Circle A

Circle A is my new favorite place! Went here for the first time on Saturday ¹⁰⁄₁₀ to see Substitute: Tales from the Who (a coworker’s band) and it was amazing! Super ultra tiny, but the bartenders rock, the drinks are reasonable, and the music is diverse.

One TV. Tuned to static.
A jukebox full of gold and a pipeline for the best live music in town.
The menu is not extensive but they make it work.
Friendly and interactive staff.
The patio looks incredible and I can’t wait for spring.
The radical elements here are dangerously infectious. You might talk to someone with a different perspective from you and they might be nice. o. O
But seriously, don’t go here. I like my stool and am still learning how to share.

Probably the smallest bar I’ve ever been to, but that’s definitely not a complaint. This place is the epitome of Riverwest coziness. A little rock n roll, a little folksy, a lot of me wanting to return.
I’m am all about the décor. I don’t know if they could hang anything else on the walls. If I could convert a room in my house into a bar, I hope it would resemble Circle A.
As a musician, I really appreciate that they promote their shows. Their monthly event flyers are all over town and they submit a list to local radio stations. This might not seem like much, but this sort of attention to the arts ensures that I will continue to support their business. Additionally, if you’re a smaller band who can only fill a smaller space, you should probably check this place out.
Last time I was in, they had Night Train on tap and because of some happy hour deal, it was only $ 3.50 a pint. So not only are the drinks affordable, but it’s a lot more fun than sitting at home on your couch.

We are all super lucky to have such a cool spot in our city!

bar is small, but has a decent beer garden. drinks are cheap and prices are clearly listed. the staff is friendly and down-​to-​earth. bar is, however, cash only so hit the atm beforehand. there isn’t one inside. cheers.

Circle A is a sleeper cell.
This is one of my favoritest bars in Riverwest, in Milwaukee, and possibly in the world.
Cash only. Live music, sometimes. Ambiance is so so awesome it kind of hurts my heart. Still tiny.

I’ve always liked Circle A. Friends’ bands play here occasionally and I’m always eager to come here to see them, because it’s actually a great venue to hang out at. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming for a music guy like myself. Beers are very reasonably priced and the people that run the place are super nice.
Intimate is an understatement. It’s about the size of my living room, I can’t imagine it being comfortable with more than 25 people in here. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat at the bar near the front by the band, that’s my favorite spot.
There have been times I’ve gotten so fucked up in here, I can’t even describe it.

Super Small. Great posters. Nice people. Lots of Green Bay kids and old hippies. Smaller than your bedroom. Check out those amazing Milwaukee posters.
Outside patio is nice too.

What a wonderful place. I live downtown but like to hang out in Riverwest and this place is one of my all time favorites. Great jukebox, SUUUUUPER friendly staff, and a diverse style of live music. They have a little beer garden on the side of the building (no glass). This place has so much character, and I would highly recommend checking it out. They are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday except on holiday weekends. Oh and a side note the bartender makes a killer Old Fashioned.

Tiny bar with really friendly staff and slightly irregular hours? Did I say this place is tiny? I understated that. They do regularly have live bands in the early evenings on many days. You can see them up close, really close. Did I mention that this place is small?

To call this place tiny is a grossly misleading exaggeration. Circle A is actually much smaller than that. Saw two great bands here on Friday and the vibe is kind of like your grandpaw’s basement bar that he fixed up for partying in the early 60’s. I mean all of this in the most loving way possible. You sit directly in front of the band if you are the table (as in the one (1) bar height table.) The lead singer will put his drink on your table while they are playing. The beer selection has some great budget beers ($ 2 Blatz, please) but also includes a fine selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries.
Also… Jiffypop popcorn with the auto shaker machine. Pure Wisconsin Gold.
The only reason I am not going 5 stars is because the place is so small and can get so crowded and the music, for some, may reach unbearable volumes.
Again, for just me? 5 Stars

I always feel comfortable and welcome here. Live, jukeboxed, or DJ’d, the music always enhances the atmoshere perfectly.
And… they make an amazing pisco sour.

The best bar in Riverwest and maybe the world, its a dive, but its a great dive. Great jukebox, great DJs, great bands. Run by the crankiest nice guy you will ever meet.

sit in the band’s lap
and contemplate where you are
too rad for haiku

Like drinking and listening to records in your best pal’s living room. If it were a bar, and if the cream of Milwaukee’s lumpen-​proletariat dropped by trailing drugs, loose teeth, unidentifiable smells, and all-​around awesomeness.

The first bar I ever went to in Milwaukee, Circle A holds a special place in my heart.
Viewing the JookBot [See webpage. Really. The entire jukebox is scanned for viewing on the web page.] is enough of a reason to go here. Or maybe the stories owner Warwick tells. Or maybe the stories one of the regulars tells. Or maybe the stories you tell.
Warwick’s labour of love is this bar what feels like your living room. Your really, really dark, tiny living room, replete with a static-​glowing TV. The history of rock music in Milwaukee is stapled all over the walls and ceiling. You can drink cheap cans of beer of course, but there is also a full bar and a discriminating selection on tap. The drink special is always something interesting. You can order Jiffy Pop, too!
Circle A used to keep regular hours, but these days, Warwick only has the place open the last weekend of every month. It’s a celebratory weekend, so take advantage of it. Bands are usually booked [8pm — 10pm] and believe me, they are bands you want to see. One of your friends is always DJing. Meanwhile, a good portion of Milwaukee wistfully stares off into the distance, hoping and wishing that one day Circle A will be open every weekend again.