This is a fun and vibrant spot on MLK just south of North Avenue. They offer a food menu along with two fully stocked bars. They also have a covered outdoor patio in the winter (which is wide open in the warmer months). The music is very on brand and is pumping throughout the whole space. The Goonies was also playing on the TVs throughout the space. On the weekend, the party is downstairs with a DJ, a second bar, and even a small arcade in the back. If you haven't been yet and looking for a fun spot to meet up with friends, give this one a try! read more

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We had such a great time at Summer of 85. Not sure how this was thought of but it really is a great spot to hang out. The art work is crazy, but looks really cool. In the lower level there is a bar and arcade games as well as tables to hang out. We had a great encounter with Moe and Six as bartenders. We asked Moe what she recommended and then asked her to surprise us. She came through with "Purple Rain" and it did not disappoint. Then we asked Six go for the Karamel Chameleon and Ektoplasm and she did not disappointed either. They were both quick with their service and very nice. We also spoke to Kat at the bar on the main floor. I had asked how long to business had been open and the response was around two months. We got to try the Cat Fish Bites and Banana Foster's French Toast which were on point. I am not a big fish eating person, but the hubby is. Both were very good. We also ordered the Teenage Mutant Mozzarella Sticks and the Totcho Man Ranchy Savage which were both delicious as well. We all played 80's trivia which was a blast, made us really start thinking...lol. All around we had a great time! read more

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I had to check out Summer of '85! I missed the Yelp event but still wanted to experience it for myself. All the photos and videos I'd seen on socials made it look like a must visit spot. No complaints! Here are my thoughts: 1. Atmosphere I'd been to this same building years ago under different ownership, so walking in this time was a complete shock with the transformation. The décor, drinks, and overall vibe was very nostalgic. The visuals were everything! Summer of 85 truly transports you straight back to the '80s. It blends modern tech with retro flair for a fun experience. Each table had sleek wireless lamps instead of candles and built in outlets for phone charging. Neon colors and 80s inspired movie and music art covered the walls. Every detail nailed the theme. The venue has two levels of fun: downstairs brings a club like atmosphere with a DJ, dance floor, and games, while upstairs offers an elevated lounge feel. It's the perfect fusion allowing you to determine what type of vibe you'd like. 2. Security & Safety Security was on point from the moment we arrived, which made the environment feel safe and well managed. That alone set the tone for a comfortable night out for me and my husband. 3. Drinks The drink menu was creative. They even have sno cones. The cocktail names took me back, they tasted great, and the prices were very reasonable. Definitely worth coming back to explore more options! 4. Staff & Service Every staff member we encountered was kind and welcoming. We received genuine smiles from everyone, and both owners were present. They stopped by to chat with our group, which was such a nice personal touch. 5. Food We didn't order food this time, but we saw several dishes being served at the bar and everything looked delicious and well presented. We actually said we should've come here for dinner instead of the mediocre spot we visited earlier. We'll definitely be back to try the menu next time. 6. Bathroom The bathroom was spotless and modern, featuring touch free toilets and a touch activated mirror. The only small detail I noticed was a bit of water around the sink area which is expected with a steady flow of guests. TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION....yes, I'd absolutely go back! Summer of 85 is a vibe. It's stylish, nostalgic, and welcoming. I've included a few photos so you can see for yourself. I highly recommend checking them out! read more

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We had a fantastic time! The facility is spacious on both levels and also has a patio with swing seats. The booths are a nice touch. The bar on the main floor is big with plenty of seating. The mural just inside the door is pretty dope. The artwork in the lower level is quite impressive as well. Run DMC, Pac-Man images. Arcade games. Full bar, but smaller and more personal with seating. A dj area and several tables. The cat fish bites and banana foster's French toast were delicious as were the drinks Purple Rain, Ektoplasm and Karamel Chameleon. The Totcho Man Ranchy Savage and Teenage Mutant Mozzarella Sticks were served hot and tasty as well. Unique way of making the moz sticks and both sauces worked well with them. Very nice place and the staff is very nice as well. Thanks for hosting this event! read more

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Impressed with the bar and has great staff! Tried the loaded tots appetizer and it was really good. Love the 80's, great theme for a bar. Music was good (80's of course) and the decor fit perfectly. read more

Went to celebrate after our 40th Year Class Reunion and the Atmosphere was Fantastic the Aura the Decor' ~ very nice Bar and Lounge and restaurant. The Bartenders and the Owners were very nice engaging and hospitable. The DJ was jamming and gave us shout outs. The drinks were reasonably priced and frozen slushy alcoholic drinks could be purchased in the lower level which was also very spacious and has a dance floor and couches to lounge in. There was a nice outdoor patio very nice and luscious. My friend ordered the Tator Tots Supreme which were so delicious topped with a generous amount of cheese peppers sour cream. I enjoyed glasses of Moscato and there was security. Nice mature crowd. Located in Milwaukee's Bronzeville area. read more

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The decor is fun, and we spent the evening with another couple trying to identify some of the wall photos and other things. (We are not sure who the first guy is on the wall, but discussing him was fun.). The signature drinks were interesting, and we enjoyed Purple Rain (I like my drinks sweet) and Red Dawn for less sweetness. Both appeared to be light on liquor. (Good for me, the driver.) The catfish bites were delish, and as I have never had this before, it was a nice treat. The Banana French Toast was just the right amount of flavor and texture. This immediately told me the menu was wildly varied. And, each item is pretty basic but with lots of toppings; think curds, burgers, shrimp, chicken, nachos, poppers, and the like. Each dish that came out had great presentation, and by all accounts, everyone was happy with their food. We found street parking easily, but since I had never been here in the daylight ,I also felt the area was kinda sketchy, especially in the dark. I usually look for accessibility I didn't get the chance to look all around. If the only entry to the lower level is the full stairway, that could be a problem for anyone with mobility issues. read more

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This review is a little overdue because it gives me great sadness to give three stars. I am only reviewing one particular day. It was the last Drag brunch. I was so excited for the show. Made reservations, knew what I was going to wear etc... So here goes~the show was fun, not the best I've seen, but still fun. They do have a slightly small area to maneuver through, still entertaining. D.J. Was playing great tunes before and after. The service was iffy. Our server seemed a little lost at times. Our orders came out in stages, one plate at a time. This was not due to the cute food runner, she was working her best with the rest of the disjointed staff. The offerings were small and everything was a la cart. Brunch plates were just okay. No biggie, just saying. The beignets however, were amazing!!! The dapper gentleman who seemed to be a manager or host was great. When we were able to pay the server I said to my mate that it seemed a little off. When we got to the car, he handed me the copy he had requested. We were charged for every individual coffee he had. Not fancy coffee. Regular drip coffee from a dispenser. I still LOVE this place and the owners. This was for that one visit. read more

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What a thrill! Great staff and atmosphere. They have 2 full service bars (upstairs and downstairs), and a delicious full food menu. Their House cocktails are on tap, so the wait for a drink is minimal! The 80s retro game room has something for everyone. There's a beautiful patio during the warm months. Live music and DJs (mostly on the weekends). Your favorite 80s movies playing on big screen TVs, and the walls are filled with 80s nostalgia! A must see! read more

This spot has a good vibe it must have is the honey bourbon, barbecue wings, friendly staff great music everything is à la carte

The ambiance the food the drinks the staff all amazing!! Love this place very impressed! read more

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We came for a football game now that they open at noon and it was AMAZING! The environment is so groovy, the staff is so kind, and the food was absolutely to die for. This is definitely one of our favorite spots we've found in Milwaukee! read more

Drinks are pricey. Staff is okay bartenders could be better. Multiple bartenders and slow service..

Food was not the same from when they first opened. Fried food taste as if oil has not been changed often. Also food quality is not up to par. Decor is nice but no 80s vibes in there other than the DJs music choices. They seem very low staffed and wait time was too long for what they had to offer. Waitress was not attentive at all. They need Jon Taffer from Bar rescue asap! read more