BLOODY GOOD. A flight of Bloody Marys at Milwaukee Burger Co.

One of the great things about being a Bloody Mary lover in the Chippewa Valley is that there are so many great places to choose from. From hole-in-the-wall taverns to brunch spots to traditional bar-and-grills, it seems everyone’s got their take on the Bloody Mary. Every year in our Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll we ask folks where we can find the best ones. Last winter, hundreds of you voted to choose the winners. Below we’ve listed the top 10 (in alphabetical order), but you can see the most recent Top 3 ranking right here. Check out the list, try them all (across a reasonable amount of time, of course), and be prepared to vote the next time the poll comes around.

BEMIS BLUFF WINERY

E2960 Hageness Rd, Eleva

The picturesque rural winery offers a not-so-secret beverage: a Bloody Mary made with white wine. You can even bring home your own bottle!

BIG T’S SALOON 

2007 Third St, Eau Claire. 

They serve giant Bloody Marys made with a “secret sauce” on Sundays. (See the complete rundown and a generous photo on page 45).

BRACKETT BAR

9150 Beaver Creek Road, Fall Creek

The drive is worth it on “Sunday Funday” when patrons get deals on jumbo, large, or regular-sized Bloody Marys.

CHIPPEWA RIVER DISTILLERY & BREWSTER BROTHERS BREWING CO.

402 W River St, Chippewa Falls

One of the specialties at this brewpub and distillery is Trumie’s Vodka. Go directly to the source and get a Bloody made with Trumie’s original vodka, or one of the flavored varieties, including dill, horseradish, garlic, or bacon.

COWBOY JACK’S

1432 Front Porch Place, Altoona

Enjoy the view of the Eau Claire River on one of the best patios in the area while you sip Bloody Mary specials on Sundays. You can even get one made with local Trumie’s Vodka (from the Chippewa River Distillery above).

GIROLAMO’S COURT’N HOUSE

113 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire

Ranked No. 1 by Visit Eau Claire, declared “the best Bloody Mary for 100 miles” by someone on TripAdvisor.com, and heaped with praise by Volume One’s own Lindsey Quinnies. 

HANGAR 54

3800 Starr Ave., Eau Claire

Located at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, Hangar 54 will give your tastebuds some altitude with its zesty bloody, complete with a Rump’s beef stick.

MILWAUKEE BURGER CO.

2620 E Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire 

Many options to choose from at this local favorite, including the Bacon Bloody, the Pickle Me Crazy, and the 32-ounce Big Mil Bloody.

RAY’S PLACE

838 Water St., Eau Claire

You’ve heard of the legendary hot beefs and the Spanish stew, but it turns out Ray’s makes a darn good Bloody Mary, too. Don’t forget the beer chaser. (And the mustard on the hot beef.)

VFW POST 305

1300 Starr Ave., Eau Claire

Another below-the-radar choice for a superior Bloody is the VFW Post 305, perched high above and overlooking Dells Pond. A great place to watch the game and grab breakfast, too.

IS YOUR FAVORITE MISSING? Be sure to nominate and vote in next year’s Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll to make your choice known!