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Tosa's new Cafe Hollander shines like a beacon for West Siders. |  |
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 | By Bobby Tanzilo   Managing Editor E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Bobby Tanzilo |
| Published July 15, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. |
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Diablos Rojos' newest outpost, a second Cafe Hollander -- this one in the heart of Tosa Village at 7677 W. State St. -- opened for a sneak preview Tuesday night. Of course word traveled fast and the place was packed!
Arriving a little after 8 -- about an hour after the start time of the event which was initially meant to be a thank you to the contractors who built out the new restaurant and bar but rapidly grew into something bigger -- the circular Hollander signs were illuminating, reinforcing what a beacon the place is for residents of Tosa and Milwaukee's West Side. Options in those neighborhoods are slim in comparison to the East Side, Downtown and Bay View, so Hollander is a welcome addition.
Co-owner Mike Eitel was clearly enjoying the packed house, mingling and chatting in the bar and dining room, but also outside, where tables line the bridge over the river, offering welcome al fresco dining, in season, of course.
Last year when news emerged that Hollander would open on State, co-owner Eric Wagner told us that the cycling community helped spark the idea for a Tosa location.
"A lot of the guys on our cycling teams live either out in the
Highlands or in Wauwatosa," he said. "They were incredibly persistent, and
sometimes a little crazed in their demands that we brought beer,
Belgium, and bicycling to the West Side. They would come to us every
time a 'for sale or lease' sign would go up anywhere west of 50th Street."
So, perhaps it was no surprise that we ran into City of Milwaukee bike guru Dave Schlabowske. We also talked to Jim Plaisted of the East Side and Shorewood BIDs and saw Fever Marlene's Scott Starr filming the scene.
Service manager Stephen Minutolo told us that more than 400 people came to last night's opening and that the crew there was preparing to open this morning at 7 for breakfast. Hollander will open early seven days a week for breakfast and Sunday brunch.
Of course, you can expect an extremely wide and interesting selection of beer from Europe and a menu very similar to the one offered at the original location on Downer and Belleview.
7677 W. State St.
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
414.475.6771
http://www.cafehollander.com
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10 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by somesummer1 on July 15, 2009 at 10:05 p.m. (report)
These guys really know what they are doing....I love Trocadero Hollander on Downer and Centrall in Bayview. mgt is attentive to service and quality, sure a bit pricey but not too much. The moast consistent resturant group in Milw.....Go Rojas.
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Posted by b_milwaukee on July 15, 2009 at 5:58 p.m. (report)
Parking wasn't a problem. The lot across the river is perfect and it's huge. Also, it was the first night the place was open. Contractor / friends and family opening nights are a way for the management and staff to work out the kinks. Let's give them of few days before people complain out slow service.
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Posted by Stash on July 15, 2009 at 3:17 p.m. (report)
Question: How was parking down there last night? I'm assuming that the Chancery owners won't take kindly to Hollander patrons parking in their lot, so is it the street and maybe the public lot across the river? And, no, I'm not whining about the parking situation in Milwaukee with which I've never had a problem. I'm just wondering about parking in the village which can tend to be pretty bad. Plus, I'm bored at work so I have nothing else to worry about right now.
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Posted by kcollett on July 15, 2009 at 1:27 p.m. (report)
While generally I like Hollander, (though I do think it's overrated), I was seriously turned off last time I ate there with my parents and husband. My mother asked for dijon instead of honey mustard with her sliders, and she was charged $0.75. What??! The waiter was so slow that we didn't look at the bill before we handed him our credit card, so didn't notice the upcharge until after we paid. Eitel and company have done a lot for the city, but don't they make enough money without having to charge for a tablespoon of dijon mustard? Will they charge me if I drop my fork, too? Obviously, it's not the amount - a measly 75 cents - but the spirit behind it. Major turnoff, and I won't go back there unless a friend or someone else picks the location.
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Posted by Eastsider30 on July 15, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. (report)
So long Chancery. Marginal food and bad service only works without restaurants next door.
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