While some restaurants open and wait for business to spur concept, Stack'd Burger Bar, 170 S. 1st St., unveiled ready and waiting.
Complete with everything from a forward-thinking burger bar menu to name branding T-shirts and an interactive Facebook page, Stack'd sets up for success.
In short, it is a burger bar. But open the menu and you'll be surprised by what you find. Combining the hardworking simplicity of Sobelman's 10-item menu with the progressive attitude of Elsa's, Stack'd pulls the burger completely out of the box.
As the name implies, everything on the menu is a stack in one form or another. On starters, sandwiches and desserts, ingredients are stacked and piled high.
On first glance, the menu is all about options. Offering several signature burgers and sandwiches, the menu gives you a "create-your-own" option, complete with choices of meat, cheese, bun, veggies and toppings.
"What I think is unexpected is that we use grass-fed beef here. We have vegan and vegetarian options as well as vegan wine. A seeming rarity, we serve wine made without egg whites. We have vegan cheese, vegan mayonnaise and gluten free rolls," General Manager Maurice Taylor says.
The menu also has options like a pretzel roll bun, Nueske's bacon, turkey or bison meat and a portabella sandwich.
But just because Stack'd also caters to alternative diets doesn't mean they cut out on the classic burger and fries. Appetizers include friend pickles, onion rings and stuffed jalapeno peppers.
"So far the most popular stack is the 'Hangover Stack,' made with fried onions, Nueske's bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and a fried egg," says Taylor.
Owner Tim Dixon, developer of The Iron Horse Hotel, made only minimal changes to the space formerly occupied by The Social bar and restaurant. Keeping the bar and open-concept kitchen, new booths, high-top tables and counter-style eating were added.
"Tim wanted a comfortable place for people in the Third Ward to come and enjoy a great burger. We wanted a concept that was inviting and alike to 'Cheers' if you will, where everybody knows your name. The burger concept came from the current economy as well as the demands and likes of Milwaukee locals," says Taylor.
Dixon also opened space in the back to create a small lounge-style seating area. It is in this back lounge where touches of Dixon's The Iron Horse Hotel are best seen. Vintage leather chairs are paired with dark wood tables for a play on industrial trend invoked by the Iron Horse Hotel.
"Our primary target market is young professionals and Downtown residents; bridging downtown, the Third Ward, Fifth Ward and Bay View. We also want to cater to the Downtown business crowd as well as restaurant industry employees and staff members of surrounding businesses," says Taylor.
The late-night menu runs from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Simple in nature, all menu items are just $5 and prove to be budget-friendly choices like sliders, hummus plate and a brownie dessert.
"The late-night menu was created so that people after theater, after work or if you're coming home from another location, you can grab a quick bite and head on home," says Taylor.
In addition to late-night eating, Stack'd also boasts a late-night happy hour. Serving first shift workers from 4 to 6 p.m., Stack'd makes the rounds again with deals on drinks from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
This Saturday, Stack'd celebrates its grand opening with drink specials, $1 local beers, free menu and wine tastings, and live outdoor music.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
