Cold Shot

Burkely Ravenhorst

5 months ago

Fantastic bar with the best live sound in Appleton! Service is honest and kind!

Tyler James McConnell

6 months ago

4/5 stars – Coldshot Bar on Wisconsin Ave: Good dive with a solid owner, but one rough night lingers Coldshot Bar on Wisconsin Ave in Appleton is a solid local hangout—cheap drinks that go down easy, pool tables that see plenty of action, a jukebox with actual good picks, and the owner’s usually a fair, stand-up guy who keeps the place from turning into total chaos. It’s got that classic Appleton dive-bar soul: dim lighting, no-frills vibe, regulars who know the score, perfect for a quiet beer, shooting some pool, or catching a game without any pretentious crap. The vibe takes a hit when they bring in those gay bands or flashy, over-the-top acts—loud, performative sets that feel completely out of place in what’s supposed to be a straightforward, traditional bar crowd. It shifts the energy from relaxed and real to showy and mismatched, and it kills the old-school feel a lot of us come for. Nothing against the performers personally, but it doesn’t suit the room at all. One night left a sour taste that docked it a star. Got thrown to the ground out of nowhere in the parking lot—no warning, just blindsided and slammed down hard enough to bust my head open. I reacted, threw the guy to the ground in self-defense, and ended up choking him briefly while he was struggling. He wasn’t bloody at all—he ran back inside looking fine, told the owner his version first, and because my head was bloody and it was all over my shirt and face, the owner sided with him immediately, kicked me out, and wouldn’t even listen to what actually happened. Guy starts the fight, walks away unmarked, runs in spinning his story, and I’m the one who gets booted because I’m the one bleeding from my own head. Felt like a completely unfair, one-sided call. Most nights though, it’s a reliable, affordable spot with a good owner who’s usually on point. Skip the band nights if you want the classic dive experience, and fingers crossed parking-lot drama stays rare. 4 stars—great bones, dragged down a bit by the mismatched acts and that one bad judgment call.

Damien Christ

3 years ago

Cozy atmosphere. Friendly staff with fast service. Competitive drink prices. This place is amongst the cleanest bar/live music venues that I've been to. When I'm spending a night out on the town, any place that provides live entertainment for their customers gets my support everytime. 👍

Jessi “Jessi Sue”

6 years ago

Best music dive bar in Appleton! Live music every Tuesday with an open jam for everyone. Thursday’s local and traveling bluegrass artist. Friday’s are usually metal, thrash, and rock music. Saturday all music types are a go traveling artists and local bands. They are willing to host traveling bands. Sunday food for the packer games. Bartenders all amazing it’s a good place to strike up random conversation and meet people in the area. This bar keeps things interesting. Good cheap drinks. Bar games. People watching. If your looking for chill nights to drink with out live music Monday, Wednesday, Sunday and any day before 9 are always great. Please leave notes and art on the chalk board in the bathroom ladies!

Justin White

7 years ago

My favorite bar! Dave and Sherry are amazing people. Great drinks, great conversations, and if you ever have a chance to taste Sherrys cooking do not pass it up. Also one of the best if not the best spot to catch local music. Go there!