Chef Paul Bartolotta Opens High Stakes Steakhouse in Downtown Milwaukee

The restaurant centers its culinary program on a diverse selection of premium beef, ranging from USDA Prime grass-fed options to rare A5 Ozaki beef from Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture, which remains an exclusive offering in Wisconsin. Beyond the steak program, the kitchen focuses on Mediterranean seafood and a specialized caviar partnership with the Paris-based house Kaviari. The dining room design, crafted by Jay Franke, incorporates antique mirrors and polished brass to complement artwork by local Milwaukee painter Lucia Stern.

Adjacent to the main dining room, the Peacock Lounge serves as a social hub for the establishment. The space features a distinct blue lacquer bar and a menu of signature cocktails, such as the Blackjack Manhattan and the Regal Bird. The property also pays homage to the local community through the Milwaukee Players Room, a private dining space decorated with over 270 caricatures of individuals who have influenced the city’s social and culinary landscape. This opening marks the second downtown venture for The Bartolotta Restaurants, joining Bacchus on Wells Street as the group continues to expand its footprint in the city center.