Sluggo's Sports Pub & Grill: Back in business on Burleigh

Seventeen years ago, Tom Beckmann bought a bar on Burleigh Road called Sluggo's Sports Pub & Grill. Since it was a bit of a neighborhood institution, he decided not to change the name. That was probably a wise choice because — although Sluggo's has changed owners and names at least once —Sluggo's, and Beckmann, are back...and customers couldn't be happier.

The original Sluggo's was opened more than 40 years ago. The story behind the name remains a bit of a mystery, but Beckmann says that now they're happy to say it's a baseball reference, as evidenced by the illustration of an "old-time" player holding a couple of bats and a stein of beer above the phrase "Poundin' pitchers all night long."

Today's Sluggo's is a simple sports bar with a large oval bar in the front, dining tables in the back and televisions all around.

"We have a real loyal following," Beckmann says. "Customers have been coming here for 40 to 50 years. I received an enormous amount of positive response when I bought the bar back this summer. People are always thanking me for taking it back."

The menu is filled with standard pub fare, including the hands-down favorite — Circle the Bases Pizzas ($11.99 to $18.99 with unlimited toppings.) Also popular are the perch or cod fish fry ($9.49 to $13.99) and The Bull Pen Burgers featuring Angus beef ($6.49 - $7.49).

Today, patrons span a wide range of ages from young kids to "older folks." Many sports teams from Wauwatosa and Brookfield have designated Sluggo's as their post-game destination, which Beckmann loves.

"People tell me they feel comfortable here," Beckmann says. "This is the kind of place I grew up in after my dad played softball. It's a family oriented place."

The Basics

NAME: Sluggo's Sports Pub & Grill

ADDRESS: 12760 W. Burleigh Road

PHONE: (262) 781-3663

FARE: pub food

HOURS: Kitchen hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

PRICE RANGE: $6 to $20

RESERVATIONS: yes

HANDICAP ACCESS: no

GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS: no

LOOKING TO 'GRAB A BITE'?

"Grab a Bite" is an informal look at the food scene in the Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Elm Grove area by freelance writer Karen Waldkirch. Whether you're looking for a place for a date night or a casual spot for lunch, Waldkirch will be out and about scouting eateries for you. If you have a suggestion for a column, email her at kmwaldkirch@yahoo.com.