Bartolotta to Open New Steakhouse in Downtown Milwaukee

The Bartolotta Restaurants to revive former Rumpus Room space with European-inspired concept

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Bartolotta Restaurants announced plans to open a new European-inspired steakhouse called High Stakes by Bartolotta in the former Rumpus Room gastropub space on Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. The new restaurant is slated to open this spring, reviving a space that has been vacant since Rumpus Room's closure at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Why it matters

The opening of High Stakes by Bartolotta represents a significant investment in downtown Milwaukee's dining scene, as the Bartolotta group aims to re-activate the Water Street corridor and contribute to the neighborhood's ongoing revitalization. As a well-known and respected hospitality brand in the region, the new steakhouse concept is expected to draw both locals and visitors to the area.

The details

High Stakes by Bartolotta will feature a 'cosmopolitan atmosphere, refined menu, whimsical details, and signature Bartolotta hospitality,' including a Peacock Lounge for cocktails and light bites. The interior design, led by Jay Franke of Jay Franke Design, will draw inspiration from the glamour of London lounges and private social clubs with a 1930s Art Deco influence. In addition to the main dining room, the restaurant will also offer an intimate private dining space.

  • The Rumpus Room first opened in 2011 and closed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
  • A commercial alteration permit was filed with the city in June 2025 as Bartolotta's began renovating the space.
  • High Stakes by Bartolotta is slated to open this spring.

The players

The Bartolotta Restaurants

A Milwaukee-based hospitality group that operates 18 restaurants and catering facilities across southeastern Wisconsin, including Bacchus, Lake Park Bistro, Harbor House, Ristorante Bartolotta, Joey Gerard's and Mr. B's.

Paul Bartolotta

Chef and co-owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants, who previously led Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas, earning a second James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 2009.

Jay Franke

The interior designer heading up the design work on High Stakes by Bartolotta, drawing inspiration from the glamour of London lounges and private social clubs with a 1930s Art Deco influence.

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What they’re saying

“I am excited to bring this space back to life for Milwaukee and our visitors as an all-new Bartolotta restaurant. High Stakes by Bartolotta will be unlike anything The Bartolotta Restaurants has done before, serving as a stylish and energetic destination in downtown Milwaukee for fine dining, incredible cocktails, and social gatherings, and an intimate private dining room.”

— Paul Bartolotta, Chef and co-owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants (biztimes.com)

What’s next

The new High Stakes by Bartolotta restaurant is slated to open this spring, reviving the former Rumpus Room space on Water Street in downtown Milwaukee.

The takeaway

The opening of High Stakes by Bartolotta represents a significant investment in downtown Milwaukee's dining scene, as the Bartolotta group aims to re-activate the Water Street corridor and contribute to the neighborhood's ongoing revitalization with a new upscale steakhouse concept.