The new Bottoms Up South location on 5th and Madison (at the former Bickler’s) is causing some controversy with neighbors.
Fox 6 has the story here. What do you think? Post your comments below.
As background: The Legislation & Permits Committee did approve the bar’s license some months ago, but we typically don’t ask much about the concept for a new bar when one is proposed. (I did ask on this one, and the answer I got was pretty open-ended, if I recall.)
And I’m not sure what role, if any, the committee should even play in deciding what is a “right” concept vs. a “wrong” one, short of a concept disallowed by ordinance, of course. Should the council dictate a business plan?
Also, the bar owners — who have successfully opened three other bars in the area, and who include the owner of Milwaukee Harley-Davidson — checked out fine … and in fact had more experience with this than most applicants we see. But even with that, I don’t look at bar-owning experience as a prerequesite for a license, either.
Anyway, check out the Bottoms Up website here. Here is their Facebook page.
South Milwaukee Blog 
Wow! So against the concept of this bar in South Milwaukee. Hope it goes away quickly! Was so glad when the afterglow was out of Cudahy. We don’t need people that these types of establishments draw in to our residential areas.
The neighbors deserve to have peace and quiet for raising their families. Not bused in bachelor and bachelorette parties.
The Afterglow? Really? That was the scuzziest strip joint in Southeastern WI. It even made Cudahy look bad. Bottoms Up is NOT a strip club. Get your facts straight before you run another business out of town. SM is already too much of a ghost town and we pay too much in taxes for what it is. Keep talking like this and you’ll end up paying more for even less.
Amen to that, the Aferglow was scuzzy!!!!!!!! No way are these 2 bars even close to being the same!
Like.
So can you elaborate more on these “People that these types of establishments draw in to our residential areas?” I guess you would prefer a rundown vacant building? I’m sure the owners are sorry that you had a bad experience there in the 4 days it has been open. What happened?
Um, most bars host bachelor and bachelorette parties at some point. Celebrations are how bars make their money.
Hopefully you enjoy some sort of sporting event, NASCAR, packers, brewers, college teams, march madness, bowling, tennis, soccer, Olympics, who knows. There are plenty of high definition tv’s that I’m sure any of the bartenders would be willing to put on for you. So I ask you what kind of people are you trying to keep out of the neighborhood. Seems like way too fast judgements going on here, when the simple fact is if you don’t like Brussels sprouts; don’t eat them. If you don’t like the fact there are shadow dancers, pretty bartenders, and a pole on the bar don’t Go.
Here are a few things about this post… 1)This post was 35 hours after Bottoms Up officially opened to the public and considering there wasn’t a “bachelorette party” Saturday night, I am willing to bet there was not one Sunday night, but I’m sure smforlife can correct me if I’m wrong. 2) smforlife has never even experienced this establishment. 3) Smforlife, you haven’t responded to this post, so therefore you either are just the type of person that complains about things and has no facts to back it up, or you signed on to your dial-up Monday night, and in that case I can’t wait until Tuesday morning to hear your response.
Really Eric? This business has only been open 1/2 a day and you’re already inviting people to judge it? controversy with neighbors? according to who Jeff Nail? FOX6?
A man comes to our community spends hundreds of thousands of dollars buying and renovating a vacant SM property and a local alderman is now offering up a forum to judge him? Sad very sad…. Maybe the city should have torn it down and built a park instead
Al: This blog has been and always will be a forum for all kinds of local issues, from Walmart to increases in sewer rate fees. I welcome the debate on these pages. And I don’t think it’s unfair to ask people for their opinion based on the facts they have at a certain time. At the same time, I trust my readers to make informed decisions, and I would hope readers would give Bottoms Up a chance — or at least visit the bar before minds are made up. That’s only fair.
Eric: My apologies, I just thought as an elected official you’d want to invite and support new business in the community, not add to a perceived controversy.
The first paragraph couldn’t have been more negative…Some of the comments compare this upscale establishment to the Afterglow! I guess they didn’t visit the bar before commenting like you hoped.
You’re not sure if the committee should judge business concepts? Should the council dictate a business plan? This isn’t Russia, If someone wants to open an ice cream parlor and sell one size vanilla ice cream cones then that’s their choice not the yours or the councils.
Sincerely
Al Douglas
Al: To your comment above, I absolutely believe in bringing new business to this city, and I stand by my record in working to do that. I point to my involvement in the South Milwaukee Downtown Market as one proof point. There are others.
Please don’t mistake my desire to allow comments on all ends of the spectrum of this (and every) issue as running contrary to that.
I also think we should give Bottoms Up a chance. I enjoyed an ice cold Coors Light there after our council meeting tonight, and I was fine with what I saw. Now, would I bring my 4- and 7-year-old there? Of course not. It’s a bar, with a concept admittedly unique to South Milwaukee that may take some getting used to for some. The owners, however, are responsible, and their other three area establishments (and other local businesses they own) are well regarded. I expect the same here. And they’ve also clearly made some significant upgrades to the bar, inside and out … a sign of their strong commitment to succeeding in South Milwaukee and their clear investment in the property, and the city.
Now, we’ll monitor this bar, like we do every other bar in the city, and respond if complaints and problems arise. That’s our responsibility. But we need to give the new owners a chance to succeed.
Great bar to have in that location!!!!!! Just think it could be a hip hop club. I think u ppl r over reacting..
They should be left alone, last I checked you need to be 21 or older to go into bars. It’s not a bar that serves meals so with that being said at 21 or older people can make their own choices to enjoy an establishment or not. Let’s not hold anything against the creative minds behind bottom’s up
I don’t really see a problem with it. From what I can tell it’s not any more “racy” than a Hooters restaurant. Time will tell if there will be problems but their other locations have good records. We need businesses moving INTO the city and the few vocal complainers shouldn’t deter legitimate establishments from doing just that.
I have had the pleasure of working with Bottom’s Up’s owners for 3 years on a number of events and activities. I welcome the new venue and appreciate the fact that it has revamped a vacant building that has been on the corner for years.
The group that owns Bottoms Up has always been there to provide financial support to any number of the charity events / needs that we have brought to them. In the past year alone, the group has funded an intervention seminar called “Behind The Badge” for police officers suffering from stress related issues, donated more than $3K worth of goods at Christmas to Toys 4 Tots, held Blood Drives for Red Cross, raised funds for childhood cancer on NYD and sponsored two seperate sports teams that I am invovled with.
As for those opposed to the venue, I appreciate that everyone has a right to voice their opinion, but how can ANYONE pass judgement on any person, place or business without experiencing or getting to know the entity?!
From what I saw on the TV report, the commentary was from a few individuals who I doubt have ever had any interaction with or meet the people involved in the business. Where is the sense of fairness, community spirit and common decency towards others in that approach?
One of the individuals noted in the news, seemed to focus on the fact that there was a “pole” on the bar as if that led to the venue becoming a gentleman’s club or attracting an unwanted crowd. Under that premise, the local chain of Bally’s gyms who all teach “pole dancing” excercies classes, would be some sort of farm team for Silk and other such establishments.
In this instance, I wish the same energy that went into alienating local businesses went into developing new opportunities and building productive communications at the individual and community level. Otherwise, we’re apt to see many more of the southside’s shuttered businesses remain that way for years to come.
I think this is ridiculous that this is even a topic of conversation. The people that are complaining are only prejudging without experiencing Bottoms Up in person. And the reason I know that is these anti Bottoms Up stories came out the 2nd Day it was even open. The Grand Opening VIP party was Saturday. The local law enforcement even made an appearance, they came, they saw and left with out even a word to any patron, staff or ownership about anything they saw offensive. If you compare the inside of this Bar to the MANY other bars in the nearby 5 miles, South Milwaukee should be excited to have an establishment like this that isn’t run down and struggling to keep customers. This is not a strip club (which last I saw were not illegal anyway), it is a bar that has attractive women that work there. I guess that must be an issue with that in South Milwaukee. If you think it is too “racy”, the good news is you do not have to spend your hard earned money there. The attractive women that work there are not dancing out on the sidewalk to try to bring people in, so if you don’t want to go there, don’t. Nobody is making you. In the mean time, keep talking about Bottoms Up South, I can’t tell you the last time a bar in South Milwaukee got so much attention. I’m sure the owners and employees are enjoying all the free publicity.
I do not see a problem. It is a bar. I do not see what the problem is even if the bar tenders do get on the bar to pour a drink. Even if people do have kids in the area, the kids will not be going into the bar. I have been to the bottoms up in Butler, and have never had a problem there. I also work as a firefighter / emt in Butler, and we have only been called to the bar once, and it was for an event that happened outside the bar, and had nothing to do with patrons from inside the bar. I think that the community is overreacting. It is not like kids can look inside, and even if they did look inside, they would only see patrons having a good time, There are not any illegal activities going on, and it is not a strip club, it is a bar. Let the people have a few drinks and have a good time. It was a bar before, and it is a bar now. Settle down South Milwaukee!
There are other concepts in South Milwaukee that may appear less “risque” than Bottoms Up, but it is what is going on at some other locations under the radar that the locals should really be concerned about. The business owners of Bottoms Up have a good track record and run a tight operation that is drug- and trouble-free and I would expect them to follow suit with that reputation in South Milwaukee. It is the smaller bars who have nothing to lose who turn a blind eye to the trouble their patrons are bringing into the city, be it drugs, fights, etc. THAT is what people should be spending their time trying to fight.
Change is inevitable.. and a good thing! Everyone should give it a try!!
The ownership group are outstanding people who care about the communities in which they have business. Bottoms Up South will be a HUGE asset to South Milwaukee and the residents of South Milwaukee.
Bottom’s Up rocks!
The one up the street from us in sleepy, little downtwon Butler NEVER has the cops called or creates unwanted disturbances. You people need to lighten up and grab the sticks out of your butts!
I’ve been to the Bottoms Up in bulter a couple of times, as well as opening weekend of Bottoms UP South, and have never had an issue with the bar or its concept. So what, they have a pole on the bar big deal, is that any different of a gimmick than the “irish pub” concept on Hwy 100 with the “school girl” uniform? Does it really matter is its in a ‘family’ neighborhood? You have to be 21 to enter without a parent and if there are children in a bar of any sort I think you should be talking about the parenting abilities of people not a bar concept
South Milwaukee is a great community and one that needs more businesses brought in to it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this establishment. Quite frankly, this bar and the “concept” as you critics like to call it has more class than anything you think isn’t going on in the other bars in the area. I have been to them all, including Bottoms Up, and to call this place a “strip club” or raunchy establishment is a complete uneducated comment with no evidence to support it. What is scary is that an establishment with a good reputation that has been open a whopping 3 days, is already having public action taken against it. Maybe if the citizens of this area that are so concerend about the community took such quick and timely action against REAL concerns (drugs, abandoned buildings, crime) as they have here, IMPORTANT and actual damaging issues to the community would be getting adressed and handled. If you really are that concerned about the damage to the community, try focusing your attention on the important issues that truley are damaging it. A higher end bar with good looking employees and an already established reputation that is GOOD in other communities…that’s really what you are concerned about?? If that’s the case…South Milwaukee is headed in the complete wrong direction. Having concern and passion for your community is an excellent thing…just have it for and against the actual problems that are truly an issue. This is by far one of them!
My advise, go there before you judge… I agree its better then a vacant building… Not only that, but it is a new buisness that is hiring people, creating jobs… You doing see that in todays economy… The pros out weigh what you feel are cons…
You were given choices as to what restaurant you wanted to go to with a couple of friends one night, you think about past experiences at each place but then you notice that Golden Corral was one suggestion. You hate Golden Corral. You think that it’s an embarrassment to other buffets in the area because you don’t like the way the workers look there, you think their food makes you too full too quickly, and you don’t like how they serve their fried chicken. You preferred the Old County Buffet that was in that same location in days of yore with it’s mediocre workers serving up their juicy ‘ham’ cut the way they want it and mountains of ‘macaroni and cheese’ that some say could reach up to the heavens for a low low price you can only find at OCB.
You were living ‘la dolce vita’ for what seemed like forever, until that ill-fated day your eyes fell upon the sign ‘Old Country Buffet is closed………forever’. The once holy grounds of an exquisite feast had been hollowed out and left an empty husk of the long lost paradise you now can only visit in dreams. This wretched Golden Corral thinks it can just slither right in and insultingly wave it’s drumsticks and broccoli florets in your face, desecrating every last cherished moment you had of your very own Eden. You made a promise to yourself that you would do everything in your power to try and gather the community as a whole to join you in your crusade to drive out the impurity that is Golden Corral infecting your land. No mercy…
TL;DR- Any objections to this bar affecting the community/kids in outrageous lengths because of the staff, the vibe, or some other opinionated objections is just as ridiculous. BTW, you ended up going to Palermo’s and taking the pizza tour.
Baron,
Awesome. Simply awesome.
It really saddens me that so many people are concerned with prejudging a business and making a noise about something that isn’t anything more than just another bar and no one is making a fuss about things that really matter, like gas prices or the thousands of starving people in Milwaukee alone.
Come on, people. It was already a bar when it was bought, it is not like they turned a day care into a bar. The people in the area bought their houses knowing there was a bar in the neighborhood.
Let’s get back to the topics that really matter and let them get on with their business.
I see no reason to pass judgement on what is most likely the nicest tavern in South Milwaukee. I’m going to Bottoms Up South tomorrow for happy hour and am bringing five coworkers. We go out once a week together and previously had no reason to pick South Milwaukee as a destination.
If Jeff Nall is really worried about what children might or might not see. Maybe he shouldn’t live close to a bar! That building has been a bar of some sort for many years. I am embarrassed of some in my community on how they are judging a new biz in our area! They should spend their time in making sure the rest of South Milwaukee bars are ran as clean as this one.
I live close to the butler bar with my family. The bar is also close to the park, library, private schools and such. I have never had any problems. It is absolutely absurd that residents are making assumptions on the new bar.
I was looking forward to a new bar in the area. As a women, I hope they have attractive male bartenders to be fair!!! I do not enjoy or care to look at half naked women…..bring on some sexy men!!! Feel kind of disappointed. FYI, I will not go into a Hooters either.
Was hoping for a fun place to go near to home. I will check it out and give the place a chance, but I am disappointed by the concept. Every movie, commercial, and TV show has half naked women on it. May not end up being a boyfriend approved place.
Just a quick question, would you rather have a boyfriend go into a bar where there is 1 or 2 women behind the bar, or a place that is Packed with women? And you’d be surprised the girls that work there cater very well to women that come in.
Took him there, he thought it was lame. It is very nice inside. They did a good job, looks pretty. I went with friends a couple time before he went with me. I think the bartender was inexperienced and overwhelmed when it got crowded. Also, didnt get a free drink for the 3 hours me and 3 friends were there. Not used to that, had to ask for one. Maybe she just doesnt know south side etiquette. I guess it was an ok place to go, a bit over priced. Not my style….but good luck to them. My boyfriend wont go back, not his thing either. I dont really worry about him talking with women, If it was too much like a strip club, or too sexual…he would not be allowed to go. As I do not agree with pornography. I dont have a problem with this place. It was fine as far as that. I think the shadow dancers are kind of dumb!!! But, to each his own. I wish them the best!
I stopped in, to see what all the controversy was about. I was greated with a smile and welcome as soon as I entered. The bar and hall areas are beautiful. Service was great and prices reasonable. Certainly a step above anything else in town.
As a very close neighbor to the new Bottoms Up I couldnt be more happy to see lights & life across the street again! Everyone I have met that has any association with the bar has been incredible! The bartenders are adorable — ladies, they are not a threat to your relationship! They work hard and bartending is a job they enjoy! The place is beautiful inside. And again — if you are worried about your kids seeing the place, well, dont drive by it! Its not on the main gateways to South Milwaukee! Its across from a large foundry, next to a service station not in the middle of your kids playgrounds. South Milwaukee is known for running its businesses out of town, please don’t do it again! If you feel offended by the place you don’t have to go there. But I think you’d be pleasantly surprised if you chose to stop! I welcome our new neighbors and wish them the very best!
I don’t like when people tell other people they need to bypass an area if they find something offensive. I used to live right down the block, I don’t personally care about the sign, but if it bothers people they have a right to complain. They were there 1st. I raised my kids right off of 5th ave and would have to pass that everyday. So no, I would not go out of the way to avoid the place.
Some parents may not be comfortable with the sign, but to be realistic, all of media promotes sex. So no matter what, you have to teach your kids about it early.
I am going to check out the place, im curious. If I find it offensive, I wont go back. Doesn’t affect me one way or another. If its fun, i will go back.
And really who is worried about some young bartender ruining their relationship??? Or a bar. If I find it to sexually explicit, my boyfriend will not be going, because I don’t approve of pornography. Again, as I said, I would never go into Hooters, and would be disgusted if my beautiful 18 year old daughter worked their. If that is the atmosphere, I will not be a customer. If it is just innocent cute bartenders trying to make money, then well good for them….and I will support it.
I guess I will comment after I check it out.
I can’t understand all the commotion about this “Bottoms up” establishment when it has been open less than a week. Have the Police department keep track of all the complaints of ALL the taverns and restaurants in the communities for a certain period of time like a couple of months and then do what they have to do to get rid of the sore spots. My goodness give the place a chance. I live in Cudahy and am considered “elderly” but my mind is open to change. I will go to Bottoms Up and have my favorite drink and I am sure I won’t see anything that I haven’t seen before.
I have my concerns with this bar in this neighborhood. Realistically how could you think putting a “risque” place in a small inner part of the neighborhood could be suitable. I have noticed that anyone whether it be adult or child could very well see inside at any given time. There should, for majority of the time, be some form of window coverings. I wouldn’t appreciate being on a walk with my children and tgem happening to see scantily clad women on a bar in clear window view. I also find it funny whoever said they are bringing jobs into south milwaukee. Please explain that one to me! Also, I would appreciate it if the patroms of the bar could be a little more respectful when leaving the bar to be quieter and not fly down the streets near bu, there are families with children who are sleeping at realistic times!
I would agree, give this business the chance to succeed. The ownership seems very responsible to community concerns and it’s a respectful business, nothing more. The concept is for entertainment purposes only. It’s a bar and not a place where children should be looking in the windows or be inside for that matter. The reference to how people are dressed inside, really? This summer when your at the pool or the beach perhaps consider blindfolds for the kids so they don’t see the new swim suits people are wearing these days. I think there are far more important things in South Milwaukee that people should be concerned about other than something like this. Any business add relief to the tax based in the community. Give the business a chance and see what happens. I think you might be very surprised.
Respectfully Submitted
I gave this bar a chance and what trash. Is it me or has anyone noticed all three of the other establishments they own are not in a small city and the neighbors don’t get bothered. Also they are respected establishments because they aren’t trashy and they are a family atmosphere. The patrons are very rude as well as the bar itself. The patrons are littering the lawns and the bar has no respect for sleeping families n keeping the bass down. The patrons do 60 down the surrounding streets and don’t care how loud they Rev there engines. This type of establishment that is going to bring in a crowd and doesn’t have anywhere to park them belongs out where there are businesses and not homes and like I said a parking lot.
Before you run your mouth about Bottoms Up South, you should probably know your facts. Bottoms Up North is in the Village of Butler population 1,786, Tally Ho in the Town of Erin 3,844, Madam Belles in the Village of Richfield 11,299, all added up doesn’t even equal South Milwaukee 21,446!!! And Bottoms Up South decor is EXACTLY like Bottoms Up North. Did you actually go in there????? The fact that you call it trashy tells me you did not. I’m guessing you probably haven’t stepped foot in the 10 other bars on Milwaukee St?? If you would you would think that Bottoms Up South is a palace compared to those other bars. IF you actually did go in the bar and the patrons were rude, did you ever think it was because of the attitude that you had before you even stepped foot in there?? Maybe they sense your ignorance? I’m sure nobody has ever driven 60 down the surrounding streets and nobody has ever rev’d their engines prior to Bottoms Up being there. I’m sure the owners would love to build a parking lot for their business that “brings in a crowd”, but that means they would have to buy out a couple of the wonderful homes in your lovely neighborhood. This was a BAR before they renovated it. It’s not their fault Bicklers was not a successful business and filled up only the 5 parking spots in front. If the patrons are littering on the lawns well that issue can be addressed by the bartenders to help that issue. And just remember these are the people that live in your respected South Milwaukee also. Have a great day, I have the feeling its hard for you to do that, because you will just look for something else to complain about.
I believe I have a right to have my own opinion about this place. I’m sorry if my belief And feelings towards this establishment are not the same as yours. Obviously people have driven down the roads around here fast and rev’d their engines just not as often and late as recently. I would not think that you would have to have half naked women to draw people in and who respectfully climbs on a bar with a dress on. If you would be okay with your wife or girlfriend doing it then that’s fine for you. I have been in this establishment as well as half the others in this city and I will continue going to the places that don’t need security at the door.
I agree with having an Opinion, but basing it off of things that are not true I do not agree with. 1) Talking about the 3 other establishments owned that you have not been to and that ” all three of the other establishments they own are NOT IN A SMALL CITY and the neighbors don’t get bothered” 2) You obviously have NOT been in there, because they DO NOT HAVE SECURITY AT THE DOOR. 3) ASSUMING that people driving past “60mph” (I’ll trust that your speed gun is correct) are directly coming from that establishment? Correct me if I am wrong, but the run down building that was there before they renovated it, was a bar???? Maybe people that move in next to a bar shouldn’t complain about a bar being there. “Good Day Ma’am, Good Day” (In my best Willy Wonka voice)
Its rude people like you that don’t make anyone think any different. Ex use me for wording my statement wrong but meant in small cities. You are one of the most arrogant people on this post. I believe I do know at 1 in the morning parked outside of the bar getting ready to leave and reving the heck out of their vehicles is people coming from there. Also when my children are sleeping and the base from the sound system rattles my windows is highly rude. You act like there isn’t people that lived around here and to degrade the establishment that used to be there, well you are stating your opinion just like me. You have a wonderful day! This post was made for people to have there own minds, not to all think like you.
Guys: I’m going to cut this string of comments off here. I appreciate your comments so far, and certainly respect the concerns raised, butI don’t want this to get too personal. Thanks!
Went in….gave it a chance. I found it quite boring. Much prefer Kaspers and Spirts!!!! But, good luck to them. They did a nice job inside. Maybe they should sell food, I think that would be nice. I would go back then. But as for drinking, I like my other spots. Prefer my bartenders a little more experienced. i dont want to wait for a drink when there is a crowd. Since I am a straight women, the pretty young half dressed thing doesnt impress me, I just want a beer in front of me at a good price. So good luck!! You have made the place look great! Like the smell of the new wood.
Pingback: A Year In Blogging: Top 10 Posts In 2012 « South Milwaukee Blog