Two

My friend and I dropped by Two recently for a birthday drink. This place has a great classic cocktail list and fun ice cream drinks. Since we'd just had a disappointing dinner, we opted for ice cream drinks as a treat. They were both very good and picture perfect. The bartender was polite and service was good.We were in early and the place was quite empty, but it filled as the night went on.Two is not big, but it's cute as hell with retro decor and intimate booths, perfect for a a date night. Mid-century mod and kitty cat decor for the win.I may well make this a regular haunt.

The place:Two is easy to overlook. From the outside, it looks like another indescribable dive with the stone exterior and only one window up high. The sign is a single numeral, 2. Hubsy gushed about this bar enough that I resisted until Saturday night when I felt restless. Inside, Two is a low-lit neighborhood bar. There's a fair number of large tables for groups and the booths noted by other reviewers behind bead curtains. Two glows like the inside of a supernatural heart. Warm, red, and playing some solid music -- some I recognized (Death Cab for Cutie) and others I didn't (the bluesy tune). There's a jukebox. The location:Located next to its flashier cousin, Art Bar, it's easy to miss Two. About 3-4 blocks west of Humboldt on Burleigh, use Art Bar as your landmark. There's plenty of unmetered street parking on Burleigh or the residential streets. The service: When we walked in, we were greeted immediately by the bartender. She also asked if we had ever been there before. Based on the people who came in after us, my guess is that she knows the regulars. Very cool. The drinks:My first sip of Dark and Stormy was all rum. I didn't mind, so when I stirred, it was perfectly balanced. Good ginger beer, good rum. The Moscow Mule Hubsy got was sweeter than my drink which was surprising but delightful. Each of our drinks were $8.50. I didn't pay attention to the beer specials, but maybe next time. Next time:I'll probably stay longer to do some people-watching and writing. Maybe I'll check out the beer.

Oh, what a dark & dreamy den. Lounge lizards slither from booth to bar to street to smoke under the orange glow.While I lounged among them, a character of contemporary local infamy recalled a familiar phrase from his father."You used to be able to tell if a bar was any good by the jukebox."I think it was his father. He was, and is, a lizard. In his culture, the term is used to refer to the male figure who the speaker most fears & respects. And depending on the circumstances, he could truly mean his literal father. I didn't much care who said it to him. The lizard was dead right.Two has a jukebox that can tell you something about Two.Motown. Oo, baby. Hall & Oates like it ain't no thang. Barry White. Ray Charles.Get off me. I can't help but be drawn to the velvety vermilion interior. Some people wish that the beads at the small booths were removed. DIS. A. GREE. It adds to the charm. Plus, where else do you have the option to sit in very private, very cozy booths?Slide on in. Lean back in the lounge chairs. Befriend a neighborhood reptile. Otherwise, he might just continue to sit at the end of the bar, blinking at you.

Two is a diamond in the rough. Never expected for such a hip, classy, chill spot to be nestled into Riverwest. Two is well decorated and features some intimate areas as well as open booths to start or end a night out on the town. If it's not two busy you can bring your dog in too. You would never guess that this place is as sheek as it is from the outside. The owners of Art Bar did a great job to compliment their space next door.

I super dig this place, and not just because it's within stumbling distance of my humble Riverwest abode.Two is a lounge, through and through. It had been on my radar for years, but rumo(u)rs of a creepy, swing-tastic vibe kept me away initially. This all changed one fateful night... Art Bar was hosting some loud-ass band and smelled particularly strongly of "Riverwest," so we walked in and walked right back out. Upon leaving, some sidewalk smoker suggested we check out the spot next door for a more chill + relaxed ambiance. The recommendation took hold with little arm twisting as I had most surely consumed a beverage or two prior to my arrival at Art Bar so... what the hell? L and I mosey back inside, except exactly one door over.Two's retro and mid-century-modern-esque, with booths for two covered in beads and curtains lining the walls. Communal/general seating's at high top tables, a few comfy lounge-y chairs, and the bar only. (An aside: Those booths? If it were my bar, they'd go, or at the very least, I'd ditch the curtains and beads. This place is great, and the whole "romantic" angle isn't necessarily bad, but it's not so apt in my opinion, either. Sorry, owners. I hear you're nice folks but I'm just being honest. Plus, it's a great spot without the angle! I'd sit at booths with friends if I didn't feel like they thought I might be trying to make out with them. Also, I've never seen anyone sitting in those booths. That says something, I think.)ANYWAYS...Two's pretty rad and I like the spot quite a bit. The bartenders are always nice; a special shout out to *Brandon, who pays attention to Yelp and is a real-deal super funny/nice dude. There's a diverse set of regulars and patrons and the bar stocks solid boozes and suds. I can get a well-made hot toddy, a Rehorst gin and tonic, or interesting craft brews. I can also apparently get amaretto-flavored vodka these days, which I am excited yet a touch embarrassed about liking and ordering. (Don't you judge me! Or go ahead. I don't care at all, actually.)Overall: Two's a chill, old-school/retro lounge-type spot nestled just next to Art Bar on Burleigh in Riverwest. The more I go, the more I prefer it to Art Bar, to be honest. Check it out, and don't judge a book by its slightly creepy booths or reputation.*I think his name is Brandon. Or Brian. He worked at/works at Trocadero, too.

I love this swank ass lounge. Ha. Seriously though, you want a nice drink, some dim romantic lighting, a chill vibe, and a private booth come here. Want to meet some really nice bartenders and strike up a conversation with friendly strangers, come here too. It's a great time every time.

People! All of you lovestruck folks out there! Get your buns to Two!!! You will feel like a naughty teenager, sneaking down to your parents' parents basement for a good make-out session with your steady. There are red lights; beaded curtains concealing booths pour deux; velour rockers; plastic chairs; Dirty Minds. I mean the game, but I could very well mean the patrons. I have not even started with the beverages. I was there on Valentine's Day, but I am certain the coolness factor is ever present. Grab your spouse, sig. other, F with B and cuddle up with a coffee drink. Mine was served with chocolate vodka and in a pint glass with a cardboard ring. At Two they are all about a tasty drink, protection (from hot beverages), and sassy ambiance. There are welcoming locals and happy bartenders. You will feel the love from everyone.

One of my favorite lounges in Milwaukee happens to be just a stone's throw away. Not sure if it's my favorite because is so close or because of the beaded curtains that make each booth seem so private or maybe it's because of the chill vibe the bartenders put out.. hmm... Avoid bringing anyone loud, drunk, obnoxious, or otherwise crazy because they will stand out in a bad way. yup, I learned this the hard way.

The first and only time I've ever been here, I immediately fell in love. Wonderful craft cocktails. Calm old school atmosphere. Perfect for dates will your closest friends or dates with your beloved. Sometimes if Art Bar gets to crowded or loud, this is the perfect little escape right next door.

Most of the men in the bar where friends with bartender- bartender was not paying much mind to other patrons. No drink menu :/ Decor is beautiful and concept is great! Has a feeling off moulin rouge! I will be back again!" They just need a drink menu that goes with the theme!