiors became features of the luxury lounge; each giving visitors the feeling of high end New York or Los Angeles ambiance. Private seating and bottle service are standard at Suite and Soho 7 on the weekends.
However, while the term "luxury lounge" may be new to Milwaukeean's lingo, the concept may in fact be very old. Ambiance is more traditional and conservative but places like Blu, Polaris and Centanni have all specialized in high class service for high class products.
The Wine Bar
From Vino 100 in Wauwatosa to Indulge on Milwaukee Street to Thief Wine in the Milwaukee Public Market, wine bars erupted all over Milwaukee in the last year. Balzac on Brady Street or tastings at Waterford Wines are a few of the classics but is by no means the only.
"I definitely think there is a younger generation of wine drinkers starting to be really interested in wine. We see there is a lot more young people buying wine and tasting wine than individuals in their 40s and 50s. Being in an area that really supports the arts and dining also indicates a certain level of interest wine," says Aimee Murphy, co-owner of Thief Wine.
Whereas extensive wine lists used to be reserved for fine dining experiences, places like Art Bar and Nessun Dorma are beefing up wine offerings to appease a growing demand.
"National studies show Generation Y is interested at a much younger age than Generation X was. We see a lot of young people with a really sophisticated palate and great knowledge of wine," Phil Bilodeau, Thief Wine co-owner says.
Smoke-free bars
Things have changed in Chicago, Minneapolis and Madison, but in Milwaukee drinkers can still light up while having a beer. Well, almost everywhere that is.
The growing trend of smoke-free establishments continues as Wauwatosa went smoke free and a great majority of Bay View bars are opting to extinguish smoking indoors. Places like Café Centraal and Blackbird offer a "smoking section;" noting the need to appease a certain smoke-free demographic but not wanting to lose the heavy drinking and smoking crowd.
Well established Water Buffalo, La Merenda and Cempazuchi all went smoke free in 2008; fueling the fire for local bars to enforce a self-mandated law.
A story earlier in the month, "Smoke free bars breathe easier as trends shift" by OnMilwaukee.com's Julie Lawrence looks in depth at the smoke free trend; showing the conversion over to non-smoking might just be here for good.
Adding Kasteel Bruin to Pabst
Milwaukeean's love of beer is most certainly no trend. At one time, home to Miller, Pabst and Schlitz, we've now added a host of local breweries like Lakefront and Sprecher to our credits.
Loyalty supports our local brewers but curiosity expanded the demand for a new kind of bar in 2008. Binders of imports and pages of specialty brews are more common than ever before.
Roman's Pub, Palm Tavern and the Bomb Shelter have been historical go-to's for drinkers looking for exotic beers with a high alcohol content. But in the last year, Sugar Maple, Café Centraal and Fat Abbey Biercafe brought Belgian beers to our lips and lists of national and international imports to our notice.
The everlasting dance club
There's one trend stuck for good. Milwaukee might not be the epicenter for hot clubs but it's been forever since residents could say we didn't have any.
While specific dance clubs easily come and go, the overall concept of spinning lights, DJ's and dance seems here for good.
Both Eve and Tangerine closed in 2008 but popping up in their place are Apartment 720 and Charro; both dedicated to lounge vibes and intense dance parties. Moct, Three and Decibel pull DJs from Chicago, New York and Los Angeles; infusing the Milwaukee bar scene with places to get down every night of the week.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
