Stella's: A Cocktail Dive — Restaurant in Milwaukee

Was excited to hit this spot after seeing all the great reviews. Asked about what they offered for drinks and they made me something that was supposed to be like a Moscow mule. The drink was different, had no fizz whatsoever so seemed really flat and off when compared to a mule. Mostly just tasted like water and blueberry with simple syrup. Not undrinkable, but unremarkable. Said it was $9, handed them my card to pay. Gave my card back but no receipt, was confused I couldn’t add the tip to my card so just left a cash tip instead. Finished my drink and left. After I thought about it, i was bothered I never got any receipt. So then I wondered if they’d opened a tab (even though neither of us said anything about opening one, and when my card was handed back I assumed that meant it was paid for). So I drove back to the bar, and sure enough they’d opened a tab. Fine, Closed the tab, but noticed I’d now also been charged an 8% credit card fee, which also wasn’t mentioned. So, a tab was opened without asking, I had to drive back to close it because there’s no phone number listed, and then on top of it I got charged a 8% fee that I wasn’t told about. Overall just seemed shady. Had I not driven back to close the tab, I’m sure they would’ve automatically charged me a tip on the bill id already tipped cash on and already been charged this other undisclosed fee on. Bartender was nice, and it’s a cute little spot, but it was my first time there and...

I gave up drinking over two years ago, so bear that in mind as I review this cocktail dive bar. Even so, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the mocktails that were made for me. Being a cocktail bar, Stella's has everything you could hope for to make a good specialty mocktail, and I saw that they even have a non-alcoholic gin if you're looking for a gin drink without the buzz. They also have a good selection of NA beers, but I was so spoiled by the mocktail treatment, I didn't get that far. I visited Stella's on a late Saturday afternoon and there was a chill, day drinking, deep conversation, grooving to good music vibe in the bar that anyone could enjoy with or without alcohol. I felt instantly welcomed and really enjoyed the dark ambiance and overall cozy atmosphere of the bar. Overall, I was very impressed with the feel of the bar. It has a certain funky appeal, yet still remains classic. They have a cute little patio with seating out back and a little reading nook tucked away in the back of the bar. I found this to be an with interesting place with intelligent bar staff and patrons, and even though it's a dimly lit dive bar, it's a clean one and not dimly lit to hide its grossness like a lot of dive bars. The bar staff kept things clean, and was masked and covid conscious. I will definitely be visiting...

This review is long overdue, but I am finally getting around to it, as promised :) I discovered Stella’s Cocktail Dive Bar on my last day in Milwaukee while in town for the Northwestern Mutual Annual meeting. I was staying at the Hilton just down the street and had no idea this gem was tucked away nearby.

The second I walked in, I knew I had found my kind of spot. The atmosphere? Pure dive bar magic—low-key, welcoming, and effortlessly cool. What made the experience unforgettable, though, was the incredible crew behind the bar. Fox, Ink, and RyAnn were so welcoming and helpful when making recommendations. The vibe they create is what every bar should strive for—real, relaxed, and just the right kind of rowdy.

Whether you're a local or just passing through like I was, do yourself a favor and grab a drink at Stella’s. I only wish I had found it sooner. I will 100% be visiting during next year's annual meeting! Cheers and until...