When I travel and drink (and who doesn’t drink when they travel?) I try to drink the local brew, on tap. A second choice is the local/regional brew in a bottle….well except Tecate which should only be in a can.
So, a great bar in Eau Claire would have to have Leinie (preferably Honey Weiss) on tap.
Now my drinking buddy, drinks only Long Island Iced Tea. So, the bar also needs to make a great Long Island….and save the fruit for someone who cares.
A great bartender remembers a customer who has been in a couple times, especially if he/she/they order something slightly unusual.
Fried Onion Rings just rock someone’s world. So far we have found a favorite for that. They used to have the bartender, and all the other items above, but either he left or is on vacation. The last two times the woman bartender “Hey, what are you having, guys” us even though one time she had to go look for the gin!! She did not remember us!
Finally a great bar would be non-smoking.
That last will be a challenge in Eau Claire!
