On my way to Summerfest tonight, I stopped at Prodigal Gastropub, 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave., a new bar and restaurant located in the former MOCT space. 

It opened about an hour before my pop-in.

I chatted with the owner Guy Lamberg and general manager John McCabe. They informed me the menu is "contemporary American eclectic" and that former Bacchus sous-chef, Van Luu, is ruling Prodigal’s kitchen now.

The menu items include entrees from scallops to gnocchi to a bacon burger. Prices range from $11 to $22 for entrees. Bar snacks like house pickles and fried chicken wing lollipops are also available, along with starters like roasted beets, pork belly and grilled flatbread.

The bar focuses on craft, micro beers – as well as macro beers – and craft cocktails, including the Grim Fairytale, made with Roaring Dan’s Rum from neighbor Great Lakes Distillery, among other ingredients. 

"We also have more than 30 bourbons," says Lamberg.

The best part of this space, as was the case with MOCT, is the "garage doors" which expose the front of the bar / restaurant during nice weather.

Also aesthetically appealing are Prodigal's repurposed wood adornments and vintage, black-and-white photos of Milwaukee. There's also a very hip and comfortable back room – called the "Bourbon Room" – complete with a fireplace that makes the space extremely cozy.

Cozy and welcoming is important to Lamberg. "Welcome home" is written on a large chalkboard next to the bar. 

"There were great bones here. We worked with them," he says. "We want people to feel like this is an extension of home." 

Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee.com for a full article / food review of Prodigal soon.