Scooter’s 1330th bar, first visited in 2019.

If you were just driving by, you’d probably never notice the place. It’s a nondescript storefront in a nondescript building in a very vibrant neighborhood.

I just got myself two half-pours, because my plan was to just have a quick visit here and then check out one or two of the other bars nearby. But OH MY GOD this beer was so good that I got two more. And then another one after that. I ended up using up all of my available time here.

I had their Sea Foam (pineapple / passion fruit / blue spirulina sour), Vanilla Drinking Chocolate (imperial stout), Caramel Rainbow (milk stout), Orbital Motion (IPA), and Cheap Cologne (Brut IPA).

342 E Ward St
Milwaukee, WI 53207
US
[launch map]
(414) 236-4056
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1329th bar, first visited in 2019.

This is a big venue, with an outdoor area in the parking lot and two borderline-cavernous warehouse spaces in a T configuration.

I had their Acres Edge (oatmeal stout), Liquid Layers (spiced barleywine), Star Camp Lane Amber Ale, Double Unite the Clans (wee heavy), and Ice Bear (Baltic porter).

1505 W St Paul Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53233
US
[launch map]
(414) 909-2337
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1328th bar, first visited in 2019.

These Bloody Marys are insane. I’ve never seen anything like them before.

However, I don’t like Bloody Marys, so I had a Mudpuppy Porter by Central Waters Brewing Company. I then happened to notice that Third Space Brewing was a short walk down the road. It was not on my initial list of places to visit, but I’d had one of their beers earlier this morning and found their sticker the night before, so I needed a visit in order to make it official that I could put the sticker on my sticker wall. So I broke away from the group and walked down the street in the rain to check it out.

1900 W St Paul Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53233
US
[launch map]
(414) 931-1919
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1327th bar, first visited in 2019.

The first thing that makes this bar unique is that its basement is home to the oldest still-operating officially-sanctioned bowling alley in America. It is two lanes and has no computers or mechanical parts. All scoring is done on hand by paper, and the pins are reset by neighborhood children who work for tips. Unfortunately were were not able to bowl today because, being that it was Sunday morning, there were no children available. However they did happily allow us to go have a look around.

Next up the decor. Very eclectic, very historical. Tons of photos, even a scrap book of the bar’s history. An old piano. Hilarious signs. And bras everywhere! Bras that had been collected and displayed for decades. Several years ago an uptight inspector with too much free time declared them a fire hazard and ordered them removed. They were down for some time before the city finally ruled that the fire hazard notion was ridiculous and allowed them to be put back up.

Our crew had done their homework in advance, so some of the women came ready with an extra bra tucked away. Which turned out to be more fun that expected, because as the woman removes the bra all of the regulars erupting in a humming of a strip tease. Then everyone signs the bar with a sharpie before the patron gets to hang it up. The bra tradition was started in the 1950s/60s as a fluke when the owner had been partying and took her own off. Over a thousand have been collected so far, they are archived after several years when they start to deteriorate so there are hundreds more boxed away than what you see in the bar.

Speaking of the owner, she’s a huge part of what makes this bar great. Her name is Marcy, and when we visited she was 93 years old and sitting next to us yelling at the umpires in the baseball game on TV. Among her hobbies she lists “reading pornography to the blind”.

Also fun — there’s a barrel in the corner full of vintage clothes, hats, and wigs. Donation bin for the needy? Nope, it’s all there for patrons to play dress-up and take pictures with. We had a blast with that.

There’s nothing on tap, but they can whip up just about any mixed drink. The beer selection is limited to bottles and while it’s a small selection, it’s a good mix of both the basics and a few local craft beers. They also try to have Polish beer on hand, which makes sense as this is a Polish bar in a historically Polish neighborhood.

I had a Żywiec (pale lager from Poland) by Grupa Żywiec, a Blatz by Pabst Brewing Company (which I will never have again as it is terrible, but I had to try it once!), and a Fantasy Factory (IPA) by Karben4 Brewing.

2042 W Lincoln Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53215
US
[launch map]
(414) 647-9284
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1326th bar, first visited in 2019.

Next time I’m in Milwaukee I’m going to have to get here earlier in the day when when it’s not so packed with sticker hunters, because this looks like a great dive bar but I wasn’t able to move around much. From where I was trapped I could see that there were at least 3 old-school (as in, real) dart boards and at least one pool table. There was also a patio but I was unable to see how to access it.

One thing I failed to mention is that our group was celebrating a birthday, and we all had face masks of the birthday girl that we had been wearing at each bar during our second round tonight, freaking people out. But by the time we got to Wolski’s we were tired of wearing them so were just carrying them in our hands. One of us unknowingly dropped one outside, and later out the window her husband noticed various people outside taking turns wearing, humping, and making out with his wife’s face. Sadly none of the photos turned out (too dark / too far away) but it still made for some good laughs.

I started with a Guinness just to make the first round ordering easy, then grabbed a Fixed Gear (amber ale) by Lakefront Brewery at last call.

1836 N Pulaski St
Milwaukee, WI 53202
US
[launch map]
(414) 276-8130
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1325th bar, first visited in 2019.

This place looks like any other neighborhood dive bar from the outside. But step inside and it’s anything but. Mid-20th-century tiki/club decor, all lit in red, and a drink menu that is entirely cocktails (no beer or wine) with a specialty in ice cream cocktails.

The name, according to the bartender who told us about the place, comes from fact that it would open and close at the whim of the previous owners, so it would be entirely random whether you’d happen to find it open. But at the time of our visit it has recently been taken over by new owners (the previous owners retired) and their one big change was to make the hours consistent.

Because this was such a treat, we all went with ice cream cocktails. I forget the specific one I had, but it was the one our server said would be the most chocolaty.

We had such a good time here we almost forgot we were on a mission to get to Wolski’s and nearly messed that up!

The photos below have been enhanced to try to show some of the colors other than just the red. In reality, it’s ALL red when you’re inside.

2501 S Delaware Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207
US
[launch map]
(414) 481-8030
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1324th bar, first visited in 2019.

Based on the decor this seems to be a big-time basefall/Brewers bar. There were a few bar games, I didn’t go all the way to the far back bit I didn’t notice any pool tables or outdoor seating.

I just had Guinness here.

3158 S Howell Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207
US
[launch map]
(414) 482-4941
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1323rd bar, first visited in 2019.

We started out with Sam’s Tap because it was our neighborhood bar. As in, right down a short alley across the street from the house.

It’s a very small space but holds a decent number of people. There’s a few picnic tables in the parking lot. Only Wisconsin beers are served.

I had an IPA by Lakefront Brewery, and a Snow Pilot (brown ale) by Stevens Point Brewery.

We had a good time here. Friendly staff and patrons.

3118 S Chase Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207
US
[launch map]
(414) 763-5817
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1322nd bar, first visited in 2019.

• It had once been a brothel
• Al Capone operated a speakeasy here during Prohibition
• The bones of a murdered protitute were once dug up on the grounds.
• It’s supposedly extremely haunted, and they offer daily ghost tours.
• Jeffrey Dahmer used to frequent this place, and found 7 of vis 17 (known) victims here.

Apart from that history, this is a stunningly beautiful bar. The ornate woodworking, the furnishings, the decor, it’s all breathtaking.

As we were approaching the building, I suggested “We probably shouldn’t talk about that Jeffrey Dahmer thing in here. I’m sure they’d rather keep that on the down-low. Umm, nope, I was wrong about that. Rather than burying their history they embrace it openly.

Shadow People’s Lager (a dark lager) by Shaker’s. It didn’t click in my head at the time, but this is their one house beer that they brew themselves. I had no idea if it’s brewed on-site or elsewhere. I picked it solely because I liked the name.

BTW the outdoor seating is a small deck built over what would otherwise be about two parking spaces on the end of the street.

This ended the day-drinking portion of the day. We headed back to our house from here to rest for a few hours before round 2. But I want to mention that this neighborhood has what looks like a lot of very cool bars, and I’ll want to spend more time here if we come back.

422 S 2nd St
Milwaukee, WI 53204
US
[launch map]
(414) 272-4222
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1321st bar, first visited in 2019.

We, however, accidentally parked at 1st & National, saw La Merenda, and not realizing right away that was Italian and not Spanish, assumed it was what he was talking about.

When we got inside, we had difficulty reconciling the bartender we had just met would routinely go ti a place this…upscale. It wouldn’t be until later that we realized he was talking about a place called Cielito Lindo another block over. But that’s ok, as this turned out to be a fortunate blunder in a couple of ways.

First, this is a tapas bar. Which meant, we ended eating moth Mexican AND Indian style food, as well as a few other styles!

Secondly, the bartender recommended we stop at a place nearby called Shaker’s. None of us had heard of it, so we never would have gone to our next bar had we not gone to this one by mistake!

In addition to getting filled up with delicious food, I had a Thousandfold Stout by Company Brewing .

125 E National Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53204
US
[launch map]
(414) 389-0125
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1320th bar, first visited in 2019.

Around the corner from the Cheesehead Factory, George’s is in a small house adjacent to a bridge. When we first arrived it was packed, as they are on the Pedal Tavern route and the Pedal Tavern was currently there. So we went to Cheesehead first to buy foam cheese hats. By the time we were done, the Pedal Tavern was gone and it was much less crowded.

George was there! He didn’t stay very long, but we did get to meet him. In the photos below, he’s the one with a dog on his lap.

I had a Riverwest Stein (lager) by Lakefront Brewery and, if I remember correctly, some shots.

George!

George!

The finger is pointing to George’s wife.

224 E Washington S
Milwaukee, WI 53204
US
[launch map]
(414) 383-3909
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1319th bar, first visited in 2019.

The bar is made up of two adjoining buildings, a fact I didn’t initially notice until I went to find the restroom. There’s a full bar in each building. There’s also a small sidewalk seating area.

It was really crowded, we considered ourselves lucky to find a few places to sit just inside the front window that were together. Some of us still had to stand.

I had an Eastside Dark (dark lager) by Lakefront Brewery

1007 N Old World 3rd St
Milwaukee, WI 53203
US
[launch map]
(414) 897-8373
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1318th bar, first visited in 2019.

There are at least four bars in the building. The public bar is accessible at street level from the courtyard. There’s another bar through the gift shop for tour guests. There’s an event venue bar upstairs for weddings and the like. And a speakeasy-style bar in the basement, I’m not sure when it gets used.

The tour was interesting and informative (it was more of a video presentation, the actual tour was just a few rooms). But it was longer than we thought it would be, and in the end we decided we didn’t want to do tours all day after all so this ended up being the only Pabst facility we visited. (We did step briefly into the Pabst Milwaukee Brewery & Taproom, located in a former church 2 blocks up the street, but it was so insanely crowded we decided not to stay.)

I had a Unite the Clans (Scottish ale) by Third Space Brewing and, of course, a Pabst Blue Ribbon which I took along the tour and drank at Frederic Pabst’s desk.

917 W Juneau Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53233
US
[launch map]
(414) 630-1609
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1317th bar, first visited in 2019.

It was rather crowded when we first got here, but the crowd thinned out to a more tolerable level by the time we were done.

I had an IPA by Lakefront Brewery. I also found and grabbed a sticker from a placed called Third Space Brewing that I hadn’t heard from up to this point. This would go on to become important tomorrow.

Our ultimate goal for this night was to go to Wolski’s Tavern and close it so we could get stickers. But after such a long travel day we all hit a wall. We were only 1-1/2 blocks from Wolski’s, but it was still more than two hours away from closing time and we were all exhausted. We decided to call it for the night and try again the next night.

1837 N Humboldt Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
US
[launch map]
(414) 574-0015
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1316th bar, first visited in 2019.

There’s pinball machines, lottery tickets, a couple of video games, and a covered patio out back. We ended up staying here quite a while.

I had a Spotted Cow by New Glarus Brewing Company, as well as a round or two of shots.

1875 N Humboldt Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
US
[launch map]
(414) 226-5882
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1315th bar, first visited in 2019.

We were hungry and had two people from England in out group, so we chose to start off at the Red Lion Pub. Modeled after the traditional English pub, with a food and drink menu matching the theme.

It was rather busy, they put us on the second floor. There are bars on both levels. There’s a fairly large deck behind the second level (the building is constructed adjacent to a bluff) with some outdoor games.

After dinner and drinks karaoke started, so a few members of our group did some songs before he headed out.

I had a Snake Hollow (IPA) and a Gandy Dancer (porter), both by Potosi Brewing Company.

1850 N Water St
Milwaukee, WI 53202
US
[launch map]
(414) 431-9009
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1164th bar, first visited in 2016.

The restaurant/bar includes a patio almost as big as the indoor venue, and the brewery features a museum that we also unfortunately didn’t have time for.

I had their Potosi Dark (dark lager) and Snake Hollow (IPA).

209 S Main St
Potosi, WI 53820
US
[launch map]
(608) 763-4002
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1163rd bar, first visited in 2016.

I had a Glacial Trail IPA by Central Waters Brewing.

117 W Mifflin St
Madison, WI 53703
US
[launch map]
(608) 255-7548
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1162nd bar, first visited in 2016.

I had the #003 Chocolate Lab (porter).

107 State St
Madison, WI 53703
US
[launch map]
(608) 310-1010
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1161st bar, first visited in 2016.

This is a dive through and through, apart from the large craft beer selection.

I had a Scott Karate (Scotch ale) by Dark Horse Brewing.

119 W Main St
Madison, WI 53703
US
[launch map]
(608) 256-2263
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1160th bar, first visited in 2016.

As soon as we sat down at our table (the only open seats in the house — a tiny cocktail table in the back corner) an unforecast downpur began and everyone outside dashed inside, smooshing us.

I ordered us some chicken tenders as neither of us were that impressed with the appetizers we’d had earlier in the evening, and I had a Madtown Nutbrown (brown ale) by Ale Asylum.

102 King St
Madison, WI 53703
US
[launch map]
(608) 287-1455
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1159th bar, first visited in 2016.

I had Great Dane’s Emerald Isle Stout. You’d think it would be quite a bit higher ABV than just 4.36% considering how blurry my only interior photo turned out…

123 E Doty St
Madison, WI 53703
US
[launch map]
(608) 284-0000
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1158th bar, first visited in 2016.

80s music was playing, there was a good selection of local craft beer, and it wasn’t super loud or busy. I enjoyed this place. We had planned to “come back in” the next morning for breakfast but decided to skip it and get on the road.

There were impressive displays of various knick-knacks, including a rather extensive collection of salt-and-pepper shakers.

I had the Satin Solitude Imperial Stout by Central Waters Brewing Company.

508 E Wilson St
Madison, WI 53703
US
[launch map]
(608) 258-8619
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1157th bar, first visited in 2016.

We were hungry but wanted something quick and light, so we got a couple of appetizers. It ended up taking over an hour.

I had The Commuter (a Kolsch) by One Barrel Brewing Company, a Madison microbrewery that releases only one type of beer at a time.

514 E Wilson St
Madison, WI 53703
US
[launch map]
(608) 255-4674
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1156th bar, first visited in 2016.

The beer tasting area is outdoors and the grounds are a beautiful area to explore with your beer. You can also take your beer on the self guided tour, some photos of which are below. Unfortunately the self-guided tour has little information telling you what is actually going on in any of the viewing areas.

The “admission fee” comes with a choice of individual tasters or two pours in a large souvenir glass. We opted for the latter. I had the famous Spotted Cow for my first. I cannot remember what I got for the second, or even if we went back for seconds, because New Glarus is in a cellular dead zone and I could not log my drinks. (In fact we had to rely on the car’s compass to find out way out of town and on the road to Madison!) If I did go back for seconds, it was probably the Belgian Red.

2400 State Hwy 69
New Glarus, WI 53574
US
[launch map]
(608) 527-5850
Visit Web Site

Scooter’s 1155th bar, first visited in 2016.

The parking lot was overflowing, far busier than I had expected, in part due to an antique sale plus some other special event in a tent, plus a parade in town. We had to park in the grass. Amazingly we had less than an hour wait for our tour — just enough time to get some shopping and beer tasting in.

I had the Wisconsin Red Pale Ale, Leinenkugel’s Original (which is something we can’t find back home), and the Big Eddy Uber-Oktoberfest (Marzen).

Cameras are prohibited inside the brewery buildings (except the Leinie Lodge) so I only have a few exterior photos from the tour.

124 E Elm St
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
US
[launch map]
(715) 723-5558
Visit Web Site