Head over to the library and dig up any old city directory. If you flip to the page listing businesses on Water Street, you'll find that this main downtown artery has always been home to dozens on taverns and, often, rowdy and raucous nightlife. If you think Water Street is crazy these days, you should have seen it under the administration of Mayor (all the time rosey) Rose.

While there are fewer brothels lining neighboring Edison Street (formerly River Street) these days, there are still many bars serving malty goodness to anyone with a thirst and buck in his (or her) pocket. Here's a quick guide to some of the highlights of the area.

Bar Louie
1114 N. Water St.
(414) 847-1492
barlouieamerica.com
Bar Louie may be a chain of restaurant/bars, but with the large bar sitting in the middle of the location, it's inviting for any after work get together or just a nice night out. The list of drinks is expansive with all types of beer on tap, 20 different kinds of wine by the glass and specialty cocktails. For the sports fans, there are more than enough flatscreens playing a variety of sporting events.

Brother's Bar & Grill
1213 N. Water St.
(414) 224-1690
brothersbar.com
Not just for Minneapolis, Madison, or La Crosse anymore, Milwaukee now has it's own Brother's. A very popular hangout for UWM and Marquette students, Brother's is packed on the weekends. A lively atmosphere, cheap drinks, and plenty of pool tables and dartboards keep people coming back for more.

Centanni
219 N. Water St.
(414) 221-6565
centannipianobar.com
One of the premier piano bars in Milwaukee, Centanni is like a step back in time to the days of the Rat Pack. A great place to sip martinis in sophisticated atmosphere. When you're ready to step out of the typical Water Street places and into something a little classier, Centanni is it.

The Corner
1247 N. Water St.
(414) 224-8281
Brought to you by the same folks who own Swig, The Corner caters to a younger, broker clientele. Known for it's crowded atmosphere and cheap drink specials, The Corner is a popular meeting spot for before and after downtown events.

Fitzgibbons Pub
1127 N. Water St.
(414) 278-8847
A classic Milwaukee tavern on Water Street, Fitzgibbons is Water Street's authentic Irish pub. This turn of the century historic building has housed Milwaukee bars since 1933 (before that, it was a butcher shop and a restaurant). Much of the original bar is still intact, and old-time photos of Milwaukee's hey day line the walls. Fitzgibbons features seven taps of beer, including Irish favorites like Guinness, Harp and Bass. More than 25 bottled beers and several fine scotches and whiskeys add to the authentic Irish charm. The bar even sells cigars and light snacks to keep you feeling festive. In the summer, enjoy Fitzgibbons outside bar. In the colder months, play pool, shoot darts and listen to the bar's eclectic but excellent choice of music.

The Guitar Bar
1139 N. Water St.
(414) 277-9707
The closest thing to a neighborhood corner bar you'll find on Water Street. With a close atmosphere, cheap drinks, and live music almost every day, this place is a nice hideout from the crowded meat markets you might find downtown. All this and frozen pizza, too.

The Lodge
134 E. Juneau Ave.
(414) 765-9999
thelodgemilwaukee.com
A welcome addition to Water St., the Lodge offers a wonderful outdoor deck and great music. A good selection of beers will keep the good times flowing all night.

McGillycuddy's
1135 N. Water St.
(414)278-8888
mcgillycuddysmilwaukee.com
A good Irish bar on Water St., McGillycuddy's features tasty bar food and a slightly older crowd. Also has excellent Irish beers on tap.

Milwaukee Ale House
233 N. Water St.
(414) 226-2337
ale-house.com
The Ale House is one of Milwaukee's most popular brewpubs. Enjoy a tall glass of Downtown Lites, Sheepshead Stout, or Louie's Demise while sitting outside on the bank of the river. If you get there between 4 and 7 on a weekday, you can enjoy them for half price, too.

Rosie's Waterworks
1111 N. Water St.
(414) 274-7213
One of the longest-lived bars on the lively stretch of Water St., Rosie's serves up great grill food and has a friendly staff and clientele, making it one of the homey-ist pubs in the area.

Six Degrees
518 N. Water St.
(414) 291-4411
sixdegreesmilwaukee.com
This bar opened in May 2007 and represents the connection between the classic Water Street bars and the more upscale places found in the Third Ward. It's not a rowdy college hangout, nor is it stuffy. It's a nice middle ground. Happy hour goes from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and features half-priced martinis.

Sullivan's
1227 N. Water St.
(414) 223-3213
Sullivan's replaced Swig in June 2007. Owner Joe Sorge describes it as a "Water Street version of Cans." It's basically a party bar with a classic Water Street vibe. Swig moved to the former Sauce space in the Third Ward at 217 N. Broadway.

Tequila Rita's
1131 N. Water St.
(414) 223-0073
It replaced Terrace Bar in May 2007.

Water Street Brewery
1101 N. Water St.
(414) 272-1195
waterstreetbrewery.com
One of the first brewpubs in Milwaukee, WSB features brewing on premises and a variety of seasonal and specialty beers, including seasonal fresh berry beers. Serving appetizers, sandwiches and nightly entrees, Water Street Brewery offers something for everyone. Brewery tours, merchandise and carry-out freshly brewed products are also available.

If we've overlooked your favorite Water Street watering hole, use the talkback feature below to add it.