Camp Bar

Welcome to the taxidermied filled cabin of Shorewood. The theme of the place is cute and interesting...worth coming just to check the animals out...my favorite...the gophers and chipmunks with paddles on canoes by the bar :)

I say this place is a cool bar to have drinks and chill with friends. Had 2 rounds of drinks with my friend by the bar and was given popcorn to snack on. Bartender was really attentive and popcorn refills came quick! I had the Southern Belle (SoCo and peach bitters) and their own moscow mule, which I believe the only difference was ginger infused vodka (didn't taste the difference). Never thought I'd drink SoCo after college...but hey...why not? drinks were good...not a stiff as some other places, but not bad. Tasty for $8. Didn't try the food here so can't write on that. sorry guys!

Music varies...I think it's a great place to just go/see and hangout for fun.

Stopped here on Father's Day for a drink around noon. It was a strange time to go to a bar that doesn't serve brunch but we were still joined by about 5 others at the bar and 2 very friendly bartenders. I actually like the kitschy "north woods" decor with the wood paneling, taxidermy animals, and Christmas lights but still find a little irony in the fact that you are paying premium Milwaukee prices for drinks at a bar meant to look like one where you would pay a couple bucks. Nonetheless, we ordered some of their signature drinks like Captain and root beer and enjoyed them thoroughly.  The staff was very friendly and immediately greet you and give you a basket of popcorn. The only outdoor seating available is on the sidewalk but they have opened their addition- the Cabin. I'm sure we will be back again to watch a game on one of their many tv's or for trivia night.

In all fairness, I have to admit that I have only been to Camp Bar once. It served its purpose for me, but I left feeling a little bit cheap and college-y. Being from Wisconsin, we recognize authenticity in certain things like a outdoorsy, up-north theme. I can tell that the owners did spend a lot of time and money to make Camp Bar have a certain feel, but it seems contrived. (Maybe that's my issue - perhaps I've spent too much time in REAL towny bars.) A little toooo clean, maybe. I felt like I was in Shorewood in a bar with a theme.

The clientele was quite young - seemed like a lot of Marquette kids at the time I was there. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but there was a definite college vibe. There are TVs everywhere - which is usually something I avoid in a bar - but I could see it being a good spot to watch a Packers/Brewers game.

We also went there in search of their famed old-fashioned which was disappointing when comparing it to some of the others available in town. The beer selection was adequate and the prices were fair. They offer a small menu (pizzas, etc.)

It is worth stopping by. I am glad that Shorewood added something youthful to this particular stretch of Oakland.