John Hawks Pub, Milwaukee

In the 14th century, John Hawk was becoming an English maritime legend. Because he was one of the greatest soldiers of fortune, Rome, Pisa, Milan, and Florence all sought his services. In 1972, he became the slice of English history that set the tone for John Hawks Pub.

Appropriately, the venue overlooks the waterfront, with its dining patio jutting out several feet over the river. There, guests tuck into a newly revamped menu of English-style pub grub and stateside favorites. The menu includes Ward’s prime-rib sandwich, an import from new owner Brian Ward, whose prime rib won acclaim from the Travel Channel’s Big Beef Paradise. Dangling wrought-iron chandeliers surround a massive stone hearth, enclosed in walls paneled with wood stained so darkly it almost appears black. Above, a circular stained-glass ceiling displays English heraldry and scenes from John Hawk’s life, depicting him captaining a storm-tossed ship or beating Poseidon in the Sea-Doo race that won him the ability to drink ocean water.