HIGH STAKES BY BARTOLOTTA NOW OPEN IN DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
PR Newswire
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 17, 2026
The Bartolotta Restaurants debuts European-inspired steakhouse and Peacock Lounge in the historic Water Street district
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — High Stakes by Bartolotta, the newest dining destination from The Bartolotta Restaurants, led by owner and co-founder Chef Paul Bartolotta, is now open in downtown Milwaukee. Located at 1030 N. Water St., the European-inspired steakhouse brings together influences from Chef Bartolotta’s career in Europe, Las Vegas, and most recent travels to London, with an internationally curated steak program, Mediterranean seafood, an elevated caviar program, and a distinct cocktail experience at Peacock Lounge. Reservations are available via OpenTable.
“Opening High Stakes by Bartolotta is an exciting evolution for The Bartolotta Restaurants,” said Chef Bartolotta. “This restaurant brings together so many of the experiences and influences that have helped shaped my career, but what makes it especially meaningful is opening it here, doubling down on our commitment to exceptional hospitality in the heart of Milwaukee.
“Milwaukee has always been home to our family, and for more than three decades, it’s been home to our restaurants too. I’m tremendously grateful to everyone who helped make this moment possible.”
High Stakes by Bartolotta centers its menu around an internationally sourced steak program showcasing USDA Prime 100% grass fed beef, American Wagyu, Australian Wagyu, and Japanese Wagyu, alongside Mediterranean seafood, raw bar selections, and an elevated caviar program developed in partnership with Paris-based Kaviari. The menu combines the familiarity of a classic steakhouse with worldly influences and distinctive presentation, reimagining recognizable dishes in unexpected ways while remaining approachable. Thoughtful presentation and selections designed for sharing further shape the dining experience, bringing a sense of discovery throughout the meal. Signature offerings include the HS Wagyu Tasting Experience featuring American, Australian, and Japanese Wagyu side by side; rare A5 Ozaki Beef from Miyazaki Prefecture, available exclusive at High Stakes by Bartolotta in Wisconsin; and a 45-day prime dry aged bone in ribeye.
Inspired by classic London lounges and Chef Bartolotta’s experiences in restaurants and kitchens throughout Europe and the Las Vegas Strip, High Stakes by Bartolotta brings new flavor and energy to Water Street. Designed by The Bartolotta Restaurants longtime collaborator Jay Franke of Jay Franke Design, the restaurant features an Art Deco inspired dining room anchored by artwork by Milwaukee artist Lucia Stern, a private dining room, wine room, and Peacock Lounge. Throughout the restaurant, rich materials, antique mirrors, polished brass accents, dramatic lighting, and layered textures create a distinct and sophisticated setting.
“Working alongside Paul and the Bartolotta team is always a rewarding experience, and this restaurant truly lives up to his vision,” said Franke. “The design and décor of High Stakes by Bartolotta creates a space that is impeccably tailored and still feels completely at home here in downtown Milwaukee.”
Within High Stakes by Bartolotta, Peacock Lounge serves as the social centerpiece of the experience. The intimate cocktail lounge is anchored by its signature peacock blue lacquer bar, warm lighting, fringe accented seating, and plush booths. The lounge features classic and signature cocktails, including the Blackjack Manhattan, Regal Bird, Olive You, Maria and Bet on Red, alongside spirit free selections.
Adding a distinctly Milwaukee element is the Milwaukee Players Room, the private dining room featuring more than 270 caricatures recognizing people who have helped shape the city across business, community, culinary, environmental, and social spheres.
High Stakes by Bartolotta is the newest addition to The Bartolotta Restaurants’ evolving portfolio and the company’s second restaurant in downtown Milwaukee alongside Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant on nearby Wells Street. Ahead of its public opening, The Bartolotta Restaurants marked the milestone with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 16 attended by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, civic, and community leaders, company leadership, and longtime supporters. The celebration marked the opening of High Stakes by Bartolotta and the company’s continued growth in downtown Milwaukee.
High Stakes by Bartolotta is located at 1030 N. Water St. in downtown Milwaukee. Reservations are available via OpenTable. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Peacock Lounge opens at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with extended hours until midnight Tuesday through Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Additional information is available at highstakesmke.com and peacockloungemke.com.
About The Bartolotta Restaurants
The Bartolotta Restaurants is a nationally recognized restaurant and catering organization co-founded by Chef Paul Bartolotta and his late brother, Joe Bartolotta. Chef Paul Bartolotta is a two- time James Beard Award-winning chef in two separate regions, Midwest and Southwest, winning in both 1994 and 2009. In addition, Chef Paul Bartolotta has six James Beard Award nominations including Best Chef Midwest in 1993, Best New Restaurant in Las Vegas in 2005, Outstanding Restaurateur USA alongside his brother in 2017, 2018, 2019, and a finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur USA in 2020. Since the opening of its flagship restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, The Bartolotta Restaurants group has grown to become the premier culinary brand in the Greater Milwaukee region, offering first class service and cuisine across a portfolio of 18 one-of- a-kind restaurants and catering facilities, including fine dining, upscale casual, food halls, executive dining, quick-casual, and airport concepts. More information can be found at bartolottas.com.
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SOURCE The Bartolotta Restaurants
