VOX: A Place For Life To Take Place

Story and photos by MARIO R. MARTIN

All right, I’m not going to fuck around here - VOX is probably the best nightspot in Milwaukee. Located on Prospect Avenue, VOX has it all. It’s got the best looking crowd, the stiffest drinks and a hell of a selection. You can play pool or shoot darts there. You can even sit on the stage and zone out while listening to the greatest jukebox since the Hi-Hat/Garage let you plug your own dollar bills for music (pre-behind the bar watered-down crap music they play now). Aesthetically, VOX is the place to dress up, dress down or just live life.

ATMOSPHERE

VOX is an unexpected locale. The tinted windows prevent too much of a look into VOX, but once in, visual arousal is provided as the projector plays full concerts [at times] of great live performances or just music videos. Dark and reserved, the motif of VOX remains that of mysterious with an inviting flow that makes imbibing a spirit comfortable for music lovers far and wide.

CROWD

VOX invites the visually beautiful while toting the intellect of art. When you discover a lounge where stimulating conversation takes place over the quiet hum of The Smiths instead of pelvises grinding on one another to nauseously hypnotic house music, you have found the VOX.

ENTERTAINMENT

Even though shying away from the release parties of yore, (Doves CD release, etc.), VOX doesn’t provide more entertainment than the crowd can handle. While some establishments boast karaoke or a lit up bar, VOX simplifies matters in an otherwise overcomplicated world. Music, spirits, a few games and a place to sit is all that a patron needs, yet VOX offers the ambience as well, along with some of the greatest bartenders in existence…even though you don’t see them participating in Tom Cruise Cocktail-esque antics. No bullshit, just VOX.

SPIRITS, FOOD & PRICE

A wide range of high-end liquors compliments the variety of domestic, premium, import and micro beers. Reasonably priced, VOX makes no bones about taking your money. After all, it is a business. Catching the downfall of an establishment such as VOX is the lack of food. But honestly, VOX is located close enough to Kosta’s where you can score a fine gyro, or cross the street for a bite at the late-closing Qdoba. Whatever you’re craving, you can find it on the East Side.

WHY IS IT UNIQUE?

In essence, VOX is a place you can start the night, end the night, or just sit at enjoying the music while sipping a Sapphire & tonic all night long. Pop some coins into the most eclectic jukebox in town and play “Valerie Loves Me” by Material Issue, or “Killing Moon” by Echo & The Bunnymen for nostalgia purposes. Why do I think it’s unique? Well, to be perfectly frank, I’d be more prone to frequenting the VOX for the entire package. Good looking people mingling among one another while enjoying a lounge atmosphere in between Cure songs and holding a gin drink…that sounds like a good night to me. Not for you? Well good thing there are enough of those over emasculated house clubs where you might find that girl that gives you a bum number but takes the drinks you buy her, or that guy wearing that see-through shirt with a tribal band around his bicep. Good thing for those clubs, because we all know how original they are. I repeat, no bullshit, just VOX.