Wolski's Tavern

Wolski’s is Milwaukee Dive Bar royalty. Those “I closed Wolski’s” bumper stickers are part of the mythos here. Think clean dive, friendly and lovingly varnished, all in a hard to find house in a residential neighborhood ( use google to walk you in.) Bucket list bar for sure. Hamm’s on tap for the win.

I had a great time here. I love the old school dart boards and the outdoor sitting area. Everyone inside was lovely, I definitely recommend stopping here while you're in the Milwaukee area.

We we’re in Milwaukee for 2 nights and ended up in Wolski’s twice. Great dive bar en great vibe. Loved the drinks and fresh popcorn. Been there, Done that, got the sticker!

Was there this past Thursday 7/10 and the bartender was very arrogant and should not be in the service industry. He was a middle aged guy, dark hair, and glasses, wore some kind of apron. Just overall very rude and did not make customers feel welcome. It wasn’t that busy in the bar and I had to ask for a drink 3 times before I was finally served and he acted like it was an inconvenience that I asked for a drink. It can be a fun bar, I like all the dart boards and the divey atmosphere. Just wish there was better service.

Came here as part of a Brady Street Food Tour. It was Saturday afternoon and the placed was packed. A another large group came here as part of a wedding. It's a nice place. We ended up on the patio.

Wolski’s Tavern Est. 1908 Layout/atmosphere *Two TVs; dart boards; pool table; various country flags on ceiling Food/drink *No food menu *Popcorn machine

Wolski's is a great Milwaukee bar. I recently moved to the suburbs after living on the lower east side of Milwaukee for many years. This bar is one of the main things I will miss as I obviously won't be frequenting as much now that I am no longer in the neighborhood. Wolski's has a great staff that is very experienced. It is family owned so they have family working there plus loyal servers who have worked there for many years. I always got treated well there and it is always a safe and fun vibe unlike many of the nearby Brady St bars that have gone downhill in recent years in my opinion. Plus, you get free popcorn and they play good music that I enjoy(mostly rock and alternative). The crowd there is somewhat diverse as you get many neighborhood locals and regulars plus people stopping in from out of town because of the "bumperstickers" they are famous for. The age ranges from 20 somethings to 40 somethings and it is usually a good mix of people and males and females especially on the weekends. Obviously the later you go on weekend nights the crowd starts to skew a lot younger. The bar is nothing fancy just a few pool tables and dartboards and an outdoor patio for the summer. The bottom line is Wolski's is just a great local bar and I definitely recommend it for locals or anybody visiting the city from out of town. It is a Milwaukee institution.

Stopped by, Early and had a Cold one. The Bartender was Very friendly gave us the low down of the history and neighborhood. Definitely stopping back. If they served food,we wudda stayed longer

PJ is the fkn dudeeeee!!! Really knows how to make out of townies feel like regs. We love a good dive bar!!! we will be true regulars soon enough. Free popcorn and darts!!! Hell yaaaassss

A man- who I think is the owner? - turned away my fiancé, sister, brother in law, and I tonight because we all have Texas ID's. I kinda get it because he said "too many fakes" and we look young, but he added on "yeah y'all need to leave". My fiancé was the one speaking to him and he was very respectful to the bartender but the man was dismissive and kinda rude. My fiancé and I just moved here from Texas and had family visiting so it wasn't a great experience. Won't be returning ever, even when we get our Wisconsin ID's! Also it smells pretty bad in there

I'm a Chicago area guy visiting Milwaukee for the Labor Day weekend. Had an awesome dinner at Tauro (I also reviewed the restaurant) and walked 3 blocks to this bar with my wife and son. Our Son lives nearby in Tosa and brought us here after dinner. Super friendly bar tender and clientele. Free popcorn, like I really needed it after our dinner. Old school vibe and decor.

Love this dive bar. Great service, ambiance. You also have endless popcorn so how can you go wrong. Pool and darts inside. One of my favorite dive bars I've been to in MKE.

A classic WI establishment. It's the same as it was when I came here for the first time 10 years ago and the first time my dad came here 40 years ago (more or less). Fast service, fresh popcorn, and the best people watching in town. I like that this place attracts patrons of all ages and types, dedicated to staying til close for one of the famous stickers. Nothing particularly unique about the interiors, but it is a large space which is great on a Saturday night when you want to bring your wedding after-party here (have seen this done :)).

Quintessential Milwaukee. There was is nothing more to say. And yet Yely is asking for 25 more characters.

Stumbled upon this place -- I think HONESTLY by just googling Bar. We spent many hours here. Only leaving when the popcorn couldn't fill the hunger hole any longer. It was so fun. I can't wait to visit again next fall.

This is a classic spot with inconsistent drunken management. If that's your thing, you'll enjoy it. Their dog policy is BEYOND FRUSTRATING. Are they allowed or not? Depends on the time. Even though they're "always allowed" in the outdoor area, they may kick you out. If they don't allow dogs, fine. If there's a cutoff, fine. But I don't enjoy the question from a drunk employee "why would you bring a dog here after 12?" When I don't have an answer to that question. Because my dog likes it here. Because I do. Because you have an outdoor area where employees have told me dogs are always allowed. I've also been turned away with my boy because a bar tender "was allergic." My favorite bar in town doesn't allow dogs. It's totally fine. But get off your high horse about my choices when your policies are so vague.

Great people, great beverages and amazingly reasonable prices for all the coolness you get!! And check this out: https://youtu.be/fuqy_Q6uu_I Charlie Berens and Miles from "You Betcha" did a super cool video on this place!! Check it out!! I happen to be a big fan of their comedy so obviously I gave this place a try and I'm thankful I did!! The bartenders here are friendly, cool, chill and make you feel like this yo' new living room. Thank you Charlie and Miles for recommending this fun and happinin' spot!!

Tons of fun! I've been here once before. Second time is the charm. A raging rainstorm came in so we drank our beers under the porch. A classic bar with staple beers. Cannot miss with this place!

Came in to use the restroom after sitting at the park and first bartender was very rude asking for ID and being rude to my friend who was hard of hearing because she didn't hear the bartender talking to her when she was looking for the restroo. Should not be working there if she could not accommodate to deaf/hard of hearing people. Shouldn't even get a one star.

No Old Style ? pikers..... but good to see the Packers back in the cellar, where they rightfully belong.

I've lived in Milwaukee my whole life and had never been to Wolskis until this past weekend. Why? No good reason really - I assumed it was a yucky, gimmicky dive full of Jo-Cats chatches looking for "I Closed Wolskis" stickers. Friends, I was wrong. So wrong. First, the bar is actually really nice! Not a dive in the musty-carpet/smells-like-urinal-cake way at all. It's clean, comfortable and (at least on our visit) full of nice, normal people. Second, they make a good Brandy Old Fashioned. Third, it's cheap! Fourth, the staff is absolutely delightful! Finally, know that ya girl is old as hell and could never make it to bar close these days. BUT - my visit was on my birthday (see old as hell above) and they totally fronted me some if those coveted "I Closed Wolskis" stickers AND they gave me FREE UNDERWEAR. What kind of at gives you free underpants on your birthday? The BEST bar, duh.

It gets very busy in here during the weekends but it is a great place to hang out with a group of friends. If you make it to bar close, you can get a sticker that says "I closed wolskis"

True Score: 4.25 Stars People Getting Drunk A quintessential bar in Milwaukee. It's dark, the music is good, and the drinks are strong. We hear in the summer they do big crowds outdoors. We were directed to this bar after going to the Lakefront brewery and it was a great recommendation. If you are fancy and don't fully appreciate a regular ol'bar this won't appeal to you. It's nothing fancy, and basically has high tops with wood stools, but if you have an appreciation for the simplicity and warmth of a neighborhood tavern you'll feel right at home here. Good beer, good pours, good popcorn. Just a great experience! Thanks

went here for the first time with some great friends. the older female bartender came up to my friend and said "your tattoos are horrible" when he just got them the day prior and they are meaningful to him. I then asked her "can I please have..:" and she said "do you have a mother?" I said "uh yes?" she stated "anyone with a mother has manners" so I preceded to ask her "may I" as if I were a middle schooler asking to use the restroom. very rude staff. will never return. this bar is very hyped up in my city, but i refuse to go back. would give zero stars but since that's not possible... I give you one star. PS., no stopped cow, and that is THE Wisconsin beer. crazy.

We had a great time at Wolski's! Shelly was our bartender and she was awesome. Being our first time in Milwaukee she gave us great recommendations and she was great company. Definitely our favorite bartender we had on our trip and we had a lot of good ones. Can't wait until we come back to town. Wolski's will definitely be our first stop.

Older bartender with glasses cussed us out after waiting patiently for drinks. Gladly poured a regular a drink but ignored us. Also, had a 12 year old working behind the bar. Guess that's legal in Wisconsin?

Rally weekend we stopped in for a drink. We were greeted w "we don't have Busch light and smoking is outside"...nice profiling...we don't even smoke lol We did stay for a drink and we were given some popcorn. Be kind to everyone!

Stopped to have a beer and play darts to end our awesome trip. PJ the bartender was awesome. Super friendly and knows his city! Dart boards were nice, and beers were cold, free popcorn didn't hurt either! Free swag from PJ when we left, def coming back!!!!

Absolutely a highlight of my visit to Milwaukee. We arrived right when they opened at 2:00, so I can only speak for the daytime atmosphere. It's apparently quite different at night when the college students arrive. We sipped our Schlitz and High Life drafts as the proprietor Dennis gifted us some fresh, hot popcorn and regaled us with some history and stories of his family. They have owned it since its inception in 1908. Dennis is a peach, and chatting with him just made our day. This would be my local if I lived nearby. The bar is comfortable like a good old pair of shoes and has personality to spare. FYI, I found it by searching for former "tied houses" in Milwaukee, which were associated with the big breweries. I kinda regret not making it to more of those when in town, but in this case, I'll take quality over quantity.

If you've never closed Wolski's, you haven't lived! Great bartenders, outstanding popcorn, inexpensive drinks and steel dart boards. Everyone is friendly and the atmosphere is unpretentious. Make sure you stay until bar close to get your sticker for the authentic experience. The bar has been in business for 110 years. If that doesn't tell you something maybe go elsewhere.

If you are looking for a neighborhood bar, this is your place! They have a good amount of local Milwaukee tabs, especially from lakefront brewery. They also have a pool table & dart boards making it the perfect hang out. I have never gotten bad service there, even when it's busy, the bartenders are always fast and nice to all patrons. it has a prime location on the streets from Brady, so it's easily accessible! They even have a annual chili cook off. This will always be one of my go to's.

Wolski's is a Milwaukee staple. A legend. A landmark in the community. I Closed Wolksi's bumper stickers can be found worldwide. That being said, it's just a bar. There are many other bars in the area that I would rather sit at, but the crowds here can be fun. This place is probably more popular with people because of the nostalgia, the reputation, and the bumper sticker. Much like riding the Cyclone in New York, it is not the best coaster around, but it has history so it draws people. Wolski's has that vibe to me. Parking can be a pain, but there are a few small lots around. The beer menu is average, but you'll find something you like to drink. There is a full bar that can make all of your old fashioned, whiskey, and vodka drinks. They do offer free popcorn, which is nice. It is also a sales trick because it is salty, which makes you thirsty, which causes you to drink more beer. Old school, just like Wolski's. If you are in the mood to visit an old school dive bar in the Milwaukee area with a vintage feel and atmosphere, check out Wolski's. It should be on every bucket list for residents and visitors alike, if only to get the sticker.

Now this is an amazing example of a dive bar! Couldn't sleep so I headed out, grabbed a ride share and hit it! The bar tender is amazing. The bar feel is phenomenal. As I was enjoying a frosty beverage I noticed a dive game being played at the other end of the bar. So I had to know what was happening. When the keep came back I asked about it. Was told it is"bar dice". After a brief explanation of the rules it was practice time. I rolled a few times and picked it up quickly. Needless to say there is a set of dice and a cup on the way to my house! Bar dice and an excellent selection of Wisconsin beers made for a great way to unwind.

Best Vegas Bombs in town! Ask for Sean, he is a great time and will leave you with a great drink! We wouldn't go anywhere else!

Might be the worst Wisconsin bar. Bartender couldn't recognize a REAL ID from another state so she threatened to keep it. When told it was real and to give it back, the bartender cussed at me. Definitely don't go there if you aren't from Wisconsin. Not worth the hassle.

Man, our last stop in a night out in Milwaukee, and I wish it had been the first. Beautiful wood bar, on a quiet street. Outstanding service. Decent beer selection, with an excellent whisky selection. The bartenders made us feel like locals. Highly recommended and I will return.

Nice neighborhood bar. I went there due to a recommendation from a friend. It did not disappoint.

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!

A neighborhood bar that's beeFun for all bar legal folks! My son and I had a fun time! I recommend this bar!

The owner is an absolute a**hole. Not only do they not serve food? I mean who doesn't serve food, but the crowd is the same white 50 year olds. On top of that., as someone who was going in there on a semi frequent basis he decides to tow my friends car when the weather outside is -20. Then, on one of the biggest snowfalls of the year he buries my car in snow "to teach you a lesson". This guy doesn't care about anyone but himself. I'll be letting friends and family know not to waste their money on this business. So much for a good member of the community and patron. Never going back here again.

Hole in the wall tavern stuck in the middle of crammed homes. Hilarious landmark of the city. Their bumper sticker is all over this nation. And no. I did not close Wolski's. Tonight. Dark, dark, classic forever neighborhood bar. This place will be here well beyond my lifetime. Service was quick when we walked in. Interesting people watching. Just the neighborhood for the most part. Great for a quirky drink or an all in night. Go for it!

Was having a great time showing my parents Wolski's for the first time when woman at the bar, who was clearly a "regular" got pissed when my dad was trying to put his mask on while we were walking to look at merchandise. Fast forward 5 minutes and she's up walking around the bar without a mask on to buy pull tabs while glaring towards our table. Rules only apply to everyone but her apparently and she decided to make a big scene about it. Great spot, but hard to have a good time with people like that.

Great bloody Mary's. Great popcorn. Great place to watch a game. PJ is the best bartender in the city. My girlfriend once found an "I closed wolski's" sticker in Patagonia.

Finally made a trip to the famous Wolski's. All I knew about it, was that everyone tries to stay there until they close. You get a "I Closed Wolski's" sticker if you do. Besides that, I was there in the middle of the day and wasn't going to wait twelve hours to close it down. It was empty at that time, and the bartender was talkative and friendly. Drink prices weren't too bad either. It's definitely an old dive bar. You can tell with all the wall decor memorabilia, and the dart boards where you have to keep track of your own score. It seems like a fun spot, and would love to get the opportunity to close Wolski's down.

A classic Milwaukee dive bar. No food, no fancy drinks. Bones meet the dive bar requirement to be beat up. A cool local joint to check out.

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!

Yep, I momentarily got lost on the way here, but I can thank a house just south of here that listed mileages and directions to various cities, and etc., for saving my butt. Not to mention, the current reconstruction of the Humboldt Ave. bridge didn't help in my quest to find this place. But, I managed to find Wolski's in the end, and it was fun. Great selection of Wisconsin-only beers(even if the prices sometimes are slightly high, but I also understand how famous this place is), free popcorn, cool bartenders and patrons I could easily talk to, several dartboards, and many international flags on the ceiling that reminded me of Rossi's in Chicago. All blended in to a very enjoyable experience. I'm saving the fifth star for whenever I can finally come back, and see how closing this place is like!

Classic Milwaukee landmark, neighborhood dive. I remember knowing about this place when I was a kid because my dad had a bumper sticker of theirs on an old travel bag. Then as an adult I was properly indoctrinated into the great, dimly lit drinking emporium that is Wolski's. I've closed it several times and have pretty much the whole collection of bumper stickers. And a shirt. I like that they are one of the bars associated with the Lakefront tour. They serve up plenty of local stuff, which rules. I've also always really enjoyed all the cool pictures on the wall of people sporting their Wolski's stickers around the globe, plus the Milwaukee Braves pennant for the '57 team. All super cool. This is such a come-as-you-are, crazy joint. It can get overly packed and loud at times. But it's fun. Wolski's is a hangout that I hope will be around for generations to come. I'd rather be Wolskiing at the moment, as well.

Wolski's is a Milwaukee landmark! We got there "early" around 9pm and the bar was packed. It's not because that was the standard, it was only crowded for a bar crawl from UWM. Once they left, the place cleared out. Either way, the bartendered were INCREDIBLY nice... they chatted me up at the bar and even taught me how to play darts. Wolski's is exactly what you expect.... an AMAZING laid back bar with huge personality. The best part... at 12:30... the bar starts filling up. By 1:30 in the morning, it's PACKED. At 1:45 they opened the doors and anybody who left from that point on got the grand prize... an "I Closed Wolski's" bumper sticker I earned my bumper sticker of the five hours I spent in the bar and I feel like it's one of my greatest accomplishments! I can't wait to go back. It's an amazing fall/winter bar!

A Milwaukee must for dive bars. It is a little off the beaten path but worth it. They prefer cash only but will take cards(got a little bit of a passive aggressive comment when we asked-c'mon its 2019 get a card reader and deal with the fee). They have a bunch of dart boards and pool. The bar atmosphere itself is just awesome, feels very inviting and warm. The ambient lighting is ideal as is the retro cash register and back bar setup. It is pretty much a Milwaukee must to stop by if you ask me!

I've never closed Wolski's. I probably won't, in all honesty. But I do enjoy popping in early afternoon for a mug or two of beer. Wolski's provides some of the best people watching on the East Side. Beer selection is fairly standard for MKE (a few Lakefront, some standard relics, a cider or two). It's $4.50 a mug of Lakefront or cider. I saw pitchers of MGD and Miller Lite going for $11 and I think those pitchers held at least 4 mugs of beer. There's free fresh popcorn. Wolski's has a few games, a decent patio, and comfortable bar stools. The women's restroom leaves a lot to be desired as it is a single stall and very cramped, plus it's awkward to go through the swinging doors and then open another door. If anyone is waiting, the passage is very crowded.

A Milwaukee staple, Wolski's Tavern a must visit dive bar that will never disappoint. Located in a little hole in the wall house on Milwaukee's East Side, this bar has stood the test of time, open and running for over a century. You'll fall in love with the charm of the vintage decor, the plethora of drinks, friendly bartenders and variety of patrons. I highly recommend stopping in for a drink next time you're looking for a true Milwaukee experience.

We went there last Saturday when the weather was really nice and were able to take advantage of the outdoor patio. On the inside it looks like your generic dive bar, albeit with some cool stuff on the walls, but I was impressed with all the lakefront brewery beer they had on tap. Plus free popcorn is always a plus lol The bartender was pretty cool, and the prices pretty cheap. I'd be down to go back

I have been to Wolski's many times over the years. It has never changed which is quite refreshing in a world where everything constantly changes. Went there again after a 14 year absence. It is still the same. Looks, sounds and smells the same as it always has. It was like coming home. Dennis and Bernie are still running the place and are as friendly and accommodating as ever. My friends and I had a great time there for 8 hours that day and had the most fun. Pretty decent beer selection for a small place. And they still have steel tip darts, not the wussy plastic ones everyone uses these days. The pool table is still there and I'm sure the good times will always be there. We love this place. Thanks guys. Scott Wallace Concord, NC

This is a fun, very local bar on the East Side. It is kind of in the middle of a residential neighborhood, so unless you live right by there, you will probably be driving to get to Wolski's. They have darts and also free popcorn! The drinks are strong and probably right in the price range that you would expect (maybe a little higher than you would expect since this is such a dive bar). The staff is local and friendly to those who come in often. That being said, even for a first timer, they were quite nice to me too once I said I just moved to the area. It is a fun place to hangout with friends, but expect to do more standing than sitting (especially since this place gets super crowded). Probably not the best place for a beautiful day in MKE since it is so dark inside, but it is perfect for a winter or fall drinking afternoon.

I am a sucker for a good dive bar, and this is one. My friends and I were in on friday afternoon with our coupons from Lakefront Brewing for our free glass of Lakefront Beer as part of our tour. A cozy atmosphere inside, where it is clear many of the patrons are regulars, great service, and a friendly and personable bartender. I wish we had had more time to sit around here (and drink some more). Also, the popcorn at the bar was quite tasty!

All hail Wolski's Tavern! After a stop by The Standard (up the street), in which the bartender told us we MUST go to Wolski's, well, we couldn't say no. And SO glad we didn't... Walked in to a bustling, happy and talkative crowd on a Saturday afternoon in October. After five minutes, we had met at least 6 locals and felt like we had been regulars at Wolski's for years. So much fun. We had originally intended to stay for just a drink (so we could scout other spots), but we stayed for far longer, but absolutely no regrets. A classic of classics, do not miss Wolski's on your next visit to Milwaukee. Beer is cheap, conversation is rich!