*Keeping your glass filled and spirits high one Thursday at a time! We introduce The Squeaky Curd readers to Welcome to Thursdays, a local social group determined to make your Thursdays more fun. Each Wednesday we feature a fictitious history or dazzling explanation of a Milwaukee County bar that we gather at on Thursday evening – join us weekly!*
Greetings and Salutations my most honorable Thursdians,
After that final whistle blew and the Packers suffered their third loss in a row, my mood was not in the best place. Thankfully, I looked at the calendar and realized that I have Thursday to look forward to, when I join amazing people and explore all that this wonderful city has to offer. I feel that all of you should help me shake off that loss by coming out this Thursday for some back alley concoctions and libations.
This Thursday we travel to Bugsy’s Back Alley Speakeasy (218 N. Water Street), an establishment that thrives on continuing the traditions of the past. Not only are you greeted by a staff that plays the part, but you are also welcomed into a full menu of pre-prohibition cocktails. Falling into this time capsule, you will find yourself getting lost in the 1920s. The mood is exemplified by low-lighting and live music from an assortment of great, local musicians.
The Milwaukee establishments that once operated as speakeasys all had one thing in common: false operations that hid their true intent. Bugsy’s is no different, utilizing Gouda’s Italian Deli right out in front. However, this business is no joke my friends – Gouda’s offers some of the finest meats in Milwaukee. So hop on in and grab a sandwich if you are in the area! The Bugsy’s/Gouda’s establishment truly lives up to the old saying “all business up front, party in the back.”
Now I’m sure many are wondering how a bar gets a name like “Bugsy’s” – no it has nothing to do with a bunny. In fact, this establishment is actually named after the famous mobster who played a quintessential role in the building blocks of Las Vegas. Bugsy was also a major player in the bootlegging business out east. Now I’m sure Bugsy’s Back Alley doesn’t strive to follow all of Bugsy Siegel’s values, but one in particular was that Bugsy believed in the art of a good time, and that was all jeopardized in the 1920s with the implementation of the 18th Amendment. Let’s all get out this Thursday and raise a glass to freedom and good times! I look forward to seeing all of you.
The man Bugsy Siegel himself!
Cheers my friends!
Your Co-Founder,
Jeremy Blandin
Join us Thursday, November 17th at Bugsy’s Back Alley Speakeasy, located at 218 N. Water Street, Milwaukee (Third Ward) at 7:30pm. See the map below for how to enter, otherwise you’ll be eating sandwiches instead of drinking cocktails.
Bugsy’s has a unique entrance, thus we have provided a simplified map.