The Green Bay Guide: Where to find the best Old Fashioned

We asked our readers to tell us where to find the best Old Fashioned (brandy or otherwise) in Green Bay. Here’s what they said.

When it comes to classic cocktails in Wisconsin, there’s one drink that reigns supreme: the Old Fashioned. And in Green Bay, the quest for the best Old Fashioned is practically a rite of passage. Whether you’re a connoisseur of the bourbon variety or a true Wisconsinite who insists on a brandy Old Fashioned, you’ll find that Green Bay’s bar scene offers up some top contenders. According to a recent readers’ poll, three establishments have risen to the top, each with their own take on this beloved cocktail. Here are a few places where you’ll find the best Old Fashioned in Green Bay — and yes, brandy lovers, they’ve got you covered.

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3. Main Street Bourbon Room

1279 Main St, Green Bay, WI 54302  

Rounding out our top three is the Main Street Bourbon Room, a party bar turned chill gastropub. This place takes their spirits seriously. This spot is relatively new, but it’s already made a name for itself as Green Bay’s go-to destination for bourbon lovers. If you’re someone who believes that an Old Fashioned is only as good as the bourbon it’s made with, this is the place for you.

At Main Street Bourbon Room, the Old Fashioned is treated with the utmost reverence. The bartenders here are more like mixologists, and they’ll walk you through their extensive selection of bourbons before crafting your perfect cocktail. The process is precise: start with a sugar cube, soak it in bitters, add a dash of water, and muddle until it’s a sweet, aromatic syrup. Next comes the bourbon, chosen based on your preferences — whether you like it smooth, smoky, or somewhere in between. The drink is stirred just enough to chill it without diluting the flavor, then served over a large ice cube to keep it cool as you sip. The final touch? A twist of orange peel, expressed over the top to release its oils, and a cherry to finish.

What sets Main Street Bourbon Room apart is its commitment to quality. They know that a great Old Fashioned starts with great bourbon, and they’re not shy about showcasing their impressive selection. The atmosphere here is upscale yet inviting, making it the perfect spot for both casual drinks and special occasions. Plus, the bartenders are always happy to share their knowledge, so you might just leave with a newfound appreciation for crafting amazing cocktails.

While Main Street Bourbon Room is all about the bourbon, they do offer a Brandy Old Fashioned for those who prefer the Wisconsin twist. It’s made with the same care and attention to detail as their bourbon version, so you won’t be disappointed.

2. Maricque’s Bar

1517 University Ave, Green Bay, WI 54302 

If River’s Bend is the quintessential supper club, then Maricque’s Bar is the laid-back fish fry favorite (one of our readers’ choice top picks for best fish fry, in fact) where you can let your hair down and enjoy a truly great drink. This historic old-school tavern on University Avenue, might not be as flashy as some of its competitors, but it’s got something they don’t: grit and authenticity. 

Maricque’s feels like stepping into a time capsule of Green Bay’s bar scene — no frills, no fuss, just good people, amazing fish, and even better drinks. The Old Fashioned here is as straightforward as it gets, but don’t let that fool you. The bartenders at Maricque’s have been perfecting their craft for decades, and it shows in every sip.

The cocktail sticks to the traditional formula: sugar, bitters, a splash of water, and a generous pour of your choice of brandy or bourbon. After a quick stir, it’s finished with the classic garnishes — an orange slice, a cherry, and a couple of ice cubes. It’s a no-nonsense drink that delivers flavor, with just the right balance of sweetness and spirit.

Maricque’s isn’t about bells and whistles. The bar has been a staple in Green Bay for generations, and the Old Fashioned you’ll get here tastes just like the ones your grandparents might have enjoyed. It’s simple, it’s strong, and it’s served with a side of friendly conversation. This is the kind of place where you can walk in alone and leave with a few new friends, and that’s all part of its charm.

Brandy Alert! Maricque’s serves a classic Brandy Old Fashioned, and it’s every bit as good as you’d expect. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentically Wisconsinite version anywhere else. If you’re a purist who appreciates the simplicity of a well-made cocktail, Maricque’s should be at the top of your list.

1. River’s Bend Supper Club

792 Riverview Dr, Green Bay, WI 54303  

It’s no surprise that River’s Bend Supper Club tops the list — this place is practically synonymous with a classic Wisconsin evening, and it was also the winner of the best supper club in town in our readers’ poll. Located along the Fox River, River’s Bend is the best supper club in town. Inside, the décor harks back to a time when dining out was an event, and the cocktails were as timeless as the setting.

At River’s Bend, the Old Fashioned is an experience. You walk in, take a seat at the bar, and the bartender greets you with a smile and asks you the crucial question, “Bourbon or brandy?” If you want a true Wisconsin experience, you already know the answer: brandy, please.

The River’s Bend Old Fashioned is a masterclass in balance. The muddling of the sugar, bitters, and a touch of citrus gives it that sweet-tart backbone. Add in your choice of spirit, top it with a splash of soda, and garnish it with the classic orange slice and cherry combo. What you get is a cocktail that’s smooth, sweet, and just a little bit spicy—the kind of drink that makes you want to linger over every sip.

River’s Bend crafts the kind of Old Fashioned that transports you back to simpler times. The warmth of the brandy, the glow of the low lighting, and the comfort of the space create the perfect blend. Plus, as the best supper club in Green Bay, you can pair your cocktail with a perfectly cooked prime rib or a Friday night fish fry, making your visit an all-around win.

Yes, they serve a Brandy Old Fashioned, and yes, it’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a Wisconsin cocktail. If you haven’t had one yet, consider this your official invitation.

READ MORE: The 4 best breweries in Green Bay