We dropped over $1000 on Halloween. The staff was rude and clearly wanted us seated and out rather then serve us. After a couple of hours of trying to chat downstairs, we decided to try the view upstairs. Wrong move. The upstairs hostess, Angie, went so far as to say, "haven't you had enough" when we attempted to order two shots (there were eight of us and only four shots were ordered initially--simple math). She kept telling us the upstairs was closing at 1am and it was going to take her a long time to close up. We gave up and went back downstairs shortly after 12:30 since we were obviously in her way. Worst lounge experience ever. We called weeks in advance saying we would come with 20 people and were told we wouldn't be able to sit together. Fine. But, when we arrived they had reserved a large table for another party, so clearly you could make reservations. Do you care about your customers or your image?

Step into Bryant's Cocktail Lounge, and be whisked away into another time and place. Think "Mad Men," or even the days of John Dillinger. Conversations are low and deliberate, the stereo playing songs from another era at an audible (but not overbearing) volume. Downstairs, the bar is lined by a small string of lights and not much else. The furnishings may be plush, but they aren't the point. Sit at the bar, or wait for a server to take your order, but either way, your drink will arrive perfectly balanced and cured for you. On my three trips there last winter, I was blown away by the level of service and the quality of drinks made at this legendary cocktail lounge. There wasn't a menu to peruse; instead, a bartender listened carefully to things I liked, flavors I recalled, scents I appreciated, and then, worked to create a concoction that was splendid to the last drop. This is not a "see, and be seen" kind of place, and I wouldn't want it any other way. There's a reason this bar is placed at the top of most "best of" lists in the country, but be sure to check out Milwaukee's many other destinations, too. Indeed, Bryant's should be the beginning of a memorable evening.

A very unique experience, truly something in between a bar and a restaurant. Environment is covered in vinyl, and feels straight out of 1970. Also probably the most diverse crowd I've seen in a Milwaukee bar, always a plus if you're looking to meet new people. For the indecisive, it's great to be able to just tell the server "something fruity," or "something with whiskey" and try new drinks!

We have been coming to Bryant's for the past few years and usually your place is fantastic (great service, good drinks, etc) Last night we stopped in and we are very disappointed. Service was poor (our first drinks came out quick, our second drinks took about 30 minutes) and once the second drinks came out the server dumped one on us and got us soaked. (Even the couple at the table behind us noticed when he said " geez you wait 30 minutes for a drink and when they finally bring it they dump it on you". On top of that we asked for stronger drinks the second round because none of us sensed much alcohol in them, and none of us could taste much in the second round either. Usually when your at a place and a drink gets dumped on you, you usually think they would buy the drink at minimal, but not today. I hate to be the complainer, but when you pay good money for drinks and service and you get neither.

I like my drinks stiff, so I ordered a "boozy" cocktail. It was straight liquor, but so damn smooth. I felt guilty paying only $6 for a drink that should've been over 10, so I tipped well.