Bryant's Cocktail Lounge

Many of the establishments on this list strive to evoke a sense of cocktail history, but only a few have really experienced it. Bryant's is one. Bryant's lack of a menu for its arsenal of 450-plus drinks doesn't feel like an inconvenience. It's been a bar since the 1930s (and basically untouched since a 1971 fire nearly took it out of action, prompting a rebuild).

Its recommendation that you allow the bartenders to assist you in finding something you enjoy does not come across as hipster preciousness. It just feels natural. Of course, if you just want to skip the thinking and drink like a true Wisconsinite, a flawless brandy Old Fashioned (for $5 every day except Friday and Saturday at cocktail hour) is a perfectly acceptable option.

Location: 1579 S 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204

Website: bryantscocktaillounge.com