{image1}When a Brookfield staple like the Side Track Bar leaves the area, it's a blessing for patrons to have another inviting option directly across the street. Sabella's Pub and Grill, 2850 N. Brookfield Rd., is one of the few havens left in the Town of Brookfield where one can get a stiff drink at a reasonable price.
"It's the ideal 'Cheers' bar," said Katherine Sabella, who owns the bar along with her husband, Silvio. "When people come in, there's always a hello. The way my bar is shaped makes it very easy for people to meet. Not like a George Webb bar. It's Brookfield's neighborhood bar."
It's true, the bar is shaped like a horseshoe, making it conducive for conversing with strangers. If it's not Katherine Sabella working behind the bar, then there's a good chance it's one of her two daughters, Rita Sabella or Eda Fantl. Patrons that frequent the establishment more than once will most likely have the pleasure of knowing the entire family by the third visit.
Rita Sabella describes the bar as "good friends, good food, family and good fun."
As far as the rest of the physical décor, you'll notice a pool table, jukebox, video gambling machines and electronic darts. The relatively small establishment consists of one room that's decorated with mirrored beer advertisements, a red tone to the walls and dim illumination.
"We always want people to stop in for a beer and some food," said Fantl. "People don't realize that we have really good food."
Sabella's Pub and Grill serves the usual tavern food options, like cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, pizzas, pork chops, tenderloins, mozzarella sticks, cheese curds and hot wings. Everything except the pizza is under $5. However, it also has a couple other temptations for the palate.
Starting just recently, every Tuesday is now "Taco Tuesday." It's a night when patrons can build their own tacos for $1.50 each. On top of that, for Green Bay Packers games, Silvio Sabella makes Italian sausages that are served for free during halftime. Side dishes like potato salad will also be available during halftime. And lastly, this winter they will be serving Silvio's Italian wedding soup. What is Italian wedding soup? It's chicken broth, with tiny meatballs, potatoes and pasta.
Since Sabella's Pub and Grill, formerly known as Buddies, opened its doors back in June 2000, its owners have always conducted business across the street from another local tavern, Side Track Bar. Recently Side Track Bar relocated and changed its name to Bowery Sports Eatery.
"Side Track Bar was a tradition in Brookfield for many, many years," said Katherine Sabella. "I wish them the best of luck, but you know the old saying 'nothing lasts forever.'"
This leaves Sabella's Pub and Grill as the only tavern within a five-mile radius where Brookfield Road intersects the train tracks. One would assume that business would be booming for this small establishment.
"It's only been a week," said Katherine Sabella. "Some people will follow him (Bower), others will want to remain in the area."
For more information about Sabella's Pub and Grill, call (262) 782-2113.
