Sometimes all we want to do is chill. You know what I mean — after a long, hard day, the best thing to do is find something relaxing and enjoyable, with little stress or thought required.
We have a lot of options to consider if we want to decompress, such as staying at home or visiting with friends. But can we combine the two in a slightly more social setting, such as a bar, without letting it become too hectic?
We can make it happen, and the bar is Sweeney’s Living Room Bar and Grill. As its name suggests, the Living Room is a chill, laid-back environment and a refreshing change of pace from the typical State Street hustle and bustle.
The Living Room, which also features an acclaimed restaurant, is in the building of a former old-time gas station on the corner of North Frances and University. The layout is an L-shape, with the bar at one end and the restaurant at the other.
The interior design is simple, almost reflective of the lack of pretension one finds at the Living Room. One very unique feature is the artwork in both the bar and restaurant; the Living Room is also an art gallery.
Local artists, including UW students, have an opportunity to display their wares for about six weeks — there are even receptions at the opening of an artist’s show. Aside from keeping things fresh, the artwork contributes to the edgy and eclectic atmosphere, which is very enjoyable.
Although the atmosphere is chill, it is hardly sedate. On a recent night, for example, the crowd was diverse; a handful of birthday celebrations, people wanting to catch the Bucks game in a totally non-sports-bar environment, and some just wanting to have a few drinks and engaging in conversation with the bartenders and friends.
A note about the bartenders — a sign of a good bar is seeing current or former bartenders, who might not actually be working at that particular time, hanging out at the bar where they work. The bartenders at the Living Room have such camaraderie that it shows in their attitude and the quality of their bartending. Bartender Katie Spillane likes to sum it up this way: “This place just fits well — like my favorite pair of black pants.”
Very professional, but never too serious, the bartenders at the Living Room make a solid drink ? or two. Mixed drinks are made to order, with generous pours. The drink menu features an extensive selection of martinis, classics, and coffee drinks. Popular favorites include Cosmopolitans, and Chocolate Martinis (made of Stoli vodka, butterscotch, and Godiva liqueur ? available in white or dark). Another interesting drink is Kristin’s Kiss, made of kahlua, chambord, and cream.
There are over 14 beers on tap and over 19 beers in bottles. The only “macro” brew on tap is Bud Light — the variety of micros is extensive and unusual, such as James Page Burly Brown, which is a smooth-tasting brown with a caramel finish. Other micros and imports include New Glarus Spotted Cow, Newcastle, McEwan’s India Pale, and Guinness.
For those of you out there who are Guinness lovers, the Living Room is one of several bars hosting the Great Guinness Toast. The Guinness Toast is an attempt to break the world record in a simultaneous toast across the country, which will take place tonight, Friday, Nov. 30, at 11:00 p.m. The bar will open two taps, and according to PJ, one of the bartenders, “They’ll be flowing all night long!”
The Living Room offers some of the most unique drink specials in the city. Consider this lineup: Monday is $2 green bottles of beer and $3 White Russians; Tuesday is 2 for 1 Cosmos; Wednesday is known as Wisconsin Wednesday and features $2 bottles and $2.50 taps of Wisconsin beer; Thursday is 2 for 1 Chocolate Martinis and $3 Black’n’Tans; Friday and Saturday is bartender’s choice; and Sunday is happy hour all day long, featuring $2.75 pints. Wow!
Although people are drawn to the interesting array of drinking possibilities, it is the easy-going environment that stands out. According to Mike, a graduate lecturer and one of the bar’s popular patrons, “This is great place, never too busy or loud, where you can have a great conversation and meet interesting people.”
Med student Alexandra Anderson, another regular, sometimes comes to the bar to study. “I have spent more than six hours here at a time, studying for finals — the end result was very good,” she said with a sheepish grin.
Take a load off in the friendly confines of the Living Room. It is the perfect escape from the chaotic end-of-semester intensity. Thanks again to Sam, Gary, Aaron, and Kevin for their insight!
Sweeney’s Living Room is open from 3:00 p.m. until close Monday through Wednesday, and 11:00 a.m. until close Thursday through Sunday. Major credit cards are accepted.
Bartime will wrap up this semester with a visit to the Cabin Lounge. The Cabin Lounge is located at the Badger Bowl bowling alley, at 506 East Badger Road. Cheers!
