Bryant's is a must for anyone in the MKE area or traveling through. It is a fun experience as their "menu" involves telling staff your drink preferences and them building off of that to mix you a drink that aligns with your liking versus a standard menu. If you're planning to stop by, get there early if you can. Wait can be long as space is limited and Bryant's is popular. read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Drinks - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Management is a complete joke. If you try to make a reservation here and have any type of question, like we did, the manager (Morton) WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES respond to you. You can email, you can call...do not plan on a response. The sweet people that answer the phone do their best to answer questions but ultimately they keep referring you to Morton, because he was the only one that could answer, and he refuses to respond. This really caused a lot of undue stress around booking an employee party. Hire better management. This is the worst customer service we've had in the entire Milwaukee area. After all of that...The ambiance is cool, the servers are friendly, and the drinks are good. read more

Bryant's ambiance is unmatched!! Super dim and cozy lighting, the place itself is decorated beautifully and really gives a vintage old timey vibe. Our waitress was great, at first she was just trying to get a feel for the kind of drinks we liked but the very first one she gave us, with tamarind and spice, was wayyy too much for us. We then played it safe after with espresso martinis which were more on creamy side which was a first for me but still good and then we tried the Candlelight and Black Magic which were both sweet. Overall was a fun first time experience read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The ambiance is really dark and feels so cozy. The service was fast but I wish they went into more details about how the drinks would actually work. I told them the flavors I like but they didn't ask me what texture I would like because I got my drink in slushy form which I don't like. be very specific about your likes and dislikes and I think it will be a great experience read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bryant's is such a unique place! When you walk in it feels like you have entered a different decade with the old decor and dim lights. It was my first time there and our server was great at explaining how things work. He said they have over 500 recipes and if you explain what you're in the mood for, then they will find the right drink for you. I asked for something with cucumber and he explained to me a drink called "the push-up." It was so delicious that I had to order two! I also asked if they could do a pickle martini, but unfortunately they don't have pickle brine, so they aren't able to make that drink at this time. I'm hoping next time I come back it will be added to their recipe book! read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Perfect night out with friends having affordable drinks from cocktails, mocktails, shakes, frozen drinks, even drinks that can light up on fire. I enjoyed this ambiance that's golden theirs stairs has lights too for the upstairs lounge and the service people were very friendly. My favorite go to to either straight the night or end the night with! read more

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Show me another bar without a menu. Telll the amazing bartenders what you're into and they're make it - fresh from scratch! The ambiance brings me back to my grandpas basement, such retro 90s feel. Amazing! read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Old fashioneds - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Great old school atmosphere. Was the driver for the evening and asked for a N/A Cosmo and it was surprisingly delicious. The rest of the group loved their drinks as well. read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - N/A Cosmopolitan - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I love Bryant's and I love the neighborhood that it's in. It's a Southside staple that has weathered the changing neighborhood. It's one of those cozy, old school cocktail lounges where the servers and mixologists dress up. The interior feels like you stepped back in time in the best way. There are no menus--only attentive mixologists who listen to what you typically like/want and create something specific and tailored to you. They'll ensure you enjoy it too, or they'll mix you up something else. Bryant's is a Milwaukee staple that should not be ignored. If you haven't to Bryant's, you're missing out on the best of Milwaukee. read more

Need a vibey spot but not really sure what you want to drink tonight? This place has got you covered! Known for not having a menu (among other really cool facts), your server will take note of what you like/dislike and will bring you one of their many drinks that they've created in house! This place is one of the coolest spots I've been to in MKE and will not disappoint! read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Candlelight - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

It only took me 53 years to finally visit Bryant's and what an amazing space. With a dark, cozy and retro interior, this is what a cocktail lounge needs to be. No standing at the bar-a host will seat you or you will be waiting for an open table. No menu, just 600 cocktails the bartenders can make for you. Be wise-no ice cream drinks and no Bloody Mary's. Don't know what you are thirsty for? That's fine-just tell your server or the bartender what you like and soon you will have a cocktail in front of you. Just a classic. Never change Bryant's-you don't need to. read more

This was a very cool and Vibey Location! Pretty cool idea, you don't get a list of cocktails to choose from. Instead, you let the bartenders know what kind of drink you like, and they make it for you. This would be a great date night spot. It was a lot of fun! I love my drink! read more

When my goddaughter is in town from Cali for the holidays, it is a time to celebrate. Bryant's was the perfect place for a nightcap to end a wonderful evening with my favorite people. The vibe was very JAZZ - dark, old school booths, small tables. This isn't the place for a big group. We actually had to split our large group into two tables. No worries, we were just happy to be there! Our server, super bubbly (I think her name was Elise?) told us the bartenders know how to make over 200 cocktails. I don't even know if I know 10! I asked her to surprise me... And whatever I had - was a wonderful surprise. Others in our group had old fashioneds (of course), martinis, and grasshoppers (a minty dessert like drink). Overall, we were really happy we stopped by. I definitely plan on returning with my man for date night. read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Nightcap! - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bryant's is known for being the longest standing bar in Milwaukee area. When entering, you are immediately taken back in time to a moody/vibey, dark bar atmosphere with hints of old school design aesthetics. The concept of the bar is to explain to the server what type of cocktail you are in the mood for and they will "custom" make you something off their 600+ drink rolodex. They have a small cocktail list to show off some of their more commonly liked drinks, but they can pivot to almost anything you'd like. Our first round, almost all of us went the custom route. I did a vodka drink requesting a floral route and bright tasting. Rather than rose, lavender, or chamomile like I suggested, he went hibiscus with a champagne float. While the drink was delicious, it ended up being tart and not truly floral like I wanted. Everyone's else drinks were great! The Cafe Arlene was a tad sweet but was the description of a mix of espresso martini and white russian. My fiancé's drink was the best in actually mixing gin and citrus notes nicely. The second round, I tried their Classic Old Fashioned but was interested to hear it was made with Evan Williams bourbon. Someone also for their take on a "long drink" which was also tasty! Overall, this was an extremely cool spot! The prices were very fair for specialty cocktails. The concept is very unique to anything I've been to! It also made me realize that your experience will only be as good as what the server chooses for you as a drink based on their interpretation of your description. read more

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Drinks were exceptional! Service was great! Atmosphere very authentic! Love love love this spot! Wish we had one of these back at home (Florida)! read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - First round of drinks gone! - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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They are so sweet here. And smart! Gave us the best cocktails for us. Can't wait to go back and brings pals.

This is a must visit in Milwaukee! The drinks are great! The service is excellent! They don't have a set menu so the servers ask you what type of alcohol and flavors you're drinking, and then come up with a drink! It's a great time! read more

Bryant's is known for not having a menu to look at: Instead, you chat with the bartender and server and tell them what you like and what you're in the mood for, and then they surprise you with a cocktail. The vibe in Bryant's is very dark and moody, which makes it a fun date night spot! I recently visited during December, when they serve a few holiday cocktails including the famous Tom and Jerry. When you order the drink, they give you a ticket to go upstairs to the Tom and Jerry room, where a tiny bar is set up just for this one cocktail. The bartender was incredibly friendly, and we ended up chatting with him for a long time. The drink itself was kind of like hot eggnog. They put a scoop of batter in the bottom of your mug and top with hot brandy and rum and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Absolutely delicious, even if you don't like eggnog (like me!). Put Bryant's on your list of Christmas activity to-do's for next year! read more

Wait to get in. Full of douche bags. No menu. At Random much better for service l and atmosphere.

tl;dr - Cocktails done right. It's everything you can want in a cocktail lounge and the PERFECT spot for a special date night. The ambience is off the charts - perfect low lighting, jazz music and velvet. The staff is always really well put together and the place is chic. The cocktails are always created custom for you, as they have no regular menu. You tell them what spirits you tend to like and a couple of other flavors and they will whip something up for you! Bryant's is also very well known for its boozy ice cream drinks. It is ALSO known (with special exception to the "no menu list") for its special holiday drinks (during Christmas time that place is LIT) because everyone goes for the holiday punch and the warm, creamy Tom & Jerry - which tastes a bit like boozy, spiced custard and it made via a special little room (a drink AND a show.) You will have a hard time getting in unless you go there are a "non-typical" time frame for a cocktail, but it's always well worth the wait if you do. 10/10 will always come back unless something drastic happens. read more

What can I say but wow! This place is easily an alcoholics dream. They have mastered what they call "conversational bartending" where rather than choosing cocktails from a menu, they gather information about your favorite spirit(s), flavor profiles, etc. and build a cocktail to your taste from their list of 1,000+ custom drinks. The interior is dark yet comfortable, and the service is top-notch. Do not expect to get the full experience if you're just ordering a standard cocktail or straight shots, waste of your own time and money. read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Cocktails - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I've always wanted to try a bar like Bryant's! There is no menu here - this is the kind of place where you tell the bartender what kind of alcohol you like and what mood you're in, and they craft the drink of your dreams. The entrance is subtle and looks like you're stepping into someone's house, but inside you're met with a beautifully classy speakeasy setting illuminated by a gentle red glow. There aren't any bad seats. If you're hanging out at the bar, you get to watch the artists at work in front of a beautiful aquarium, and if you're at a table, you get to feel secluded and private, which makes Bryant's perfect for intimate date nights. My partner and I each got 2 different drinks and thoroughly enjoyed all 4. They all came with fun names that the bartenders have made up over the years. My first one was a sweet blended whiskey base they called The Czar, and for my second one, I asked to make it smokey, and to make me feel like a secret agent. I got a drink resembling an old-fashioned infused with an entire campfire. At the next table over, I saw one drink come out on fire. The service was prompt and professional, and the bartenders look like they're having a great time. If you're in Milwaukee, make a point to spend an evening trying something new at Bryant's. read more

We made a pilgrimage to Bryant's when we visited Milwaukee recently. The oldest continuously operating cocktail lounge is a truly old-school lounge in a house in an old residential neighborhood outside of downtown Milwaukee. There is no menu. They have a library of 650 cocktails. The bartenders ask a few questions about what you like and then expertly make you something you'll enjoy. We went pre-dinner and wished we'd allowed more time to try a few more tipples. So glad we went and got to experience this amazing cocktail bar! read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I've never been to a bar without a menu, but this was such a cool experience. You tell the bartenders what kind of drink you like/want and they will create a concoction for you! Love their ice cream drinks! Very classy and dark ambience. It's a pretty small place so not the best option for larger groups. read more

Wonderful ambiance and drinks at a historic venue. Lovely staff and highly skilled bartenders, a must try for anyone wanting to test Milwaukees lounge scene! read more

We LOVED it!!! Taking a step back in time was wonderful! Real bartenders and stellar guest service. What would make it better. NO cell phones. I can't wait to try more drinks! My brandy alexander was terrific. Also loves the ambiance! read more

The cocktail lounge has a super sexy ambiance. They can make over 600 drinks. The waitress was super accommodating to our likes and dislikes. Definitely a date night must try ! read more

Prepare to be transported back in time to a place where life seemed less regulated and more laid back. This is a dark cozy room with a long bar and a fish tank for decoration. You can belly up if you want. You can also grab a booth, which is a little more privileged and private. There, you can be seen, but not too seen, if you catch my drift. You'll have to arrive early, though, because they fill up quickly. The bar boasts that they serve 439 different cocktails. They can mix ice cream cocktails, tiki-inspired cocktails, classic cocktails, pre-prohibition cocktails and more. There's no wrong answer. The best drink is your favorite drink. A well dressed and well mannered mixologist is happy to help if you have any questions. I wanted to drink like a local, so I ordered a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, which is mixed with brandy instead of bourbon or whiskey. It was smooth, went down well and left me a little lighter. My Ukrainian grandmother would have approved. Classic and enduring. Bryant's is distinctly Milwaukee. read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - This is a Wisconsin Old Fashioned. - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Such a gem of a place. We came by after dinner and only had to wait a little bit since we didn't mind sitting at the bar. I would totally recommend sitting at the bar even if you aren't just trying to get seated quickly because you get to see the amazing mixologists at work. One of a kind cocktail lounge which transports you to another time and place. The staff is very nice and knowledgeable, I truly don't know how they do it. This is a MUST try place. You just tell them what you're in the mood for and the spirits/tastes you like and they whip up something special. We would recommend their "Mexican Water Lily" if you're a tequila fan. Low lit, romantic spot perfect for a date night. Velvet walls, old sound system, cool furniture, what's not to love! HIGHLY recommend this place. read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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This was my first time here. When you walk up it doesn't seem Like much from the outside but the inside you are taken to another time period. This is a long running staple in Milwaukee. When you enter you are greeted by a doorman that will Seat you. Inside is cozy , dim , and relaxing . Definitely great for pre drinks with the ladies , friends, but definitely even better for a romantic intimate night. This is an inclusive space , everyone will feel Welcome.They do not serve food or offer drink menus . You can tell your bartender what you like and they create magic. I definitely will return again. 10/10 I recommend read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Franks Drink ! - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

After dinner at a nearby restaurant, my daughter suggested stopping here for an after dinner cocktail. 85 year old establishment, converted home. Dark lighting, old school speak easy cocktail lounge. No menu, just a server with an encyclopedic knowledge of over 700 specialty cocktails of the house. Told her what each of us liked or were interested in and she came up with the perfect drink for each of us. Fun experience. Sit by the bar with music or upstairs where it's a little quieter for conversation. Very enjoyable experience! read more

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A must visit for cocktail lovers in Milwaukee, cozy seating in a dimly lit bar make for a perfect night on a cold winter day, or a great primer before a concert in the summer. Endless varieties of drinks, ordering based on flavors you're looking for or enjoy is encouraged and makes for a fun and discovery filled visit. Waiters are always kind and have top notch recommendations. read more

Campy. Vibey. We went during Xmas time so it's hard to say what made it better the velvet wall paper, the feeling you were transported into your Great Aunt's living room, or the traditional cocktails. We got the grasshoppers since that was allegedly a drink invented in Milwaukee. The drinks were delicious and luscious. Service and ambiance were top notch. Worth the wait and the money for the experience. read more

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This place is always fun, though going back after COVID, it has changed. I almost wanted to give 4 stars, but my past experiences have been so good! The bartender was a little less personal than when I have been there previously. This place is a great place to take visitors and a great spot to hang out, the bartenders are fun and help come up with a unique drink for your preferences. This is not the place to go if you know what you want to drink! Normally, the bartenders ask you the questions to get your drinks in a casual way, this time it felt ver methodical and Che king the boxes. I told the bartender what I liked, he came up with it and just put the drink down and walked away. I was expecting a drink name or what I am drinking. I didn't have as great of a time as usual. It was fun to get then Tom and Jerry drink special with a mug to take home! They make their batter in house, and it's better than any store bought one I have had. I will be back, love the creativity of the bar just home it feels a little more authentic next time. read more

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I love the ambiance of Bryant's. It feels like you've stepped into a time capsule and landed in a 1920's speakeasy. The lighting is sexy and warm and the decor is vintage and fun. Bryant's is the first place I take visitors when they come to Milwaukee because of its unique environment and fun concept of handcrafted, conversationally ordered cocktails. The waitstaff is incredibly knowledgeable about mixology and allow you to describe the types of drinks and flavors you like then make you the "perfect" cocktail for your taste. I'll be back this weekend, lol! read more

We love Bryant's! I come here every holiday season with my friends. Tips: Get there when they open so you don't have to wait for a table. No parking lot but plenty of street parking. We have continued the tradition from our parents. Their drinks are handcrafted by caring bartenders who make you something unique based on your favorite flavors. If you are not feeling adventurous, you can never go wrong with an old fashioned, holiday punch, Jack Frost, an ice cream drink, or a brain buster. So glad to have this gem in Milwaukee. The history, decorations, and overall vibe is everything you need to get into the holiday spirit. Enjoy! read more

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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This was my first experience at Bryant's, and I can't wait to go back. Our bartend was amazing and really strived to get a drink we would like. Since there is no menu, she took time to ask enough question, but not too many, to get an idea of what type of drink to craft for us. I highly reccomend going for a romantic date night or a nice nightcap after dinner. read more

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Vampires and low light lovers, this is your spot! The ambiance at Bryant's never disappoints with the mood lighting and soft music you don't have to shout over. The booths are super comfy and give enough privacy despite being pretty packed in. The bar turns 100 this year and they have 3 specialty punches to celebrate. We tried the hercule punch which was delicious! They have a great happy hour on weeknights from 5-8 of $5 old fashions. They say they can make over 650 cocktails and I ended my time here with one of the best mojitos I've ever had! read more

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Wow!! What a treat and a great way to end a day trip to Milwaukee. This place has a great, dimly lit ambiance and is located inside what seems to be an assuming house on the block. Bryant's is home of the pink squirrel and I would definitely come back here to order it again. The bartenders are super friendly and both they and several other customers were chatty and sociable. Would highly recommend this place to others looking for an unpretentious, laid-back space to relax and have a well-made drink or two. read more

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If you are a cocktail loving person or need ideas of where to take someone who is, this is your spot. They will be impressed. The building is so unassuming from the outside, but as soon as you step inside, it is a beautifully decorated bar. Leather seats, old fashioned registers and stereos, and staff dressed to match. It's like being transported back in time. The bartenders will ask you to describe the types of liquor/drinks you like and will come up with a drink for you based on that. Great way to try new drinks while staying within the realm of ingredients you know you'll enjoy. The staff is very courteous and does a great job of asking follow up questions to make your drink is something you'll like. Great experience and great drinks! read more