Miller, Pabst, Schlitz and Blatz. No, this is not the polka headliner at Polish Fest tonight. These are nostalgic beer brands that make up Milwaukee's Big 4. Each represent the place in Milwaukee history when the city was a well-oiled brewing and bottling machine. Though industry consolidation and changing consumer tastes have impacted each brand differently over the past 20 years, one common connection remains: Milwaukee beer tradition.
Milwaukee's newest bar, the Bomb Shelter (1517 South 2nd Street) looks to appeal to beer traditionalists whether they're from Milwaukee or not. I had a chance to check out the new space at the Bomb Shelter's pre-opening party last night. Owner Greg Landig has captured the perfect mix of Milwaukee, Walker's Point and beer antiquity. From old beer signs and advertisements to mugs and drink mats and more, visually scanning the bar is like a walk through beer history. 
The great thing is, Greg's also stocked the bar with the most current and great-tasting domestic, import and micro-brews around. As I was enjoying a few of Lakefront Brewery's Indian Pale Ale, bar manager (and Spreenkler member) Tom Wright explained that they currently have 90 different beers to choose from. The goal is to increase that to 120.
Overall the bar is very clean (even the bathrooms) and nicely lit. The bar itself is surrounded by hardwood flooring. The back of the place has a raised area where the floor is covered, of course, in Green Bay Packer carpeting. There's a pool table, dart board and beer pong table. For music, you'll be able to find nearly any song on the digital jukebox. Best of all for iPhone carrying people like me, there is free Wifi. Just ask the bartender for the password.
One unique fact, the "Doe" and "Buck" signs on the restroom doors were mad by Greg's dad!
If you find yourself in downtown Milwaukee or Walker's Point and want to enjoy an old school or new school brew, I highly recommend stopping in the Bomb Shelter. They officially open tonight, Saturday, June 21 at 3pm.
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