She said/she said is a series of rapid reviews written by the intrepid duo, Lori Fredrich (the foodie) and Carolynn Buser (the socialite). Tune in weekly for our latest meanderings on hot spots around town.
Destination: Finks
Reason for visiting: Happy Hour. Takes place weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
Specials: Half price off pretty much everything, including beer and craft cocktails.
Regular Pricing: $4-10 for cocktails and $5-6 for pints of beer
Upcoming Events: Stop by for Tiki Tuesdays starting June 2.
Mood: Finks feels like a laid back tavern with a bar up front and arcade games in the rear. But, it differentiates itself from other corner taps by serving up amped-up craft and classic cocktails and craft beers from breweries like Founders, Lagunitas, New Glarus, Evil Twin, Three Floyds and Lakefront Brewing.
Go here when:
Lori: Definitely a spot I'd think about when I'm craving a great drink before dinner. It's also a great spot to go with a group, since there are at least two community tables that seat 8-10 people and a menu that could please just about everyone. I think I even saw a few bottles of wine on the back of the bar.
Carolynn: A fun bar with a cool vibe to meet a small group of friends -- the pinball games (5, count 'em 5!) will keep everyone entertained along with the delicious cocktails. Many will joke that this corner tap is actually the first time Riverwest has crossed over the Humboldt Ave. Bridge, and I can't say I disagree. It's a great corner spot to sit outside and people watch once the tables are out for summer too. You can easily wait here during a long wait at Bel Air Cantina as well -- they will even text you when your table is ready.
Go back for:
Lori: The Gabriel cocktail. It's fresh, light and gin-forward with a nice grapefruity note. The old fashioned is also a winner (and they occasionally have $5 specials showcasing this Milwaukee staple).
Carolynn: Probably any of the cocktails on the menu -- especially the old-fashioned -- or for a tap-takeover from a brewery I really like. I'd bring a friend who has some good vinyl too -- they will play your requests.
Overall Rating:
Lori: Not quite a full thumbs up, since they were out ingredients to make my two first-pick cocktails. But, I'm definitely going back.
Carolynn: I give it a thumbs up for sure -- they had my cocktail ingredients luckily! The only downfall for me is the lack of food -- one or two of those boozy cocktails and I need to eat.
Random Notes: The bar is really attractive. It's a great spot to take Instagram photos of your cocktails.
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.
