New Steakhouse Opening in Milwaukee
The Bartolotta Restaurants group is expanding with a new European-inspired steakhouse in Milwaukee. The restaurant, named “High Stakes by Bartolotta,” is scheduled to open in late spring 2026, signaling growth in the premium dining sector.
- The new steakhouse will be located at 1030 N. Water St., taking over the space formerly occupied by The Rumpus Room, which has been closed since early 2020. This move is part of a larger initiative to revitalize the Water Street corridor in downtown Milwaukee. - The restaurant's design, led by Jay Franke Design, is inspired by the glamour of 1930s Art Deco and London's private social clubs. This same firm was behind the design for The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant, which opened in the summer of 2024 and received a nomination for a Hospitality Design Project Award in 2025. - High Stakes by Bartolotta draws inspiration from co-founder Chef Paul Bartolotta's culinary experiences in Europe and his time leading the acclaimed restaurant at the Wynn Las Vegas. Paul Bartolotta is a two-time James Beard Award-winning chef. - In addition to the main dining room, the establishment will feature the Peacock Lounge, a space dedicated to cocktails, light food, and live music. - The Bartolotta Restaurants group, co-founded by brothers Paul and the late Joe Bartolotta, has been a significant force in Milwaukee's fine dining scene since opening their first restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993. The group now operates over a dozen establishments in the area, including Bacchus and Harbor House. - The project is a collaboration with Madisen Maher Architects leading the construction. The restaurant aims to contribute to the local economy by creating new hospitality jobs and partnering with local suppliers.
