I dig this place, and damned if its holiday decor isn't the spitting image of the Cleo's on Armitage in Chicago. So much so I had to ask the gal working there if there was a family relation of some sort (there isn't). Way too unlikely to be a coincidence. Anyhow, it's a nice kinda old-schooley bar. Not a dive by any stretch, but the dim lighting, red naugahyde stools, and borderline kitsch everywhere is sorta homey and reminds me a little of a relative's bar of sorts. The juke is average but they were spinning some pretty cool sleazy blues when I walked in, which was much more appropos. As it ends up this place is sort of a local institution, and understandably so. It was an older crowd when I was in there, definitely not a college scene...wasn't a sickly barfly scene though, just regular folks but not really a corporate after work scene either. I found it pretty agreeable and plan to go back again before I leave town. read more

I'm lucky enough to travel for trainings regularly. My last training brought me to Appleton, Wisconsin. I always try to go to unique places in the city in at. I asked around and almost unanimously the answer was the same, Cleos. This place is a mix of the bar from the Cheers TV show, where everyone knows your name, and a dis functional Christmas get together. There are Christmas lights and decorations absolutely everywhere. There are a few TVs showing basketball games and 80's and 90's music playing. I think I'm in heaven. Everyone knew everyone and the bartenders were fantastic. The drinks were cheap and well made (try a dirty snowball). If you're ever in Appleton give this place a try! read more

Cleo's features 3 things that are prominent in my mind: 1) Tacky decor 2) "Snowballs" - take a white russian and blend it up with ice - AMAZING! Cheap too, I think I got 3 rounds for 3 people for $46. Hey I'm from California, that's cheap. 3) Cougars galore! I like this place and wish there was one in San Francisco. Friendly crowd. Party atmosphere. I like how this town has nothing else to do but party and drink. read more

As an avid Everything Christmas fan, even more so when it comes to Christmas decor, how could I not LOVE Cleo's. As a kid I remember looking longingly out of the car window on holiday visits to my family's homes as we drove passed Cleo's. I always just wanted to go in so, so badly, that when the opportunity actually presented itself years later, I dove into that jungle of holiday cheer head-first! Talk about KITSCH! We had some cheap beers, great for the pocketbook, always love that! We had an easy night out and would love to return. And whom ever coined it "I spy" hilarity, Cheers! You couldn't have named a visit to Cleo's more aptly! read more

Yikes -- there is a LOT of Christmas stuff packed into this bar! It makes for an interesting atmosphere, but the crowd is, shall we say, on the older side. If you're looking to meet people, this is a good warm-up bar, but not the main attraction. On the plus side, drinks are cheap, so maybe get drunk here and then go to a trendier place just to dance? read more

Fantastic Drinks and service...Best bar in Appleton!The Christmas decorations are awesome.You must gave a Dirty snowball or old fashioned.

Cleo's is pretty fab. It's just full of random charm and oddities and I love it. Try a dirty snowball they're pretty tasty :]

Refused service to our bridal party because the bride did not have her ID. Thanks for the memories!

Cleo's is an amazing little place. I've been hearing about Cleo's forever, my dad went here (although it's unclear whether it was in the same location/ownership) when he was a wily teenager, as did seemingly all of my aunts and uncles. It's an Appleton institution. The crowd was an excellent mix of young and old people. There were hipsters enjoying themselves next to the elderly and if there's a vibe in here it's just generally happy. I don't know what brings a person to a Christmas bar, but they're clearly doing something right. The drinks were reasonably priced and strong. They have those interesting Jagerbomb cups you're seeing so much of these days. The beer taps include some regional standouts but doesn't do anything to espouse itself as a beer bar. Most notable of course is the decor. It's Christmassy in Cleo's and it comes off as unusually well done. Rumor has it the place was once a fire-hazard, now it looks more professionally designed. Highly recommended. read more

I spent a good chunk of my weekend here during the Mile of Music Festival and boy it was packed!...so was every other place that weekend. Right away you'll notice the festive decor...Christmas lights galore along with other holiday decorations. It's a very long bar with small tables on the opposite wall from the bar. When it's crowded, it's really hard to get from one end to the other. This is a place to go for cocktails as they have a martini and other various cocktails. Their featured cocktail is the Dirty Snowball. I basically describe it as a slushy with tons of booze and a cherry on top. It tasted great, but definitely slowed down and had a couple of waters as I had a long night ahead of me. They have a small beer selection, but some decent WI craft beers on tap including Hinterland, Stone Arch, New Glarus, and Vintage Brewing. The average age of the clientele is a bit older compared to other College Ave bars, which is not bad at all. They are definitely one of the happiest bars downtown Appleton. read more

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The staff (Amber and Danielle for my experience) is very welcoming and friendly. The drinks were good, and the Xmas theme is very unique lol. Apparently once upon a time, they made the drinks with ice cream... no longer. read more

Are you kidding me!!! This place is crazy amazing! You need to stop in and enjoy Christmas all year round. Stiff drinks, festive place, a must when in Appleton! read more

Cleo's Brown Beam Tavern - The dirty snowball - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Appleton, Wisconsin

Super cool atmosphere. Lots of regulars but the bartender paid lots of attention to everyone. Hap the sour Old Fashioned at happy hour. Tasted great and great price during happy hour read more

Cleo's Brown Beam Tavern - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Appleton, Wisconsin

Cleo's is quite the unique place, that's for sure. I heard that it could be packed, but I must have been lucky to come on an off night for the regular crowd. The drinks are just fine and the bartenders are friendly, but you really come to dig the atmosphere of perpetual Christmas here anyway. It's fun to find something new like this, amongst all the other dives in town, and it'll be great to come back sometime! read more

We were next in line and because the wife of the guy behind us was inside schmoozing the bouncer we were told we were not next even though everyone else in our party was already in the building. Asking me to understand your position as the bouncer when you aren't following the order of the line....ummm I'm not sure who taught you the concept of a line but its first come first serve!!! No drinks purchased at this bar because your bouncer was on a power trip!!! read more

Great job place!!! Food and drinks are amazing ... I'm from CA and they can lean a lot from this place

A fav for many out of towners but not necessarily my bag. Atmosphere is good but can get crowded and loud. Beer selection below average for the downtown Appleton area. One not a big ice cream drink fan but this place does have an excellent selection. As others noted the Dirty Snowball is a good place to start but there are many other concoctions to try that are just as good. read more

Awesome staff and fun atmosphere! A must see if you're in Appleton. The Christmas theme is cute and you have to order the "Dirty Snowball"

Appleton style Pub, Bar or what ever you want to call it. Very unique inside Friendly bartender and greeter. I ought to have review last spring when I was there. I am returning to Appleton in this April. My first day back I will be there in the evening. read more

Came in from Philly for work. Every bar in Appleton was BEAT! Not this place. Cleo's was a huge change of pace but the old fashion is unbelievable, and the bartender who made it (Rachel) what a smile! Gorgeous! Awesome drink, awesome bartender, awesome place! I'm Impressed. read more

Love the lights and the atmosphere so much. It's so beautiful, it's like every day at Cleos is a holiday. I've been there twice now and it's always been really fine to catch up with friends and just hang out for a drink there. read more

I would give this place zero stars if I could. When you first walk in it seems ok but it's not! The bartenders are rude and the service is slow. Drinks are weak. If you really look around at the walls, ceiling, and floor you can see how terrible it is. I would not want to see this place in the daylight with the lights on. Scary. There are better places for a cocktail in Appleton. Overall, avoid this place and keep walking down College. Many other better options available. read more

Christmas threw up in this historic landmark. The decor an epileptic's nightmare, but the lukewarm beverages and polite bar-side service are a traveler's best friend. Drop in for hours of "I spy" hilarity. read more

I mean all I can say is that the dirty snowball drink makes this a must stop. Besides the fantastic fun drinks the decor is so fun. You could sit in the bar for hours and be entertained by the holiday themed bar for hours. I highly recommend you stop in. read more

We popped into this bar on our way to eat dinner - the "world's famous cocktail lounge" sign drew us in! Once you are inside, you are in an adult disneyland! There are ornaments and lights of all shapes and sizes hanging from the ceiling! It is such a fun place to stop and have a cocktail and to talk with the awesome bartender, Suzie, who has worked there since 1992!! She was sweet enough to make me a pickle martini (not on the menu)! Honestly a fantastic place to stop in when in Appleton! read more

If you ever find yourself in Appleton, do yourself a favor and pop into Cleo's for an Old Fashioned, or if you're in a girly drink mood, go ahead and try one of their signature Dirty Snowballs, an iced slush mix of equal parts vodka, creme de cacoa, coffee liquer and cream. Two substantive Old Fashioned's and a nice helping of cajun bar mix, all for $10!!! Same thing in an east coast city would have run you $30 minimum. read more

If you are visiting Appleton or one of its locals, Cleo's is the bar on the avenue! It is decorated for every holiday of the year, every day of the year. Great place to start your evening with Old Fashioneds and Bloody Mary's on special every happy hour. You can get a good buzz going for little money. A definite must see when in Appleton. read more

Went here thinking they served food late on a Tuesday night. Nope, no food, but great bartender. Christmas all year decor makes this a must see spot in Appleton where people come from around the world to see. read more

My friends and I frequent this bar due to the warm inviting atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks. Great decorations if you are a fan of Christmas! read more

I really want to like this bar. It's well known in the area and the decor of the bar makes it cozy and fun to bring friends to no matter what time of year it is. The thing is, of the three times I've been here the service has been pretty bad. I can't help but feel that each time I enter the establishment I am intruding on somewhere I don't belong. From the customers looking you over to the bartenders not greeting you as you enter, it's not a very welcoming bar. If you are done serving for the evening (even if well before posted hours on the front door) I completely understand. A simple mention of this from the bartender would be appropriate. Being that I gave it three chances, I give up. I would not recommend this bar unless you are over the age of 40. read more

I'm from New York. I have to say that going to Cleo's with the local folk in the Appleton area was a blast. When i come back to the area, i always stop in for a beverage. I can see this place being a hit in NYC. Thanks for the memories. Ron Clemente read more

This is the greatest bar on college avenue. It will blow you mind. Order the suffering bastard and good luck remembering your evening. Yep it's that awesome. read more

Girls weekend in town -heard about Cleo's and had to check it out. Well worth it! Staff super friendly and welcoming. Decor is awesome and fun! Warm, inviting tavern with great drinks. Not super busy this early and get a seat at bar not long after arriving. This is a must stop when in town! Clean and well kept-I don't know how butt it is very very clean! Great tunes overhead and you should make the stop here! read more

This tavern is the BEST in town...The drinks and service are exceptional...Try a REAL old fashioned .Very good Dirty snowballs? That women like..2 thumbs up.. read more

Very unique and pretty bar. I definitely enjoy a lot of their cocktails including the dirty snowball and the Suffering Bastard by far are my two favorite drinks. Overall it isn't too expensive and you definitely are paying for what you get though so I can't complain about that. Even when totally packed the bartenders seem to get to you right away. read more

Downtown Appleton is a ton of fun with all the bar selections and having some family nearby this bar is always a top pick for when the cousins want to go out. Cleo's is a hole in the wall, small townie bar that is filled top to bottom with holiday decorations, mostly christmas! I have even knocked down a few decorations near the bathrooms being so tall. The drinks are really reasonable being from the suburbs of Chicago, you must try the Dirty Snowball. It is so good, like a milkshake but with 7 different alcohols you can't go wrong. Definitely a spot to go hang out and be entertained just with all the decorations. read more

Going into Cleo's is major sensory overload. Its like every holiday waged war against each other inside and every holiday one. And you know what,it works. For the size of bar there is quite a lot of seating, but it fills up quick for happy hour. Drinks are cheap-ish and good. Since it is normally pretty busy, it may take a minute or two to get your drink order in, but them make them fast. read more

5 of us went to Cleo's for a holiday cocktail and to take in some holiday cheer. It was 4:30 on the 23rd. The place was pretty full, standing room only with no place to order your cocktail. We squeezed in at the bar to order. The bartenders seemed stressed and annoyed. We ordered off the holiday list of drinks. Each drink order was taken, the bartender would leave to make it and then return for the next. What a long inefficient process. Once the final drink was made I paid the bill with 20% tip and we moved to stand at the back of the bar. About 15 minutes later we were approached saying they had under charged me by $9. With no place to put my things to look at my receipt. I handed the bartender another $10. W all finished our drinks and left. We felt unwelcome. The bar is small, the drinks are not special and the mood that day was not festive. read more

Only one bartender with a packed bar at midnight! We waited for 15 minutes. Very disappointing.

Christmas themed, awesome drinks. Older crowd 40s 50s but fun. Great for a drink or two. Usually crowded but not horrible. I would definitely come back. read more