By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Aug 13, 2021 at 12:32 PM

It’s been nearly 18 months since guests were able to enjoy the scratch-made fair, bowling, karaoke and games at Punch Bowl Social, 1122 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave.  But good news is on the horizon.

The popular interactive restaurant and bar will reopen its Milwaukee location prior to the Bucks first preseason game in fall of 2021.

 "We are thrilled Punch Bowl Social will reopen in time to welcome fans for the preseason," noted Michael Belot, Vice President of Ventures and Development for the Milwaukee Bucks in a press release today.

"We know the entertainment and hospitality industries were hit hard by the pandemic, and we are grateful that Punch Bowl Social will continue to serve our fans as an amazing Deer District destination." 

The concept, which debuted in March of 2019, combines scratch-made fare, a lively environment, plus myriad games and interactive experiences in a 24,000 square foot space just steps away from Fiserv Forum.

"We are ecstatic to partner with the Bucks and reopen in Deer District," noted Punch Bowl Social Chairman and CEO Robert Cornog, Jr. "With the Bucks pursuing another championship and Punch Bowl Social reopening nationwide, there couldn’t be a more exciting time to reintroduce Punch Bowl to Milwaukee.  Everyone  – Bucks fans, concert-goers, residents and visitors alike can once again look forward to an unparalleled experience and come together to enjoy our food, drinks and social entertainment."

You’ll have to wait a while longer for the Bucks preseason schedule; but Punch Bowl Social is working closely with the Deer District to ensure a reopening in late September or early October, complete with new happy hour specials, weekend brunch and more.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

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 every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, 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.