"An unexpected sight greeted me as I recently walked into Art*Bar: no art. The Riverwest tavern, found at 722 E. Burleigh St., had just finished its latest gallery: a popular showing of miniature art pieces, in its aftermath leaving tiny pinholes where tiny art once wallpapered the bar. "For some, it may look a little sad or empty, but for Don Krause, who's owned the bar for 16 years, it's a thrilling image: a blank canvas." Sure, there's a flashing 2020 sign with some paper snowflakes near the front – but other than those small echoes, Art*Bar was mostly artless.
"You can find just about anything while roaming the streets of Bay View looking for a bite or a beer. You can find exquisite sandwiches and tasty craft brews. "And, if you venture a bit off the neighborhood's main drag, you can find a cute little baby in a combat helmet choking down a cigar and a pint of beer." You can find bars blasting the city's hottest live music until well after the sun goes down, and you can find bars blasting England's hottest soccer matches right as the sun's coming up. " Balistreri's Bluemound Inn is a welcoming spot that's worth a stop any time of year, but it's particularly wonderful during the month of December. The Italian-American bar and restaurant is festooned with Christmas lights and decorations, including full-sized trees, garland, ornaments, nutcrackers, angels, stars, candy canes and kid-sized Santas." Beer Snobs Ale & Eatsġ22 Cottonwood Ave. "Located just off the main drag in Hartland, Beer Snobs Ale & Eats isn't exactly a tough place to find. But it's a true gem for Lake Country beer lovers looking for a place to sample something new." Bert's Bar "Paul Frenn – along with his wife, Jennifer – opened Bert's Bar 10 years ago and is the "face" of the friendly St. Francis-based tavern and restaurant, 3709 S. He's also not particularly picky what you call him. 'People think my name is Bert and call me that all the time. "As soon as you're welcomed through the door, though, you're welcomed into Bosco's extended family.