By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published May 06, 2014 at 4:59 PM

After a six-week renovation project, The Garage reopened yesterday and has a completely fresh look and feel. The biggest change is the bar, which is now four-sided and centrally located.

"This makes everything more functional and accessible for customers both inside and out," says Dan Dufek, manager of Hi-Hat Lounge which is next door to The Garage and under the same ownership – Mojofuco Restaurants.

The patio, a former parking lot on the north side of the building, is now more accessible via glass sliding doors.

Jameson Tramm is back in the kitchen. Tramm used to be the Garage’s chef but had been cooking across the street at Balzac most recently.

The food menu is similar – it still has a burger focus – but also features more burger options along with pulled pork, smoked veggie and a BLT sandwich. Another intriguing new item is the "tot-chos," which are seasoned tots covered in cheese, pico de gallo and cilantro lime sour cream.

There are also new picnic-style tables and art, including a large light-up "Garage" sign.

The focus of the bar is still on beer and The Garage will soon unveil a new drink menu with numerous beer and barrel-aged cocktails.

As for the indoor trees, you might be wondering? Well, they are gone – and although arbor enthusiasts might find this disappointing, it is arguably worth the sacrifice for a new space that feels streamlined, spacious and filled with natural light. Check it out for yourself.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.