Agency, known for its inclusive approach to high-end cocktail service, has announced its grand opening at the Dubbel Dutch Hotel, a restored 1898 double mansion at 817 N Marshall. The opening will take place Saturday, Aug. 31.
Starting Thursday, Sept. 5th, Agency will be open from Wednesday through Saturday for a casual happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., with seated service running from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Reservations are now available, and can be made online at agency.resos.com/booking, or by calling 414-207-8889.
Since January 2024, Agency has been transforming Discourse Coffee’s downtown cafe into a cozy, dimly lit cocktail lounge each weekend. Now at Dubbel Dutch, the team is excited to continue their mission of creating a more inclusive nightlife experience.
“We're thrilled to write the next chapter in this location's history” says Robert Colletta, Partner and Director of Photography. “We've elevated the charm and luxury of the historic space with careful mind to lighting and ambiance. We're crafting intimate pockets of warmth set within dramatic Victorian architecture for couples to share secrets, groups to celebrate achievements, and Milwaukee to flaunt this best-in-class experience.”
Agency’s move to the Dubbel Dutch hotel marks a significant expansion of their programming, allowing them to offer an array of new experiences, including structured cocktail tasting menus, bespoke dealer’s choice cocktails, champagne and caviar service in collaboration with local fine dining hot spot, Ardent, and a rotating kitchen program highlighting an exciting cast of regional chefs. Opening dinner offerings will be available from the team at Nakorn, a highly respected, modern Thai restaurant in Evanston, IL.
“Our mission at Agency is to inspire a social movement around conscious drinking, giving our guests the choice to enjoy their drinks with or without alcohol while still experiencing the sophistication, comfort, and charm of a world-class cocktail bar. We want Agency to be the place where people come together to explore and celebrate the special moments in their lives,” says Robert.
Since its inception, Agency has been at the forefront of Milwaukee’s cocktail scene. The new space at Dubbel Dutch will enable the team to elevate their offerings further, featuring multi-course tasting menus that showcase the bar team’s creativity and expertise. These tasting experiences, available in alcoholic, non-alcoholic, and hybrid formats, are designed to be a 90 minute tour de force that encapsulates the essence of Agency’s unique approach to drink-making.
While reservations are not required, they are strongly recommended for those looking to enjoy the tasting menu experience in the sixteen seat lounge. Reservations can be made at agency.resos.com/booking, or over the phone at 414-207-8889. Guests will be treated to dedicated table service whether they reserve a spot in the main lounge, relax on the private patio that accommodates up to 24, or book the intimate drinking salon for groups of up to 12.
“We want to offer our guests a variety of experiences at Agency. Whether you join us for a casual cocktail, a cold one on our spacious patio during happy hour, a glass of champagne and a late-night bowl of curry, or make a reservation for our lounge to immerse yourself in the heart of the world we’re creating, our aim is to provide you with moments of accessible luxury. For us, luxury means taking care of you like you are our only guest, customizing your experience to your preferences, and noting those preferences for when you join us again,” said Ryan Castelaz, Partner and Service Director at Agency.
The opening cocktail menu at Dubbel Dutch will feature a mix of beloved drinks from Agency’s previous residence, including the return of the Saturn (gin, passionfruit, pistachio orgeat, ginger, rose water) and the Black Widow (whiskey, black sesame, tamari, banana, coconut, egg whites, and red wine), alongside their toasted coconut yogurt clarified Pina Colada, which won the Turner Hall Tiki Takedown this past April, and the guest-favorite experimental cocktail Ghost Mango, a mango-less mango-sticky rice-inspired cocktail served atop a pandan dry ice fog with a sidecar of house-made mango granita, and black sesame tapioca pearl crackers misted with ume vinegar. These cocktails join over a dozen other house libations, and are supported by a full library of classic cocktails, including ice cold martinis and traditional old fashioned's (made both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for those looking for a simpler sip.
In addition to the extensive cocktail menu, for the first time since opening, Agency’s bartenders will utilize their expanded back bar and ever-changing house-made creations for a Dealer’s Choice program, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic bespoke creations, crafted specifically to suit your tastes and inclinations a la minute.
“As the demand for immersive experiences grows, Agency understands the need to exceed expectations. Our guests are greeted with uncanny attention to detail, unlocking a unique sensory experience that bridges the gap between alcohol-free consumers and discerning cocktail aficionados. The result is an unmatched tasting experience, regardless of one’s preference for alcohol,” says Ed Treis, Capital Partner at Agency.
