Monica's on Astor

I went in to Monica's to end a date night with the hubby, and it felt like I had taken a step back in time as I decended into the bar.  I was back in my grandma's basement, even with the crackling fireplace (although, her's was the fake flame behind the plastic wood variety).  I loved the ambience, especially since the fireplace at this bar was REAL! Warming drink of coffee-flavored liquor and a warming fire.  Throw in some Trivial Pursuit and my love, and I cannot understand what took me so long to get here.  Perfect nightcap with friends or a date.  It is just that kind of place.  The bartenders feel like your neighbor with friendly coversations about sports and weather.  The cliche topics don't feel forced or superficial.  The friendliness abounds, and you soon feel quite at home.  I would like to see myself ending other nights here, and maybe next time will include a game of Stratego. Nostalgia.

Monica's is a great neighborhood place. It is located in a cozy basement with games to play and a good atmosphere for conversation. During the good weather months, you can sit out in the sidewalk tables and chairs.

I was recommended to try this place by the Great Lakes Distillery folks who said that it was a great place to go that had all their products. They do not however carry GLD and after a few requests I have realized that they will not be stocking them.

Still a great place to check out.

I have walked past Monica's no less than ten times during my 3+ years living in Milwaukee. I am ashamed to say it took me this long to set foot inside.

You enter after several steps down and turn to the left, where you're immediately greeted by a nearly 360-degree bar (though shaped more like a parallelogram than a circle) and a chalkboard with the drink specials of the day. A quick walk around Monica's reveals low lighting, comfortable spots, a fireplace, pool table, and of course, plenty of board games.

Belly up to the bar and enjoy a $2 beer while you talk shop with friends (or the friendly bartender). Watch a game on the glorious flat screen -- which somehow does not subtract from the ambiance of Monica's. Play bar dice or a board game -- heck, bring a deck of cards and sit by the fireplace. I may just do that tonight!

I intend to return very soon, and with the fireplace here, this could be a regular winter evening hangout for me. Monica's is a hidden gem and I remain ashamed it took this long for me to check it out.