Oshkosh, Wisconsin, isn’t nicknamed “Sloshkosh” without reason. With a sizable student population and some great local breweries, it’s no surprise that there is a bar on almost every corner of this small city. From townie bars and college hangouts to more upscale establishments, Oshkosh’s bar scene has something for everyone.
With 30 different options on tap including many local brews, The Ruby Owl Tap Room is the place to go for craft beer in Oshkosh. Their unique food menu and sizable whiskey offering should also be fully taken advantage of. Conveniently located on Main Street, it’s a great place to start a night out.
There’s nothing fancy about Oblio’s Lounge, but after nearly 40 years in business, it’s an Oshkosh institution. The building itself dates back to the 1800s when it was a Schlitz Brewhouse. Today, it offers 25 domestic, micro, and imported beers on tap and a large selection of ales to its diverse clientele. A local favorite, Oblio’s friendly atmosphere is part of what makes it the number one nightlife spot in the city.
For those with a more sophisticated palate, Gardina’s Wine Bar & Cafe is the place to go. They offer not only a large selection of wines but also craft beers and whiskeys. Gardina’s gourmet menu has some of the best food in town, so don’t worry if you get hungry while enjoying your drinks. With the McKnight & Carlson shop at the back, you can even pick up a bottle of your favorite wine to take home with you on your way out.
Main Street’s Bar 430 does an excellent brunch, and the only thing that could make it better is their brunch cocktail menu. From breakfast margaritas to a variety of flavored mimosas, you’ll be sure to start the day off right with any of the drinks from this menu. In the evening, be sure to check out one of their unique variations of Wisconsin’s favorite cocktail, the Old Fashioned.
Fine-dining restaurant Becket’s not only has delicious food, but it is also one of the classiest bars in town. While on the pricier end of the Oshkosh bar scene, their drink specials make it worth a stop. You can’t go wrong with happy hour seven days a week! Visitors can enjoy the sounds of live jazz music in the lounge a couple of times a week while sipping on some of the local brews on draught.
While Peabody’s is great any time of year, it’s the Sideyard in the summer that makes it one of the best places in the city to grab drinks with friends. Pull up a chair next to the bonfire and savor their worldwide beer selection or throw back a few of your favorite shots and dance the night away.
A list of best bars would not be complete without an Irish pub. Dublin’s has a great selection of craft beers that changes daily; therefore, every visit will be a surprise. Of course, staples like Guinness are always on tap, but Dublin’s large selection of ales is an unexpected find. With such a fine variety, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pint to wash down the traditional Irish fare on the menu.
On the outskirts of the city, Chester V’s is a beer lover’s dream with over 40 beers on tap. With four tap tables, visitors have the opportunity to pour their own beer while enjoying some pub grub. On the weekends, those who have had too much fun the night before can nurse their hangovers with a Bloody Mary bar and bottomless mimosas at brunch.