Not Your Average Happy Hour: 5 Themed Bars in Wisconsin

Have you ever sipped a cocktail surrounded by Christmas ornaments? How about a beer off the bow of a Viking ship? At these Wisconsin bars, it’s not just what you’re drinking, but where you’re drinking it that makes all the difference – and these aren’t your typical happy hour hangouts. Gather up your friends for a round or two at these one-of-a-kind themed bars around Wisconsin.

Cleo’s Brown Beam Cocktail Lounge – Appleton

It’s “the most wonderful time of the year” every day of the year at Cleo’s, where the halls are decked from top to bottom with all things Christmas. Lights! Ornaments! Tinsel! It’s all there, turning this cozy cocktail lounge into a holly jolly holiday hotspot whether you stop by in December or June. Their signature drink is the Dirty Snowball, best described as an “adult milkshake” – don’t leave without trying one!

Camp Bar Third Ward – Milwaukee

If Wisconsin’s winters have you dreaming of curling up in a log cabin and sipping drinks fireside, Camp Bar is here to make that a reality. Bringing the spirit of the Northwoods to downtown Milwaukee, Camp Bar’s magic is in the details – everything from the menu (Wisconsin cheese curds) to the décor (buffalo plaid and mounted moose heads) to the drinks themselves (Schlitz Tall Boys and Old Fashioneds) channels the cozy, friendly atmosphere the Northwoods is known and loved for.

But Camp Bar doesn’t just replicate the classics, it takes them up a notch – their creative Old Fashioned menu includes drinks like the Maple Leaf, with a base of maple whisky, and the Smith & Wesson made with real Kentucky bourbon.

Camp Trippalindee – Madison

1980s summer camp movies are the inspiration for this lively rooftop bar atop Madison’s Graduate Hotel. Kick back and enjoy views of the Capitol City over a game of Uno and a bug juice, served Capri Sun-style: plastic pouch, straw and all. Wood paneling and retro furniture round out the old-school camp vibe, and when the weather’s right, a bonfire (with all the fixings for s’mores, of course) lights up the night on the outdoor patio.

5Bar - Beloit

Looking for a homey atmosphere to sip drinks with friends? Meet up at 5Bar in Beloit, where the vibe is cozy house party, the furniture is midcentury modern and the dogs are friendly. With new themed drink menus each month (past menus have featured Star Wars, Pink Floyd and Pie), you’re sure to find something exciting and delicious here.

Viking Brewpub – Stoughton

Channel your inner Norwegian at Viking Brewpub, where Stoughton’s Scandinavian heritage is on display in everything from the menu to the beers to the mightily impressive bar. The bar is the centerpiece of the pub – fashioned to look like a Viking Long Ship, stools circle the sides and Nordic-inspired taps, like Sjokolade Porter and Nordic Blonde, are poured from the center.

Authentic Scandinavian dishes round out the full menu – try the Norwegian meatballs (a Saturday special) or a salad with homemade lingonberry dressing for a taste of the local heritage.

You know where to go for happy hour, but what about brunch? Kick off your weekend with one of Wisconsin's tasty Bloody Marys.