The Third Ward's Riverwalk Bistro, 223 N. Water St., celebrates its third birthday this month, but instead of throwing a party for itself, it's throwing a party for you -- a glowing party, actually.
Beginning this weekend and continuing on every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at 10 p.m., the Riverwalk Bistro transforms into a glowing party on the river, known officially as Bistro After Dark.
"As everyone knows, things in this business start to slow down around 9 p.m.," says the bistro's owner Terrie Zanotti. "But we're going to keep the party going -- the lights go a little lower, the tempo picks up and we just let people have fun."
While the bistro concept remains the same -- same food, wine and desserts in an entirely smoke-free restaurant -- the "after hours" party adds a brand new component to a night out in the Third Ward.
"Jazz After Dark" is Thursday's theme, mirroring the Milwaukee tradition of Jazz in the Park. Fridays features DJs and live bands, and contemporary house beats fill the bar and bistro on Saturdays. But Bistro After Dark is more than just music. How about small-plate dining from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., VIP table service, valet parking, and boat docking?
"This couldn't have happened at a better time," says Zanotti. "We're just putting the finishing touches to the multi-level terrace seating on the river, and have installed a high-tech sound system to compliment the DJs and various live entertainers that will be performing."
Bistro After Dark encompasses the classy comfort of the restaurant's upper level bar - where the bands play -- and the loungey feel of downstairs area and pipes the music outdoors to the four levels of Riverwalk seating. Last year the Riverwalk Bistro had just one patio, and has since added a larger "upper deck" with magnificent views of the city and water.
"There's such great energy in the Third Ward and I think by doing what we're doing, we're filling a needed niche that allows the Riverwalk to become a destination spot, much like North Avenue or Water Street," Zanotti says.
The grand opening of the new and improved eatery and party schedule kicks off this weekend, June 15 and 16 at 10 p.m. Singer/songwriter and percussionist, Scott E. Berendt -- who is a regular Wednesday night performer at Zanotti's husband's bar, the Bad Genie Lounge -- is performing opening weekend and will continue booking the live entertainment for Bistro After Dark. Opening night features electroTHRILLER with live percussion by Scott Berendt, who then returns Saturday with his full band.
"I'm excited to be able to offer my valued customers the same great food, in the same great location. Only now, Ill be able to keep the doors open to welcome a whole new concept, bringing in a fresh, new crowd, without jeopardizing the integrity of my restaurant," says Zanotti.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
