Once a bank, this two-story space has gone from counting dollars to counting cocktails, and…read morehonestly, it seems very happy about it. The old bones are still showing, with exposed brick walls and the large open windows giving the place that "well, they sure don't build 'em like this anymore" kind of charm.
Right smack in the middle of the main floor sits a big ol' bar, surrounded by bright lime-green accent chairs that somehow make perfect sense once you're sitting in one, bellying up to the aluminum topped bar. Tables are scattered throughout both floors, all are absolutely packed, and not a grumpy face in sight. Upstairs, the two-story layout gives the place a little extra breathing room and a touch of old-building grandeur. It's quirky without trying too hard, colorful without being fussy, and comfortable in that distinctly Midwestern way.
Why not start with an Old Fashioned and those Wisconsin cheese curds--because apparently regular cheese wasn't doing enough heavy lifting. These little golden nuggets come out hot, crisp, and gloriously greasy, a little salty, a little oily, plenty cheesy, and best eaten while they're still hot enough to make you question your life choices. The Old Fashioned, well... bless its heart, it tried. It had all the usual suspects--whiskey, a little sweetness, an orange garnish, and a healthy dose of bitters--but somehow the bitters forgot to show up for work. It wasn't terrible, exactly. It just lacked that gruff Wisconsin attitude you'd hope for in an Old Fashioned.
God Bless The Queen! The Queen is their wood-fired pizza that keeps things simple while teasing your taste buds with rich fresh flavor. The flavors are classic Italian comfort, with the tomato bringing a little tang, the mozzarella keeping things creamy, and the Parmesan adding that salty, nutty punch at the end. The basil gives it a fresh, herby lift, while the wood-fired crust brings that smoky, crispy edge that makes you want to pick up another slice before you've even finished the first. Loved it!
Eating this pizza in an old bank feels like peak Wisconsin: keep the brick, add a bar, fire up a pizza oven, and throw some cheese curds at the situation. Somehow, it works. Cheers!
