Le Tigre Lounge

Fun fact: all of the tiger decor is DONATED!

My husband and I have been wanting to go here for a long time, mostly because of the camp factor. It seemed really cheesy and fun. Turns out, it is AMAZING. Here is the low-down of why I love this place.

Atmosphere - Outside of the very obvious and corny tiger decor, this is the kind of place you could come to in a cocktail dress or jeans and a t-shirt and fit in (I know because we saw that exact combination while we were there). If you stay for more than a few drinks, you might forget where you are or what time of day it is because it is quite dark inside. Other than than, it is a standard townie bar dressed to the nines, complete with obligatory free, stale popcorn. There is ample parking, but you might not want to drive (see Drinks)

Drinks - I got a Tom Collins. My husband got a Manhattan. These are the types of drinks you should order at this place. They make a fabulous, no frills, strong mixed drink. As it should be. This is Wisconsin, after all.

Staff - I've only ever been there when a younger man was bartending, but he was fabulous. He was chatty and friendly without being annoying. And he had a sense of humor about his white shirt and bow tie.

Take home - Le Tigre is not only special because of it's camp and decor. It is fabulous because they put some crimson lipsick on tired, old hole in the wall and made her look like Scarlet Johansson.

I am a fan because of the very cool girls that were happy to see two gay boys from San Francisco.

I also like the juke box .

The Tiger decor....very well hoarded.

The plastic seats outside to have a smoke. I do not even smoke but just wanted to talk to the cool girl.

JUST TO BE HONEST.  I HAVE GIVEN THIS PLACE A HIGH RATING BECAUSE OF THE GIRLS...AND THE TACKY TIGERS...AND THE JUKE BOX, HOWEVER, MY MAIN REASON IS....

Melinda told us that she and her Husband spent a wonderful, magical winter evening there dancing to Frank. I knew I had to see this place.

Let's. Get. Weird.

This wasn't my first time here. And it won't be my last. The first time I was brought here, I had no idea what to expect. Now, anytime I take someone here I have to be super selective.

Why?

Because Le Tigre is one of those places you either "get" or you don't. It is as simple as that. Le Tigre Lounge is the type of place you go to when you want to sit, casually have a drink and have a conversation. Or people watch. Or rather, tiger watch. I brought someone here hoping they were going to "get it" (which, phew, they did), and we ended up being silent a good portion of the time. Why? Because even though this place is dark inside, it doesn't mean you see any less. Floor to ceiling with, yep, you guessed it, tiger inspired decor.

This is not the bar to go to tie one on. A jukebox plays records. Beers are incredibly cold. There is a popcorn machine in the corner and the entire place is carpeted with tiger print. This is the place to go to for something to talk about for the remainder of the night. So go. Have a drink or two. But don't walk into here thinking you're in for a wild ride.

Don't be put off by its locale. Sure, it might be next to an old hardward store and an abandonded taco joint (long live La Guatalajence), but that doesn't (nor should it) detract from the glory of this hole-in-the-wall.

Sit. Sip. Silently be amazed.