Deja vu Martini Lounge

Step through the doors of Deja vu Martini Lounge and you’re instantly transported to a different era—a smoky, jazz-soaked slice of the 1930s, reimagined for downtown Appleton. The lighting is sultry and low, casting shadows across tufted leather banquettes and glinting off oversized martini glasses. There’s a real sense of occasion here; people dress up a notch, whether they’re longtime locals or out-of-towners drawn by the lounge’s reputation. On the weekends, the place hums with live music—sometimes a band squeezed into a corner, sometimes just the clamor of laughter over clinking glasses. If you catch a night when the record player comes out and patrons are invited to bring their own vinyl, you’ll find yourself immersed in both nostalgia and discovery. The drink list sprawls in every direction—not just classic martinis but wild riffs involving chocolate, espresso, or even tropical fruit if you take a detour upstairs to the Monkey Bar’s island hideaway. Bartenders tend toward charisma and flair, though service can be uneven: some nights you’ll be regaled with stories and recommendations; other times you might get brushed off with little ceremony if it’s busy or your group is large. Still, there’s an undeniable magnetism to this place. It draws an eclectic crowd—young couples on date night rubbing elbows with retirees reliving college days—and serves as one of College Avenue’s beating hearts after dark. More than just a bar or club, Deja vu operates as Appleton’s informal living room for music lovers, cocktail aficionados, and anyone seeking connection beneath the moody glow. The ritual here isn’t just about what’s in your glass; it’s about feeling part of something vibrant and slightly mysterious that keeps both locals and visitors coming back.