I love Bryant's! It's a Milwaukee gem and you have to check it out at least once. The ambiance is great. Dim lighting and private booths make for an intimate setting. The drinks are pricey, but delicious. A one-drink kind of place. I'd recommend taking a date here after dinner for an ice cream drink. Trust me, they will be impressed!
Review Source:I had heard so much about Bryant's and had wanted to try it out for quite sometime, so I was thrilled when a friend suggested we grab a cocktail there after dinner.
Bryant's has a cool vibe and an awesome 60's decor. Â We went in and took a seat at a booth - after waiting 15 minutes and watching one bar tender run back and forth, serving two or three groups and the folks at the bar, we figured we'd have to go up to the bar to get faster service. Â
Once there, I realized that the problem wasn't that there was too many customers - it was that the bartender seemed to be pals with the people at the bar and was having a difficult time pulling himself away from the chit chat to do his job.  Another 5 minutes or so ticked away and he finally came over to take our orders.  When visiting a new place for the first time - I like to ask the staff for suggestions, so I asked the bartender for a  drink recommendation.  He was borderline impatient with my inquiry, telling me he could make anything.  When I again asked for his recommendation, he machine-gunned questions at me. "Do you  like fruity drinks? Cocktails? Or ice cream drinks? Or what?"  Finally I got the hint - we were taking time away from his hipster friends at the end of the bar, so we ordered whatever and slunk back to our seats.  We joked that clearly we were too old and not hip enough to receive decent customer service - perhaps 10-15 years ago we would have fit in better with the cool college crowd.
So as a youthful 40-something, I was made to feel like an old, bothersome cluck. Â Not cool Bryant's.
However, I am willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and I will probably return one-day, after the sting has worn off. Â Perhaps the bartender was just tired of reciting drink suggestions. Â The drinks he made us were very good and we enjoyed the music and ambiance of the bar. Â As we were walking out the door, the bartender called out a good bye to us - it doesn't make up for his behavior up to that point, but perhaps he started to remember his manners.
When I first came to Bryant's I wasn't sure what to think. The neighborhood is kind of sketch and when you walk in it's pitch black. Fast forward about 10 visits later. This is by far the best cocktail joint in Milwaukee. Don't let the neighborhood turn you off!
The inside is just simply amazing. Bryant's has been open since 1938...you can tell...and it's awesome! Dark lights (by dark I mean turn down your cell phone screen's brightness because it will blind you), velvet walls, and old school cocktails crafted by bartenders in a vest and tie (come on, this isn't that type of bar, of course they have shirts on underneath). You can definitely tell the bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and care about making a well-crafted cocktail.
There are booths and tables but generally I like to sit at the bar where you can watch the bartenders come up with a cure for whatever ails you. No seriously, they can come up with a drink on the spot or make you a classic cocktail from memory. There is also a nice little upstairs with a smaller bar.
The staff is extremely friendly so expect to chat a little bit. And one time after bar close my wife and brother in-law couldn't get a cab and one of the bartenders literally drove us back home on the East Side. I've never heard of a bartender doing that before but you have my loyalty after that!
I don't get to Bryant's very often but when I do it is such a treat. I believe it was voted one of the best bars in the U.S. and I can honestly say that I believe it.
This place is simply exquisite. Â It's classy without being pretentious or intimidating. Â No matter who you are, you won't feel out of place. Â I had a mojito, which was spectacular. Â My friend, who didn't know what he wanted, simply told the bartender his preferences ("I want something with strawberry"), and this bartender/magician whipped up the most spectacular concoction.
Despite the excellent service, the high quality of drinks, and the upscale atmosphere, the prices were really reasonable. Â I'd highly recommend this to anyone. Â It's not in central Milwaukee, but it's well worth the quick drive.
As the name suggests Bryant's has wonderful speciality cocktails. Rather then a menu they'll ask you what kind of drink you're craving and make one just for you. I've been here a few times and haven't yet had a drink I didn't like. The atmosphere is classy but kind of retro and quite dim, all in a good way. Great for an intimate date or a chill night with friends.
Review Source:My husband and I stopped in one evening after dinner to check it out. Â When we first got there, the bartender asked us each what we were in the mood for, and whipped up some AMAZING, unique cocktails based on what we said we were looking for. Â For my second round, I decided I wanted a dessert drink, so another bartender whipped up an awesome ice cream/espresso concoction for me. Â It was excellent, the service was excellent, and I can't wait to go back and bring some friends!
Review Source:I didn't really know what to expect when we pulled up to Bryant's - it just looked like any other house on the block, but the second I walked in, I was transported to the 70's. Â Can you dig it?!
We were seated upstairs by the window, which was great. Â The waitress came by and explained that they didn't have a menu, but rather suggested cocktails based on our preferences. Â Ok, we told her what we liked and she came back (20 min later...) with two perfect drinks to suit our palettes (I had a muddled cucumber drink, he had Rye Razor - both delicious). Â Right at that moment, two gigantic groups sat down and we knew we were screwed. Â There were 40ish people upstairs now and 1 bartender. Â %$#@! Â We tried in vain to catch her attention to put in another drink order, but to no avail. Â After the big groups, she came by and we ordered some of the dessert drinks (coffee, chocolate, mint, blended, yum). Â 30+ min later she came with them. Â I get it - cocktails are made to order, but I really don't want to wait THAT long for a drink. Â I'm thirsty. Â
In all, we love, love, loved the drinks and the concept, but we didn't like waiting so long for each drink. Â We would definitely go back and try again though.
61/365
I appreciate a well-made cocktail and I don't mind waiting for one. Â But dammit, a fellow can only wait so long!
There were only two other couples in the place, but it took ten minutes for either of the bartenders to acknowledge us after we sat down.  The first bartender (let's call him "Señor Fancy Pants") read the newspaper, surfed the net, checked receipts, and futzed with the music before letting us know that the other chap (let's call him "The Scientist") would be coming around.  My date leaned over and whispered, "I think they want us to leave."  I shrugged, "maybe the other guy is the only one who knows how to make the drinks?"  So we rode it out another ten minutes or so, imagining what it must be like on a night when people are there having fun.  We admired the decor, enjoyed the music, identified the various fish in the tank, compared the prescriptions of our eyeglasses, and occasionally craned our necks to check the status of The Scientist at the other end of the bar, who was sweating nervously over various beakers and instruments while meticulously using what appeared to be an eyedropper to put some kind of precious elixir into a waiting patron's drink.  When he was free to finally meet us, he came over, leaned on his elbow, and asked us some preliminary questions about what we liked in our drinks, etc, etc -- just like you've read about I'm sure.  What he concocted for us was delicious, yes, just as we had anticipated, but we were sort of left scratching our heads wondering if the whole uncomfortable ordeal was worth it.  We couldn't decide.  We drove back to our hotel and had a nightcap of our own, if you know what I mean, to end the night properly.
I like it!
I've been to Bryant's twice now and have confirmed I'm a fan. Â Unfortunately for me it's a bit of a drive from the 'burbs but I will be bringing visitors here in the future.
Name what you want, from a specific drink to some vague description of things you like. "Kahlua, creamy, um something like that" and you may end up with ice-cream alcohol deliciousness. Â
The place is quite small, so I was a little intimidated when we walked in to find a seat, but fairly quickly we were able to put in our name and not long after we got a cute, cozy table for 3 that was perfect. Â
It's dark, mellow and everyone seems to be enjoying lounging about with their concoctions. Â ...Even those guys with the flaming, fruity drinks as another reviewer highlighted! Â :)
Located in what now is a rather "iffy" neighborhood (I know because I used to live there) Bryant's will be deceiving from the outside. Â You will hide your GPS and belongings under your car seat and lock your door, but once you walk inside you will be amazed.
The decor and lighting has gone unchanged in decades. Â The fish tank and old radio behind the bar will instantly grab your attention. Â The bartenders are dressed in vest and tie running around calmly creating complicated cocktails.
There is not a drink list, so do not ask. Â Tell them what you like and they will make it. Â From what I am told, they have over 600 cocktails to work from so you will more than likely be trying something new. Â My favorite is the Rat Pack, since I am a fan of whiskey and citrus. Â
Prices are a bit high considering the type of liquor they use, but after one or two drinks you will be walking into buzzed territory.
When I run into people visiting MKE for the first time I look them up and down, talk to them a bit, judge them thoroughly...then stick them in one of two camps for my recommendations:
CAMP 1: visit the Domes, Water St., The Safe House, Miller Park. Â (yawn)
or
CAMP 2: a few of my secret spots and Bryants, always Bryants.
They were (forgive me for using the m word here) mixology before your unattentive vest wearing hipster from the new trendy bar knew the difference between bourbon and whiskey. This place has been, is, and will more than likely always be the real deal. The best young bartenders (seeing how when I first went there in the early 90's the average age for a 'tender was 50) , a great owner, great drinks, great atmosphere...everything. This place breathes decades old Milwaukee.
Is it the best? Well what is the best? Â ...but I will definitely say yes on Bryants.
This might just be my new favorite bar/lounge in Milwaukee...possibly in my whole list of bars...
Bryant's isn't in the best neighborhood and it looks sort of a country/farm house from the outside. As soon as you get in, you get the feeling like you are thrown back in time into the 1960's. I feel like the need to be in a suit, skinny tie, fedora, and a cig in one hand - total Mad Men steeze.
I can do with a little more lighting (candles maybe) at the tables and maybe less of the cheesy xmas lighting, but with the drinks...I can't possible be complaining.
This place does not have a menu. How it works? You tell them what you usually drink or what sort of flavors/poison of choice you would like in your drink. They come back with a perfectly concocted/personalized drink. It's any alcoholics dream. The bartenders are simply mixologists...they don't just pour you rum and coke (that's boring stuff). You can tell that they use good quality liquor but serve them at a decent price. They also have ice cream drinks! Our table got a drink that tasted EXACTLY (I kid you not) like a coke float...the foam, ice cream and everything. The dangerous part...you can't even taste the liquor...(well until you get to the cream, where I think the alcohol comes from?)
Hands down, THE place to get drinks with good company.
MKE, you're so friggin' lucky to have this place. Walk, no, RUN here at your earliest convenience. Â Maybe walk,
Be careful when you first come in though. Â If bright light is unsexy, then I seriously misjudged how sexy the lighting was. Â I mean, it was dead sexy, too sexy for it's shirt, so sexy IT HURTS. Â I almost ate it on the way in because my eyes didn't adjust to the dimness. Â Couple that with my affinity for shuffling my feet when I walk and any kind of carpet, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Speaking of recipes! Â Bryant's has a gazillion, you read it here first, A GAZILLION recipes. Â But there is no menu. Â The key to enjoying your time here lies in a few helpful hints.
You can either...
1) Â Know that what you are ordering is on their drink list, such as nearly any classic cocktail you might find in an old Chinese restaurant
or
B) Â Pick your poison (spirit), pick a flavor profile, open your hands, close your eyes and wait for the surprise. Â
When we came, it was happy hour.  Happy Hour includes half priced Depression era cocktails so I started with an Old Fashioned and to be honest (after all , where would Yelp be without honesty?) it was the best Old Fashioned I've ever had.  Like Janet Reno, this drink was strong and to the point, and tasty, unlike Janet Reno.  Simply made, I had mine with Bourbon.  It warmed my soul and primed for me my next drink.  When our server came, I just wanted something based in rye, a little sweet, a little sour. After a couple of seconds she picked something out for me and returned with the Raygun, which was exactly what I was looking for.  This is the kind of cocktail that men can order and not be ashamed,  Looking for liquid lunch, a drink for dinner, a traveling companion for your flask?  Look no further than the Raygun.  Boozy and sweet with a pungent  "I don't know what", which is English for je ne sais quoi. Â
For a drinking experience that also doubles as time travel, Bryant's is the spot. Â If I lived in Milwaukee, I would demand my wife meet me here for a drink after work EVERY DAY. Â Even on the days I don't work. Â Go to Bryant's and make me jealous.
They should be checking man-cards at the door. I've never seen so many "men" drinking flaming ice cream drinks out of pina colada glasses with bendy straws.
Atmosphere: It's a dimly lit, cozy, packed house. You walk in and think you're in a time-warp, set in 1950, Soft walls, dark, orange lights splashing the darkness, straight-up old school. We were seated on the first floor in one of the half circle booths along the wall. These booths are not made for four grown-ups, the seating is cramped with little leg room. After sitting for an hour, I walked out looking as if I had been riding a horse all day.
Drinks: Awesome drinks. I had, what was a spin-off of a Manhattan, with bourbon, bitters, vermouth all served up. The glassware is what a cocktail should be served in. The ladies with us had some fruity concoctions that they were raving over. What's cool about Bryant's is that they don't have a menu. You simply explain what kind of drink your looking for (me: bourbon, up, classic, not sweet or fruity) and one of the bar-tenders will whip you up something delicious from their repertoire of over 400 cocktails.
Service: It's is a little slow and awkward. I understand that making a quality cocktail takes time, but we didn't have drinks in our hands for half an hour from the time we walked in the door. She was friendly, I think it was because it was a packed night that service was so slow.
Maybe the reviews buttered me up and I had unrealistic expectations. I was anticipating finding a bar full of Don Draper's sipping on Manhattans, what I found was a bunch of middle aged lushes drinking flaming ice cream drinks letting everybody in the bar know they are drunk. The drinks are awesome and it's a cool place to take guests to. But in my experience, it's a grown-up-water-street crowd. And that is what brings it down to a three-banger from a four.
So THIS is where I'll meet my Don Draper!
It was as if someone had waved a magic wand and cast us as extras in a Mad Men bar scene -- complete with ultra-low lighting, well-dressed bartenders, and the faint aroma of cigarette smoke (likely embedded in the furniture from years prior). I half expected (wished?) to find the dapper ad-men engaged in an extra-marital tryst in one of the dimly lit leather booths.
Now, beware - Bryant's is a no-menu type of place. That's not to say they are lacking in selection - they are rumored to have 450 'famous' cocktails, each one a well-guarded secret recipe. This makes for a drink-ordering process that is far more intimate than even some first dates - including a discussion of your likes/dislikes, preferred booze base, and what you may be in the mood for that evening. Â
All this no-menu business had me a bit nervous, and I was a little worried that I would choke and blurt out something ridiculous like "VODKACRANBERRY!" I started off shyly (thank goodness for dim lighting to hide my embarrassed flush), and engaged in a conversation with our server that resulted in a glass of 'Love & Happiness.' Served in a delicate snifter glass, this cucumber-infused cocktail lived up to its name - it was truly lovely!
By the second round, I had loosened up - and was able to confidently tell our server that I wished for something fruity, frozen, and sans a strong alcohol-y taste. Enter the 'Forever Amber.' Brightly colored and served in a tall, umbrella-adorned glass - it was reminiscent of something you'd find in a tiki bar - and was as sweet (and secretly strong!) as those darn tiki bar drinks too. Seriously, the drinks were surprisingly strong. I mean, I'm not the heaviest drinker - but I can typically last more than two pathetic rounds! Halfway through our second round, I was already drunkish. And by the end of that round? My hubby was cutting me off and making plans for soaking up some of that alcohol at Pizza Shuttle.
Oh yeah - because Bryant's serves no food. So either fill your belly with some alcohol-absorbers beforehand, or plan on soaking up your gin 'n juice afterwards elsewhere.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail, for challenging you to venture outside of your go-to drink comfort zone, or for waiting for your Don Draper to come.
Woah! Where do I begin?
Ms. Yelp Milwaukee, Rachel F. took us out for a drink here after we said we wanted a nice cocktail bar.
There's no drink list; just tell your server what sort of cocktail you want (rye, spirit forward, tastes like fall, etc...) and leave it up to the bartenders. Â I had a chance to sample all the cocktails at our table and wowza! Some of the best cocktails I've ever had. I had Frank's drink and something gin based.
This is definitely on my list of Milwaukee faves and I hope to be back soon.
The reviews are all entirely true about this place, so I won't repeat too much of what's already been said. I had a great time going here, but I felt like I did a travesty by ordering just 1 drink, and not 2. Like the other reviews say, you just specify the things you're interested in having together into a cocktail(no menu, but I could sense the bartenders do try to be helpful, and suggest ideas if you're unsure), and the bartender makes your drink from there. I did say rum, banana, and coconut(not sure why I changed my mind to that, as my original idea in my head was some sort of whiskey-based cocktail), and ended up enjoying my drink. Even got it in a really large, curved glass as well(wish I could remember what that sort of cocktail glass is called).
Sit right at the 1st floor bar if you can(2nd floor is all tables, some that are next to windows looking out into the neighborhood, and has a much smaller bar station(w/NO stools) from a quick glance I did) it was so enjoyable to see the drinks being made. And did I say seeing all the various drinks being made was like sensory overload for me, and making me wish I better remembered the things I was taught when I did a bartending class 4 years ago? And I absolutely loved the fact that the bartenders did not have a single drop of pretentiousness, which is always a big factor in whether I'll enjoy a bar or not.
For darn sure, I will not repeat the travesty I did, and definitely order 2 drinks on my return visit. And I think it's just as well the original owner of Bryant's didn't list all drinks on a menu, since it forces you to be more imaginative and creative than you normally would when ordering a cocktail at any other bar. A must visit, for those in Milwaukee who want an amazing cocktail.
Easily the most underrated lounge/bar in Milwaukee!
Just traveling to Bryants is a whirlwind of adventure! It's located on the edge of a...questionable (at best) neighborhood and parking is only available on the street, so be prepared to feel out of place. Normally feeling like you're in danger before enjoying a delicious drink would be a deal breaker for me IF NOT me the amazing, swanky, laid-back atmosphere that is this once-of-a-kind lounge.
Bryant's is an intimately light, soft-toned, awe inspiring bar perfect for a night out with friends or especially a romantic evening. Â It features plenty of secluded booths as well as open-ended tables (for those of us that go out to socialize).
The owner is...outrageous. He's a polite, relatively talkative, extraordinary gifted mastermind of all that is alcohol. Â You don't come here and order a Bud Light or a...Nancy Drew...whatever it is you ladies drink. You come here and tell the man what flavors you like, what textures...hell...you tell the man if you want him to toss some ice cream in there and set it on FIRE! Â But don't be shy, no matter what this man makes for you it will blow your mind. I've never had the same drink twice here and no two were alike. Â
Go here. Drink. Have a great time.
Update: Went back to Bryant's and I got to say, I was a little disappointed. I had my first BAD drink on this occassion (which isn't terrible, it's bound to happen once in a while), but the female bartender wasn't what I've come to expect from Bryant's. You could tell she's gotten over the novelty of suggesting drinks to people, she seemed very disinterested, and the service was pretty inattentive and slow. I order 3 drinks that night...all good except the last. I asked for something that tasted like an Orange dream, got back a watered down slushy. Like I said, this is not the worst thing that could have happened, but I was bringing my sister-in-law there for her 21st b-day and we left a little disappointed.
I have only been here once but can't stop talking about the place. Â
We had to wait 15 minutes to get a seat here but there were 6 of us so didn't mind it. Â When you order, you tell the waiter or bartender how you are feeling, what kind of favors you like, what kind of flavors you don't like, and somehow they make you a cocktail EXACTLY what you needed or wanted at the time. Â
We stayed for a couple rounds of drinks and not one of us received the same drink twice and they don't have names. Â This place has a great atmosphere making me feel like part of the Rat Pack.
I am pretty much a Cocktail snob. I had a good run in Chicago and was a regular at some fantastic mixology spots including the Violet Hour, the Bristol, the Whistler, and Scofflaw, and have to say that with all the hoopla over the flaming tiki drinks, I was thinking that I would find a relic of the Bryant's that people's parents went to when I was a kid growing up on Milwaukee's South Side. Bryant's for me was that quirky neighbor who made great grasshoppers every Christmas and let the kiddies try some (no Shirley Temples baby - this is Milwaukee).
So I went in here solo, and yes, the place is dark. It reminded me of the Goodfella's type bars I would go to in Trenton, NJ years ago. Hey fogettaboutit! It has a classic interior as other reviewers have pointed out. The McIntosh sound system is pretty freaking cool. These are as high-end as you can get. The music was very - gasp - Mad Men (in fact I think a play list they run is actually titled such).
Sitting at the bar I said, I wanted a real drink. I wanted no beach umbrellas or things on fire. My server was Emily who listened and - while they don't have a menu - got the wheels spinning on a drink she makes. I just said "Amaro, citrus, and Rye" and she came back with a great drink. All were booze forward, mixed and poured. I think I had four drinks that first night (thank goodness I live a few blocks away - yeah, I keep it real). My favorite drink is the Ray Gun which is Emily's signature drink. On a second visit, a buddy came in with me, and ordered a volcano - big tall glass, 151, and a flaming something on top. He couldn't help it. On the second round, I told Emily to make him a real drink! He runs a traveling bug show, so he showed his scorpions (which he had in his car) to a bunch of us out on the curb. Flaming drinks, scorpions, and Ray Guns? Yep. Order a Ray Gun.
Now, what can I saw about possible improvements. The one thing I have gotten used to is the array of crazy little jars of cocktail elixirs and extracts you see at say the Whistler or Scofflaw in Chicago. There is just something cool about a mixologist putting a single drop of some magical potion (curry nectar for example) on top of the drink before serving it. I am also a fan of strange sprigs of herbs, a branch or two here and there (lavender, rosemary, etc), and whatnot in my drinks. Just sayin.... Â
The bar can be a tight squeeze when it is busy. The back has a few cozy old school booths. Nice.
This is my favorite bar for cocktails in Milwaukee. Period. Set your ice cream on fire if you want. I will be drinking real drinks at the end of the bar baby!
This is where I write something that gets me flogged in a public square. If we had a public square that is. And there were floggings there. You know, human rights and such.
OG Milwaukeean, lover of booze and tradition, first time Bryant's visitor. Epic fail.
Dranks: Â These dudes bring the heat. 3 cocktails at Bryant's will put you in cab territory. Â I enjoyed the Whiskey River, the Milwaukee Manhattan and had the best Dark and Stormy I will ever drink. Â All 3 were stronger than hell. These bartenders, I like where their heads are at.
Speaking of the bartenders, I am positive that the guys behind the log here at Bryant's are the best in the world. They have a massive drink menu in their heads, their execution is perfect and they even know the history behind most if not all of their drinks. These are some baaaaaaad dudes.
Environs: So damn cool! Â The dim lighting, the vintage seating, mirrors all around. The thing I'm most envious of though is the McIntosh sound system. This is how Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell are supposed to sound, folks. So rich, so clean and none of the tinny high end you get from modern stereos. The thing is a work of art.
I suck. It took me 27 years, 6 days and roughly 7 hours to find one of the coolest bars on earth. Â Do it for yourself, do it for the hell of it, do it for the kids but just do it.
We drove right past Bryant's as it's in a residential area, in an old house. Be careful as you enter because the (extremely) low lighting adds to the mystery, but also your stumbling. Cozying up in a dark little booth made us feel like we were in a secret club, hidden away from everything outside. My sister and I were looking for dessert after dinner and took the waitress up on her suggestion of ice cream drinks. My rumchata float was delicious and fun; the perfect end to dinner.
We got braver with our next drinks. My sister's boyfriend ordered strangely specific drinks that he created and said they were fantastic. My sister asked for something boozy and lightly sweet. It certainly was strong! But also tasted great enough that she could keep sipping. I requested a citrusy, medium-strength drink and was delightfully pleased with a Classic Daiquiri. I don't remember the specifics of our last drinks, but that's because the bartenders gave in to our demands for more alcohol. I do remember them being just as tasty as the others, though. My husband joined us at the end and he refuses to drink cocktails, but we convinced him to try a Cucumber Collins that wasn't too sweet and he said it was quite good - a rave review from him.
We all loved the secretive atmosphere and their willingness to give into our silly demands, which is the fun of Bryant's. I have not stopped talking about it to everyone and am already planning to return there for my own fun and with out-of-town guests. The staff was so friendly and accommodating, the drinks were fun, and the whole experience has me thinking of excuses to return. I think that's a sign of a fantastic business.
When you hear the combination of "More than 450 cocktails available" and "No menu" you may start feeling a headache creeping up.
Your palms are getting wet, your heart is racing up, you look around the room in despair and then you identify the villain: performance anxiety.
I don't know that many drinks!!!!
What If I don't know what to order and start stuttering and make a fool of myself?
What if I order the wrong thing?
What if I screw up?!?
But one look at Bryant's is enough to calm all your fears down. It's homey - literally -, dark and forgiving, chill and set back in time. It smells like my husband's grandma's basement - in the most endearing way imaginable (think of a mix of strong booze and cigarette permeated in ceiling tiles and carpet) - and it looks like a fancy speakeasy graced by a soft, glowing orange light. Barmen wear ties and vests, the waitress, a long black dress. Music comes from an old record player.
Stress melts away.
And it's a good thing because you really HAVE to enjoy your time there. It's one of those precious places that you think of fondly on any given day. When you are there, you just bathe in timeless happiness. And to top it all, you drink to your heart desire...
For my first round, I wanted something with bourbon that was dessert-y and sweet, and received a wonderful glass of bourbon/caramel ice-cream concoction. It was so perfect that I couldn't stop sipping on it and it disappeared in record time to the dismay of my hips who keep me telling me to slow down. No regrets.
The second round was slightly less indulgent, and featured pineapple, something sweet, something sour and slightly fizzy.
I left a very happy, very relaxed gal.
It's perplexing to think of anything that hasn't already been said about Bryant's. My parents frequented the place in the 70's. The ambiance and decor has not changed since then. Head to Bryant's and step back into that era of low light, high class, and swank to the nines.
From the cozy booths to the comfortable bar seating or a table upstairs, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Â The warm lights and cool jazz lull me into a dream-like state and I forget about the world outside.
If you love cocktails and mystery, you're in for a treat. The staff take great care in crafting drinks you'll oooh and aaah about, then beg for more. I'll try anything they care to make for me, with any liquor. If it's not to my liking, which rarely happens, they'll try again. Even if you prefer straight forward drinks like Gin and Tonic or 7 and 7, they put in the same care and panache as they do when creating a complex cocktail.
My favorite cocktail with a name is the Mona Lisa. I've also had the Zombie, Mai Tai, Frank's Drink, E.T., Scotch Dragon, Sophia Loren, Navy Grog, Scarlett O'Hara, Sazerac, Rat Pack, Love and Happiness, Dr. Funk, and many, many unnamed creations.
They can even pour a dram or two of whisky for you or create a drink when only given a conjured up name. I brought a friend for their first visit and to showcase how creative and accommodating the staff is, requested a drink called Monkey Brains. Knowing that the great Michael Morton would have fun with it, we received a cocktail in a monkey head mug topped off with what appeared to be brains crafted out of crushed ice.
Emily Evans creates some staggeringly tasty Scotch cocktails as well as an award-winning Milwaukee Manhattan.
Jordan surprised me with a Laphroaig concoction that complimented the whisky without drowning the signature peaty quality.
Keep in mind this isn't a beer and shot place. It takes time to create perfectly balanced cocktails that may have eight ingredients.
Sure, it gets busy. If it is, you will wait, patiently, because it IS worth the wait. You're usually served a water right away, if you aren't, ask for one. Hydrate and reflect on what brought you to Bryant's. Enjoy your company. When your drink arrives, keep in mind the care and thought that went into creating it specifically for you.
Whether you're out for a night on the town or looking for a quiet place to enjoy a few drinks after work, Bryant's will take care of you.
Sorry to all you good reviewers. Â This is one CREEPY jin joint. Â I GET that it's so cool, different and old school. Â It's creepy place. Â The bartender was NOT happy to have another person come in. Â I think she said "Yes?". Â Â It sounded like "What do you want?
" Â And I do love lighting......usually. Â This place is Creepy Orange. Â The cash resister, the recessed lights, the wall sconces, the mini string lights wrapped around branches...all creepy orange. Â Like Halloween orange. Except the fish tank for entertainment. Â It glows green along with the stereo power meters also neon green.
EVERY other light in the place is orange. Â The drink was good but the bar keep said it was a secret mix. Â Fine. And she said little to nothing else. Â G-night all. Â Worth one visit for sure. Â But not again.
When was the last time you were in a bar that has a radio with knobs?
Love the old skool vibe of this bar. Â Dropped in for one drink while in town for work and chatted it up with the bartender about places to go and things to see in Milwaukee. Â Loved the Moscow Mule he mixed up for me, too. Â
Reminds me of a swanky cocktail lounge in my hometown. Â This is the way drinks should be served.
AWESOME! I loved this place! It was so much fun and different then the normal east side/downtown bars that I would usually frequent. The place is a little jarring, especially if your going for happy hour when its still light out, its almost completely dark in there and takes a little bit to adjust your eyes.
There small intimate tables skirting the area around the padded bar which are nice and cozy but I would definitely recommend sitting at the bar! There you get to see the bartender mix up there "secret recipe" drinks, unfortunately I did catch our bartenders name but he was awesome!
I guess Bryant's doesn't have a set drink menu but you give the bartender a few flavors that you like (exp: i liked vodka, honey, lemon, ginger) and they'll mix it all up for you into a wonderful drink! My mom described that she liked white liquor, not too sweet and a little spicy and got a martini rimmed with black pepper and a sweet lemony drink with a kick of Tabasco which tasted a lot better then it sounds ;D Â My boyfriend wanted an "adult" milk shake and wasn't disappointed in what he got. They do have some set drinks I guess but I only figured that out by pointing to one and asking "what's that???" it was called a "black magic" and it was delish! They wouldn't tell me exactly what was in it but did say it was a grape-y flavored vodka drink that tasted very much like a jolly rancher, I was hooked!
Even though these drinks sound very fruity and full of mixers they all have substantial amounts of alcohol in them, I was pretty intoxicated after my second drink and was ready sober up with a good meal! Our awesome bartender gave us a great recommendations of some new restaurants that had just opened close by and we were off. I will be coming back to this part of town often to frequent Bryant's and try and "stump" the bar keep :D
This place is AWESOME.
Tell the 'tender the kinds of alcohol you like and what flavor you're looking for, and he/she will whip you up something delicious.
They  make the best Brandy Old Fashioneds in Milwaukee and the rest of their "depression-era cocktails" (half-price during happy hour!) are just as amazing. Try a Moscow Mule with gin instead of vodka, or a "cucumber collins" on a hot day.  Ice cream drinks your thing? They do those, too. The decor is retro all the way and the bartenders and waitstaff are incredibly friendly.
Hello, Gorgeous! Â Wait, just let my eyes adjust. Â There we go. Â
It's been a minute since I have been out on the town. Â So, I was super stoked to try out Bryant's. Â Luckily, the rumors of very low lighting, velvet wallpaper and inventive cocktails, all came true. Â In the words of my friend, "this place is cookoo crazy!" Â But, in a good way.
We walked in and headed upstairs to the last available table. Â Score. Â We took some time to soak up the atmosphere and I was instantly reminded of a photo I have of my husband's family. Â It is circa 1940 and they are all lined up at the bar, drink in hand. Â If I closed my eyes, I could pretend we were there with them. Â A fun thought, but I had to quickly snap back to reality so I could prepare my drink order.
I typically stick to beer because, frankly, cocktails scare me.  I get nervous that they will be too strong or too sweet or too expensive.  Fortunately, Bryant's solved all that because you don't order from a set menu.  You simply tell the waitress the flavors and alcohols you like and they whip up something tasty.  In my case, I explained my love of grapefruit, champagne and sometimes vodka and out came a  tall glass of yum.  I wasn't able to get anyone to reveal the secret recipe, but they hit the nail on the head.  Mmm Mmm Good! Â
The cocktails were reasonably priced and I now know that this is absolutely the only way I will order a cocktail from now on. Â Keep up the good work, Bryant's.
Bryant's is Milwaukee's best corner bar to capture some nostalgia. They have also gone beyond the call of bar keeping and concocted libations that wars were fought over. However, they do things the Bryant's way, which might not jive with you. Â They do not muddle their Old-Fashions, they over-dairy their White Russians (despite requests not too), but they can also read your mind and find something that is down your alley.
You can't recreate what Bryant's delivers.
I always get a kick out of bringing my out of town friends to Bryant's. It's in the midst of a residential area, so when we pull up, those not in the know are looking around like..."Is Bryant a person we're going to visit?"
But once you get inside, the atmosphere takes your breath away. A definite "Ta da!" moment. There is a dimly lit, romantic, swanky Mad-Men feel to the place, and as you look around and see the marvelous concoctions being sipped by the other patrons, you get a little-kid-before-Christmas sense of anticipation.
You slide into the cushy barseats or cozy booths and order whatever your little heart desires. I've said everything from "I want a root beer float that gets me wasted." to "I hate gin. Make me love it." On the occasion that I challenged the bartender to make me love gin, we agreed that if I hated whatever he put in front of me, he would buy it. The drink that he came up with was an amazing blend of cucumber, honey, lemon, gin, and...I believe...soda water. It tasted like summertime. Not only did I wind up paying for that drink - but I wound up ordering another.
I have brought everyone from colleagues to family to close friends to Bryants, and usually have a great time. On one occasion, I brought my father - who admits to being a beer drinker simply because he never knows what to order when the bartender comes around. I told him we HAD to go to Bryant's...and they would help him find "his drink." After a friendly conversation with the bartender about his likes and dislikes, my dad ordered a bourbon manhattan on the rocks - and loved it. It was the perfect recommendation for him.
I took off one star for my last visit, when I think I got a new bartender. He was friendly enough, but I ordered an old favorite - the Golden Cadillac - and it came out wrrrrronnnggg. It was awful. My friends' drinks weren't quite up to par either. I can definitely forgive someone for being new, but part of the fun of Bryant's is the absolute mastery of the bartenders handcrafting your drink. And 90% of the time - that's what you get.
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