Marcus Wise will open Pop, an LQGTQ+ bar and brunch spot, later this summer. On May 30 of this year, he purchased the building that formerly housed The Dubliner, 124 W. National Ave., in the heart of Walker’s Point.
Wise is shooting for an early August opening.
"The whole vibe is ‘pop’,” says Wise."I want everything to pop: lots of color, lots of art on the walls, lots of video screens and lots of stand-out food and drink.”
Although Wise and crew are making few changes structurally to the building, the appearance will be completely fresh with colorful paint on the interior and exterior and all new decor.
Pop will serve as a bar and club at night - featuring a full bar and appetizers – and as a brunch spot on Saturdays and Sundays.
The brunch menu will be limited to six or so items like eggs Benedict, mini quiches and a large selection of mimosas, teas, coffee and more. The brunches will have weekly themes, from drag to 80s to DJs.
“Bright and easy, that’s what we’re going for," says Wise.
Pop will also host darts, rugby and other games as well as offer curated videos screenings with engaging clips, movies and graphics.
“People will always be entertained and have stuff to do. We’re creating a space for people to hang out together and have fun. Our goal is to bring even more people to the neighborhood,” says Wise.
After anti-drag legislature and an ongoing political climate that does not support LGBTQ+ rights, Wise and his husband are proud to open something new – and a business that will have day as well as evening hours.
“It’s exiting to see something by and for gay people opening instead of closing,” says Wise. “It’s nice to have some positive news for our community.”
Wise, who is originally from Buffalo, NY, and his husband split their time living between Green Bay and Milwaukee's Walker Point neighborhood. They own Buzz Social, a bowling arcade in Green Bay, and previously owned an art gallery and bar.
“Pop is going to be a pop of music and color – vibrant and bold and fun,” says Wise.
Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee for a First Look at Pop when it opens later this summer.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
