Romans Pub

January 8, 2008
I had been meaning to stop there for quite a while.. finally did it, and I’ll be back soon! There was a decent-sized bar with what looked like additional seating in the back. The tap list was just delightful.. Bell’s Expedition, Sparkling Ale, Double Cream, and Two Hearted Capital Baltic Porter New Holland Dragon’s Milk and plenty of other great ones! Mike also cellars certain kegs such as Bigfoot, which can use a little time to mellow out. There were several big-ass, very nice TVs. Service was great, and the neighborhood was cool. Excellent bar!

January 6, 2008
Romans’ has kind of ruined a few vacations for me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in another city and gone to a highly rated beer bar expecting some kind of beer heaven, but for the most part all of the establishments I’ve been to have been worse or maybe marginally better than Romans’. And, if you count Romans’ and the Palm Tavern (located a couple of blocks away) together, nothing beats that pair. But, I’ve realized, it’s not that other establishments are bad, it’s that Romans’ is so good. A world class beer bar in an old Milwaukee neighborhood. Romans’ specializes in draught beer with ~30 different taps all specialty beer, all fresh, all served in proper glassware, at the proper temperature, with great care. There’s a nice mix of American Crafts, Belgians, and other quality imports. Also (although I don’t smoke) there’s a nice selection of cigars. Another nice thing is that the website is kept up-to-date so you always know what’s available.

August 29, 2007
First visit, to meet with a reporter doing a story on my former boss. Roman was there, and was quite happy to talk about the beers on tap, despite the apparently unusually riotous crowd during a Brewers-Cubs game. Had a nice selection, and while it’s not as large a selection as that of Landmark 1850 or a couple other places, there are no "filler" beers on the list. When Guinness is the most commonly known beer on tap, you know a place has some unusual selections. This is the only place I’ve been to that has Chimay on tap. Roman’s is a definite must-visit on a beer bar tour of Milwaukee. Wish I’d have found it before taking a new job in Appleton -- now I need to find an equivalent up in the Valley!

May 7, 2007 [ Updated May 8, 2007 ]
The best beer bar in Milwaukee and one of the top two in Wisconsin (Madison’s Maduro being the other). This is beer fanaticism at its best. Rotating selection of approximately 25 taps that ranges from the best of American craft beer to semi-obscure imports. Tap lines are always clean and proper glassware is a must. Despite all this, the atmosphere is as down-to-earth as at any corner pub. The only nit is that the place doesn’t have the humongous selection of beers that some places do because Mike Romans only serves great beer on draft -- no craft beer in bottles. But if that purist mentality limits my selection just a little, more power to him. Mike will also gladly chat about the local beer scene with you -- with refreshingly uncensored opinions.

November 7, 2006
As a recent transplant to Milwaukee, I thought I had truly found the promised land when a friend took me to Romans. My sole complaint is that the bar is too far from my Pewaukee home to become a regular location. The trip isn’t athe problem, just the trip back after all that outrageuos brew... Just keep doing what you are doing Mike, you are on to a good thing.

October 20, 2006
How is this place not on the "Beer Tour of Milwaukee" map on this site? Roman’s has the best selection of high-end/specialty beers on-draft in the Milwaukee area. Mike Roman consistently rotates a stock of fine craft and import beers through his 25+ tap lines. While a friend of mine described Mike as a "21st century Archie Bunker," he pays attention to the details such as correct serving temperature and proper glassware. Visitors to this site should give it at least a try whenever near the Milwaukee area.

February 10, 2006
this is where people who know good beer.......go to drink beer. great pub atmosphere with the highest quality beer in the city. mike puts all his time and effort into his pub. from the draft system to the glassware, he spares no expense to make sure the beer tastes like it came from the brewery. the staff at romans also will not put up with drunken idiots that get out of hand. if you want to throw cans, dance on tables, or start fights go to wtaer street (its closer to MSOE). if you are in bay view and you like beer......this is a must. noballwash

February 10, 2006
Great classy corner bar. Very stately, very clean and well lit fresh ambiance. Music sound and energy levels just right for relaxing conversation. Superb selection of premium draft beers at good prices. Fresh beer presentations in clean, matching glassware. Owner keeps the tap lines clean. Pours like a pro. A must for the beer aficianado.

January 15, 2006 [ Updated September 10, 2008 ]
Now 30 taps. Rated one of the top 100 places to drink beer in the U.S. Check the website to see why.

June 30, 2005
A small but very friendly ambience,clean and well kept south side bar,I’m usually there early so smoke is not a problem and Mike Roman is right there when I need another brew. The selection is absolutely the best given what the disributors have available. Mike is very knowledgable and seems to know a lot of people in the business.He has just installed a huge High Definition TV in front of the bar. Watching the Packers take their big slide this year will be a lot more tolerable while sipping a fine Belgian or Dogfishhead product. Mike isn’t a big PC type of guy, but that’s part of his charm. I wish this place were closer to my home and would open earlier, but it has my highest recommendation. If you don’t want smoke and crowds, get there when he opens