In October, we brought you the news that the long-vacant Blackthorn Pub space at 750 N. Jefferson St. had been acquired by Mike Eitel, CEO of Caravan Hospitality Group, which operates Nomad World Pubs in Milwaukee and Madison and Panga Bar and Grill and Nomad Boardsports in Summit, in Waukesha County.
SportClub, a sports bar concept which promises to be unlike any other, is on schedule to open in late February, according to news released today. SportClub will join Caravan’s growing number of entertainment venues, including Nomad Nacional, a pop-up bar at the former La Fuente Restaurant on 5th Street which will host Eitel’s World Cup "Fanzone" for a month starting in mid-June.
According to Eitel and his team, SportClub will feature an area dedicated to stadium-style seating as well as a private micro-pub. The decor will reflect a design that reflects a 1950s inspired "varsity" feel.
.jpg)
Meanwhile, a private event space called The Boot Room will accommodate groups of up to 30. The space will feature three television screens and a private bar. people for private events or to watch their favorite teams on three screens with their own private bar. In addition, a patio and sidewalk cafe are also slated to open later this year.
THe bar will feature 30 beers on tap, a lengthy list of champagnes, a mimosa menu, as well as craft cocktails - all inspired to help celebrate what Eitel calls "the sport of celebration."
On the edible side, SportClub will offer an extensive menu of both domestically and globally inspired handheld street food.
"SportClub is unlike any other sports bar I’ve ever been to," Eitel says. "Regardless of your sport preference, or whether you even care for sports at all, there will be something for everyone at SportClub."
SportClub plans to be open for lunch, dinner, and weekend breakfast. Carryout will also be available at ordering windows at the venue’s concession stand for lunch, happy hour and late night carryout.
Watch OnMilwaukee for additional details about SportClub as they develop.
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.
.jpeg)
