In June, OnMilwaukee.com first reported on Water Buffalo, a new, two-story restaurant at the corner of Water and Buffalo Streets in the Historic Third Ward.
With just fewer than 5,000 sq. ft. of open loft space, Water Buffalo will feature party and private areas and seating for 145 inside, growing to almost 200 with the additional outside seating. Located on the Milwaukee River, the restaurant should be an exciting addition to Downtown.
We caught up with co-owner Joe Sorge recently and asked him five quick questions about Water Buffalo.
OMC: When is it going to open?
Joe Sorge: We hope to open Water Buffalo to the public just before Easter weekend.
OMC: Who is involved with the project?
JS: Water Buffalo is a partnership between Flux Design, Robert Joseph Properties and Angie (Sorge's wife) and I.
OMC: Who is the chef and what's his/her specialty?
JS: The chef is Frank Ortlieb, he was involved for many years with The Milwaukee Alehouse, so his Historic Third Ward/Riverfront experience is extremely relevant to our concept.
OMC: What's the vibe going to be like? Typical day/night? Basically, what can I (as a diner) expect?
JS: The vibe will be very unique. You'll have a highly designed, dynamic space that houses a very casual restaurant concept that anyone can feel comfortable in. We're very excited about being a part of the riverfront atmosphere in the Thirds Ward as well as providing an incredible option for outdoor and riverfront dining.
OMC: Did you know that according to Hindu mythology, the god of death Yama, rides on a water buffalo?
JS: I did not know that! The name for the restaurant originated with the intersection that's nearest us, Water and Buffalo streets, we considered Buffalo Water, but as you can see, that's not a very appetizing name for a restaurant.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
