Venues

Saloon on Calhoun – Venue Review

/ Cassidy Kuchenbecker / Leave a comment

The Saloon on Calhoun with Bacon is at 17000 West Capitol Drive in Brookfield. The ‘with Bacon’ part was added a while back when the bacon craze spilled over from computer geeks to the general public. People refer to the joint simply as “Saloon on Calhoun”.

Out of the danceable venues in the area, this one may have the widest drink and food selection. The pricing for the fare is also very reasonable.

There is a moderately-sized dance space in front of the stage. The floor is polished concrete, which may pose an issue for extended dancing and for those with knee issues. The sound system is situated above the dance space with the speakers pointed towards the crowd. This arrangement is very beneficial as the dancers aren’t forced to dance directly in front of the speakers.

Parking is easy as this establishment is part of a larger commercial complex with a full parking lot.

Anodyne Coffee Roasting – Venue Review

/ Cassidy Kuchenbecker / Leave a comment

Anodyne has several locations. The location that hosts dancing events is at 224 West Bruce Street in Milwaukee. This venue is absolutely superb. The wood floor is always clean, the atmosphere is cozy, sound is crisp, and they have a bar that serves a moderate selection of beers and wines. Being a full coffee shop they offer coffee-based beverages and other non-alcoholic options. Need a snack? Cookies and muffins are for sale as with any coffee shop.

Since the wood floor is nearly always very clean, dancers with knee issues will want to wear shoes with suede or rubber soles to lessen the extra movement. Balboa dancers can go wild on this floor.

Street parking is usually plentiful around the venue and on the neighboring blocks.

Best Place (lower ballroom) – Venue Review

/ Cassidy Kuchenbecker / Leave a comment

Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery (“Best Place”) is located at 917 West Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee. There is a lower and upper ballroom – “Blue Ribbon Hall” and “Great Hall”, respectively. The lower ballroom is likely the most picturesque venue available in or around Milwaukee. The walls are adorned with painted artwork when the facility was constructed. There is a second-level balcony that overlooks the dance floor that provides a respite for tired dancers to sip a cool beverage and watch their fellow dancers. In warm weather, step out into the Captain’s Courtyard to converse under the stars.

The venue features a wood floor that is nearly always well kept. This venue is rented to parties and weddings and parts of the floor can be sticky. So, consider bringing two pairs of shoes: one with suede and one with leather soles. There is a full bar and plentiful parking. This venue is near the Fiserv Forum and parking is scarce during Bucks games.

History buffs can read more by clicking here.