Drinks Are Served With A Side Of Smoke At La Cave, An Underground Wisconsin Tavern
By Ben Jones|Published March 07, 2023
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Ben Jones
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Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
In Wisconsin, you’re next far from a great Old Fashioned. From small-town taverns to big city downtown bars, there are plenty of spots to grab a good drink. There are a few places that truly take things to the next level, however. In La Crosse, an underground tavern called La Cave creates an Old Fashioned with a twist – there’s smoke involved and the drink is definitely on fire. Here’s what you need to know about La Cave, which has one of the best best Old Fashioneds in Wisconsin.
La Cave is tucked into the basement of a wonderful French Restaurant, Le Chateau. The restaurant is in a building that was first built in 1854, before being significantly expanded and remodeled by a businessman in the 1870s.
The gorgeous mansion has had many owners but it has been restored to its 1800s grandeur and today the atmosphere is almost as good as the carefully crafted French food.
But this old mansion holds one more special surprise. A spiral staircase takes visitors down to an underground bar that evokes prohibition days. There’s nothing illicit happening here, but the craft cocktails are so good they could very well be illegal!
The drink is smoked with alcohol soaked hickory chips. The bartender lights the chips with a torch, then captures the smoke in a glass. The result: an Old Fashioned with next-level complexity.
The drinks are very popular and you may notice a bit of haze in the bar. It adds to the atmosphere and will remind you that you are not in an ordinary bar. Drink it all in, and if you're game, order another.
La Cave also serves small plates and desserts. The bar is open Thursday-Saturday. Learn more on the Le Chateau La Crosse website. Wisconsin has some incredible dining spots. This spot in the Dells is always a timeless experience.
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