Overlooking the picturesque greenery of a park in Milwaukee's Bay View area, Palomino also commands a sublime view of Lake Michigan and the boat entrance from the South Shore Marina.
Whether you're sitting by the window or dining outside, good views abound. But Palomino wasn't always so cool or trendy.The establishment is the brainchild of the same people who developed Fuel Café, Comet, The Hi-Hat Lounge and The Garage, who have brought life to an otherwise comatose corner of Bay View. Palomino was built on the site of an always dark, little known bar called Nellie's. Nellie's had pool tables and food – good food – but no one knew about it. It was more a place for the same cops, retirees and nurses, to commiserate and hook up with one another like a bad episode of "Friends." Enter Palomino.
While the atmosphere was improved through the addition of bright pictures, lights and better seats, the bar had the wrong vibe. Palomino livened up the jukebox, where instead of the entire collection of Bon Jovi, you can now hear the Ramones and where Morphine has taken over for Steely Dan.
Musical differences aside, Palomino's prices are too much like those of the East Side establishments where music choices are more up to par. There are, however, plenty of drink specials to satisfy even the most money conscious. Top shelf liquors are available for reasonable prices, and if you're around on a Sunday and enjoying lunch, the spicy Bloody Mary isn't a bad idea.
Speaking of lunch – Palomino serves up a great menu. Specializing in the ancient art and philosophy that 'if it's not fried, it's not cooked,' the menu remains a study in decadence, featuring stuffed fried seafood fritters, and Country Fried Steak and sweet potato chips. Ah, not your average bar food. But then again, Palomino isn't your average bar. You can actually play billiards.
Why is Palomino so unique? The Bay View area, although up-and-coming, still lacks nightlife. By reviving the once neglected Nellie's, Palomino wins the race for the people who wanted a place to enjoy themselves and maybe even sit outside with a sandwich. Compared to its predecessor, there are no comparisons. The Palomino now sports an inviting vibe that attracts patrons who stay for a good time and then come back again. So, buy yourself a beer and play a game of pool, but save a buck to spin something like "Wave of Mutilation" by the Pixies on the jukebox, because it's there.
Powered by AkoComment 2.0!
