Yesterday was a wild day at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, as the NCAA Tournament officially kicked off. Milwaukee hosted four of the 16 games played Thursday. After all the dust settled, Purdue topped Vermont, Iowa State stomped Nevada, Butler bested Winthrop, and Middle Tennessee State had the biggest upset of the tournament’s first day with a win over Minnesota.
The four winners will stick around to play on Saturday, meaning fans of Iowa State, Purdue, Butler, and Middle Tennessee State have some time to kill before Saturday’s games. We’ve already introduced Milwaukee to these schools. Now, we’ll introduce these visitors to the city with this useful team-specific guide to Milwaukee that’s based purely off assumptions and generalizations. Who knows, maybe it will help.
Butler
Where to eat: 5 O’Clock Steakhouse
Where to drink: Fixture Pizza Pub
What to do: Milwaukee Art Museum
Located in Indianapolis, Butler University is in close proximity to the world-renowned St. Elmo’s Steak House. 5 O’Clock makes for a good local substitute. Most other days, Fixture Pizza Pub would be a strange recommendation for out-of-towners for just drinking purposes, but the Walker’s Point bar will tap Three Floyds Zombie Dust today, which is Indiana’s most sought after export. Why the Milwaukee Art Museum? It’s just great.
Iowa State
Where to eat: Comet Cafe
Where to drink: Anywhere with whole milk
What to do: Tour Sprecher Brewery
Ames, Iowa isn’t exactly party central. Figuring Milwaukee’s big buildings, proximity to lakes, and absence of corn fields are already intimidating enough, Cyclones supporters can enjoy a great homestyle delicacies like friend chicken and a meatloaf sandwich at Comet. After a wholesome meal, they can drink their fill of gourmet soda (and beer if they’re feeling wild) at Sprecher and be in bed by 8:30.
Middle Tennessee State
Where to eat: Iron Grate
Where to drink: Red Rock Saloon
What to do: Tour a distillery
Middle Tennessee State supporters certainly are no stranger to barbecue. However, they’ve probably never had Milwaukee style ribs, brisket, and local takes on standard sides. After they get a good base, they can sample some locally-made spirits during the Great Lakes Distillery tour before heading back downtown to get some whiskey and ride a bull at Red Rock Saloon. From there, they’re within walking distance of the arena.
Purdue
Where to eat: Drink Wisconsinbly
Where to drink: Specialty boilermakers at Camino
What to do: Go on a Pedal Tavern
Figuring it’s a Big Ten school, Purdue boosters probably want a better chance to know thy enemy. After getting embroiled in the basics of Wisconsin culture at Drink Wisconsibly, they can hop aboard a Pedal Tavern…which is a thing people do here for some reason, then ride that to Camino, where the Boilermakers can enjoy some of the bar’s specialty boilermakers.