One of the great things about being a Bloody Mary lover in the Chippewa Valley is that there are so many great places to choose from. From hole-in-the-wall taverns to brunch spots to traditional bar-and-grills, it seems everyone’s got their take on the Bloody Mary. Every year in our Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll we ask folks where we can find the best ones. Last winter, hundreds of you voted to choose the winners. Below we’ve listed the top 10 (in alphabetical order), but you can see the final Top 3 ranking at the far right. Check out the list, try them all (across a reasonable amount of time, of course), and be prepared to vote the next time the poll comes around.

THE ALIBI LOUNGE | 2112 Esmond Road, Eau Claire
The Alibi serves must-have, loaded Bloody Marys, all day on Saturdays and Sundays, great for game day.

BEMIS BLUFF WINERY | E2960 Hageness Road, Eleva
We know what you’re thinking: go to a winery for a Bloody? But locals have spoken, and this gorgeous winery and vineyard makes one heck of a Bloody Mary.

BIG T’S SALOON | 2007 Third St., Eau Claire
Big T’s is the longstanding No. 1 favorite on the Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll for a reason! They serve giant Bloody Marys made with a “secret sauce” on Sundays.

CHIPPEWA RIVER DISTILLERY & BREWSTER BROTHERS BREWING CO. | 402 W. River St., Chippewa Falls
This brewpub and distillery’s specialty is Trumie’s Vodka. Go directly to the source and get a Bloody made with Trumie’s original vodka or its flavored varieties for extra kick, including dill, horseradish, garlic, or bacon.

COWBOY JACK’S | 1432 Front Porch Place, Altoona
Enjoy the view of the Eau Claire River on one of the best patios in the area while you sip Bloody Mary specials on Sundays. You can even get one made with local Trumie’s Vodka (from the Chippewa River Distillery).

HEARTBREAKERS BAR & GRILL | 1705 Cty. Hwy. OO, Chippewa Falls
Heartbreakers has it all: a back patio and bar, arcade games alongside darts and pool, live music, and incredible food. Top off the experience with a Bloody, and you’ve got it all.

HICKORY HILLS GOLF COURSE | E4080 Hickory Road, Eau Claire
This Eau Claire golf course is more than its stunning rolling greens, but it sure doesn’t hurt to have a view like that with a great Bloody!

MILWAUKEE BURGER CO. | 2620 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire
With a ton of unique options to choose from, including the Bacon Bloody, the Pickle Me Crazy, and the 32-ounce Big Mil Bloody, you’ll get more than your fair share of Bloody Mary goodness.

THE SANDBAR & GRILL | 17643 50th Ave., Chippewa Falls
The SandBar’s relaxed waterfront bar atmosphere is a great place to find its wild Bloody Marys, which have been seen piled high with a hard boiled egg, shrimp, beef stick, and fried chicken. Yum!

VFW POST 305 | 1300 Starr Ave., Eau Claire
Another if-you-know-you-know choice for a superior Bloody is the VFW Post 305, perched high above and overlooking Dells Pond. A great place to watch the game and grab breakfast, too.

IS YOUR FAVORITE MISSING? Be sure to nominate and vote in next year’s Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll to make your choice known!

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And in case you were wondering the order of the top three ...

BEST BLOODY MARY

1. Big T's Saloon

2. Milwaukee Burger CO.

3. The SandBar & Grill

What makes a good Bloody Mary? Just ask Big T’s Saloon (2007 Third St., Eau Claire), the spot that reigns supreme as the home of the Best Bloody! Big T’s takes Sunday Funday to a whole new level with its jaw-dropping bloody, topped with everything from Laffy Taffy to a mini sandwich. Runner-up is Milwaukee Burger Co. (2620 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire), which offers several different bloodies, ranging from the meat-centric “Bacon Bloody” to the one-of-a-kind “Pickle Me Crazy.” The Sandbar & Grill (17643 50th Ave., Lake Wissota) cruises into third with its popular Bloody Mary; it’s got just the right amount of spice in it. –Natalie Derks