Taverns to hoppin’ dance clubs await
By AMBER KROSEL - akrosel@nwherald.com
When tourists arrive on the bar scene in Lake Geneva, they should be prepared to indulge in several establishments with local flavor.
The following three pubs and clubs – each with its own personality – are only a few of the offerings in and around the area:
Hogs and Kisses
149 Broad St., Lake Geneva, Wis.
262-248-7447
www.hogsandkisses.com
Perhaps earning the title of having the biggest name recognition to out-of-towners, Hogs and Kisses is a biker bar at heart. It’s been in business 29 years and touts itself as the original nightclub in Lake Geneva.
“Most people say, ‘I’ve been coming here 28 years,’ or ‘It’s been 20 years since I’ve been here,’ ” bartender Sarah Hill said. “I just think it’s the same old party they’ve been used to over the years. And some of the younger kids who come up, they think it’s one hell of a party.”
Although the nightlife gets “a little crazy” on Fridays and Saturdays, Hill said many patrons also stop by for the food.
Hogs and Kisses offers happy hour coupled with half-priced appetizers every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m. Specialty foods include barbecue ribs, burgers and homemade soups.
“We call ourselves a pub and club,” Hill said. “We’re on the one side, great for a burger and cold beer, then clubbing on the weekends.”
The bar also promotes plenty of daily drink specials, as well as deals for bachelorette parties.
Entertainment-wise, this summer kicks off X-rated Friday Night Parties, which celebrate the fusion liqueur by the same name. Different X-games and giveaways take place every Friday night.
Want to get your dance on during the week? Deejays are on regular rotation Wednesdays through Saturdays in the summer, and the bartenders themselves are sure to entertain.
Owl Tavern
W4120 Southland Road
Lake Geneva, Wis.
262-248-1034
www.owltavern.com
The folks at Owl Tavern consider themselves the only establishment in southeast Wisconsin resembling the closeness of “Cheers.”
A small, cozy bar tucked in near the south shore of Geneva Lake, Owl Tavern prides itself on its friendly service and quaint location.
“They always say how cute it is because it kind of looks like a North Woods-type tavern,” bartender Lindsay Bates said. “They’re always amazed and never knew it was here.”
Bates, who has been serving drinks at Owl Tavern for 15 years, said she is most impressed by the amount of folklore and stories people tell. The bar has existed for decades under only three eras of owners.
“It’s so local that you’re always hearing something new,” Bates said. “Once you’re in here, everyone takes you under their wing. Pretty much everyone who’s been here returns.”
The amount of wildlife nearby also is intriguing for visitors. Often, a deer or turkey will walk right past a bar window.
As for actual pub grub options, Owl Tavern simply serves snacks and pizzas. While the entertainment options also remain low-key – from a jukebox to pool tables, darts and a video golf machine – the drink specials add up.
Happy hour runs Mondays through Thursdays, where patrons roll a set of dice to find out how much they will pay for their drinks. And everyone (usually) plays nice.
“Our logo is a friendly neighborhood drinking establishment,” Bates said. “That’s what we are.”
Zenda Tap
N-560 Zenda Road, Zenda, Wis.
262-275-5228
A few miles off the beaten path, Zenda Tap is like a mirage for some exiting or entering Lake Geneva.
Even to its employees, the bar is most commonly referred to as being “in the middle of nowhere.”
But that doesn’t stop the wide variety of customers who stop by for some cheap brews or to check out the interesting array of activities going on all summer long.
Known best for its burgers, Zenda Tap’s retro-looking sign features a steaming patty and frothy beer mug to welcome patrons. Possibly one of the oldest bars in Walworth County, it’s been in its secluded spot about 80 years.
“We’re out in nowhere, and that’s why people come here,” bartender Toni Martin said. “They do. They come here because basically, it’s kind of a biker bar. They like to ride the country roads.”
Thirsty Thursdays promote 50-cent domestic taps all day, while each summer month is a different drink special. On Wednesdays, community volleyball teams compete outside the bar, and Thursdays mean free play at the pool tables.
DJs and live bands often stop by, but the lineup of entertainment doesn’t end there. In June, patrons ride mechanical bulls and enjoy outdoor theater performances. July brings in crowds for biker parties and pig roasts.
Aside from a long list of summer offerings, snowmobile riders find fun at Zenda, too. Trails lead right up to the door in the wintertime.
But when asked what tourists recall most about Zenda Tap year-round, Martin had one word in mind.
“Probably our entertainment,” she said. “Everyone remembers the entertainment.”
