Stopped in for happy hour drinks. The bar was pretty empty so the vibes were chill, just loud music. I ordered the blueberry bull spritz which is pretty much an Aperol spritz with Red Bull. I enjoyed it! My husband liked his watermelon yuzu froze. It's a fine place to stop in to if you're in the area, parking may be challenging to find. read more

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Super cute bar! I got a vodka lemonade and it was very good. The rest of the night me and my friends drank seltzers. They have a nice variety from high noon to carbliss to white claw. Very yummy. Sometimes I get stuck in Spanish and one of the bartenders understood me so that was so nice. They played lots of different music too like reggaeton and milwaukee music. The bouncer was cool too. He was fun and remembers people which made me feel safe. read more

The Sofie - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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The Sofie is a swanky underground dance club with delicious martinis. I love this place earlier in the night for a good martini. The cold brew martini is delicious! It is very dark, and turns into quite a party late night with a DJ and lots of dancing. I prefer the quieter hours before it turns into a rave when you can sit at the bar and easily order drinks. Weekend nights it will be busy and likely have a cover charge. read more

Nice basement lounge to hang out at with your friends and listen to live music and partake in your beverage of choice. Plenty of VIP seating area no fees needed. They host nightly events during the week and weekends so you won't miss any evening shenanigans! The people there are nice and a friendly but stern bouncer to keep you safe! They have events throughout the week including open decks every other Wednesdays, trivia, and more! read more

Met a friend for drinks here last night, my first time at this bar. The bar was easy to find, located below street level with ample signage. We were there around 9pm on a Tuesday night and the place was pretty empty. We sat on a couch in the back area. The seating is very comfortable and the vibes are cool, but the music was very loud especially for a fairly empty bar. A waitress came to drop off our waters and take our orders for drinks. Once the drinks were delivered, however, no one checked on us again for the rest of the night (we were there for two hours). The cocktails were really good though - my friend got the SCC and I got the Blue Bird and we both enjoyed it. The price also seemed reasonable. read more

Stopped by on a Saturday night for a drink. When you walk in, you head up straight to the bar or head back towards the lounge section. The Sofie had a great cocktail list but I don't think most patrons are aware as I had two people come up and ask about my drink. I shouldn't have been too surprised as most folks were ordering beer, canned beverages, or shots. I ordered a Chai Whiskey Sour, and my friend ordered Elusive Dreams (tropical vibes focused drink). My drink was well balanced and a very unique flavor profile. If you're in the area, don't skip out on the cocktails and enjoy a great drink! read more

The Sofie has been on my list of places to grab a cute cocktail for months! Such great vibes! On a Saturday night, some dirty martinis hit the spot! I am a dirty martini connoisseur and I must say that these were so good! Perfect ratio of olive juice and vermouth. I wish they had blue cheese olives but I digress! The glasses were chilled which added a nice touch. Next time I'll get one of their specialty martinis because those looked yummy too! The music and lights set the mood up perfectly and wasn't too loud to have a conversation even though it was packed! I love the separate area where you can rent out tables for an event and party! Will definitely be back! read more

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I had my eye on The Sofie for a while. We had spied it one evening when we were on our way somewhere else and were immediately intrigued. A tucked away basement bar with a charming name? I'm in. We finally tried them recently. Ultimately, it just wasn't really our jam. The inside is lovely. We sat at the bar but there was also some lovely fireside lounge seating that would be more intimate and comfortable as well. They're cocktail menu didn't wow me but there was a salted caramel manhattan on menu that sounded lovely (if a bit on the spendier side for Milwaukee at $20). Having been served manhattans in Milwaukee that were brandy based, and being unfamiliar with the brand of spirit the cocktail included, we inquired with the bartender as to whether it was a brandy or whiskey cocktail. He didn't know. He found out for us but I mention it as this is not the sort of spot with spirit knowledgeable tenders. That said, it was whiskey based and so we went ahead and ordered it. And, I will say it was an interesting spin on a manhattan! There was a second bartender behind the bar who was discreetly (but not discreetly enough, obviously) vaping inside (behind the bar) while we were there. Not a huge deal to some but not something I care for. All in all, an ok experience at The Sofie. read more

My friend and I went to the Sofie for the Thursday $5 martini deal. This was my second time there and (just as I thought) it was wonderful. We ordered cosmos and they had the perfect amount of citrus. The bartenders were quick and attentive. The decor is modern, and the outside entrance almost feels speakeasy-like. Totally worth it! read more

The Sofie - Cosmo - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Went looking for a place to get some good craft cocktails, and The Sofie is just the spot! Seems to be somewhat newer, although the bartender said they've been open a year. The staff was friendly, and they had lots of options for indoor seating or outdoor seating on the sidewalk area to watch the nightlife! The cocktails were inventive, pretty, AND delicious! All were priced well for what you got, and they had plenty of options for all tastes of hard liquor, beer, wine, champagne, etc! I will definitely be coming back here, and can totally see this being a great spot for close friends, a classy pre or post date drink, and corporate client entertainment! The Sofie is a great addition to the Cathedral Square vibes! read more

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Came to the Sofie for the first time on my birthday which fell on a Thursday night which is ladies night! They had select martinis for only $5-6 (I forget what it was)! The martinis were all really good, sweet, but I enjoyed that. The vibe in there is very loungey and comfortable! I had reserved a section in the back which was very easy and they had bartenders checking in on us and clearing our table which was super nice. I love the location of this bar and definitely will be back! read more

The Sofie - a table full of empty glasses - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Kind of a hipster, speakeasy vibe. Dark, moody, a little loud with funky music. They have nice amount of seating for being a small area, and they have couches that let you comfortable hang out with your small group. There's apparently live music there frequently. The bartenders were all sweet and attentive. read more

Expensive but worth it! We sat at the bar and the bartender made us custom drinks, catering to our preference and allergies! Every drink was good, and he listened to our feedback. It made for a fun night out with friends! read more

The Sofie - a drink sitting on a table - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cool bartender & good drinks Loved the atmosphere Would definitely go back next time I'm in town read more

Actually love this place, very LGBT friendly , very cool staff and in a great area. The bartender is always different but they all have something special and can make a great lemon shot. read more

We came here following a recommendation from the waiter at Oak Barrel, and we were not disappointed. The DJ was great playing house music and the drinks were yummy. We came here on a Wednesday night so there weren't that many people there. The place has a main bar area with one large table and they have many more tables for reservations in the back with the DJ. I believe the tables in the back are reservations only, as I saw that they had online reservations. The only thing is that definitely don't come here if you want to have a convo with someone because we were shouting and yelling by the end of the hour to the point where we couldn't hear each other anymore Bc the music got progressively louder. But, it was still a fun experience! The bartender was super nice, too! Funny story--they were playing a bunch of random music videos on the TV above the bar and all of a sudden they showed this random unknown Korean karaoke video. It was weird. Anyways, I'd come back here again when there are more people so we can use the dance floor! read more

I'm not sure where they are getting the "classy" idea of this place. It's not awful, but it's loud during the nights, and just a basic bar during the evenings. Dark lights and a fireplace do not equal classy. The craft cocktails lack originality and technique. The "bartenders" don't try the cocktails and it shows. I was greeted with a strange reminder that this place is "quality cocktails that cost more and take time to make", however I've been to a lot of cocktail bars and this is not a bar that specializes in cocktails. With that being said, they do have some good drinks, but nothing to be amazed about. read more

Loved it. Perfect live music atmosphere during covid times. Exactly what I needed. Thank you. 5 stars in my book. read more

I had never heard of this place until I walked past it one evening when I was in Cathedral Square. It was an earlier night so it wasn't that busy in there. It was very dark and they played awesome music. I ordered a lemon drop martini which was made very well. I would definitely come back. The bartenders were great read more

The Sofie is a terrific and cozy cocktail lounge on Jefferson Street. During the pandemic, they have a great, shaded sidewalk with tables. The interior is comfortable and stylish. We've enjoyed the cocktails mixed by Jacalyn--in particular, the Blackberry Manhattan and Raspberry Mule. read more

Amazing music bar tenders are fast and they are nice to the lgbtq community recommend on the weekends to have all kinds of music vibes can't wait to go again :) read more

Lounge area was nice and classy. Super relaxing to just sit and listen to music... but that's all I can say about this place. The "craft" cocktails were terrible. Just pure sugar and syrup to mask all the artificial flavorings added. The Margarita literally had no flavor except for how sweet it was and the flaming pineapple was just a cheap fruity flavor drink with a roasted pineapple as a garnish. A dive bar drink in a classy atmosphere read more

We came here for drinks and if you are looking for good and unusual craft cocktails then give this place a try! Definitely will come back! read more

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Amazing martinis! We had malted milk ball martini and cold brew martini... both were great!

Come for the vibe... Stay for the staff! Classy full service bar with live music and djs. Excellent tasting custom cocktails. But as I was jamming out to the music the staff got me hooked, friendly and energetic having fun with being makes the night all that much better! read more

not craft cocktails, uses store bought flavored vodkas, no infusions or interesting techniques

I went there for the first and last time. My wallet was stolen and my cards were charged over $3,000. Really bad crowd of people who frequent the place apparently. I filed a police report and they are actively looking for the thieves who took out money orders, went to target, Walgreens, and put gas in their car. read more

Requested a reservation for next weekend on their website yesterday and received a note the next day. "Due to covid restrictions and capacity issues we are now charging for table reservation deposits. This is a non refundable deposit that will keep walk in guests from sitting at your table and make sure you arrive on time for your reservation. This does not go towards your bill for drinks." Hard times all around for restaurants and small businesses. Totally get that but hard times for others spending their money locally, too and helping keep businesses alive as best that can be. I definitely understand charging so people don't no show on you. If you have so many walk-ins that could take your table, that shouldn't be an issue. It's only $25 for two people, but the fact that you keep it even if I do show up and it doesn't go toward the bill... that's a head scratcher and wrong on so many levels. Cancelled just out of pure principle. read more

This is a great place !! Music, drinks , service and atmosphere. This is a must try place.

If you want class, this is class!! Very unique and fancy cocktails. So delicious and very warm atmosphere. See Jackie. She will take care of you. read more

Great new addition to down town! Perfect place to grab a drink with friends or to take clients before or after dinner! Wonderful upscale atmosphere that differentiates it from any bar in the area and makes for a more relaxed and elegant feel! Great drinks and a good price point! Definitely a must visit if you are in the area! Would also be a great stop before or after weddings and events downtown! read more

This place is great for meeting friends before or after dinner. The wine selection is superb and they have a great section of specialty cocktails. I love the atmosphere of this lounge. With the dim lighting, fireplace and leather couches it's very relaxed but classy. I will definitely be back! read more