Celebrating 60 Years of At Random: A Milwaukee Icon

Tomorrow, October 3rd, marks a milestone that we couldn’t be prouder of—At Random’s 60th Birthday! For six decades, we’ve had the honor of serving up good times, great drinks, and unforgettable memories, and we’re celebrating this special occasion all month long. Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane, sharing historic images, untold stories, and little-known tidbits from our archives.

At Random’s story began on the corner of Russell and Delaware in Milwaukee, when Ron and Shirley first opened the doors to what would become one of the city’s most beloved cocktail lounges. Back then, it was a humble little bar, but there was something magical in the air—something unmistakable that hinted at the special future ahead.

The Early Days: From Tavern to Lounge

Did you know that before Ron and Shirley worked their magic, the building that houses At Random was a corner tavern? You might’ve noticed our iconic corner entrance—it’s actually a remnant of that earlier time. As we dive deeper into our history, we’ll be sharing more fun facts about those early days. It’s hard to imagine now, but the At Random you know and love today started out more as a neighborhood tavern than the cocktail lounge it’s famous for.

We’ve heard stories about a jukebox spinning Johnny Cash tunes and a rack of chips for snacking. It’s not hard to picture how those lively tavern vibes, paired with Ron and Shirley’s vision, slowly morphed into the cozy, dimly lit oasis that’s been serving Milwaukee’s finest cocktails for decades.

A Legacy of Unique Cocktails & Timeless Charm

What’s made At Random stand out for so long is its one-of-a-kind personality. From the signature ice cream drinks to the legendary Tiki-style cocktails, Ron and Shirley created an atmosphere like no other—one that felt both intimate and inviting, where friends could gather to make memories. And while times have changed, that same spirit lives on today in every drink we pour and every story we tell.

Celebrate with Us: Limited Edition Anniversary Glasses

As we celebrate our 60th year, we invite you to stop by and raise a glass with us! Whether you’ve been a regular for years or you’re stepping inside for the first time, this is a celebration for all. To commemorate this milestone, we’ve collaborated with Pete from The Black Lagoon Room to create an exclusive 60th Anniversary glass that’s as adorable as it is unique. You won’t want to miss out on these—they’re only available through the end of the year, or until we run out!

Join the Celebration

As we kick off this month-long celebration, we’ll be sharing even more of At Random’s rich history—from the story of how Ron and Shirley built this beloved bar to rare photos that capture the charm of years gone by. Follow along with us on social media, stop by for a drink, and take home a piece of history with one of our anniversary glasses.

Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just discovered us, we thank you for being part of At Random’s incredible 60-year journey. Here’s to many more years of unforgettable nights and timeless cocktails! 🥂

#AtRandom60 #CheersTo60Years #MilwaukeeHistory

Stay tuned for more fun historical tidbits throughout the month as we celebrate the people, the stories, and the cocktails that have made At Random an essential part of Milwaukee’s rich bar scene.