Shrimp, Bruschetta, and Sh*t Grass: A Friday Night at Mackinaws & Frets

April 18, 2026

Shrimp, Bruschetta, and Sh*t Grass: A Friday Night at Mackinaws & Frets

2026 PHOTO GALLERY

Friday Night Double Feature: Coconut Shrimp & Blue-Faced "Sh*t Grass"
There is an art to the perfect Friday night in Wisconsin. It usually involves a delicate balance of great food, a transition from "classy" to "clutch," and at least one band that makes you say, "I have to see this." Last Friday, I nailed the rotation.

Stop 1: The Cabin Vibes at Mackinaws
It had been a minute since I stepped into Mackinaws, and I forgot how much I love that rugged, outdoor cabin feel. It’s got that Northwoods atmosphere that makes you want to settle in immediately.

The dining hall was loaded up when we arrived. While the bar area had plenty of room early on, the momentum built fast as people kept rolling into the bar from the dining area throughout the night. By the time the duo Two of a Kind was in full swing, the bar was buzzing.

We were on a mission for the staples:

The Coconut Shrimp: Always a winner.

The Bruschetta: Fresh, flavorful, and the perfect starter.

The food was great, the service was on point, and we stuck around to enjoy the duo for a while as the room filled up. But eventually, it was time to head over and see what "Liver Killer" was all about.

Stop 2: Diving into Liver Killer at Frets Bar
I’d seen a name popping up online that I couldn’t ignore: Liver Killer. With a name like that, you don't just keep scrolling—you show up.

They were playing at Frets Bar, just a short run from Mackinaws. Frets is a classic Wisconsin dive bar—older, spacious, and full of character. These are my favorite kinds of places because you always walk away with a story.

The "Blue-Faced Sh*t Grass" Experience
The band hit the stage and immediately lived up to the hype. They describe themselves as "Blue Faced Sh*t Grass," a high-octane take on bluegrass that had the whole room moving.

Between the mandolin, the stand-up bass, and the high energy, the people-watching was fantastic. There’s nothing like a Wisconsin dive bar crowd when a band like Liver Killer is tearing it up. It was loud, fun, and uniquely local.

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Wiparty is a web site dedicated to Appleton, Oshkosh ,& Green Bay, Wisconsin .We are committed to bringing you the best there is to offer in greater Northeast Wisconsin. Find information on local bars/clubs/taverns/pubs, restaurant/dining reviews, local entertainment including live music, fair, festivals and theatres. Be sure to checkout the local, live music on the homepage. Appleton, Oshkosh, and Green Bay all offer some great entertainment in the way of night life as well as boating. Visit the photo gallery often to view pictures of the latest events. Come chat with others on the forum about many topics, including boating, dining and restaurants, music, what bars, clubs and taverns having events for the weekend, or anything else that is on your mind. Thank you for visiting Wiparty! We look forward to seeing you again!
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