Lucky Joe’s Alchemy & Eatery

I waited to come here so they could work the kinks out. Service was great. We got here around 715 on Thursday night. There was no wait. Thursday is all day happy hour. Let’s just say that their $ 5 whiskey old fashioned really hit the spot. They were expertly made, not just thrown together. We had steak nachos for appetizer because I was under the impression that meals would be small. Nachos were fantastic and huge. There were s few pieces of steak that were super rare, so I didn’t eat them. Hubby got the chicken and I got stuffed flank steak. Both were really good. Again, my steak was undercooked. I was full from the nachos so I didn’t really care. I took the steak home and when I heat it up later, it will be perfect. I’m glad we stopped in. I really liked the ambiance. Hubby said this might be our new Cheers.

If I base this review on just the cocktails and the nachos I’d give it 5 stars easily! However once I factor in the entrees that brings the review down a bit.
I had a brandy old fashioned sour and it was delicious, followed by the Pain Killer drink and that was pretty yummy too. Drinks were made very well with all the flavors mingling well — nothing overpowering the other.
We ordered the corn nachos and the were holy moly amazing! Seriously eat them, delicious. Each chip was coated with cheese and corn and toppings — so so so good. I can’t imagine anyone not liking these and I have a history of hating ALL restaurant nachos.
So at this point in the meal we are thoroughly impressed. The drinks have been great, atmosphere is great, the bartender is great and the nachos were phenomenal! However once we get our entrees the enthusiasm wanes. We got the chicken and the pork. The chicken with the potato salad was so bland, ugh. The pork was okay but nothing to write home about.
We absolutely will be back … but just for drinks and nachos ;)

Great service, great food. Chatted with the owner a bit while waiting for our food to go. A must stop in Tosa

If you’re familiar with Lucky Joe’s Tiki Room, in Walker’s Point, this place is a spin-​off. Lucky Joe’s Alchemy & Eatery offers classic cocktails and small plate dining. I stopped in on a Monday night to check it out. Their website lists their daily specials, and for Mondays, it says they have 2 for $ 5 tacos, $ 5 margaritas, $ 5 old fashioneds, $ 5 house red & white wine, and $ 1 off all beer. I started with a $ 5 margarita. It was alright. I really didn’t taste any booze, but it had decent flavor. I commented to the bartender that I was looking at their website, and «you’ve got some nice specials: $ 5 old fashioneds, $ 5 wines.» The bartender interrupted, «That’s on Thursdays.» Well, the website lists it as a Monday special, so I was inquiring. He said, «I don’t know why the website hasn’t been updated.» I’m thinking, to myself, they should really honor the specials listed on their website. And finally, the bartender tells me, «If you want a $ 5 old fashioned, I’ll make you a $ 5 old fashioned.» Well now I’m thinking, what about a $ 5 wine? Or $ 1 off a beer? But I won’t push it. I graciously accepted his offer and tried an old fashioned.
I decided to try some of their food. I ordered 2 tacos:1 chicken and 1 fish and the braised pork sliders. Both dishes tasted very good. My only complaint is that their menu doesn’t describe their dishes in any detail. For the sliders, it says, ‘Choose from smothered chicken, braised pork or waygu beef with pepper slaw’. Well, I don’t know what ‘smothered chicken’ is or ‘waygu beef’. I asked the bartender what waygu beef is and he said it’s a burger. He didn’t seem too eager to describe the menu to me, so I just picked without asking questions. Well, I should’ve asked more questions because the tacos were only described as beef, chicken or fish. I had no idea what came on them until they were delivered. They’re flour tortillas, with choice of meat, topped with bell peppers, onions and a white crumbly cheese. I am lactose intolerant, so I had to pick off every little piece of cheese. Here’s where it would’ve come in handy for the ingredients to be listed somewhere. The sliders were good. It was pulled pork, topped with cole slaw, on a slider bun, served with a pickle on the side. You get 3 sliders on a plate for $ 11.
I’m a little weary about trying any more of their food. When someone has dietary restrictions, it’s hard to order without knowing ingredients. I may just have to stick to cocktails.

I came here with a co-​worker after a particularly awful day at work, and man oh man, this place improved upon an otherwise bad day! Their food was good. It’s a small plate sort of fare, but those little buggers are filling. We tried a variety of Old Fashioneds, and they were also very good. Service was stellar. Our waitress was friendly, knowledgable, and helpful.
It’s a little pricey for my taste, but I definitely would not be opposed to coming back.

Always wanted to come here since the Tiki Bar closed its doors. Came here for dinner. Once inside its a quaint, intimate drink and food lounge. The drinks were a little pricey but were decent. Ordered the Lethal Loving from a Stranger Called Esteban. This drink was a rum old fashion variation with rum, marmalade syrup, cherry bark and vanillas and bolivar bitters. For food we ordered Smothered Chicken Sliders, Slow Braised Lamb Stew, and Gnocchi Mac and Cheese. The drinks were decent. Lots of alcohol so I’m not complaining .
The food was decent as well. My personal favorite was the Gnocchi Mac and Cheese and my friends favorite were the Smothered Chicken Sliders. The food was flavorful and a great compliment to the drinks. All in all the food was pretty decent and the drinks were strong!
I would come here again for Happy Hour.

If there could only be one bar in Tosa that I could go to for the rest of my life, let it be Lucky Joe’s.
My love for this place is great. Since the first time the Frau and I stepped foot in this place, we have been enamored. We used to hang out at the old Lucky Joe’s Tiki room and got to know Lee and Chad there. Lee told us about his plan to open something in the village months before they ever closed on this place. He had a well formulated plan in his head for just what Tosa needed and he nailed it! It’s a great interior space with private booths, group seating area, romantic tables by the windows and an inviting bar for those to like to watch the bartenders perform their craft. The bar has a Prohibition-​era feel to it with dark woodwork and glass chandeliers. The vintage cocktails on this menu really add to the overall feel. The capper for me is the white shirts and black vests worn by the bartenders, very old school. The small plate menu is great for late-​night bites or a light dinner with drinks. Ever changing, check in often for updates. I hear they have a great Sunday brunch, but I haven’t had it yet. If all of this isn’t enough, there is a Prix Fix drink option that includes an Old Fashioned, a shot, and a pull tab. There is nothing more Wisco than that!

Excellent place for a cocktail! I asked for a sidecar and they actually knew what it was. I always get weary when I go to cocktail places outside of Chicago but this place has beat all my expectations. If you are from Chicago and find yourself in MKE wanting a good cocktail come here. They even have a version of a southside on their menu.

Visited last night for the first time. Stopped in for a drink & then decided to sit down for food.
I think it has potential… the staff needs to be more forward with their welcome and education of patrons. We were a little confused about what Lucky Joe’s is about… is it specialty cocktails with small plates? Is it a restaurant with a bar? No one really explained to us, & the menu is a bit confusing — is a ‘Tavern Plate’ intended to be a small shareable plate? Are ‘Specialties’ intended to be entrees? There doesn’t seem to be anything cohesive about the menu, just a bunch of random things thrown together.
The vibe was good — relaxed and low-​key (though the tv monitor w/​scrolling menu doesn’t really fit with the vintage décor & the booths in the front room were really uncomfortable). I think it could work for Tosa, it just needs a more focused identity with a more forward staff ready to educate new diners about that identity.
Also — the bathroom was a little grungy and smelled strongly of cigarettes, which made my stomach turn after eating. Not enjoyable, but fixable.
Hopeful! Might give it another shot.

Warm vibes, friendly staff, unique drinks, and tasty entrees!
I’m always excited about fresh and flavorful dishes– Lucky Joe’s Harvest Salad Balsamic Glazed Chicken, and Lamb Stew in a sourdough bread bowl were a hit! Plus, don’t forget to sip a «Grow A Pear»; you won’t regret it.

Wow! What a great place for the Tosa Village! Hubby and I tried it today and Chad the bartender was fantastic! I love his craft cocktails. Tried the Aviation, kind of tart made with gin and other good stuff. Later tried the house old fashioned and hubby tried the Manhattan. So good.
The food is small plates but filling. I had the bean soup and hubby had the Mac and cheese. We both loved it. And the music is old school and fun, at least on Thursdays. Andy says they are bringing free live music on Thursdays.
We will definitely be back! Hubby says it’s a great bar for «grown ups».

The atmosphere at this bar is great for a laid back, relaxing night of cocktails and small plates. The bar has a dark, low lit, prohibition era feel which is unique to the area. I love the craft drinks with their unique names and flavor combinations. The menu is always changing which I appreciate in a small joint like this. We had the sriracha devil eggs and the crab dip, both of which were delicious and were delivered quickly.

Love! So happy to have this gorgeous little spot in Tosa. Creative, tasty cocktails on the menu, as well as some yummy looking small plates and a few entrée portions (didn’t try the food yet — next time!). Menu is seasonal, so since I went in winter, will be interested to see what treats they have on deck in summer, fall, etc. The winter options were so tasty!
I especially loved the contrast of swanky and divey. Gorgeous chandeliers with a kitchy faux fireplace. Fancy drinks served with a background of EXCELLENT classic hip hop (at least the night I was there). Will definitely be back.

We recently gave Lucky Joe’s another try. This time, we tried them for brunch.
Surprisingly, we were the only customers in the restaurant the entire time we were there. I hope that is not a bad sign for the future of the place because I really want it to succeed.
Anyway, right now they have an «Eat What You’re Given» brunch which includes eggs, hash browns and two ham sandwiches, plus your choice of a mimosa or Bloody Mary for $ 14.
That’s a pretty good value and the portions were generous. However, unless you really love this menu, I can see how it would get old quickly. Even though everything was good, it wasn’t something I would have to have on a weekly or even monthly basis. Luckily, our waitress told us they plan to expand their offerings soon. I hope this will help.
I plan to visit this place at least one more time – at Happy Hour next time to give them another shot.
For a full review on the Bloody Mary, check out
.

I think this place has the potential to be a great addition to Tosa Village. We stopped in for drinks while waiting for a table at Café Hollander, so I can’t comment on their food.
I’m usually more of a craft beer kind of gal but seeing as Lucky Joe’s seems to touts themselves on their cocktails, figured I would give one of those a try. I ordered chad’s old-​fashioned #2, which I really enjoyed. Bourbon, seltzer water, and a Dr. Pepper/​Pinot noir combo is what (I think) makes up this drink. I would order it again. My friend order a lemon drop martini which ended up being rather disappointing. She said it tasted like lemonade… and when a venue seems to be aiming for the craft cocktail niche, it feels like a letdown when they can’t get what seems like a standard cocktail down. That being said, their drinks do seem unique, and as previously mentioned, I enjoyed mine. They also have a small selection of craft beers and wines available too.
As an aside, they had a great deal for certain packers game — $ 25 bucks for all you can eat food and I think some sort of alcoholic punch — seemed like a good deal for those who aren’t into the crowded sports bar scene.

We went on a Saturday night and found the service lacking. The waitress didn’t know what was in the small plates and seemed unfamiliar with the various cocktails.
One of our wineglasses came out with lipstick marks on it. Only notified the server she told us she would clean it off. Obviously clean off the glass was not acceptable at this point.
The food was OK but the cleanliness of the restaurant and kitchen scene lacking a little which made me nervous.

I will tell you my secret, but if you steal it and I show up, you better move. Go on Tuesday or Thursday. Sit at the bar. Talk to Austin. He makes everything perfect.
Lucky Joe’s Alchemy & Eatery is totally adorable. It’s dimly lit without being dark, and cozy. I have tried a little from the drink menu, but the previously mentioned Austin is always up for experimenting on you (with your consent). So basically, I have no idea what I have drunk here. And that’s totally ok! Because every single damn drink was delicious. Serious. No misses. Austin wants you to love your cocktail, and if you’re easy to please like I am, he will make magic things that no one else gets (until they come out on the fall menu but whatever I’m a special princess). Also ask to see his giant ice cubes.
The food is just as delightful. Short ribs, crab dip something, even the housemade chex mix all had me wanting more. I got in a debate with another customer about the merits of taking a bath in loved food, and we agreed that the short ribs were the way to go there.
It’s hard for me to leave here because of the super fun, and delicious, times I’ve had. And as soon as I leave, I’m thinking about when I can return. That’s a pretty good sign of somebody doing something right. When you go, let me know your thoughts on the short rib bath.

You only get one chance to make a second impression.
Thank goodness I waited until my second visit before penning a review of Lucky Joe’s Alchemy and Eatery. My first visit was during their «soft» opening – a time in which no new business deserves to be critically reviewed.
Lucky Joe’s specializes in craft cocktails in a semi-​swanky, speakeasy environment. In the background croons Dean, Frank, Sammy, and occasionally my favorite: Louis Prima. It’s a fine establishment in which to enjoy a $ 5 housemade brandy old fashioned.
Wisconsin’s State Drink must be the brandy old fashioned, right? I’ve had many of them at Supper Clubs across our great state, but Lucky Joe’s sets the bar high. So good, one is not enough. And since I live only a few blocks from LJ’s, even two is not enough. Hey, they’re only five bucks… all the time. Why not have three!
Our bartender was fun, engaging and made certain we were enjoying ourselves. He whipped up specialty cocktails for our bar stool neighbors after querying their taste preferences. With savvy, he produced two cocktails for our bar mates that were reviewed with glee. While I didn’t have a chance to try the drinks, the engagement between proprietor and client was a worthy model for any business.
On neither of our visits have we explored the food menu, but we’ll try some soon and this review will be updated accordingly.
Closing this review with a few words of wisdom from the gone-​too-​soon and great Louis Prima:
Hummala bebhuhla zeebuhla boobuhla
Hummala bebhuhla zeebuhla bop! *
I can only imagine these would be Louis’s words upon first taste of a Lucky Joe’s old fashioned.
* from Just a Gigolo, Louis Prima version (1956)

Since we visited during their first weekend open, I’m grading a bit on the curve here but I have to say that I was really impressed with Lucky Joe’s Tosa venture.
They’ve done great things with the interior — love the copper ceiling tiles, dark wood bar and cozy booths and outstanding lighting selections. It’s a small-​ish place with a capacity of maybe 50 – 60 people including a few tables outside. They’re very careful to say that this isn’t a place for dinner — it’s a place to come in for a few drinks and a snack, or something pre/​post dinner. With all of the restaurants in the village, Tosa was really lacking a great cocktail place — niche filled!
On the drink front, they’ve now got about 15 – 16 options divided into «old» (classic), «new» (house creations) and «borrowed» (drinks from Lucky Joe’s Tiki). I started with a Ciguapa which is like a margarita and the mister went with a 12-​Mile Limit. Both were expertly made and beautifully presented. I ended up falling in love with the Rye Tai (think Mai Tai but with rye) and am excited to try the New Orleans Fizz on my next trip. If you’re not a cocktail person, they’re rocking a pretty good wine and beer list, plus a full bar with lots of whisky options. There’s even a «PriX Fixe» for $ 12 which gets you a Martini, old Fashioned or Manhattan, a shot of something nasty (Fernet or tequila) and a pull tab.
On the food front, there are 6 – 8 small plates. We opted for «snack mix» which was a generous serving of homemade chex mix flavored with Angostura and Sriracha. Sweet and spicier than expected — loved it. We also tried a cheese/​meat plate which was really well composed — there were a few different cheeses, some salami, pickled cherries, house pickled veggies and my absolute favorite thing ever — PATE. Yay for pâté! (Tasted like it came from La Reve?)
Service was really good, especially considering it was the first weekend and pretty much every table was full. Obviously, they’re getting their flow down but I thought it was going pretty smoothly. I was loving the background music — everything from Jackson 5 to Frank Sinatra.
Tosa was definitely lacking a quality cocktail destination, so I’m pretty happy to have one just a few blocks from home. Welcome to the village LJ’s!

I was super excited to pop into Lucky Joe’s last night for the first night of their grand opening celebration! First of all, the renovated space is GORGEOUS. Chandeliers, tin ceiling, dim mood lighting. Very cozy in here without being pretentious. There’s a variety of seating available, including some booths, bar, a couple of high tops, and some outdoor sidewalk seating.
Although the entire menu wasn’t ready last night, our crew enjoyed our drinks, including an Aviation, La Ciguapa, 12 Mile, and a Rye Tai (comes in a super fun Tiki glass). Other patrons looked happy with their small plates and there’s even a brunch special listed on the menu for Sundays — fun!
If you’re expecting this to be like THE Lucky Joe’s — it’s not. You’ll see a couple of the Tiki drinks on the menu, but they’re focusing on a wide variety of classic cocktails and new concoctions here. There’s a nice beer & wine list, too, in addition. I loved the atmosphere and I can definitely see this being a place I’d return on a date with my boo or with friends.
One kink to work out — is this a seat yourself joint, or will there be someone making a list/​taking names? They didn’t seem to have this piece worked out last night, but I’m sure they’ll get everything in place as the place really comes together.