By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Aug 22, 2019 at 8:35 PM Photography: Lori Fredrich

Dino’s, 808 E. Chambers St., has been a staple in the Riverwest Neighborhood for over 50 years.

Leo "Dino" Dinon opened the neighborhood hangout in 1968. It was originally just a bar; however, thanks to his wife Rita's cooking, it soon became a cozy corner bar known for its delicious Italian fare. And that reputation continued under the ownership of Dino's grandsons, Anthony and Lawrence Lococo.

But the bar and restaurant will be closing up shop after a farewell party to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The venue shared the news last night with a farewell post on Facebook.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the last 50 years! We appreciate all the support from friends, family, and the RW community. We are officially closing our doors next Wednesday. Please stop in to get all the tasty food and beverages during the next week. We will be hosting a FARE THEE WELL party on Wednesday, August 28th. Music, food, smiles and friends will be in attendance. With love, we bid you goodnight!"

Details for the "Fare Thee Well Dino’s" closing bash are available on Facebook.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.