The first edition of the SnoTapWI Bar Watch talks about a popular bar in Milwaukee, Camp. Most people like Camp. I’d argue it is one of the more agreed upon bars in Milwaukee. Now, this will likely not be the only review of Camp’s locations. I would hope to spread these out throughout the year. Let’s begin in Shorewood. I was there last Saturday night for my friend Meggie’s surprise party. They had the private room rented out and we stayed there for a good amount of time. I arrived around 8:15 pm post-Bucks and post-North Carolina-Duke thriller.

Is this a sports bar?
If you were to ask the owners, probably not. The lounge chairs and the atmosphere would tell me they want this to be a place where people can talk and hang out. Add in the indie music (Fire playlist on Saturday night) and it continues to be fewer sports, more something else. I know they’ve done promotions for Packers game in the past. This is an important thing to consider moving forward.

How’s their TV Game?
They had so many TV’s. Everywhere you looked, there was a TV. I cannot think they had an obstructed view of things. Even though they look like they’re not a sports bar, the TV’s give off that impression. Without knowing their marketing, my guess is they want to be everyone’s basement. Big TVs, casual hangout, good drinks, and a popcorn machine. I don’t hate that combination.

What was the variety of sports on television?
This was awful. As mentioned, I arrived around 8:15 pm. There was a bevy of sports on at that time. What did most televisions have on the screen? Kansas State-Iowa State, two Big 12 teams not playing for anything. And Motorcross which played after the Bucks game on FOX Sports Wisconsin. One TV did put Gonzaga-St. Mary’s on later, but no Lakers-Warriors or any other marquee college game. Not turning off FOX Sports Wisconsin is a key mistake you see happen all the time. All it takes is a simple channel flip to ESPN and you’re golden most of the time.

Did they at least have local sports on?
Yes, they did before I got there. As mentioned, they had multiple TVs on FOX Sports Wisconsin showing the Bucks-Magic game. That’s enough for me to get the stamp of approval.

GRADE: B-
For local sports, you’re all set. There is nothing to worry about and with all the TVs plus the free popcorn, it’s a good spot. For trying to catch a random game on Saturday or Friday night, it would not be my first choice.

Charlie.