Xe54: a Wine & Cocktail Lounge

Tucked behind a modest façade on West American Drive, Xe54 feels like the kind of place you discover through a friend in the know—a local’s secret just off the main drag of Neenah. The lounge stretches out with an inviting blend of exposed brick, low lighting, and an eclectic mix of vintage and modern touches that set the scene for both intimate dates and lively gatherings. At its core, Xe54 is about community—whether you’re unwinding at a window seat with a half-off bottle on Wednesday’s wine night or catching a local jazz trio on Friday evenings, there’s a sense that everyone belongs here. The bar program hums with confidence: wine selections display surprising breadth for the Fox Valley, and cocktails are thoughtfully constructed without pretension. The staff know their stuff and move with practiced warmth—never rushed, never aloof. On summer nights, the patio comes alive under string lights, laughter carrying across tables as people share charcuterie boards that are generous in both portion and creativity. Regulars know to check the calendar for trivia nights or bingo; these aren’t just filler events but true rallies for locals looking to connect over shared fun. While prices run a bit higher than one might expect in this part of Wisconsin, it’s clear that folks come as much for the atmosphere as for what’s in their glass. Xe54 stands apart by anchoring itself as both an after-work retreat and special occasion spot—a rare feat outside larger cities. It bridges worlds: wine aficionados mingle with craft cocktail fans, old friends toast retirements next to young couples on first dates. In small-town Wisconsin, places like these keep traditions alive while gently nudging them forward.