I was prepared for three things – to wait awhile for a table, to have to pay more than I wanted to, and for lousy service due to the crowds. None of the three happened. We were seated immediately, despite nearly a full house, the prices were unbelievably reasonable, and the service was prompt, continuous, and affable. So I over tipped.
“Over the top” bloody mary cocktails has become a “thing” latey, and Sobelman’s has it down to an art, offering a half dozen varieties. My order was pretty near the low end of the scale, and didn’t take all that long to get served, despite the crowds.
Sobelmans has their own version of an ‘amuse bouche,’ as the waitress handed us short glasses of beer (4 ounces?) the moment we sat at the table. She was back quickly to take the order, and for the table, we had the “Masterpiece,” and one that I missed the name of that featured chunks of buffalo flavored chicken on a skewer, along with the other accompaniments. My Masterpiece had a slider, sausage, jumbor shrimp, olive, cheese, pickle, mushroom, celery stalk, pickled green bean, and one lonely Brussel sprout.
The waitress had an absolutely perfect answer for my question on whether or not it was a single shot of vodka; she replied “they free pour.”
Bloody mary mix is very good, medium spice, medium tomato juice “thickness” and is supplied by a local company called Jimmy Luv’s. At the extreme end of the bloody mary menu is one with all the kind of stuff previously mentioned, and an ENTIRE WHOLE FRIED CHICKEN. That one goes for $50. They have special bacon-themed ones, as well.
We also had an order of fries, and “bacon cheese crack,” deep fried cheese fritters laced with bits of bacon. Oh my.
Now depending on whom you ask, these special bloodys are only served on Saturday and Sunday, or just Sunday. I couldn’t resolve that.
What’s funniest of all? Sobelman’s always gets voted “best burger in Milwaukee,” and I went there to have one, and didn’t!
Take a gander at the burger menu before heading over. Lots of appys, sandwiches, and the proverbial Wisconsin Friday nite fish fry.
This is a great experience. Top quality ingredients, creative flair, extremely fair pricing, and good service.Oh, and a good assortment of table top condiments at the reach. Do it.
Bloody Mary $10
Bacon Cheese “Crack”
Sobelmans Pub and Grill Review