Thursday, October 1st 2009
Jamos
By Eric Teske
With its friendly and unassuming atmosphere, Jamos is a reminder of what makes Milwaukee's dive bar culture so strong. It is the perfect setting to meet friends for a drink any night of the week. The bar welcomes imbibers with its bright red door located just a few blocks off Brady St. in the East Village neighborhood. Inside you will find liquor drinks and seven beer taps all priced reasonably enough that daily or happy hour specials are not necessary. As you pull up to the bar, you can expect to see faces familiar from the neighborhood. The crowd is a mix of young professionals and older neighborhoodies, all seeking a relaxed atmosphere and a strong cocktail.
While waiting for your drink you can take in the décor, which highlights the wonderfully tacky furnishings that make dive bars feel so cozy. Its wood-paneling is covered by a series of Spanish-themed portraits and landscaped which delightfully clashes with a collection of mounted animals, specifically deer, fish, and even jackalope, the space is topped off with a year-round display of Christmas lights. In the back you will find a pair of hidden tables that protect against prying eyes and make the bar perfect for a secret rendezvous.
Even though Jamos has been around for less than eight years, it feels like the place has always been part of the neighborhood. Likely, it feels that way because the building has housed a bar since 1912. Including a previous configuration that boasted a bar in front and a candy shop operated out of a window in the back. Interesting combination? Its part of what make this city Milwaukee.
Listing: Jamos
Neighborhood: Brady Street
The perfect hide out. I never knew about the candy shop, that's crazy!