Wolski’s Tavern

I don’t know why we came back after the first time. Or why we had such fond memories. Sure, we love a good dive bar. And sure, the fact that we were sent over for a free beer after doing the lakefront brewery tour didn’t hurt anything. But I am such a stickler for good service, which we absolutely did not receive. I chalked it up to not being a regular. But we both insisted on coming back during our next milwaukee trip. And I’m so glad we did. We finally got that «regulars» experience. The bartender (or maybe he was the barback) taught us about shooting dice (no, cheeseheads, the rest of the country does not participate in this weird, but awesome, ritual), we met and became fast friends with other regulars, and the owner bought us two shots (which he took with us) and gave us the typical wolski bumper sticker as well as a rarer one as well. Favorite bar in milwaukee, top five in the midwest.

Classic. Wolski’s is the oldest bar in Milwaukee or so I am told (I really don’t know if this is true). It’s true dive. Great popcorn (free and unlimited), free darts (steel tipped, do your own scoring so you can play whatever game you want), and pool. Beer is cheap, drinks are strong, they have shots of Chartreuse — which I’m not sure if this is a good thing or not, but they have it!
If you stay until close you will get one of the iconic «I Closed Wolksi’s» stickers. To close Wolkski’s is a challenge, that is why the stickers are so elusive.
Parking can be a challenge; if you park on Kane you can cut across the park, which we always seem to do when it is either raining or snowing.
Clientele is interesting… it is a cornucopia. College kids, college drop-​outs, anyone over 21 basically, old people, derby girls, East siders, everybody! It is one of the few bars I’ve been to that does not really have a demographic.
They do show Packer games (and other NFL teams, when it is not at the same time as the Packers), and other sporting events/​whatever is popular on tv. There is a jukebox. The sink for the men’s bathroom is outside the bathroom so you can see who washes their hands…
This would be an interesting place to take an out-​of-​towner who wants to see what a true Milwaukee bar experience is like. Keep on doing your thing, Wolski’s. We will keep coming back!

Absolute old school excellent service fine folks clean friendly neighborhood pub. Perfect area dive bar that is got a safe cozy setting. We only stopped in for a swift beer but I could see how the locals there revered the area. Threw a couple of darts and chatted up the people.

Any bar that has free self serve popcorn deserves my attention. Other reasons for the high rating is friendly service, cheap drinks, and free darts. Occupied by regulars, during the day and night. It’s sure to be a fun time at this dive bar. Make it to bar close, and you will be awarded with an «I closed Wolski’s Bar» sticker. I once found that sticker in Jamaica! That’s some loyalty right there!

Cheap drinks and friendly service. This is what a neighborhood bar should be.

A Milwaukee classic! Definitely a must if you’re visiting town, stay to bar close and you get an «I closed Wolskis» bumper sticker — then take it far and wide! I’ve seen them everywhere, even in Ireland! Always brings a smile to my face. Drinks are good and cheap, there is a minimum on cards though so bring cash. There is also free popcorn and darts.
All around good times to be had at Wolskis!

Any trip to Milwaukee I bring ‘em to Wolski’s. Finally met the owner Bernie on my last visit. So accommodating and conversational as if I’ve known him for years. Highly recommend this local Milwaukee «dive» bar to anyone who enjoys a cold pint, a friendly greeting from the staff and owner, and free popcorn!

We came here because at the end of the Lakefront Brewery tour you can exchange your tasting cup for a free pint glass which includes a coupon for a beer at an area bar. This was one of the offerings. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the brewery.
It was a Sunday afternoon post a Packers game and it was the perfect kind of crowded. Enough to be fun, empty enough to breathe.
Located right in the middle of a residential neighborhood, it has a cool every-​mans vibe.
A nice spot to grab one last beer after the Lakefront tour.

It’s a small place that’s easy to miss, but it’s a hidden gem. Their bloody marys are amazing. Came here because of the free beer coupon the Lakefront brewery tour gave us. Got the Lakefront IPA, the bloody and even got popcorn with it. Would definitely come back!

This is the ULTIMATE Milwaukee icon. Their campaign «I Closed Wolski’s» is known world-​wide and the epitome of «Midwestern Hospitality.» Looking for that true corner bar experience with a family of regulars and everyone knows your name? Cheers! Skip on down Pulaski to this hidden out of the way Milwaukee gem where chances are you’ll be greeted by Brew City’s greatest bartender, PJ. He’ll keep your whistle wet and make sure you’ve always got a fresh basket of popcorn for chompin’. The international flags hanging from the ceiling show you the reaches of the world it’s visitors hail from. Take a moment to peruse the gallery of photos, notes, awards and other nostalgia lining the walls. Play a game of darts or purchase some Wolski’s merchandise including bowling shirts, panties or zip up hoodies. Sneak a smoke out on the new outdoor patio or cozy up to the brass bar looking over the 100 year old bronze cash register. If you go to just one bar in Milwaukee, make sure this is the one.

Definitely a dive bar but that’s what makes it so great! Walking past with the lights off you would have no idea that this is one of Milwaukee’s oldest and most treasured bars! I had heard since I moved here that you have to close Wolski’s… I mean what other bar gives you a sticker for trucking through to closing time? The staff was friendly and helpful, there was a pretty good crowd, free darts, free popcorn, what else could you want?

I don’t understand the hype. I’d seen so many «I Closed Wolski’s» bumper stickers on cars, and made a point to go there when I came of age (in 2003… But I doubt much has changed there). It was an odd mix of old men and people in their early twenties. It’s a dive bar buried on a quiet residential street (which is kind of desolate and creepy at night) a couple blocks north of Brady St.
Two stars, but bumping up to three because their advertising is clever (after all, it got my bar snob self to stop in for a drink) and because as far as dive bars go, it’s alright.
I went relatively early in the evening, and only stayed for one drink. Maybe something special happens at closing time? You (and I) are part of the mystery.

Free popcorn, free darts, and free stickers! Finally a dive bar that stands out from the rest! From now on when I go out, I’ll only want to end my evenings here!

Every true Milwaukeean has closed Wolski’s at least once, and got the sticker for it. The bar itself is a reward for finding it, as it’s a bit out of the way. Went here last week after decades of absence, and it hasn’t really changed. It was sorta sleepy on this Saturday but still welcomed us like an old friend.

Mostly 30 – 50 year olds here. One of the better ‘dive’ bars in the country. Popcorn. International flags on the ceiling. Friendly service. Cheap with great pours. Definitely a local vibe. Unassuming location just off the bustle of Brady street. Humble selection of spirits. This is a place for neighbors to relax, no frills.

One bartender made the wait for drinks longer than necessary at 10pm on a Saturday night and the fifteen dollar credit card minimum seems high. However, the playlist while we were there was spot on. I will visit again, preferably later in the night for a true Wolski’s experience.

If you like a great dive bar…
This is going to make you quite happy. In my previous life as an Eastsider, we loved frequenting Wolski’s, either for an afternoon booze-​fest or a late-​night beer. It’s not a fancy cocktail-​slinging establishment (Finks is right around the corner), but the friendly bartenders will do their best to have you nice & inebriated if that is your goal.
Free popcorn (MY FAVE), free darts, free ‘I Closed Wolski’s’ matchbooks, and of course, those coveted bumper stickers if you manage to hold yourself upright on your barstool until closing time.
It does tend to get busy later in the evening, especially around closing time (gotta get those bumper stickers) & the weekends. Not a lot of seating, so be prepared to stand.
For warmer months there is a gorgeous fenced-​in, private back patio. Definitely a must-​try Milwaukee bar, & your pup can come in, too.

Cheap drinks, chill group, fun place to throw some darts. I’ve been here twice now and both times a great time.

Descriptive phrase: the legendary neighborhood bar.
Wolski’s Tavern is what every neighborhood bar probably was, and should be now. Friendly, a bit dark, free (real) darts, pool, outdoor seating, good drinks, worn and aged and loved. Close it, of course.

A champion of darts… I am not.
A Milwaukee institution? Wolski’s *is* most certainly that.
Wolski’s is a real deal dive bar; no doubt those «I Closed Wolski’s» bumper stickers have become akin in both notoriety and ubiquitousness to that whole «Wall Drug» thing.
DID YOU KNOW: If you’re the last, last last last last person in the bar you’ll get a SPECIAL red «I Closed Wolski’s» sticker? I don’t have one, but I’m going to get one. Someday.
Cheap beer, stiff drinks, good tunes, tons of dartboards, perfectly dingy (uh… maybe a little more than I’d like, but hey, they *are* a dive), and friendly neighborhood folks make for this MKE dive bar that’s been around for ages one for the ages when it comes to what makes Milwaukee famous. Four big stars, Wolski’s!