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At Random
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants American (New) Lounges, American (New)
2501 S Delaware AveMilwaukee, WI 53207
Neighborhood: Bay View
(414) 481-8030
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 7 pm - 2:30 am
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Danielle J. said: "I visited Port of Call this week with a few friends for happy hour drinks on the river. This location always seems to change often, but it has a nice patio, right on the river, with plenty of people-watching possibilities. Their…" read more »
74 reviews for At Random
Review Highlights
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"the ice cream drinks are the best ever - the almond joy was..." In 12 reviews -
"My favorite has to be the Tiki Love Bowl." In 9 reviews -
"Friends of mine had the Peanut Butter Cup, tried it and it..." In 5 reviews
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74 reviews in English
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Review from Colleen R.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2012
We walked in the door, and as if on cue, Roy Orbison started playing. Be still my heart.
At Random charmed me from the moment my eyes adjusted to the dim light as we were escorted to our vinyl booth. It appears that the decor, music and waitresses haven't changed since it opened back in the 60s, with that lovely time-warp quality that so many places in Milwaukee seem to have.
As for the drinks, I'm a cocktail gal, so the absence of beer or wine on the menu made it difficult to choose. Ultimately, my date and I both opted for ice cream drinks and were not disappointed. They were so large that we probably could have shared them (if not for the one-drink minimum).
We will definitely be back on our next trip to Milwaukee. -
Review from Dude B.
Milwaukee, WI
4/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Back in November, my parents came to town and are always looking to go out and do something fun. I had previously heard that Bryant's Cocktail Lounge was a treat but, somehow, we ended "At Random.'
This place is funny. It is dark. The seating can be tight depending on where you get seated. The hip young waitresses are wise beyond their years and take cash only.
You can only order off the menu and most of your classic cocktails are not on it. If you are looking for umbrellas in your drink, some nostalgia, and ready to gossip with your friends, this is the place to go. -
Review from Johanna L.
Milwaukee, WI
3/29/2012
Finally got to meet up with some pals at At Random. Super fun! Lived up to all the good things I'd read here on Yelp already. I think I had a Snickers drink, which was divine. Honestly, I could have put away like 3 more of them but peer pressure prevailed. Next time I definitely want to try something fruity!
Lots of raunchy statues around here! The waitresses cracked me up, too. :) -
Review from Kim R.
Milwaukee, WI
3/30/2012
Everone has to experience At Random at least once in there lives...The drinks are to die for ( although they are so strong that you are allowed a limit of two ), the music is fun ( Lots of Frank Sinatra ), the lights are low ( Great for a date ), and the decor is a trip! My friends and I love to go here before we would go to the clubs!
Safe House, is another must visit! -
Review from Rachel F.
1/24/2012
So... here is a review for At Random, a Milwaukee staple and totally excellent spot:
Oh-so-retro and cooler than the other side of the pillow, with ice cream drinks and tiki love bowls and an insane cocktail list, this place is pretty dang sah-weet, if you ask me.
One of the best vibes in the city: the decor, the lighting, the ambiance... everything about this place screams cool. Lounge-y, dimly lit with Christmas lights and big comfy vinyl booths, this place screams rat pack and hipsters for real -- you know, the ones from days gone by. The real ones.
All the servers and bartenders are your grandparents' age. For the most part, they are awesome. From time to time, however, you might experience a bit of surliness... though I entirely understand and don't fault 'em a bit.
Odd hours, so be sure to call ahead + check to see if they are, in fact, open. Bring cash, and expect to experience some serious awesome. If you've never been, you're in for a treat! -
Review from Danielle J.
Milwaukee, WI
2/19/2012
At Random is one of my favorite places to take out-of-town visitors. It's also our favorite place to go after a movie date. The cocktail menu is extensive, and every drink I've tried has been delicious (and strong!). It's the little things that make this place so great - the tiny booths, the Rat Pack vibe, the elderly waitresses and bartenders wearing white shirts and ties... At Random is just plan fun!
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Review from Shawna E.
Milwaukee, WI
3/12/2012
If you have out of town guests who don't understand what you like about Milwaukee bring them here and get them a big ice cream drink. You will wish you could share a tiki love bowl with John Waters (or someone with a similarly earnest appreciation for true camp- somewhat off-kilter, out of step, and out of time aesthetics). From the blonde bouffanted waitress who shows you to your "romantic" tufted booth, to the old man behind the bar, Frank Sinatra crooning over the stereo, and the plastic poinsettias in the bathroom year round, this place is the living end.
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Review from Michelle M.
Las Vegas, NV
9/12/2011
I cannot overstate the awesomeness of At Random. I want to move to Milwaukee so I can go here all the time.
The dim lighting, the christmas lights and the vinyl booths combine to be amazingly tacky in the best possible way. The waitresses are all nice older ladies the whole place just feels completely comfortable and unpretentious while maintaining this swanky-tacky-retro vibe. You could not manufacture something like this today. It is totally old school and totally great.
My husband and I tried two of the fruity tiki drinks and two of the ice cream drinks. I would give At Random an awesome review just for the atmosphere, but I will say that the Peanut Butter Cup was one of the best drinks I have ever had in my entire life. Ice cream and alcohol is not a combination I have explored very much at all and I have been missing out! Peanut butter, chocolate ice cream and vodka combine along with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and a cookie to make the most ridiculously decadent concoction I could ever imagine imbibing. Enjoying such decadence while cuddling in a vinyl booth in a dimly-lit room that sort of looks like Christmas 1955 exploded while listening to Peggy Lee sing "Is That All There Is?" just takes everything over the top to a level of unheard-of awesomeness.
The only bad thing I can think of regarding At Random is that they are closed Sunday through Tuesday, giving me less time to enjoy it on my short trip to Milwaukee. It's ok, though, I'm already coming up with reasons to go back. -
Review from Dan G.
Milwaukee, WI
11/18/2011
For years I've been told how much I would adore this little gem but I gotta say I was really disappointed.
I was instantly reminded of my favorite cocktail lounge and could see why everyone thought it would be right up my alley. The atmosphere is pretty stellar. So much so that you might think you strolled onto the set of Mad Men or you hopped into Doc Brown's DeLorean and hit 88 MPH.
However, my experience here was a huge let down. When we walked in on a Wednesday night there was only 2 customers in the bar. We were about to snag a booth but the waitress came by and directed us towards the back where there was no one. We ordered our drinks and everyone was happy with what they received. 3 of us even had our next drinks picked out... and then the waiting game...
She didn't check up with us after we took our initial sips. No water refills, no new drinks, nothing. I finished my drink firstWe waited for at least 10 minutes after the last person finished their drink before I finally got up to get our check. Really disappointing considering the place was empty.
I think I'll stick with Bryant's next time around. -
Review from Christine F.
Milwaukee, WI
3/9/2012
My hubby and I love this place! The specialty drinks, especially the huge tiki bowl are plentiful.
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Review from Tami O.
Milwaukee, WI
11/18/2011
Ok...seriously LOVE the drinks here, and crazy (a few older ladies, couple of hipster gals)wiatstaff but might go postal on the hostess.
Same hostess almost every time I have been there. Each time has been a hassle to get a table. Ranging from "we don't seat large groups" to "it will be an hour wait" all the while she is rolling her eyes at you.
I give it three stars in hopes that the old hag hostess eventually 'moves on' to bigger and better things since I really love the atmosphere (and most of the other staff).
Hate to admit that I may go back, but I will most certainly consider Bryant's (albeit a questionable locale) first. -
Review from Cory T.
Milwaukee, WI
8/22/2011
The atmosphere and decor in this place is a time warp back in time--in a good way! Think Las Vegas Show Lounge meets Christmas in the 70's. The specialty drinks are novel, and places like this are far and few between.
If you've never been to At Random, it's definitely worth the trip. Once in awhile friends and I will stop in just for something different. And when I have out of town guests in for the weekend, I've brought them to this club and they've always been impressed.
The do have an ATM, but to avoid the small line, be sure to bring cash as I don't remember them taking credit cards. Drinks on average were about $7-$9, but remember that these are a lot of more complex specialty ice cream drinks. -
Review from Michael O.
Milwaukee, WI
11/17/2011
4 stars for the drinks
2 stars for the rude hostess
About 10 minutes before arriving with a group of 8, I told the story of a time a couple years ago when we were given a hard time when going to At Random with a group. Upon arrival, it was like deja vu. The hostess asked how many people we had, and then stormed off in a huff without saying anything. She came back and said that it would be an hour or more wait?! There was a group in front of us, and they did not even wait. The hostess seemed to be excited that they did not stick around. What kind of business is that?!
We were seated, and we all ordered our drinks. They came, and they were great. The atmosphere is dark, and the music was a bit on the sad side, but we had fun in our oversized booth. Our server was friendly, and this other woman working there was off-her-rocker crazy. We received our un-itemized bill, and we had to chase our server down just to see if tip was included. It was, which is fine, but its nice to be told that. Yes, I know it is in the menu, but who reads the small print. Also, cash-only is a drag, but strangely appropriate for this place.
This place really does have good drinks, but in my mind, its not worth the hassle. If you want to feel appreciated, go to Bryant's! -
Review from Claire D.
Milwaukee, WI
5/5/2012
This place is simply awesome. If you have visiting friends or relatives or if you want a relaxing but eventful night out with friends, this is the place to go! I was reading that last review and had to laugh! Such are the experiences here, but you WILL experience something! The ambiance is dim enough to feel as though you're sitting in front of a small campfire at night, but obviously bright enough to see where you're going and who you're talking to (unless you've had too many drinks). The decor is a sight to be seen. I recall the bathroom had almost like bamboo doors - or slats in them, giving it an "island" vibe. The tables give it a 50's diner feel. You don't know if you should get up and dance in your bobby socks or do the hula.. which is probably why that waitress choo-choo'd backwards. The drinks are delicious as they are potent! Please bring a designated driver or just take a cab because everyone at the table should enjoy the delectable! The only negatives: Cash-only bar. If you're not prepared for this, be prepared to shell out a couple bucks in ATM charges. Also, this place shouldn't have a doorstep! This was the only bar I've ever fallen out of! Watch out for that first step!
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Review from Angus B.
Austin, TX
12/3/2011
I adored At Random. I can see that others have complained about speed of service (or lack of service), and it's easy for me to believe that those issues are true, but I am going with five stars in spite of those issues. For one thing, the waitress seems to be in her seventies, and she was outrageously charming. We went to At Random with my boyfriend's family on the evening before Thanksgiving 2011, and we were among the first people in the door. After being seated, I had to simply look around for a minute to absorb the vibe of the place. The decorations include custom 50's-era vinyl banquettes throughout, plus custom tables, and the room was decorated to the hilt with Christmas lights and Christmas decorations. There were some updates, too, such as 70's swag lamps (on dim--the place is incredibly dark inside), and some 70's nudie love statuettes. They were piping in some Christmas music from a local radio station. My overall impression was that this must be what it felt like to actually be inside Liberace's Christmas tree.
The waitress approached with menus and my father-in-law asked in a teasing way if they didn't have any Thanksgiving music, and the waitress proceeded to do a little dance and sing, "Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble!" to the tune of whatever Christmas song was playing at the moment. It went on for about 30 seconds, long enough for me to recognize what was happening, pull out my phone, turn it on, and videotape the last refrain. The only lyric was "gobble", repeated about fifty times. It was at that moment that I realized this place offered a unique experience, and one that was right up my alley.
The waitress explained that they have a one drink minimum, and how the menu is laid out (classic cocktails, ice cream drinks, and hot drinks--no beer or wine offered). I chose an ice cream drink and it was delicious. Part of the weirdness of At Random is that they offer and serve so many ice cream drinks, but they use what looks like a 1950's Kitchen Aid home blender, so the drinks take a lot of time to make. Most bars would upgrade to a professional bar blender, but At Random really does seem to be frozen in time to an extreme degree.
The drinks are all served in proper glasses, be it hurricane, ice cream soda glasses, or giant punch-bowl-like goblets for the Tiki Love Bowl (which is what we got for our 2nd round, shared between all of us). They apparently don't let four people share one drink as their first round because of the one drink minimum, but they had no problem bringing out six straws for our second round. The Tiki Love bowl is a bunch of juices with a floating ramekin of flaming 151 rum, and the waitress instructs you on the proper etiquette involved in drinking it: hold hands, make a wish, and sink the flaming container into the juices with your straw. My brother-in-law said that on his first visit, instead of a ramekin, they had gotten half a hollowed out orange rind, and others have gotten half a coconut, but we were served our flaming rum in a plain ceramic dish.
There were some hiccups in the service. We were asked if we wanted water (we did), but it didn't show up. A younger server came on shift while we were waiting for our drinks and she popped into the room and, using her finger, counted our napkins from across the room (five napkins for six people--one of us wasn't partaking), and she proceeded to shuffle backwards out of the room, pumping her arms like a choo-choo train in reverse, only to return with another napkin and slap it down on our table. She approached after those of us with ice cream drinks had finished (the ice cream drinks are smaller than the other cocktails) and asked in a teasing voice, "are you ready for your Tiki love bowl?" only to laugh at her own witticism (?) and turn and walk away before we could respond that, yes, we actually were ready for the Tiki Love Bowl. Somehow, all of this oddity just added to the experience--but I warn you, don't go here thinking you're going to get top-of-the-line service. You may get friendly, charming, and bizarre service, but it's not likely to be fast or efficient or logical.
I live in Austin, and this was only my second visit to Milwaukee, but I can say FOR SURE that the next time I am in Milwaukee, we will go to At Random at least once--or maybe every night. -
Review from Matt X.
5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
A true Milwaukee institution. When I tell strangers about my awesome hometown, I tell them about At Random.
The premises has to be seen to be believed. At Random is a converted residence in Bay View. Open the fence gate, and enter via the side door past the strange rock grotto. Wait for your eyes to adjust to dim interior. No TV's are blaring here, just the ambient crooning of old-timey Sinatra music.
The bar is in the front room by the old naugahyde booths. The back room is the greatest interior space on earth. It remains frozen in the year 1963. A wide amoeba-shaped planter dominates the center of the room, and it is walled with more vinyl booth seating. The planter is full of white twigs strung with christmas lights, tinsel, and geegaws - equal parts bizarre and sublime. No place has more legit swank appeal than At Random.
Beer? Sorry, none of that behind bar. You are at a Cocktail Lounge. I suggest something from the menu of exotic fruity house specials.
In a hurry? Sorry, again, you are at the wrong place. Your drinks will be brought to you in due time by the sweetest septuagenarian in Milwaukee.
But do please go, and take your time. Soak it all in, there's nowhere else like it.Listed in: Trapped in a Time Warp
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Review from CK D.
Rockford, IL
2/19/2012
Step into the "way back machine!" I felt like I walked into my uncle's 1960 basement to find it had been converted into an ice cream parlor for adults! (not the kinky Rotterdam kind.) Other reviewers have the details...my only additions is: The place is a must do.
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Review from Jamie B.
Milwaukee, WI
2/1/2011 ROTD 3/27/2011
At Random is a milwaukee gem because:
Everyone that works there has worked there since the beginning of time, or the invention of ice cream, and your grandma is your waitress. You know she's got stories from when she was a young beautiful dancer.
Your grandma's most excellent space aged bachelor pad and/or tiki objects also are decorating the innards. At least *my* grandma's decorations are here...
It's dark and cozy and totally a date place for you and yours, whether 2 or 12. Also fantastic for birthdays.
The girls' bathroom is really nice.
The drinks really are incredible. You can get ice cream, hot drinks or tiki drinks. I had trouble making up my mind last time, and the waitress steered me towards the hot buttered rum since i'd never had one before. it was exactly what i wanted, after tasting it.
All the weird rules and quirks only add to the charm of the place, so just go with it.
Someday it won't exist, AND THEN YOU WILL BE SORRY! -
Review from Gina B.
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Out on a Friday night and looking for unique places to go, friends of mine recommended At Random since we were in the area. Walked in and I had a Bryants flashback. Dark, very DARK with little romantic booths for couples and dim lighting designs. Had to wait a bit for a table so we jumped at the chance to sit when they squished us into a 2 person booth. I had never been to a place like this and could not stop thinking how my Grandparents would love something like this, it just puts me into that timeframe of mind. Looked over a menu that had pages of drinks but after much consideration had to go with the Tiki Bowl Of Love - or something like that. They basically take a small punch bowl fill it with LOTS of ice and different rums and juice, bring it to your table and it is on fire. You dunk the shot in the middle and stir it up and drink 'er down. It was definitely yummy. Friends of mine had the Peanut Butter Cup, tried it and it was Delicious but definitely rich.
Had our drinks and lots of laughs and decided to move on for the night.
If I was in the area, I would stop in and definitely show someone else who has not had the experience. -
Review from Patrick B.
Milwaukee, WI
1/8/2012
Well, if you're looking for an interesting place to sip an interesting cocktail on date you should check this out. It's a step back in time, except for the prices. Not really good for a big group of people, as the seating can be awkward with larger groups of people - it's mostly small tables. Also, don't go if you're looking for a beer...they don't have any.
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Review from Rosie G.
Milwaukee, WI
11/13/2011
Rat pack music, dim lights, a lot of ambiance and fun drinks. If you can, order the Tiki Love Bowl. This place is definitely cool and almost like a blast from the past. I always wonder what it looks like with the lights on because it sort of has the feel of a grandma's basement, but with the Christmas lights and the darkness it becomes really swanky. Truly one of the best places for drinks in the city!
Listed in: Best Milwaukee Bars
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Review from Joe G.
Milwaukee, WI
3/20/2011
I just went to At Random for a friend's birthday last night. I really liked the place. It's got a whole lot of character.
The drinks were good, if a little expensive. I had the Sufferin' Bastard, which was really good, and a Blackthorne, which was a little sweet for me, but was still good. It also took a little while to get the first round, but that must have been because it was busy. The later rounds came quickly.
The atmosphere at At Random is great. It's a very quiet place, so it's easy to talk to whomever you've come with. As the other reviews mention, it's really dark, and the decor is a bit peculiar, but I like it.
The staff here is great. They managed to accommodate our group of thirteen people who showed up over the course of an hour, and all without getting frustrated at all. There isn't a ton of seating, so this was no mean feat. They were also very friendly, and made sure to check on us often.
Bottom line, At Random is a great place to visit. I strongly recommend it. -
Review from Erica K.
2/8/2011
At Random is a special kind of place. I think really the name says it all: this place is RANDOM.
First, there are holidays decorations EVERYWHERE, all year round, that have probably been up since the 70s. It is also insanely dark in there. Like, you can't see much dark. But that's probably ok, since it might look really run down if there was light.
Second, I have no idea what their hours are. We've been by at various points (my brother used to live a short walk away) and they seem to be open or closed as the mood fits.
Third, oh man, that menu. It has some of the most crazy cocktails I have ever seen. I recommend sharing a Tiki Love Bowl. It is HUGE and comes with a flaming half lemon filled with 151 floating in it. You sink the lemon with your straw to extinguish the flames and make a wish. Classic.
In any case, I love stopping by At Random for a cocktail, when by chance the porch light is on. I've never been in a place with a more unique, unapologetic personality in my entire life. If you're up for an experience like none other, I highly recommend. -
Review from Joseph M.
Milwaukee, WI
6/20/2011
Now let me be clear; I gave At Random 3 stars but in another context it easily warrants 5.
At Random is never quite certain what it wants to be; a tiki bar or a cocktail lounge. It has the look and feel of a cocktail lounge but its drink selection is so heavily focused on tiki drinks that getting a traditional cocktail is an exercise in frustration.
For example: I met up with family there a few weeks ago. I was not in the mood for a sweet, fruity drink so I ordered what I assumed would be a simple alternative; a whiskey sour. The place was not packed and, as I arrived late, I was the only person from my table who ordered. Yet it took quite awhile for my drink to arrive (we joked that they had to go to The Palomino to get whiskey). When the drink did arrive it was easily the most unpleasant whiskey sour I've ever had; bitter and devoid of flavor. I sent it back (they were very happy to correct it). What they returned with was acceptable though I'm not certain what was done to it. Nevertheless, I didn't order anything else that evening. If I understood the waitress correctly they used Squirt as the "sour". I'd swear the first iteration was tonic and half of a lime. I didn't bother to ask what sort of whiskey they used.
If everyone in your group is up for tiki drinks then At Random is a premier choice. They have a wide selection on the menu, executed to perfection. I understand a place such as this not wanting to serve beer to cultivate a particular atmosphere however, a cocktail lounge, regardless of their specialty drink selection, should be able to fulfill something as simple as a whiskey sour. I'll happily return here and I encourage others to do so as well. But until I see an effort to cover the basics then it will continue to warrant just 3 stars from me. -
Review from J M.
Boston, MA
1/24/2011
A few things to know before I review... At Random:
-Takes CASH ONLY.
-Is a specialty drinks lounge. Expect only icecream drinks and other mixed drinks on the menu.
-You cannot start a tab. You choose from the menu, you pay when your drinks arrive. If you want to another drink, repeat actions mentioned.
-It's dark.
Ok, now for the review. This place was really charming. It really had it's own personality. If you all for posh and modern, this may not be your kinda place. But I like weird and interesting, so it works for me.
The seating is booth or bench style, and we were seated in a bench style seating (think American Idol judges table, facing outwards). It's awkward, but you also get a real nice view of the whole place. Think stereotypical Grandma's house with all the weird pictures/decorations and multiply that by 20. The bathroom is a hoot too!
The drinks were delicious. We got a peanut butter cup (I think that's what it was called) and a chocolate banana. They were delicious. Rich, creamy, and oh-so-yummy.
Also, one thing I noticed was the eclectic group of people who were there. There were all ages of people, couples, groups, who were just soaking up the wonderfully weird atmosphere and slurping on their yummy drinks.
I would say a must visit, just for the experience. I would definitely go again. :) -
Review from Julie M.
Milwaukee, WI
5/5/2011
A Milwaukee staple!
Even my parents used to go on dates there in their 20's. :)
While their hours can be sketchy, you MUST go. A great smooching place! -
Review from Loida M.
Lancaster, CA
6/25/2011
RANT; Since when is it ok for any establishment to refuse to serve you what you want to order because it doesn't make them enough money? That's what happened to me last night at AT RANDOM four of us wanted to share the tiki love bowl and were told we couldn't. The old lady co owner took our menu's away and told us no way than we must leave. Mind you a table of three across from us were sharing one. Enough said I'm never stepping foot inside that place again. "AT RANSOM" is what I'm calling it from now on!!! Thanks for that one Laura. I had to give a rank otherwise I wouldn't give it half a star.
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Review from Cody L.
12/28/2010
You have to go to the lounge before the bartenders die. None of you young punks can make drinks as amazing as this, you can't even read about making drinks like these.
My favorite is the Sufferin Bastard because it is self descriptive and also an interesting way to use gin. The waitress won't say it, you can try to make her say "bastard" but she won't.
This is also a great place to bring a mistress... or two mistresses, a guy smart enough to come here with a lady has no boundaries. -
Review from Mikey R.
Milwaukee, WI
ALCOHOLIC ICE CREAM DRINKS! Need I say more?
OK, I will. At Random is fantastic for several reasons.
1. A huge drink menu, featuring a variety of traditional and unique cocktails, including ice cream drinks and hot drinks. The drinks are SOOO good and they know how to make a presentation. They usually come in some sort of hurricane or other fancy glass, topped with whipped cream, umbrellas, fruit, syrups, etc. depending on what type of drink you ordered. The menu tells you the name of the drink as well as exactly what is in it, which is really helpful. Unlike a similar, yet less cool, place on the south side where you tell them the flavor you want and hope you like what they serve you, at At Random, you know it'll be good because you know EXACTLY what you are ordering. Most drinks are around $7-10. They also have the Tiki Love Bowl, which is a giant crystal bowl full of tropical juices, alcohol and fruit, with a lime filled with 151 and lit on fire floating on top. It is for two or more people to share. The menu describes it something like "if you aren't in love when you start drinking it, you will be when you are finished."
2. The decor is straight out of the 1940's/1950's. Dim lighting, avocado green booths, glass lamps hanging from chains, tchotchkes galore. One warning, don't take a photo with your flash - you won't want to see what this place looks like fully lit!
3. The staff is usually fantastic. All except one or two have probably worked here since prohibition ended. There are usually one or two older men behind the bar making cocktails and the servers are all females. I have my favorite. I don't know her name, so I'll call her Dot. She looks like a Dot. She's sweet as pie every time we go there and has the cutest old lady/little girl voice.
A couple things you should know:
They are open At Random, so it's best to call ahead to make sure they are open. Even on a Saturday night. We've already shown up at prime-time drinking hours on a Saturday night to find them closed.
They only accept cash. No credit/debit. There is an ATM on site.
They offer a full bar in addition to their drink menu, but they do not serve beer or wine.
They do not accommodate large groups. I've been there before with a group of about 8 people and it was fine. Anything more and they will likely turn you away.
The only negative I can think of is the men's restroom. It's a tiny closet sized room with a toilet and sink and a slotted (folding if I remember) door that does not lock. It's not just temporary. I've been there many times over the years and it has never locked. So gentleman, if you have to do more than mark your territory, it may be time to head home.Listed in: Where To Take People You Like…
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Review from Chris W.
Chicago, IL
12/10/2007
If this place was in Wicker Park it would be ruined by irony.
As it stands, the place is real. There are some good comments in previous reviews, and I would just say that I like going to a place where you will not hear "boom boom boom" or any other heavy music on the sound system - the rat pack music works here. Many have commented on the 50's decor, and I like it, but what I really like is that it doesn't have a run-down feel. That may be because the lighting is so dim though.
The drinks are awesome - mostly fruity concotions, and as some said, they are a bit expensive - but expensive for Milwaukee. The average is about $8.00. And you do get your alcohol.
Overall, this place rocks - it is unlike any other place I have been. Like I said, I could see this place in Wicker Park, but it wouldn't be real. It would be a facsimile of some ironic notion.
If you are there in the cold weather, get the hot buttered rum. Yum! -
Review from Melanie B.
Milwaukee, WI
9/26/2009 1 Check-in Here
When my husband and I first started dating, this was one of our first dates. It is not only super romantic but who wouldn't like ice cream with their booze? It is super dark, smokey, vintage, and classic. The same server is always working, I don't know her name, but super sweet. We ordered the Tiki Bowl which comes on FIRE and you get two straws and leave a little happier than when you came. We sat in a cozy satellite booth.
My Dad is a huge fan of making ice cream drinks during the holidays so this place still reminds me of him every time I get a Pink Squirrel.
A couple things to note: Cash only, be patient with service because it is worth it, and you will not find beer here.
Super Fun--highly recommend it. It is an experience. -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
3/8/2010
A cross between Bedrock on Acid and a shrunken Ed Debevic's. Totally .....random, and weird. Plastic flowers. Glittery Christmas lights - indoor,s
Problem: upon arrival we determined that you can no longer sit at the bar. If you want to partake, you must wait in line and sit at a dining room table. All the kitsch and hijinks couldn't help this place.
We left. -
Review from Ben S.
Milwaukee, WI
12/31/2009
This place is crazy...went there on a whim one night with friends and be warned the atmosphere is crazy and the owner even crazier....don't mess with the guy or he'll throw you right out. This place is only open at random hours, hence the name...so good luck. The place reminds me of the movie Blue Velvet, a little creepy, but a lot of fun. The drinks will put you on the floor if you have a few, they are large and in charge.
You should for sure check this place out, it's a trip! -
Review from Aaron S.
Chicago, IL
5/23/2007
This place is so cool. I wish I knew of anywhere like it in Chicago. It was so nice to see so many frufru (I believe that's the correct spelling) cocktails containing GIN! I had the Gin Alexander and it rocked me! Great booths too.
One tip--BRING CASH! No Credit Cards accepted. No Beer or Wine of course either. Strictly Cocktails. -
Review from Erin T.
Chicago, IL
7/7/2011
At Random is literally my fantasy bar. Ice cream drinks - e.g. the Pink Squirrel - are amazing. So are the fruity, umbrella-having concoctions like the Bahama Mama. But much better than the drinks is the atmosphere. It's dark. Dark as shit. The booths are vinyl. The waitresses and bar staff retired from the Vegas strip in the 80s. And when we walked in, they were playing Herb fucking Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Hilton Hotel Trader Vics WISH they were half the man At Random is.
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Review from Susan F.
Milwaukee, WI
4/24/2011
Any negative reviews of this place are from people who should stick to their pseudo-hipster hang-outs. This place is and has always been the real deal. My parents came here on dates in the 60's. That 'rude hostess' is the owner, and she doesn't want you coming in if you are here to just get hammered and disturb the other guests who actually are here for the quality of the atmosphere and drinks. And in my opinion, the drinks and atmosphere are among the best to be found anywhere.
So maybe the drinks are $8, but I promise you there is NO WAY you can drink more than 3, probably more like 2 before you will find yourself swaying when you stand up to go to the impeccably clean restroom. When is the last time you got more than a buzz for under $20? All the drinks are made from scratch using original recipes. If you just want a jack and coke, please go get it at any of the 10,000 other bars in Milwaukee.
I haven't called Milwaukee home in 15 years, but whenever I visit I make sure to spend a delightful, charming and intoxicated evening at At Random. I am thinking of moving back home from New Orleans just so I can go to this bar on a regular basis, so there! -
Review from Katie W.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2007
At Random definitely breaks the mold for pretty much anywhere you can go in this century. Every time I've come here has been a fantastic, hilarious, and unique experience.
I agree with Mary that it appears there has been no renovating or redecorating for at least 50 years, but that is more than part of the charm of this place. It really looks like Frank Sinatra could come strolling in the door at any moment. Drinks are listed on menus and only include a picture of whatever elaborate concoction you will order. The peanut butter cup is to die for, but come with an empty stomach! The bartenders look like they've been there since its inception and they don't take any crap from anybody. In fact, they scolded one of my friends for dropping a couple f-bombs, saying that sort of language wasn't tolerated there.
It's a little off the beaten path if you don't live in Bayview, but more than worth the trip. I highly recommend it if you want a little old school Milwaukee culture and something different than your typical bar scene. Bring good friends and good conversation and you'll be set for the night! -
Review from Susan J.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2010
The name of this place is totally fitting.
I was visiting my friend in Milwaukee, and we wanted to have a chill girls' night out... so we yelp-ed to consider our options, and chose "At Random" (not literally at random... haha, corny).
It was located in the middle of a residential-ish area... which was random. The music was really old-school... which was random. Little booths, lights hanging on a random tree/branches, glittery streamers from the ceiling... which was all pretty random. If it wasn't so dim in there, I think it would look slightly like a diner? My girl friends and I ordered ice cream cocktails, and we got a picture taken of us with our drinks... and it literally looked like we were sitting in a diner drinking milkshakes, while wearing 'girls' night out' type clothes. RANDOM.
I really didn't know what to make of this place.
It's unique... and definitely random. -
Review from Patrick B.
Milwaukee, WI
1/24/2012
An interesting place for sure. Once you walk through the door you feel like you've gone back in time. It can be a fun place for fancy cocktails after a dinner on a date. I wouldn't really recommend this place for groups, as the seating can get clustered and most tables are for couples. We went with 6 people once and we were crammed into a corner table. But you will find something that will strike your fancy on their cocktail menu. Don't even think about going here if you're just interested in beer - they don't have it. Always had a good/interesting time going here, and that's all that matters.
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Review from Denise D.
2/19/2007
Not a frequent hang-out spot, but definitely a place to bring a date or an out-of-town visitor, and bring cash! (and lots of it). mary b's review is right on, although I don't think "Moon River" is by Sinatra, Andy Williams, maybe?
They have a dress code, so look out, and if you like it, give Bryant's on Lapham a try as well.Listed in: Drinks and Snacks
