Sabbatic

We were headed to the Pabst to see a show at 8pm so I told my friends about this dive bar that had a great special at 7 o’clock, but it only lasts 15 minutes. We got there about 5 minutes after 7. By the time the bartender, Rachel, got to us, she said time was up but she would still «take care of us». So, my friend ordered drinks as if they were on special, which would have cost $ 6 total. She charged him $ 32! She argued that she had said the time had expired on the special but she would still serve him. Of course she is going to still serve even if the special is over, that’s her job! She said «take care of us» which implies she is going to give us a break on the time limit. Instead of trying to make things right, she argued with my friend and refused to budge. I was not about to order drinks after she just stiffed my friend, so 2 of us had drinks and the other 3 waited until the drinks were finished so we could all leave to go to the show. It was not a good way to start the evening. I was embarrassed that I had recommended the place. I will not make that mistake again.

This place sucks in the best way possible. Generous portions and attention to detail speaks for itself and this shithole has both in spades

This place has something most places lack… true charm and character. I’ve been here countless times but tonight was exceptional. Rachel busted her @$$ during the 7pm special and some late arrivals turned into total jerks when they didnt make it in under the deadline. She handled it incredibly professionally even though they were verbally abusive. This place is the few places I still bother venturing out to. Such a gem.

I’d give less than 1 star if I could. This place was so rapey! Give me the back alley of a dangerous neighborhood any day. Also the bartenders act new age but are actually just «new beige.» Yikes. When you’re dry toast but also a bitch, how do you maintain your status as head bartender at the most mediocre punk bar in town???

It’s a bar and they have drinks… Nothing super special but nothing bad either. They do have shake of the day which is a small plus. Not a bad place to stop and grab a couple…

Dis bar doe! This bar tender i think her name was angel rose or something. She is most definatley the milk to my lasagna. but a pretty bad bartender.

Dust off the Dr Martens… bring out the biker leather coat… expose those tattoos and piercings… and do a quick coat of Manic Panic on your hair! You might want to check out your old punk CD’s so you can remember what music to request.
Sabbatic makes me feel at home like I never left the punk and new wave scene in the late 80’s/early 90’s. All walks of life are accepted here so don’t be afraid if you have become a boring suburbanite but just be open and don’t judge others. The crowd is very eclectic mix of young, old, punk, leather, preppy, gay, straight, and everything in between.
The bartenders are friendly and can pour a mean cocktail. This is a place where you can get your drunk on for under $ 20. Did I mention that they take music requests? Personally I wouldn’t request Barry Manilow but ask them about obscure punk or new wave and they may just play it for you.
I need to get here more often… if I lived within walking distance I know I would be a regular. Thank goodness for cabs, Lyft and Über!

Beware. This bar (while «superficially») appears «friendly to all» is really mostly staff and a few «favorite» people who are gossipy and spread rumors and slander. You CAN be kicked out of this bar and NOT given a legitimate reason (i.e.: like 1.) Starting Fights 2.) Stealing 3.) Damaging Property 4.) Poisoning another patron 5.) etc. Staff and some frequenters are «cliquey.» So beware.

I chose to go to Sabbatic because of all the reviews mentioning the amount of whiskey that one can consume here. I am by no means a whiskey connoisseur, but I sure do enjoy a whiskey drink or 5. My first drink order was a whiskey old fashioned sour, and the bartender said «Hmm…I’ll see what I can make like that.» Not surprisingly the drink she handed me was pretty gross. Next I asked for a whiskey ginger, and her response was «Ginger ale?» Maybe its just me, but I think that is a pretty common drink order.
I really liked the atmosphere and the people in the bar seemed really great. I am choosing to believe that I just went on the wrong night and this bartender isn’t normally patrolling the rails. I will be back, because I really want to like this place.

Only here briefly for one drink after dinner at nearby The Noble, but really enjoyed it. Really friendly staff, nice ambience and good music. Seems like a place that could be a lot of fun on a crazy Saturday night.

Punk rock party haven smack dab in the middle of Walkers Point on 2^nd St. Check-​in on the interwebz– on, ahem, your Unilocal app! — for a FREE shot of Tullamore Dew!
Dark and a touch dingy, this dive meets punk/​rock palace is great for casual drinks with friends or when you’re looking to dive into a vat of whiskey, headfirst. Sabbatic oftentimes features guest DJs as well… so be warned that this is generally not so much a spot for quiet conversation as it is for serious draaaaaankin’ and good times, dancing, etc.
Pool table, a dartboard (I think), and rad local art + oddities adorn the walls.
Not for the faint of heart or liver.
Go!

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: one of the best happy hour (and quarter happy hour) specials in town!
This place is very relaxed, unpretentious, and welcoming to all. You will likely see some very interesting people. And the staff are very attentive.
During the last visit, they were playing The Princess Bride on the TV. Pretty cool in my book.

A quick Unilocal search brought this local dive bar up on my screen and half an hour later, I was sitting at this bar sipping on a glass of Spotted Cow. You can get an idea of this dive bar from the other reviews, but I want to stress that the bartender was polite, and engaging and made frequent checks on us to make sure we were well taken care of. But what made this bar worth the trip for me, was the bartender putting on Princess Bride! Yes, I spend my Saturday evening drinking beer and watching Princess Bride at this bar. And it was amazing!

This was my third time here. Love this bar! Great eclectic crowd, great prices, great ambiance. I wish this place was closer to my locale (I’m on the East Side) because it’s a winner.

The amount of whiskey flowing here is mind blowing. I’d like to mention I was rush chair at an all girls catholic college. I can throw down.
These folks are no joke and I seriously love this place.
A little gritty, a little dirty and a whole lot of cool.

Cool divey bar with interesting feel to it. Our bar wench, Rachel — was great! We just left the Milw Brewing Tour and had our drink chips to use. She mentioned it was still happy hour, so we may want to save our chips. Thanks, yo! 2 drinks were like $ 4 so good deal. And happy hour on Saturday?! Super!
The people inside were friendly and everyone talked to each other. Nothing like a friendly, unpretentious place ;)
I dig it!

I was definitely in my element after strolling into Sabbatic a few Saturdays ago. Think of a nicer punk-​rock bar — solid background music selection, plenty of alcohol and beer, great staff. I visited to see a friend’s band from Chicago venture north to play their first show in MKE in quite some time.
Walked in and bellied up to the not-​yet-​bustling bar where I was greeted by Jay — one of the owners — who promptly welcomed me, gave me a brief history, and quickly poured me a complimentary shot of Irish whiskey. That’s quite the entrance! Plenty of local brews on tap, lots of old show posters/​flyers tastefully displayed on the walls, even a billiards table if you so desire. By far, my favorite sign/​notice was the «No Dueling in Saloon» sign near the back exit.
Sabbatic, you’ve won a special place in my heart. I shall definitely return. This just might become my favorite bar in the 414!

This is what I love about Milwaukee! Real bartenders who not only can hold their own shot for shot but can make a real cocktail! The décor really can’t get any better for a corner alternative bar. Did I tell you I love the bartenders? Good people: Dt Milwaukee! Real Bartendars

Very fun punk rock bar in Milwaukee. Bartenders were friendly and on top of their game despite a busy Saturday night, décor is eclectic, drinks were strong, (some) shots were free … what more can you want? One note is that their music selection varies and is not all just straight punk rock and its variants. I was ready to walk out when I heard some hip hop song come on when we first got there, but my companion soothed me by buying me a drink and convinced me to stay, and I ended up having a good time. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in Milwaukee.

Check in (FourSquare, Unilocal,etc.) get a shot! Of house whiskey, with purchase of anything– what a nice way to be welcomed into a bar that is very welcoming. Sabbatic is my friend Marc R.‘s new Cheers, so I guess that makes me Cliff Claven to his Norm! Nammy!
On my first visit to Sabbatic I had the pleasure of meeting one of the part-​owners and hearing about the Walker’s Point changing scene. I met some regulars and enjoyed the funky décor and good beer list.
On my second visit I met the other part-​owner, who was very genial and later manned the turntables when their DJ took a break. Think 80’s-90’s rock hits and deep cuts, keeping the party going. A few couples in leather were there, it’s Walker’s Point, as well as older people that look like they took in a theatre show, and a bunch of us old hipsters. A nice mixed crowd!
Can’t wait ’til I have another free night in Milwaukee so I can feel the welcoming funky charm of Sabbatic again.

The drinks are cheap, the bartenders rule and they play good tunes, that basically makes it bar utopia for me. It’s a rock-​n-​roll bar in every way except cheesy, good posters, fun décor, lots of whiskey. Those darn shots of powers get me every time though.

All of the other reviews are spot on… this place draws an eclectic crowd, has a cool vibe, and is a fun place to hang out. For full disclosure — we were here around 8pm on a Saturday night, waiting for our table at The Noble.
We had the option of «going next door for a beer,» and are glad that we did! I would definitely return, and probably play pool here.
Good beer selection
Wacky but awesome décor
Pleasing to both guys/​girls in the group
Would definitely come back

Just going to add that now that Tom Julio and Paul Hildenbrand are teaming up again like Batman and Robin this place can be pretty freaking wild on Saturday nights — worth checking out just for the off the hook music and bar tending show. Even Tony decided to stay and not run over to La Cage! We lost track of the girl in the blue dress, but I hope she comes back someday soon.

I LOVE THIS BAR!
Favorite place to grab one drink or 5, take friends and family from out of town, even held a fashion show here. Great bartenders, cheap, original. One of those spots you want to always do well but to never get too popular– you want it all to yourself!

Exisiting perpetually on the cusp of a shitshow: the best way I could possibly describe the vibe at Sabbatic.
I say that with a warm knowing-​ness and acceptance of my fate.
It’s kind of like the end of the movie «Sunshine» where Cillian Murphy is all like «okay I’m just gonna go walk right into the Sun for a minute, BRB LOL» and you know he has accepted what is about to happen, and he’s happy about it!
SPOILERS BACK THERE, WATCH OUT!
It is a lot of fun at Sabbatic, but you better be damn careful and have planned multiple exit strategies.
Fun, loud music. Really fun (and dangerous) bartenders. Nice eclectic crowd.

Sabbatic has the coolest sign of any bar ever. It’s not even up for discussion. The bar itself is pretty cool, with old punk rick posters all over the place. The bartenders are great, in all their gnarly glory. Cool place to soak up some booze and listen to some great music.