Victor’s Cocktail Lounge & Restaurant
1230 N Van Buren St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Victor’s Cocktail Lounge & Restaurant Menu
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Address :
1230 N Van Buren St
Milwaukee, WI, 53202 - Phone (414) 272-2522
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :4:00 pm - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Ages Allowed : 21+
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Music : DJ
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Maureen F.
Alright, so let's have a conversation about Victor's. First of all, I went with some of my best friends for the Friday night fish fry, not drunk at 1am to shake my groove thing on a dance floor. I knew it would be fun because let's be serious, fun is created by the company you keep. With that, the Friday Fish Fry is delish. There, I said it. It's Wisconsin in a nutshell. Tables of super old people that could be friends with my Grandpa were there..and our table was a rowdy group of upper 20 somethings. Good times. Wine is $22/bottle. The bread that comes before dinner is AMAZING, and the fish fry is affordable and good. Our server was adorable and super attentive and she took great care of us. The sound track for the evening consisted of Coyote Ugly. Nothing like a serenade from LeAnn Rimes while you eat a baked potato. The lights were dimmed and a soft glow of campy Christmas lights reflecting off the mirror walls made me feel so cozy in my vinyl chair. When the check came, we were given a huge quantity of York Peppermint Patties and Andes candies. WIN! We even hit the dance floor for some Mariah Carey "All I Want For Christmas Is You" dancing, with the old people who were two stepping after their meal. We met the owner Tony who was super friendly and thanked us for coming. Victor's get a bad rap for the dirty dancing and cougars, which yes...later in the evening happens, but for a funny and full of laughs Fish Fry with good friends, it's a great place.
(4)Merete M.
This place. I think I've seen it in movies featuring strippers...... but I couldn't see a stripper pole or stage anywhere. Victor's is exactly what three stars describes - A-OK. I'd go back, because this place is a category of bar/dance club all it's own. The paneled-mirror walls, cheap vinyl accents, TONs of seating, cheap drinks premixed in pitchers behind the bars, muscly bouncers in too-tight shirts, and dance floor filled with the best people-watching material of all time make for an entertaining evening indeed! I went with a group, and sat near the back. Our server was attentive and friendly. Some random patron decided to walk around barefoot.... and people were dancing like their lives depended on it! They were really having fun! I can understand the unfortunate nickname of "Victims" - walking to the bathroom (which is near the entrance) is like walking through a tunnel of staring eyes. There were tons of men there - honestly, I don't think I passed any women after the dance floor - and I was glad to be there with friends. Though if you're a drink-alone kind of person, I don't think Victor's is the right type of bar at any rate.
(3)Alissa A.
Reprimanded my legitimate id in the bar. Wasnt let in because of his idiocracy....
(1)Paress H.
Victor's has long been a favorite spot to get weird. In fact, when my girlfriends from Minneapolis come visit, they know we are either going out to Victor's or Mad Planet (Milwaukee's finest). These are two places where things are sure to get weird. More so guaranteed at Victor's probably with the famously mixed crowd. All walks of Milwaukee can be found in this beautiful beast. But I recently was turned on to the Friday Fish Fry and it exceeded all my expectations. My dad first told me he loved the fish fry about a year ago and I was shocked and thought it was hilarious and re-confirmed my dad's strangeness. Ever since then, I kept hearing from multiple sources how good the fish fry is and I decided I needed to try. 4 of us went on Friday and I was so in love with the whole experience. Our service was great- we had a chick I recognized from working at Trocadero's brunch so the experience was there. The loaf of bread was meh, and the drinks were way too pricey. (Over 5 bucks for a Blue Moon in a bottle and the cocktails were too pricey as well). But once our plates of Tilapia and Cod came, we were in heaven. The fries, cheesy hashbrowns and cod were ENORMOUS portions and so tasty. Plus with the trippy atmosphere of lights, mirrors, neon and some oldies but goodies starting to trek it to the dance floor, we had a real good time. Again, the bill was a bit high with the cocktails, but the experience all around was hilarious and delicious. A winning combo.
(4)Dan V.
People can hate on this place all they want, but I think it's actually quite fun to go to. Let's start with the decor, it's a bit from the 1980s, but the fact that they have crazy multicolored lights and a purple ambiance isn't too bad. There's also the dance floor which is quite hopping on friday and saturday nights. It's super crowded, and the crowd is very diverse and very open minded. Second the food is actually good. The fish fry is very very good for what it was priced. You also get free pizza on thursday for college night. Third the drinks, the drinks are actually very good. I had a chocolate martini and it was perhaps the great chocolate drink I've had in a while. The mixed drinks are very reasonably priced and very well made. The beer selection is a bit small, but its a nightclub, not a pub. Fourth the service is quite good. The owner and his family are very nice and cool. The servers are fantastic every time I come in there.
(5)Becky F.
I love this place. If you want to dance on the weekend and also be entertained by people watching--this is the best place in the world. The crowd is so eclectic-- all ages LITERALLY there are elderly people busting moves to Ginuwine- this place is quite the lovably-weird event. Show up after 10 PM on the weekend nights and the party will be in full-swing. It's kind of like a divey version of a dance club. There are always some creepster looking 45-65 year old guys lurking around in the corners, but they never have actually approached me or my friends, so they don't generally don't make people too uncomfortable. You have to go in to this place with a "What on earth will my eyes behold tonight" attitude, and you'll have a great time.
(5)Olive R.
This is the best place to go out in the city. Always entertaining, strong drinks, excellent people watching...a guaranteed good time.
(5)Valerie W.
When Northwestern Mutual is in town for their annual meeting the third week in July, Victim's.. I mean... Victor's, throws a party. A party which includes free shots (and shot girls, wearing boots, WITH the fur), cheapy cheapy drinks, and a less than professional atmosphere where I'm sure many a college intern have picked up something they'd rather not have on their medical record. That all being said, there's a definite crowd for Victor's, it's just not mine. The mirrored walls and vinyl swivel-y bar stools left me feeling like I was in Elvis' suite at the Tropicana circa 1972 (was he still kickin' in '72? I dunno.) Anyway, the drinks were reasonably priced, and we were there early enough that I left with my dignity. Just not my bar of choice in Milwaukee.
(3)Tony K.
4 stars?? what?? Only at Victor's can you dance the lawn-mower and not feel ashamed.. all while enjoying $2.50 long island iced teas. Need I say more? I think not. Take it for what it's worth. Word is they make a mean pork chop... can anyone confirm this?
(4)George T.
OK I'm a regular now, according to yelps definition. Good times at Victor's yup more girls here on Friday than on ladies night.. Dance, dance, dance, party on Wayne. Ladies get your prowl on. Warning those comfy swivel seats have rollers! for more details see previous review. Play this in a fresh new window. youtube.com/watch?v=bLnU…
(3)Kirsten L.
I have to throw in with the Victors supporters. The fact that every night here is a bizarre adventure is what makes it so great. Best advice: 1. Ladies, safety in numbers. 2. Pre-game with at least 3-4 drinks. 3. Feelings of "Victor's remorse" the next morning are perfectly normal.
(5)Mike M.
Oh Victor's. I wish I could quit you. You've got a reputation, and you're pretty weird. And yet, you're somehow charming and you're actually a lot of fun. That's what really makes me come back: fun. You're the spot to go with friends that want to dance and be silly and watch the weirdos. And because of that, your clientele is more eclectic than Spotify on shuffle. Barely legal college people? Yep. 30 something professionals in suits? Yep. Cougarish housewives trying to break loose? Yep. Your grandparents? Yep. That's the beauty of the hot mess that is a weekend jaunt at Victor's. It's a smash of all these dissimilar groups having a good time together powered by terrible Long Islands because it's double tall Long Islands for $5 and of course that's just what you're going to get. That's just America in a nutshell. Never change.
(4)Bree B.
Oddly, it had a great fish fry. Overall interesting establishment with interesting crowd and dance floor. Though keep in mind, it does come with the nickname of Victims....
(3)Tim W.
Yes this place is hilarious. Yes it looks like a 70s roller rink on a cruise ship Yes there are lots of weird people there. But the fish fry is seriously awesome. We came here randomly because a friend lives close by. We weren't expecting much, especially after being transported back in time after walking into this place. We opted for the fish fry of course, and our minds were subsequently blown. Bread: This deserves it's own recognition. It's a HUGE loaf of the whitest white bread possible, served on a wooden board, shimmering from oil and perfectly crunchy-looking. It is absolutely delicious. Crisp exterior, soft interior, salty and tad sweet at the same time. Fish: Its AYCE, but you start off with 3 giant pieces of cod. Excellent breading, crispy all the way through with flaky fish inside. Good breading to fish ratio. This is the ideal specimen for a fish fry. Tartar sauce is good. Sides: Don't think, just order the cheesy hashbrowns. Why? So that you have breakfast for tomorrow duh. You get a heaping slab of browns stuffed with green onions and cheese. It's a totally unnecessary addition to this meal, but awesome nonetheless. Coleslaw is pretty standard, a little bit soggy. Victor's is the new gold standard for fish fry.
(5)Angie M.
We went there on a Friday evening was not crowded! Was very entertaining! I really want to try their fish fry!
(4)Pat H.
Victor's has always had amazing food! From the fresh hot homemade bread to the meal in a bowl seafood bisque, this place is a comfort food and steak lovers paradise. Never a problem with food quality or portions! I am going to point out though, if you sit at a bar table you can expect to be ignored and forgotten. I had to request a server. She never checked back with us once the food was served. No drink refills ( which would have increased our bill). We had to request our bill after tracking her down... But we waited patiently for 20 minutes with a table of dishes in front of us. We also requested our leftovers ( you always have take home at Victors) but she forgot to bring them back to us! Celebrating a 50th birthday.,, we saved room for a fantastic dessert , but were so disappointed with the service we opted not to have it there. Not that our server even asked us. All that led up to her bringing the check and no apology or attempted acknowledgement of service lapse... But to top it all off an 18% gratuity was added to our bill!!! Less than a pleasant experience at Victors once again... But the food is ABSOLUTELY Worth it.
(3)Ebani S.
I went for a fish fry. I asked for shrimp to be included onto my cod fry. They charged me for the steak and shrimp fry. I didn't get steak I got 4 pieces of shrimp. I felt ripped off and they didn't even listen. Plus the waitress did her own tip. I was extremely annoyed with the whole experience. The restaurant looks like a disco coke lounge from the 70s. Lots of older people. Not for anyone under 40.
(1)Erin M.
Victor's is great in my book. I have a lot of positive feelings towards it, and want to give it 3.75 stars. It's just not quite 4 stars in my mind. This place is GREAT for dancing. I came here once around halloween, and it was Lady Gaga Night. Maybe the best people watching of my entire life, and such a fun time getting down on the dance floor. There are some great Milwaukee characters that regular this place. This place also has a GREAT fish fry! The cheesy potatoe side is absolutely ridiculous. They have to serve the whole thing on a king-size plate to harbor all of the potatoes they give you. So good. Negatives about Victors- it's actually pretty creepy. Go here with a strong group of friends/protectors. Usually harmless, but you really never know. Also, a certain annoying radio talk-show host hangs out here (no name mentioning) but that drops it down a bit too.
(3)Michael S.
Milwaukee's best fish fry. The cod is great and all you can eat. The staff is always attentive and friendly. Stop in if you are looking to dance and have an amazing night with friends. Get your Skyy vodka on!
(5)Peter C.
Recently, I went there for their famous Friday fish-fry. This has to be the first time I've been in there sober. Usually Victor's is reserved for post mid-night, last bar stop on a boozed filled night. Those dance parties late at night get no weirder and no better than good old Victors. When it comes to the sober earlier time I was there the place is a little hard to take seriously as a food place. The huge bar is the first thing you see when walking in. You get back and walk around the dance floor to booths and the tables over by the dance floor. On Fridays, they offer $12.95 all you can eat beer battered or baked cod. For another $2 you can get Tilapia (not all you can eat though) and $13.95 you can get lake perch (not all you can eat). Oh yeah, they do ad 18% tip on ALL bills so make sure you don't double tip! The food was decent and old-fashions were meh. I would stick to other drinks - I was very underwhelmed by their beer list of about 6 or 8 beers total...
(3)Armand D.
Went to this place for the first time last night. It looked very cool. Kyle our bartender was a rock star. Very nice and prompt with the libations. The food was mediocre but palatable. My complaint is when the server posted an 18% tip on my bill for 2 people. She didn't tell me it was posted which is very shady to me. Trying to get a double gratuity. How many other people has she pulled this on? I'm in the business and typically tip 25 to 30%. Well she screwed herself. I'll go back for drink but not for food.
(1)Angela D.
Victims. The only place where you wake up the next morning with the taste of vodka/cranberry in your mouth ("I didn't order that, why did I get that?") and the immediate question of, why does that place have a funky smell?!! 3 stars, because they get away with charging a cover knowing people will still pay to get in. Without ever changing anything on the inside. And the mirrored walls.
(3)Sandra Z.
When I tell people that Victor's serves up my favorite fish fry in town, I'm generally presented with puzzled looks and confused giggles. And that's the way I reacted when I was told how great their fish fry is. But the crazy truth is that it's fantastic. You will be convinced, or at least intrigued, when you're first served the round loaf of perfectly baked bread, crusty and sweet on the outside and warm, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. I've only ordered the beer battered cod, which is perfectly battered (not too greasy) and served AYCE. Although you may be temped by the usual potato offerings, I recommend the cheesy hash browns. The serving size is enormous, and so I also recommend spending most of your appetite on the fish and heating up the rest of the potatoes for breakfast. They're fantastic reheated. Aside from the food being great, the atmosphere is, well, Victor's at its finest. The people watching is generally worth the price of admission, and you can always burn some of those gluttonous calories off on the dance floor following the meal. Dress is anything goes -- casual or to the nines. You'll see it all. I've also been to some of the Victor's buffets over the past year. You're not going to get the quality of meal that you get for the typical dinner. But for the cost of a drink you get an AYCE buffet, and sometimes there are some really tasty surprises on there. It's really hard to complain. Victor's has also become one of my go-to sports bars. Yes, I go for big sporting events! It's a pretty festive environment for big games, the crowd is as diverse as it gets, and you don't have to arrive hours early just to get a good view of a tv and a seat. They also tend to run good drink specials. All in all, I've really grown to love this place, and for so many unexpected reasons.
(5)Carrie M.
Came for the prime rib dinner so can't comment on the late night dancing. Although I bet it is better than the prime rib! My husband arrived when they had just opened. It is a throw back to the 80's decor. Mirrors and dance floor. We both had the prime rib it that is what it is called. It was a big slab of meet that looked like pot roast. It had no flavor. The bread is great, served with soup or salad. On the plate with meat is huge mushrooms, veggies, and baked potato. Took the meat home, sliced it up, put in crock pot with bbq sauce for some good BBQ beef sandwiches.
(2)Will C.
At any kind of business establishment a certain level of customer service is expected. Tonight (06-26-15 Friday) the exact opposite happened. About half an hour ago (1:50 am) I attempted to buy a slice of pizza. I asked the pizza girl a question. Your 6'6 bouncer told me I was being rude and interrupting his conversation with her. I didn't know that a bouncer is paid to flirt with other employees. He continued saying he was buying pizza and flashing money from his pocket but did not buy anything. At that point, I did not want to buy anything after this poor interaction with Victor's employees. I checked with the other bouncer at the door and he verified the man I dealt with is a bouncer at Victor's. I have gone to Victor's a couple weekends each month with my friends since I lived downtown the past couple years. I doubt I will go to Victors anymore considering the unprofessional behavior of your employee. And btw ,he called me an asshole because I verified he worked there.
(1)Carlos A.
The food is pretty good but the service is bad. It takes about an hour for your food to come and the waitresses are not polite since an 18% gratuity is already charged to your bill.
(1)Laura Z.
I feel that Victor's deserves two separate reviews, one for the restaurant (pre 9 PM) and one for the cocktail lounge (post 9 PM). The restaurant- Why does the service have to be so bad?! I love the food. Love love love love. It's amazing. Have you had the buttery loaf of bread you get before your meal? It is one of the greatest things I have ever eaten. Serious food heaven. Then you get a fantastic salad. Then you realize you are already full and haven't even gotten you entree. But you still manage to eat all of it because IT'S THAT GOOD. No one believes me when I say the food at Victor's is amazing, but it really is. But the service kind of kills it. It's just so slow. Painfully slow. Dinner should not take over 2.5 hours when there are only one or two other tables being served. The first time it happened I wrote it off as an anomaly, but then it happened again. I'll probably give them another chance in 6 months or so, because the food is just that darn good. The cocktail lounge- The bar pre 9 PM is great, as you can chat it up with the friendly bartenders. After 9, the dance music turns on and well, it all changes. If you want to people watch and dance like a maniac, come here! Once I ordered a beer, and the bottle smelled like vomit. It was gross, but whatever. Don't come here with high standards, and you can have a pretty darn good time.
(3)Tami L.
This place was everything and more. I had the best night I have had in a club in years. I came in on accident, not wanting to smell like garlic at Buca. The place looks tiny out front - like a neighborhood pub. I had a great time at the bar early in the night. The bartender was super friendly and not upset that he had to keep refilling my water. Once my date arrived we had dinner which was ok - typical supper club but tons of food. I didn't even eat half!!! And then the entertainment started. There was lots of Christmas lights and a dance floor. The age of guests was 25-70. There are regulars that come every sat and are in their 60s. Probably 30-40 people on the dance floor at all times. It was amazing! All different cultures all playing together! It was incredible! I plan to drive in from Green Bay just to enjoy!!! I fully recommend!!!!!
(5)Fay S.
So I used to love this place. And I still do love the concept, and the lights and the cool people.. Then they got busted for letting underage Marquetties in.. Then they started using some weird app to Google patrons to determine if they are 21 or not. My friends and I get told we can't come in and five seconds later that we can, once we pull out 4 different forms of ID. While the people watching is great, when I came in last Saturday for my friends birthday party some crazy woman who must have been on steroids was roaming the dance floor pushing people to the ground while her huge boyfriend egged her on. When she got to me she must have gotten mad when I didn't fall to the floor and decided to throw a sloppy punch that ended up with a finger in my eyeball. When I did fall to the floor the bouncers stood around for about a minute. Then they rushed toward me but my friends were already helping me so I encouraged them to go after the crazy woman who had been assaulting people. As she escaped out the door what did the bouncers do? Stood there looking shell-shocked while everyone around me yelled "go get them!". If I had wanted to call the police it would not have done any good because the bouncers seemed to be purposely inactive to avoid a police presence. Your guess is as good as mine. While the other patrons who had been pushed came to my aid and angrily asked why nothing had been done the bouncers did what ? stood around looking shell-shocked. To put the cherry on top our less than stellar waitress had put drinks on our tab that didn't belong to us and over charged my card for something I didn't order. Victor you are a great guy. But when your bouncers let middle aged women push and punch innocent people around, and your waitresses can't count, I think it's time you upgrade your staff and methods of operation. Until you do, none of us will be back.
(1)Janet W.
Just moved to Milwaukee. I love Victor's! Service is the best in town, super friendly. Food is great. Music is great. Super Comfortable...big bar with big screen..bartenders are on it.
(5)Morgan S.
I'm not even going to front, you guys -- Victor's (more often referred to as Victim's) is legitimately one of my favorite bars in Milwaukee. I have put off writing this review because Victor's just seems like a magical place that can't be touched with words. My friends never believe me when I say that I love this bar in a non-ironic way, but I figure that's because they've never just let themselves have unadulterated fun there. There are a few things that you ought to know about Victor's -- first, it looks like a cougar bar because it kind of is one (but there are all types of people there, not just cougars and the strapping young lads trying to attract them!). The walls are lined with mirrors, and it is infinite. There are pretty colored lights everywhere, but it's dark enough that you can't quite see what anyone actually looks like. The nachos are shockingly delicious, and they serve the types of drinks that will probably make your pee a funny color. Tip for the ladies (though if you don't already know this, I'm not sure what to do with you): don't let strange men buy you drinks, and don't leave your drinks unattended. I'm not saying you'd be drugged here, but when some dude came up to me last time and just said, "Do you want a drink?" in a dead tone without even asking for my name first, and then walked away without a second thought when I said no, I was pretty happy about my negative response. That said, you should go to this bar. Go on a Friday or Saturday night when it's bound to be packed. Dress up. Go with a group of friends, because you'll have a lot more fun that way. Enjoy watching the storm of strange people that will inevitably show up -- the dude wearing a floor-length white fur coat (and sunglasses! Indoors! At a dark nightclub!), the old couple slow dancing to club music on the corner of the dance floor, the awesome lady wearing workout clothes and dancing her heart out. How can you say no? There is a diversity here that is not found often in Milwaukee -- people of all ages, races, shapes, and sizes -- and it is glorious. It's a lot of people looking to pick someone up, if I'm being honest (and ladies, go here knowing that you will be looked up and down a million times), but it's also just a lot of people genuinely having fun. Dancing and laughing and enjoying their friends and having fun. Don't hate; appreciate.
(5)Lynn G.
First time in ages coming back here and first time trying happy hour. It was Friday and the weren't busy at 5pm yet. First the booth we were seated at was far too squishy and uncomfortable. We sank so far into the seats it felt like we were at the kids' table at Christmas. Second, we were told that drink specials were only at the bar. Sat at the bar for a good 10 minutes before we were served. (Four bartenders standing talking to regulars) Bright side: food was very good and portion sizes were generous. Had the fish fry. Manager (owner?) came over and we voiced our concerns. To his credit, he bought us a drink.
(3)Jerry K.
Victors is the only place you need to be for cocktails on the upper east side. The patronage sets it apart and will have you talking about it in no time. Just don't come here if this is the first place you'll have drinks for the evening.
(4)Roya B.
FISH FRY REVIEW I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a regular at Victor's... but I had my first fish fry experience there recently and was very impressed! For $12.25, you get all-you-can-eat fried Cod, which comes with your choice of potato (I chose cheesy hash browns), bread and coleslaw. Before the order comes out, Victor's brings the table a plate of freshly baked honey bread. I'm big on honey and this was warm and amazing. It's tempting to eat a lot of it but save room for the fish! The fish portions are huge. Very thick and the breading is not too thick, not too thin, just right. Everyone at our table got the cheesy hash browns, so I don't know too much about the other side options, but we all enjoyed them. One person at our table ordered seconds on the fish, and the rest of us struggled to eat the first plate. I gave up and took about half of mine home. They turned out to be great leftovers. I will go back and try some of the other fish options (maybe the parmesan crusted tilapia?), especially since I know I will not be able to eat more than one plate.
(5)Gina S.
Wow, I am almost at a loss for words on this one. I now know why this place is comically called "victims". Do NOT go here alone or with just one friend, unless your looking for a sloppy drunk random encounter or an uncomfortable dance floor grope. Travel in a large group, remember there is safety in numbers. And don't forget to work the buddy system, no one goes to the bathroom alone...men included. I have never seen so many cougars and creepers and people on the prowl in one place at the same time. You are guaranteed to get visually raped at some point during the night even with these safety precautions in place. There is a $5 cover, but if your a college student your free. The crowd is very mixed but swings more on the 40+ side. Maybe that's why college students are free...just looking for fresh meat to add to the party. The music playing was not current radio hits but more like early 90's jams, and they weren't always drop it like it hot danceable songs either. Try dropping it like its hot to 80's and 90's hits. On the plus side, if you can snag a table and set up camp with a high security perimeter impenetrable by strangers...you're in for some of the best people watching in Milwaukee.
(1)Erica R.
Oh my... I can't even begin describing this little nugget of a bar/discotheque. This bar wants to do anything but hide; it's nestled in a little abode next to Subway and sits across from Bucas. Oh, I almost forgot that it is completely laced with year-long Christmas lights in every obnoxious color but white. You walk in the place thinking it's the size of a tiny shed. Hell no. This place is huge. And it's most likely one of the most diverse bars in all of Milwaukee. Where else in this town can you find 20-somethings getting bombed next to a 50 y/o gent sporting a three piece suit with a blue-tooth and slicked-back James Gandolfini hair? This is the place where nights are made and stories are exchanged the next day. But this place doesn't come without a warning - there's typically a $5 cover charge. But, if you're lucky, the bouncers will be open to a roshambo match (version: RPS) to cover it. So, if you're looking for a place that's WAY more interesting than your typical bar and you kinda feel like dancing or just people-watching, this is the place to go. You'll be anything but disappointed when you leave. Trust me.
(4)Stephanie G.
Lovingly known as "Victims". Best people-watching ever!!! From the 80-year-old couple to the 40-year-old cougar, to the 21-year-old hoochie--everyone goes here! Wednesday night Ladies Night is great, Thursday buffet and Comedy Cafe bus, Brewers shuttle during the season--plus the best New Year's party in Milwaukee. Only place I can go and the party is still going at 10am the next day!
(4)Sam H.
Victors is a place that always sounds good when your intoxicated, and always ends up being a bad idea. I don't think I've ever left Victor's happy, usually puts a damper on the mood. First the people here are "interesting", definitely some of the more shadier crowds. I would say coming here to just to people watch could make for a "fun" night. Its one of those places. The cougar hunting comment I believe has little merit. Sure I saw some older ladies dancing with some younger guys, but definitely not the only place in Milwaukee where that happens. In fact, I'd say probably one of the most diverse crowds in Milwaukee. There aint no sugar coating here. One can argue this is really a slice of Milwaukee in a dive bar. Drinks are expensive, on par with some way more better decorated areas. Definitely NOT dive bar prices (on the weekend). So next time you're friends are thinking about Victor's.... try it once and see how you feel. I don't think anyone could go there sober.
(2)Dale A.
Love Victors. Used to live nearby and frequented it often. We now make this a regular stop every 5 years when we come to Milwaukee for the HD Anniversary. That's right, after riding are Harley's all the way from New York to Milwaukee this is a must place to stop. The best people watching in America, comfortable bar with friendly service and loyal staff. Everyone must visit this place at least once. They have something for everybody. The food is great. Hope you read this Victors, we plan on riding our Harley's to Milwaukee again this year and will be looking forward to stopping in at the bar!
(5)Erinn W.
The interior seemed dated to me. Lots of mirrors on the walls and black leather everything. Two (2) bars to better accommodate patrons which you don't see often. I was there when they had one of their Halloween costume contests. It was definitely, as one fellow reviewer put it, "a hoot." At first I thought $23 for a steak was a little pricey, but when it came it was large, cooked the way I asked for it, and came with bread, a salad (or soup), and veggies. There was plenty of food for the price. My eating companions also enjoyed their sandwiches. The people watching was primo!
(3)Tracy R.
Always will be one of my fav.dancing spots love it.
(4)Alison M.
There's a reason they call this place Victims. You know that scene in Shallow Hal, when Jack Black is dancing around with those girls that he thinks are super hot, but in real life they're actually crazy mannish looking ladies.... yeah, Shallow Hal's reality is pretty much what Victor's is like on any given night.
(2)Andrew A.
Our 2nd to last stop for the Lent 2012 Fish Fry Tour takes us to Victor's Cocktail Lounge & Restaurant. It is also known by the locals as "Victims". There is plenty of street and private lot parking. Being known more for the dance floor than their Fish Fry, there are plenty of tables/seats available including the bar area. They have a full bar and numerous large flat screen located at the bar. It does a different ambiance than when you are there at midnight on a Friday or Saturday night - this is a good thing. The service was spotty. The majority of our group had to go to the bar to get their drinks because (1) our table of 10 was split between 2 waitresses (2) when a waitress did come around then never seemed to ask anyone if they needed another drink. Then when we ordered, one waitress took after the tables order and then the other half waited like another 10 minutes for the 2nd waitress to come back to get the 2nd half of the table their order. When we finished and got our check it was all on one check. Well now for the Fish Fry... Victor's offers the following for their Friday Fish Fry: All you can eat beer battered or baked Icelandic Cod for $12.75 Lake Perch lightly hand breaded for $14.25. Baked Tilapia for $12.25. Potato Crusted Tilapia for $13.25. French Fried Shrimp for $16.50. With your fish fry, you get a huge round oaf of country white bread with a nice tasty glaze on it, your choice of potato (fries, cheesy hash browns, or a baked potato with all the sides - bacon, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese), cole slaw. You also do you have choice to add soup and salad to the meal for an additional charge. That night they had seafood bisque or claim chowder. The overall meal was good but somewhat overwhelming. The bread was fresh and amazingly good. The seafood bisque was just as tasty and had plenty of seafood in it (clam, crab, shrimp, etc). Most of our group got the baked potato and said it was really good. I got the cheesy hash browns to change things up a little bit. Now the amount of the hash browns was huge and unevenly cooked - so it was good for a few bites. The cole slaw was on par with most fish frys I have been to - good but no wow factor. The group that got the Tilapia seemed to enjoy their fish. For the Cod, you received 3 huge pieces that were heavily battered. Once you peeled away the batter from the fish, the Cod was probably some of the best I have ever had this year. Thin out the batter on the fish and you would have one of the top Fish Frys in the Milwaukee Metro Area. Due to the amount of food on the first plate, there was no way I even wanted to try for seconds on the fish. AYCE Cod - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 Tilapia - 4 stars out of 5
(3)Justyna B.
Overall, Victor's is a really, really bad place. The staff is rude, the music is bad, and the decor is atrocious. This bar is a shady place where you will probably get drugged. I've never enjoyed my time while at Victim's, I will not be going back or recommending it to anyone.
(1)Leah B.
Victor's is the place to be if you like grungy bars. It's a dive disco bar with booths lining the walls, miscellaneous around the year holiday decorations, and pizza by the slice. Bartenders are great, waitstaff are reliable, and they're always guaranteed to have a dance party. This is definitely a regular hang out of mine also I rarely remember to Yelp this one... (CRAP... too much fun!) This place ranges from kids newly 21 to couples 60+. Everyone's welcome and no one really feels uncomfortable. You accept that you're all in a groovy place ready to get down... hipster, thug, college kid, jock, couples, and singles. Introduce yourself to Victor... He'll never forget you! He's awesome! PS. Free pizza and beer pong Thursday's!!! Hey-o!
(5)Erika B.
I feel compelled and step up to the plate to break down Victim's for all y'all, because it just seems like a lot of you don't get it. Victor's is a trainwreck. A car crash you cannot look away from. A disgusting, dirty cesspool. And, obviously, it's the most interesting, cringe-inducing people-watching this side of reality television. There should be a BAL minimum for entry, otherwise you WILL be uncomfortable with your surroundings (seizure-inducing lighting, horrible wedding-style DJ, the best dancers being a couple that have probably been stationed in that exact same spot on the dance floor since 1962, the Asian hookers [alleged] that position themselves in the back early in the night). Pre-game with a drink or 3 and you're in prime Victor's condition. The staff is really, really nice - the door people will refund a cover if you've just arrived as your friends are leaving, the bartenders will take the time to run down the list of specials for you, and the owner has plenty of freebie coupons that he loves to hand out - which is more than I can say about the vast majority of night clubs anywhere.
(3)Jess C.
I went here and was treated in an extremely rude and unprofessional manner. When we received our drinks, they were very weak. We asked the bartender (who we later discovered was the manager) for an a little more vodka. He said that what we got was standard and that we wold have to pay $3.50 extra dollars for more vodka. When questioned, the "manager" became angry and very vocal about it. I then became angry and let him know about it. He then rudely said, "you have a nice mouth." Will NEVER pay a dime again at this incredibly unprofessional establishment!
(1)Bill S.
Finally I can check the life experience known as Victor's off of my list. After hearing the stories, I knew that this was a place I had to see for myself. I didn't get the full experience though, as I went on Halloween night, which fell on a Sunday. The place was dead and karaoke was closing down, but perhaps this was a blessing in disguise. Just taking in the skeezy Miami Vice neons, the plethora of mirrors, and all the glossy black tables was enough for me. I'm thinking that getting my feet wet and having some of the tales answered was a good start. This way when I return on a Friday or Saturday, I won't be walking into a complete shit show in complete ignorance. This tale will continue, but if you're somebody that wants to see a place unlike any other, I'd check this place out. If you're brave, go on a Friday or Saturday. Oh and I did get into a dance off during Vanilla Ice with a 40 something year old man dressed as a priest. Classic.
(3)Scott B.
All I can say.....This place is like a scene out of Star Wars!! But its all about attitude...so get your azz on the dance floor!!
(3)Chuck M.
I can't help but give Victors full credit. Its hard to find a real dance floor without a hip-hop crowd. If this is what it takes to have a polite place to dance then I'm a fan. I agree, some of these clubbers have come here for 20 years and are well into retirement years. But the kids don't seem to mind. Every age comes here for the fun. I've stayed till close a couple times and have never seen the prowling people talk about. Come with friends or make some there. It's been a good time for decades.
(5)Mike D.
This place is awesome. Its like a dive disco club. I don't even know how to explain it.
(5)Jessica O.
Every bit as bad as you've heard..... It appears the only people who go here are women with low self esteem issues and disgusting predatory men who exploit those women. Get a picture in your head of the greasiest, smarmiest, loser used car salesmen you can conjure. Got it? Are you picturing it? Yeah this place is FILLED with them. These leacherous men stand around like third rate pimps attempting to snare some drunken middle aged woman dressed like the Rocky Horror Picture Show threw up on her. I can't even go here to laugh at these people or to make myself feel better. It's like laughing at the homeless, there is nothing funny about it. This place makes me sad, you don't realize how many miserable human lives are in this city until you come to Victor's.
(1)Theresa B.
IDK..but victor's was my most favorite hangout growing up...I was a number one supporter and I hung with Vic (Herc) and his entourage on a regular...it sounds so sad to know the place that was the most fun, cutting edge, best food and music is now thought of as "victims". Oh well, all good things come to an end...I'm still going to rate it high...if for no reason other than great memories!
(5)nicole h.
I'm not rating Victor's on it's food. I'm still having a hard time believing they SERVE food besides popcorn (which has saved me many times from exhibiting my overservedness). To me, Victor's is the pinnacle of Milwaukee nightlife. It's like dance karaoke--no one has any talent, everyone acts a fool, and in the morning most people hate themselves for doing it. But when you're in the moment at Victor's it doesn't get any more fun because at Victor's you don't need any inhibitions. The crowd that gathers here is somewhat seedy, I'll grant you that, but it makes for the most spectacular people watching in the history of the world. Where else can you find a dancing pimp in a leopard print velvet suit? The next morning you're bound to have a scene right out of "The Hangover" asking yourself and your friends, "Did that seriously happen?"
(4)Ji-In L.
Um. I don't even know how to review this place. I almost want to tell everyone to go and just experience it for themselves. You walk in and instantly feel kinda.... skeezy? All I remember are mirrored walls and Christmas lights. I was warned by MKE natives not to go in, but a group of us non-natives had to see it for ourselves. We stayed for one (cheap) beer and left.
(1)Patrick M.
This seedy downtown club has rightfully earned its name "Victims." You can't go in and out of this place without some variation of physical groping. The cliental is from every race, age group and walk of life. The thing they share in common is that they're either there to touch someone or are looking to be touched. STAY AWAY!!
(1)Frances L.
5 stars for always a great time, but 1 star for how slimmy the place is. Victims is always a hoot! Dance like no one is watching, but stare like you dont care! No matter how bad you feel about yourself, you will feel 100% better when you see the losers here. Have a good time and dont go home with anyone (you know its not clean).
(3)Andy L.
Victor's, Victim's, whatever... say what you want this place knows whats up with great prices on booze and excellent bartenders. Visiting from Arizona, I was pleased a friend recommended this place. We walk into a warm hello and six dollar Belvedere/OJ. The bartender (forget his name) was off the hook and knew what was going on. I agree, there maybe some shady women at this place but they did not approach me for I had a wonderful time and look forward to partying/dancing here again in the very near future!!!
(3)Bill L.
dirty dirty. not only the kitchen, but mostly the people. i was once one of them.
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