This past Monday night, Neill and I got to go try out the new “lounge” on Water Street–SWIG. For those of you that might not be aware, they shut down 1225 (sorry Tim!) a few months back and decided to completely remodel the place and open it up as a different bar. Hence, Swig came into play.

At first glance inside Swig, you might think you were at a bar in the 3rd Ward, not on Water Street. About 2 years ago, I got sick of going to Water Street for a few reasons. 1. I got older. 2. Everyone else on Water seemed to be getting younger and 3. My goals for going out aren’t to get plastered and find Mr. Right. It’s more of a social atmosphere.

Swig accomplishes just that. Sneakers and jeans hanging off of your ass are not welcome here. Instead, you’ll fine a “lounge”… not a bar. A place where you don’t have to yell to hear someone that is sitting right next to you. A place where you can order something other than bar food. A place with you can order a martini or speciality drink without getting that “you know how long this is going to take me” look from your bartender. A place though, if you want a bottle of Miller Lite, you won’t be laughed at.

The food concept at Swig is “Small Plate Dining.” Basically, they have a bunch of appetizers that are meant to be shared by a group of people instead of ordering big entrees. And I’m not talking buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks as your appetizers. These appetizers are things like crab cakes and wontons and mozzarella caprese. Good, GOOD food. My favorite by far were the crab cakes. Highly recommended.

The desserts are excellent (if you order the carrot cake, make sure you share it–it’s a HUGE piece) and the drinks were as good as you would expect.

So, my recommendation is that if you’re looking for something different than the usual “Water Street Crowd”, take a gander at Swig. You’ll be happily surprised.

NOTE: Swig will soon have a website at swigmilwaukee.com and other reviews can be found at clubmilwaukee.com, at milwaukeenights.com, and at shepherd-express.com.