True Score: 5 Star Dive Bar Best Decor in Milwaukee This was my favorite bar in Milwaukee. That's saying a lot in this city because old school character dive bars are abundant. You walk into Jamo's and you're immediately and entirely in Jamo's world, which is intimate and unpretentious and dimly lit and anachronistic. It's stuck out of time (it could be 1951 or 1983 or 2002, though the clocks on the wall will tell you it's always after 5) and place (a block from Brady Street, but nestled snugly into its neighborhood, disdainful of the nearby buzz), with its own people and practices, a distinct sense and style. Jamo's is an old corner tavern, the quintessential dive bar. It's the definition of a hidden gem. There are no gimmicks here - besides being cash-only, Jamo's also sells cigarettes, and a young dude comes in and buys a pack at one point - and no real aspirations to be anything more than a simple, straightforward, old-school neighborhood spot with good drinks and good conversation. And it is that. By far the best hidden gem in Milwaukee. A must stop if your visiting. Thanks read more

I've known Jamo's for years and spent time there in my younger and dirtier days. I'm older and cleaner now, but still enjoy an occasional buzz out on the town. Jamo's is the kind of place to lose yourself in. Steal a surreal moment and disappear into the looking glass of Jamo's. Patrons are friendly, the owner is a Milwaukee icon, and sometimes good looking people show up willing to converse. On the other side of the coin, Jamo's is a neighborhood bar with a heart, taking care of its regulars. I liked observing that after living with the Seattle freeze here in the Pacific Northwest. The bartender can be greedy if you're not a regular, so be careful with your cash, but that vigilance is part of getting that buzz on. Jamo's is Milwaukee noir. Cherish it. read more

Laid back. Cash only. Kick butt. All you need to know. Now get your end over there right now! read more

Great little neighborhood spot in Riverwest. Jamo's is exactly what you'd picture when you think of a dive bar. Laid back, lots of regulars, dark, small and hasn't been updated since the day it opened. All of those are excellent qualities in my mind! My absolute favorite thing is that they go all out with the holiday decorations. And by all out, I mean every square inch is covered with decorations. It's really exciting! read more

Great prices. Super friendly bartenders. Cash only. Beer tappers are okay. Cool decor. Very small. Townie! read more

Jamos is the only bar on the East Side that doesn't make me want to throw things at the douchebags and college kids that frequent the area. That is because they seem to stay away from here, which is a huge bonus for those of us who just want a place to have a non-fancy drink and go home. Jamos is small, dimly lit with lots of little christmas lights, a jackelope on the wall and carpeting on the floor. I love Patrick the bartender, who is friendly and attentive and will let your dog hang out, too. This place is a little of a throwback, and one that I hope never goes away to get replaced by another sad fast food joint or cheesy bar like the rest of the Brady Street establishments have. read more

Kitschy, laid-back, and cooler than the other side of the pillow. Seriously: I always explain this place to folks by first noting that it's like your one really cool uncle's basement were it 1978. Then, I note the wood-paneling on the walls, the big, shiny vinyl booths and the jackelope. A good spot if you're looking for: a bar to act as a great backdrop to great conversation with good friends. Nothing fancy, just the requisite drinks, something fun on the tube, and a gruff but lovable bartender. No plastic, no problem. [So long as you remember to bring cash.] read more

Once a year I bring my brother here and don't bring any cash (as he is one of those guys that carries a rubber-banded wad at all times in case the nations electronic money transfer system goes down). I just successfully completed year three last weekend (I get him back at other bars people!). Great bartender conversation & recommendations. Decent liquor & local draught/draft selection. Excellent cocktail preparation (enough "tion"'s in there for you people?!?). For some reason I just get a kick out of walking a house lined street and then stepping into a bar that very well could be one of those houses. Neighbor-hoody without the local clientele stigma (that just gave me the idea to make a hooded sweatshirt with the word "neighbor" on the front of it, copyright race!!!). Warning, I am also a person that doesn't have a problem leaving my Christmas tree and lights up all year round (even though I don't). Warm glowing lights in a dim room comfort me. A bar that I never feel "uhh, not Jamo's tonight". I always feel like stopping in for a mixer or 6. read more

It's dark but the door is open. It's bright but the bartender lowers the shade. You only have a few bucks but someone buys you one. You are sad and lonely but a really nice person talks to you. You get invited to a stranger's graduation party. You don't get a parking ticket. You lose your wallet and find it under your chair a long time later. It doesn't matter what time it is. You might be in your good neighbor's rec room. read more

Jamo's is the bar I hope to find at the end of the world, when I finally've had one too many. Everything I've ever wanted in a bar. That is: Bartender knows what a "salty dog" is. Lighting is dim, with Christmas light accents. You can sit in a booth. The wall art is someone's grandma's, borderline bizarre. Britpop-ish music, won't drown out conversation, but loud enough so yours doesn't carry over to the next table. Is that Delirium on tap? Once I ordered a glass of wine here, they just gave me half a bottle and my own glass. Interesting mix of patrons -- I can't quite pin down the clientele -- a place that keeps you guessing. read more

I'm a sucker for the dive bars and really dig this place after stumbling in one day on my walk home. Walking in the carpet on the floor may put you off yet that is all part of the strangeness that is Jamos. After you notice all the pictures of old sailors and mermaids you will notice the smaller bar (which is cash only too) where you can order your beer and a shot...just like the regulars. The place is very dimly lit with about 4 or 5 tables including a larger one in the back or you can belly up to the bar that seats around 10-12 people. The pace is a little slower at this place but is a great way to escape from the bars in the area. read more

As another reviewer pointed out, Jamo's doesn't take plastic. Walk your lazy butt half a block to an ATM. What's the big deal? Jamo's is what it is - a corner dive bar that serves good, stiff drinks. It's truly a "Cheers" atmosphere - everyone is friendly and chatty and knows everyone by name. The decor hasn't changed in probably 50 years which adds a kitsch element to the atmosphere that's priceless. This isn't a place for frou frou cocktails - stick with the classics: Manhattans, Old Fashioneds and martinis. read more

My choice for last bar at the end of the universe. Jamo's is the quintessential Milwaukee neighborhood bar. While the rest of The Brady St area has transformed over time, Jamo's is like a perfect little preserved slice of the past. I think it's the perfect place to take an out-of-towner to get a good idea of why people love Milwaukee-- blue collar patrons, a total lack of pretension and great beer. I love the mixed crowd here, all ages shapes & sizes. You won't find the normal Brady St crowd here, even though it's a block away. The wood paneling, fairy lights and mounted deer are reminiscent of your favorite uncle's basement. It's comfortable and homey and my favorite place to bring a few buds and shoot the shit. Whenever I move from this neighborhood, I will mourn my short walk to Jamo's more than anything. read more

I dig Jamo's. Big time. It's a very small, dimly lit (think Xmas lights) joint to just chill at. You can pony up or sit in one of the booths for some conversation or sports on tv. I liked that they still had good tunes on and not the sounds of the tv. Stopped in on a Friday night and it wasn't too crowded. Friendly bartender. CASH ONLY. read more

Jamo's - the entrance to the restaurant - Dive Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Um...dive bar with pool...I think not! There are super plush booths, and better than that there is a jackalope of some sort hanging on the wall...which is some sort of cross between two animals that couldn't really get it on that easily which live nowhere near milwaukee. In conclusion: F*#k yes! read more

I used to live in the area and must admit that this place is one of my favorites to visit when I come back into town. Impossible to stay for one so don't think you can just drop in and say hi. Yes, only cash is legal tender here. Just love the dark mellow atmosphere as well as the diatribe on the bathroom walls. Have the old fashion, it is art itself. read more

Bars like Jamo's don't exist in Chicago. The rec-room style paneling and outdated decor instantly create a familiar atmosphere, even if that familiarity is from MeTV re-runs of Laverne & Shirley. It's clean and cozy and there's painting of a 20 story Jesus blessing the UN Tower on the way to the bathroom. read more

It's a local watering hole, I guess you could consider it a dive bar. Unique booths look borrowed from an old diner or fast food joint. There is a weird but fun two-seater booth just kind of thrown in the middle, you'll see what I mean. The rest of the place is decorated like a rec-room from the 50's and 60's. A few arcade games. There is a huge plastic fish on the wall and other old school beer signs. You just want to play Gin Rummy with a brandy old fashioned at your side here. Good times to be had. read more

Okay, figured it out - no credit card keeps out the amateurs...great place to tie one on and hide out for a while. For serious enthusiasts only! read more

I stopped in here to have a meeting with a colleague on a Tuesday evening. Despite having the baseball game on the big tv, it was a very quiet little place. The bar tender was great and very friendly. The atmosphere is very East Side eclectic, which I enjoyed. I would definitely recommend it as a nice off-the-beaten-path kind of place. I imagine it gets busy on weekends, though, and resembles more of the kind of place that I don't enjoy -- but I won't say that as a fact. read more

Best bar in milwaukee!! Small, intimate and stiff drinks. Cool lodge atmosphere. Perfect when you are a bit older don't want to drink with armature college students who yell and stumble read more

Drinks are cheap and strong. Walking in looks like you've traveled back in time to the 1970s. This is everything you want from a Wisconsin dive bar. read more

Great bar if you wanna hide from the world for a minute. Small, straight out of 1967 and they have a classic search off vending machine.

I love this place. It's not often that I get back home but when I do I like to indulge in the dark, retro-clad ambience of Jamo's with whatever finery they have on tap. The crowd is usually the kind that detests the far-too-trendy and overpriced slop down the street. The music is fantastic and the prices unbeatable. Be warned though, if you don't want to step back in time or go to a place where the dress and company is casual...then steer clear. read more

One of my all-time favorite spots. Does anyone know the name of the vintage painting of the Tiki woman that is in the bar? I need to find a copy... read more

I would not go here. I've been to Jamos three times and have been disappointed each time. The bartenders were just flat rude. The bartenders seem to only have a friendly face to the local crowd. I would recommend going to another one of the ten bars within four blocks. I live in the neighborhood and it's one of those house bars that has some smell to it. I was there with a group of friends and we all decided to abandon any hope we had for the place. read more