Just Art’s owner, Art, begins to tell me a handful of pickup lines he used when he was a young buck bartender. Art stands behind the patio bar that looks out to the adjacent parking lot, and I am seated at a wobbly stool on the patron side of things. In the corner, there is a white refrigerator against wood paneling with old Budweiser signs hanging above. The area is lit by bumblebee and martini lantern lights. I feel like I’m in my friend’s dad’s garage, and I like it.
Art licks his thumb and wipes his moist digit on the sleeve of my shirt. He applies the same moistness to the sleeve of his shirt and concludes, “Whadaya say you and me get out of these wet clothes?”
I reply, “You’re sick.” Laughter ensues, as I know he doesn’t mean harm.
Aside from the obvious creep factor as the white-haired bearded man touches me with his wet thumb, I get a kick out of his banter. He could go all night, and he did. Unfortunately for Art, this hurt my opinion of him a bit toward the end of the night when he and my friend were spewing politics back and forth.
He gave us fair warning of his passionate opinions and his need for hard facts and solid reasoning from his sparring partner. Art spoke eloquently and backed up his statements with what sounded like facts, but to him, I was an idealist with a lot to learn.
Holy tangent. So we have differing opinions, but the man still owns a damn good dive bar. Inside you can play as much foosball as you can handle, and then walk under the brick archway, grab some popcorn and hit the indoor bar for another round.
I asked our lovely patio bartender of the evening, Paulette, why she likes Art’s. Her answer was simple, “Art’s is a place that likes to give more than receive.” I was there for a couple hours, and I totally got that. Although I’m not a big fan of cheap or free late-night dive bar treats, they did offer a killer $1.50 burger deal for the evening.
As I continued chatting with Art, he told me he was coming up on his 30th anniversary, and they will be celebrating Aug. 12 with free food and live entertainment by Mystery Train. He says the food is going to be serious and will include fried chicken, Italian beef, ham, rice, shrimp, etc. All free!
I urge you to check out this event, but avoid engaging Art in any political dialogue if you know what’s good for you. Rather, keep things light with bad pickup lines or ask him about unknowingly kicking
Jeffrey Dahmer out of his bar one night. OK, I guess that’s not so light.
Anyway, cheers, Art, and thanks for the keychain.
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From 3:30 to 6 p.m., try happy hour: half off all top-shelf Irish and scotch whiskies. 20 oz. pint of Guinness and shot of Powers for $6.25. $5 wines by the glass.
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3 Comments
Where is it?
Oh boy, my bad...located at 181 S. 2nd St.
I used to work at Art's back in the late 80's when it wasn't considered a 'dive' bar but was a hip-n-happening university kind of bar. The cheap prices were student-friendly and Art, along with his half brother, would entertain the crowd with tricks and jokes and Art arguing/ teaching politics. Some things don't change and that can be a good thing. I hope to attend the 30th celebration when I am in Milwaukee this August! Cheers! 'Just Lisa' :)