David Panek is not afraid of change. Five years ago he opened Club Boom, 625 S. 2nd St., and planned to offer dancing on a small floor. However, when most of his clientele showed up only to dance for a few minutes before going to larger clubs, Panek simply moved in pool tables atop the floor and that was that.

Now, the man who left a 17-year job at Quad Graphics to open a bar has made another major change. He opened another bar.

After buying the building next door, Panek opened The Room, 623 S. 2nd St., and connected it to Boom with a swinging door.

Although very close in proximity to Boom, The Room has a very different feel. (Anyone else hearing the Paul Lekakis song "Boom, boom boom, let's go back to my room?")

"We mixed old world charm with the new," says Panek, 42, who grew up in Hartford.

The Room's tin ceiling appears vintage, but it is actually brand new as is the lit, glass-top bar. The cream city brick, however, is original.

Peter Looman's mural of Milwaukee is a colorful addition to The Room. The piece is 5-by-23-feet and features Milwaukee landmarks such as the art museum, Allen-Bradley clock, US Bank Building, City Hall and more.

Loman is a graphic designer and muralist who says The Room's mural is his largest to date.

The new lounge offers more than 50 kinds of vodka as well as a nice variety of cognacs, champagnes, cocktails, highballs, beers and martinis. There are two flat-screen televisions for Packers season and beyond, and both bars have large, connected patios.

Whereas Boom is pretty much a gay club, The Room is a bit more ambiguous, largely because it appeals to a younger crowd, many of whom are less concerned with labels.

"The younger generation doesn't care (who's gay and who's not). It's just not a big deal," says Panek. "Yes, Boom is gay bar, but The Room is more both. It brings in a new, open-minded crowd. All different types of people come here because they've heard good things, and then they just stay."

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Posted by OMCreader on May 30, 2005 at 8:42 a.m. (report)

Stuart Ackley said: It was great to read the story of The Room's success. It's the perfect gay American success story. Local boy works hard, saves money, opens businesses and Still works hard to please the customers. Hats off to you Dave Panek.