John Hawks Pub makes great Milaukee grub

By NICK POWILLS

Venturing through Milwaukee in search of a great place to eat, my parents and I (we were preparing to have a fun night of gambling) were tipped off to a pub that was, "great place for grub." Upon receiving the recommendation, we decided that John Hawks Pub would be our dining for the night.

So with the destination situated, it was time to find the restaurant. Now this is where the true adventure began. We stopped about 10 different people on the street before finding a plump bearded wonderfully nice man – looked like he had his fair share of beer in his life – who actually knew how to get us to the Pub.

Readers, keep in mind (unless you are a already a frequent of the Pub) that you will not see the food/booze palace from the street. You will end up parking in the Wells Fargo parking lot at the Waterstreet-Wisconsin intersection. Once snuggly parked within the fine facilities, take the elevator down to the bottom floor for the entrance to the Pub. Oh, and remember to bring your parking receipt, because if you dine at the John Hawks, your parking is free.

The Pub has been at its current location since September of 1990, where it has served Milwaukeeans’ taste for good booze and satisfying eats. Since the ground was covered in flakes, it would have been stupid to eat outside on the patio, which is summer hot spot.

The food is OK, but don’t expect first class sensations because damnit, this is a Pub. The Spinach and Avocado Dip was very good, as it was served with tasty crackers. The Ruben sandwich, my choice for my main meal, was also good, as it was served with chips and a pickle for only $6.95. My Dad went with a tenderloin sandy and mom went with egg salad sandy, not fancy foods, but definitely satisfying for a Pub. Dad said his was OK and Mom, who is happy with just about anything, enjoyed her meal just fine.

Of course, just like any other Milwaukee fine establishment, the menu will have the bratwurst and the daily fish and chips. At John Hawks, the fish and chips are served for a very reasonable price of $6.60 and be sure to check out the fun fact that the Pub serves 25,000 of them a year.

With my meal, I decided to go with the microbrew, Sprecher Amber. Again, it was good, but not the best I have ever had. Despite not having the greatest beer in the whole world the booze list was very filling, and at prices that can fit anyone’s budget.

John Hawks Pub is also home to lots of live music. The band we heard on this particular Saturday was not much of a draw, but wasn’t too shabby with its freestyle jazzy sounds.

Overall, I would say John Hawks is a good place in atmosphere, OK with food, and solid with drinks. The prices are very reasonable, which should be a draw for anyone who hasn’t checked out the Pub.