At Random

At Random is still open!
My husband and I hear rumors about it being closed and were so happy to see it is still open.
The bartender (and waitstaff) are so impressive. We watched him make our drinks; it was mesmerizing especially because this guy has to be in his 80s and is still rocking the drinks. I had a chi chi and it was yummy. Love this place and its vibe :)

Basically everyone on the SSide knows what this place looks like on the outside.
Finally made it here earlier this year. Inside is awesome, dim & cozy & reminds me of a club from the movies like good fellas. Music is very cool too. Service is friendly & helpful.
Drinks are awesome & strong. If you like a martini or any cocktail, this is the place for you.
Will def go back.

Bizarre, by captivating. It is the darkest bar I have ever been to. It reminds me of a scene from Goodfellas. But the ice cream drink was tasty and, despite some serious negative vibes, the waitress kept telling us to hang out even if we weren’t ordering more drinks. Definitely want to go again if only for the novelty.

Smells a bit like urine and cigarettes, but it’s worth it for those deliciously strong cocktails. Be aware that service can be slow and the ice cream drinks don’t seem to be as strong as the fruity drinks. Overall, this is a fun spot for dates or a small group of friends.

I use to hang out with my grandparents house a lot and this reminded me of their basement. I’m sure at one point this was the place to be but I think it has lost it’s touch. I’m going to step aside from what I heard about this place going in and write about what I experienced.
I experienced:
— Open tables where people were not be seated.
— A table near the bar with dirty dishes and a bottle of hand sanitizer
— A very direct hostess:
«We don’t have any seats. It’s going to be a while.»
«how long?»
*looks at list, «There are 3 groups in front of you.»
— My back kept sticking to the booth only to realize the booth was taped up.
— An icecream mixed drink with alcohol.
— A very dimly red lit bar.
«We don’t serve other people’s drinks here. Only what’s on the menu.»
«Can you mix pineapple juice and rum?»
«Yeah, we can do that.»
I’m really okay not going back here.

The Naugahyde booths, the wait staff that looks like they’ve worked here all their lives, the binder-​sized drink menu, the artificial poinsettias, the musty smell, the boozy ice cream drinks… It’s places like At Random that keep Milwaukee weird. Just go! It’s cash only and they don’t sell beer.

If you don’t like reality, come here to travel back in time!
Everything is perfect about this place down to the smell. It’s dark with only red/​orange lighting and there’s cozy little 2 person booths, making this a perfect date spot. The décor is extremely tacky, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s fake plants/​flowers, silver garland, poinsettia lights, and vinyl booths.
There’s also a musty smell you’ll notice when you walk in, but I personally think it adds to the charm. And I can’t forget about the music– Frank Sinatra playing all night! Like I said, this place is perfect. It was like I traveled back to 1965, and I didn’t want to leave! I was kind of sad when I walked back outside to 2015 at the end of the night.
The drink menu is extensive, but I went for an ice cream drink. There’s probably about 20 ice cream drink options so there’s something for everyone, and they definitely have a nice kick to them! This place is cash only, and you can only order mixed drinks off the menu– no wine or beer is available. I know the owners are looking to sell, so I really hope I can make it in for a Tiki Love Bowl before closing time. It will be a very sad day when this place is gone.

This place is just unique! Enjoy an ice cream drinks with «Old Blues Eyes» on the over head speakers. It is dark and cozy– retro.

«Quirky» is the word that comes to mind. I hadn’t realized how accurately other reviewers had summed At Random up until I finally visited this week. The staff is a bit inconsistent in their, er, warmth? But given that the future of At Random seems in question at this time, it’s understandable. Plus, based on the conversation of some other patrons, it seems as though the recent news coverage has increased the amount of new visitors to the venue (like me).
The lounge is as eccentric as people say. It’s got the lighting of a tiki lounge with the music of an old swing club with the clown wall art of… well, maybe that’s its own distinct bit. The drinks are delicious. The Cookies & Cream is full of Oreo and boozy goodness and the Carmello was equally tasty. The menu goes beyond ice cream drinks to include dairy-​free cocktails and traditional tiki drinks, but don’t come here expecting wine or beer. As has been noted, it is cash only and there is a charge for designated drivers, so plan ahead.
All in all, I get why it’s a landmark. And I can imagine regulars probably love this place. My first visit didn’t leave a huge impression on me, but I could be persuaded to return.

It’s an old house paid off probably in cash 2 weeks after it opened.
Great drinks, great atmosphere, but you can’t wait 40 years to redecorate even if some crap from the 70’s was back in style 10 years ago. I can’t get over the place reminding me of my Great Aunts 1970 basement so I won’t go back. It just feels old and musty.
My opinion on the place is it is a gold mine. They have never redecorated, and they still have the same bar tender since they opened (I think its the owner TBH) who could easily be in his 80’s.
I’m sure I will get bashed for my post, because some people swear this is the coolest place… perhaps if you are the type of person who hangs out in basement rec-​rooms created in 1975 and not touched since.
I for one like a clean, fresh atmosphere at the prices they are asking.

Great drinks and atmosphere! We have taken many friends and family here for dessert! CASH ONLY! No beer. The drinks are about $ 10 give or take and there is a one drink minimum. The hostess seats you, and you get a menu to look at. Ice cream drinks are their specialty, but they have plenty of other cocktails to choose from the menu. Non alcoholic drinks are available.
The atmosphere is very dark and the décor is from the 60’s. It’s cool. The owners work there, and are getting up in age. I suggest you check this place out while it’s still around. Every time I stop in, I reminisce about the train bar that was nearby in Bay View.
They have a Tiki love bowl, that’s huge, is nothing but booze and ice, and made for two! it’s a little over $ 20. It’s also on fire when they bring it too you! I did see a guy drink one by himself once. He was with a group of 10 or more friends, and they got it for his birthday. My wife is a lightweight, so when we do get the love bowl, I pick up her slack, and we both are feeling warm and fuzzy when we leave.

Too much hassle to make the place worth it. Hostess was one of the worst I ever dealt with at a bar. As we walked in, she yelled at us for not waiting even though sign said please seat yourself. We apologized for walking in and said we were just following the sign. Instead of apologizing to us, she said that someone must have turned it around and she turned it back around. We told her we had a group of 8 (which I guess is too big for a place like this) but as we were getting put in a booth a ninth friend came in unexpectedly and we made room for him at our table by squeezing in. Turns out this was unacceptable as she on three different occasions (despite not being our waittress) told us this spot was only for 8 and the owner (?) Ronny did not like it.
Cash only, horribly slow atm, bench seating was one-​sided only and didn’t allow you to converse with any besides the person next to you, $ 3 charge if you didn’t order a drink (our d&d decided to buy a N/​A specialty drink), no beer or wine for others.
Drinks were good but limited if you have a friend who is lactose intolerant.
The whole time we felt we were an inconvenience to the establishment despite being average, paying customers. Not worth the hassle and you can get a better experience at a place like Bryants.

Given the outside, entering the building was a surprise. Swanky classic 50’s style vibe that really sets a great tone for the experience you’ll have. A time capsule if you will. One of a kind by definition. Décor is cozy and hip. Great soft and low lighting design. Carpeted floors. Very friendly service. Sweet tiki cocktails are their specialty. Had one with the word bastard in the name of it and the chocolate peanut butter one. Both were delicious. Lots of ice-​cream drinks. Standard cocktails can also be ordered.
CASH ONLY.
ATM Available

I haven’t had a bad drink here yet, and I’ve been coming here for years.
I’ve had just about every drink on the menu; tonight was the carmello. I don’t know what the caramel part of this drink is… actual caramel or some kind of caramel liqueur, but I want to drink an entire bottle of it by itself! There is also brandy in this drink and I am not a brandy drinker, but I couldn’t even taste it.
If you’re looking for a beer or glass of wine, this is not the place for you… they don’t serve it.
Don’t come in in your baseball cap, either. You WILL be asked to remove it. A fedora? Now we’re talking! This is a rat-​pack, swanky kind of place that would make Ol’ Blue Eyes and Deano proud!
73÷2014÷78

Apparently quality of service is also at random. I finally made a trip here to check out their drinks and could not have been more dissatisfied with the experience.
Upon arriving I was told there would be a 10 minute wait because the bar was backed up (I would hear this multiple more times throughout my visit). It was a Saturday night, 11pm, and I was with my girlfriend and they didn’t seem all too busy, but I waited. Eventually we got sat and looked over the menu. Must drinks are around $ 10, but are made very well.
After a few minute our waitress finally came over, informing us they were very busy. After looking at the menu we decided to get the Tiki Love Bowl. Unfortunately, our waitress informed us they were out of the ingredients to make it, even though I saw one go out a minute later.
The ice cream drinks we did get were good and came with a cookie garnish. I asked for a glass of water as well but was told she had to check if they had glasses available. I was there for at least twenty minutes after she came by and never got my water, though I could see plenty of clean glassware ready to go. I also was asked to pay upon receiving the drinks, even though other tables weren’t asked to do the same. Luckily I had cash, because they don’t take credit cards or checks and their atm was broken, which is just poor business planning.
Overall, I was disappointed and will just stick with Bryant’s when I want a cocktail lounge. They’ve always provided great service.

Bring on the lactaid. This place is awesome. Some people call it a great first-​date place… I maybe wouldn’t due to the overwhelming amount of dairy that’s consumed.
We’ve been here a few times and always love it. I aim for the ice cream drinks, and once we got that flaming tiki love bowl. If on first date, tiki-​love bowl it. Youre bound to have a good time (and a hangover).
Strawberry Splurge– amazing. Peanut Butter cup– wowzaz. Orange Crush– tastes like a classy dreamsicle. You can’t go wrong with the ice cream drinks.
One worry I have– There are only a handful of workers here below the age of 70. I worry about At Random’s future. Bring in a few apprentices! This place is such a Milwaukee staple, and needs to stay around for decades to come!

Despite At Random being off the beaten path, it’s a well known and well loved spot for fancy drinks. They’ve been around forever — my guess is that the current décor was «cutting edge» when the place opened. Nothing has changed since then — it reminds me of my grandma’s basement, but in a good way. At Random tends to do things their own way, so here’s how to do it right:
*Don’t show up at 9pm on a Friday or Saturday night with 12 people and then get pissy when you can’t all be seated together or that you have to wait. This isn’t a place for large groups, period. If you can’t deal, you and your hipster buddies should just cross the street and go to Cactus Club instead.
*Cash only. That means «bring cash»
*Bring time, because they certainly take their time in making and delivering drinks. Keep in mind that most of the staff here qualified for AARP about 25 years ago.
*Don’t count on them being open, even on the weekends. Generally they are, but sometimes they aren’t.
*Order an ice cream drink as At Random’s are the best. My favorite is the Peanut Butter Cup or the Grasshopper.
Basically what I’m saying is, don’t be a jagoff — the neighborhood has changed a great deal since At Random opened but they’re a little time capsule to the past. Appreciate that while it lasts. Bring patience and cash and bask in the glow of the fake fireplace while you sip your Brandy Alexander.

Maybe it’s just me but it seems like every bar in Bay View has the same three characteristics: Divey, Dark, Looks like a House from the outside.
At Random is no exception. Kind of hard to find, I actually drove past it while using GPS. If it wasn’t for the pictures I saw online, it would’ve taken even longer to find.
It looks like a house from the outside. There’s really no windows so you can’t see inside from the street, it also doesn’t have a sign, just «At Random» in lettering on one of the sides.
When I walked up I walked to where I thought the entrance would be (where the streets intersect) but there was no door, so I continued walking south and still couldn’t find the door.
Then I thought it was a trap door or something but didn’t see any indication of entrance, so I walked around the back side and found the entrance. Very sneaky.
When we arrived, we were the only ones there, at about 7:15PM on a Wednesday. It was just us and the bartender — an older gentlemen, who looked like he knew his stuff.
The menu is in a binder, kind of like a DJ Request List you’d see at a wedding. They have no beer and no wine. All their drinks are specialty drinks.
I’m sure you can get a regular cocktail but it isn’t in the menu. There are ice cream drinks, slushy drinks, and hot drinks. I had no idea what to order so I opted for the bartender’s suggestion.
My drink came in a big glass — like a Lil’ Jon pimp cup and was slushy in the sense almost as if it was a Hawaiian shaved iced. It was very very good.
The ice cream drink looked good as well. Drinks weren’t cheap at all $ 9 – 10 but they were of fantastic quality. Unfortunately, the bar is cash only.
What was most interesting about this place was the ambiance /​atmosphere by far. I think the name At Random is quite appropriate because there are A LOT of random things scattered throughout.
There’s oldies playing over speakers (Sinatra, etc). It’s very dark with a small bar and then huge booths with leather seats around the bar. There’s a lot of hanging red lamps and other random lighting such as Christmas lights, but all the lighting is subtle so it stays very dark. There’s Christmas trees and poinsettias but also Halloween decorations. It has a very similar feel to it as The Foundation, in regards to lighting and ambiance.
And the strangest of all — about 10 people came into the bar at 7:30, all probably over the age of 65 and they all ordered water and went into a separate room, as if there was a secret meeting going on or something.
Unique drinks and certainly a unique atmosphere, when you’re At Random, or at least when I was — it felt like you’re in a dream.
It’s a dream I wouldn’t mind having again, but not one I’d like to have often. This is a great place to experience if you’ve never been, but once in a blue moon is the most I could see myself there. I like beer too much.

Descriptive phrase: boozy ice cream lounge.
Been hearing things about At Random for a while, and managed to find it open around 7:30PM on a Tuesday night. It’s a very unassuming white building on a quiet Bay View corner. When you walk inside it’s like being transported to my grandparents’ favorite haunt; it’s dark, it’s old, it’s classic. It was empty when we came save for two workers, though some other people trickled in. We sat at the small bar, but eventually saw their very large attached seating area.
We went straight for the ice cream cocktails, which we’d heard were the best. For $ 9 a pop we got an Oreo Shake and a Banana Chocolate Shake. These large concoctions would’ve been worth the price in any normal ice cream shop, but add in the ambiance and the booze and you’d be hard pressed to find a sweeter deal.
At Random is an experience, and a delightful one at that. I’d love to see it more packed than it was. Oh, and cash-​only folks.

From the outside, it doesn’t look like much. I had only heard they had delicious ice cream cocktails. Upon entering the place, I felt like everything had froze in time aside from the wait staff. It’s super dark and the lighting has a reddish tint to it. The bartenders are on the older side which I think adds to the charm. The place was lighting up with camera phone flashes as people were receiving their drinks and taking pictures of them.
We were able to get seated right away at a table where we sat side by side. The place was starting to fill up. We only stayed for one drink because really more than one ice cream drink seems a bit excessive. When we left, there was a line almost outside the door to get in.
The menu is extensive. They make standard cocktails but it seems silly to get anything other than an ice cream drink unless you’re going with the tiki love bowl. I ordered a grasshopper ice cream drink and it was delicious. The ice cream drinks all come with a small cookie attached. While I did enjoy this place, it’s not some place I’ll be a regular at, no beer or wine but I will be back again.