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Learning more about Bartolotta's Rumpus Room
Some new details have arrived about The Rumpus Room, the Bartolotta gastropub that will replace Eagan's at 1030 N. Water St. in autumn.
I'm excited to see what Bartolotta does with the gastropub, which is a new concept in the restaurant group's ever-more diverse portfolio.
News emerged in May that Eagan's would close after nearly 20 years and that Bartolotta's would take over the location.
Now, construction has begun in the large space that will house The Rumpus Room, named in honor of the tavern that T.J. Bartolotta ran for nine years in the 1950s and '60s at 29th Street and North Avenue.
Bartolotta is the father of Joe Bartolotta, who owns Bartolotta Restaurant Group.
"My dad provided inspiration for my work with The Bartolotta Restaurants and opening The Rumpus Room is one way we can pay tribute to his influence on our organization and the community." said Joe Bartolotta, in a statement.
Andrew Ruiz, Bacchus' chef de cuisine, will serve as executive chef at The Rumpus and corporate chef Adam Siegel and Joe's brother Paul Bartolotta – who runs a heralded restaurant in Las Vegas – will provide the restaurant's overall direction.
Lake Park Bistro sous chef Nicholas Wirth will replace Ruiz in his role at Bacchus in autumn, when The Rumpus Room opens and Ruiz moves there.
"The new gastropub is an opportunity to embrace a casual dining experience that combines your favorite restaurant and bar, unites them together with elements of reasonably priced quality food in a comfortable bar environment."
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greenrodeo | Sept. 1, 2011 at 5:14 p.m. (report)
I am amazed why everyone in Milwaukee would not wish Joe B. the very best in his new gastropub. The last thing we need is for businesses to fail in our city. When a business succeeds everyone benefits as it adds to the tax base of the city and makes the city more attractive for people to come and spend money either downtown or in the suburbs. Bartolotta's are expensive but they offer truely terrific food and if it doesn't suit ones tastes then there are plenty of other places to go to that are less pricey. We need to think less narrowly I think. I say congrats to Joe and wish him well.
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olderwiser | July 11, 2011 at 10:08 a.m. (report)
Much like "Jeff" I would love to see a nice guide to restaurants that are near the Marcus Center. We like to park in one spot and walk to the restaurant and then to the Marcus Center. Inclement weather aside, there are numerous walkable locations, but most of the restaurants in that vicinity are not great. Burgers, sandwiches, and very very loud atmosphere no longer entice me. Maybe this will be THE one....however I am weary of the Baryolotta chain's reputation of overpriced pretentious food and atmosphere. Will it be open in time for the Jersey Boys production next week?
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alba | July 11, 2011 at 9:47 a.m. (report)
I don't think it will be the first gastropub in Milwaukee. See Hinterland Erie Street Gastropub and The Dubliner, an Irish Gastro Pub.
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corkdork80 | July 9, 2011 at 1:42 p.m. (report)
Yet another overpriced Bartolotta Restaurant! I've dined at several of their restaurants and have yet to be impressed. Fingers crossed they go the way of the Mo's empire and crumble before our eyes.
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DowntownRed | July 8, 2011 at 12:43 p.m. (report)
While the atmosphere of a "gastropub" is more casual than Lake Park Bistro, the food is often on the same level as it's fancy cousins. While this is the first official gastropub in Milwaukee, they have been around for several years in other cities. The Gage, Publican and Hopleaf in Chicago are gastropubs that regularly show up as some of the best restaurants in the city. This won't be Chilis/Applebees casual. It will be casual with a real emphasis on unique food. I'm looking forward to it.
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