Bazil's Pub & Provisions

Walk through the doors of Bazil’s Pub & Provisions, and you’re hit with the sort of unpretentious charm that only a classic Midwestern pub can muster. The barroom hums with low-key conversation and laughter, lit by a mix of neon beer signs and the late afternoon sun filtering in from College Avenue. There’s a fish tank behind the bar—locals eye it fondly as they nurse pints of Spotted Cow or sip from an impressively varied tap list. On any given day, you’ll find Appleton regulars holding court at the bar, trading stories with newcomers in town for a show or just wandering off Houdini Plaza. The food isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s familiar Wisconsin comfort: burgers with flame-kissed edges, brat patties, crunchy tater tots, and those garlic cheese curds that locals swear by. A surprise appearance from pho and green curry on the menu hints at a playful kitchen willing to nod beyond standard pub fare—though not every dish is a home run. Service is quick and easygoing; staff seem to know half the room by name but never leave strangers adrift. Bazil’s sits at the intersection of college-town energy and Fox Cities tradition. It’s open nearly around the clock, making it a refuge for lunch crowds, late-night revelers, sports fans catching a Packers game, or anyone after an affordable pint. While some may grumble about rules on taking drinks outside during plaza concerts or wish for softer stools, most come away having found exactly what they came for: camaraderie, cold beer at honest prices, and a sense of belonging in downtown Appleton’s ongoing story.