News Summary
Milwaukee welcomes Summer of ’85, a vibrant establishment celebrating the 1980s. Located in Bronzeville, it will offer themed food, drinks, and entertainment. Owners Paul Burgess and Julie Lucas aim to create a family-friendly atmosphere that evokes nostalgia through retro décor and activities, including vintage arcade games. With live music and themed events planned, the venue promises to be a unique addition to Milwaukee’s social scene.
Milwaukee is set to welcome a new establishment that celebrates the vibrant culture of the 1980s. Summer of ’85, located at 2213 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in the Bronzeville neighborhood, will open its doors to the public on Thursday, September 4. This unique venue combines a bar, lounge, and restaurant, designed to evoke nostalgia among patrons through its numerous references to ’80s pop culture.
Paul Burgess and his wife Julie Lucas, both seasoned professionals in the hospitality sector, are behind this exciting venture. Burgess has built an impressive portfolio with experience at several well-known bars and restaurants including Brownstone and Skybox Sports Bar. His aim with Summer of ’85 is to create a family-friendly atmosphere rooted in the past.
Retro Design and Attractions
The bar features vibrant décor that showcases the quintessential elements of the 1980s. Custom murals adorned with ’80s icons, bright colors, and graffiti set the tone for a fun and engaging environment. Guests can also enjoy vintage arcade games like Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam, which add an interactive element to their experience.
Themed Food and Drinks
Summer of ’85 will offer a menu brimming with creative and nostalgic food items. Themed dishes include the Dojo, inspired by the Karate Kid, and the Hulk Hoagie, paying tribute to wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. Drinks offered will feature playful names such as Carmel Chameleon and Ice Man, enhancing the distinctive 1980s drinking experience. To top it off, an actual flux capacitor is purportedly present in the establishment, adding a whimsical twist to the theme.
Family-Friendly Environment
With an eye towards creating a welcoming space for families, Summer of ’85 will include a dedicated kids’ menu and an outdoor seating area. However, to maintain the ambiance, the venue will implement an age restriction of 30 and up after 9 p.m., ensuring that the music and overall atmosphere align with the preferences of the clientele.
Operating Hours and Layout
Summer of ’85 will be open seven days a week, with operating hours from 4 PM to 12 AM Sunday through Wednesday, and extending until 1 AM on Thursday to Saturday. The venue boasts approximately 5,000 square feet of space over two levels, each featuring its own bar, making it a versatile setting for guests to enjoy.
Future Entertainment Plans
Beyond the food and drink offerings, Summer of ’85 plans to host a variety of entertainment events. Future activities include live music, comedy performances, and uniquely themed nights, such as a Back to the Future evening, ensuring that there will always be something exciting for patrons to look forward to.
Music and Atmosphere
To enhance its vibrant environment, DJ GidMoney has been enlisted to provide engaging music performances, contributing to an energetic atmosphere that aligns beautifully with the retro theme. The goal is to not only offer a dining and drinking experience but also to create a memorable setting infused with the essence of the 1980s.
Summer of ’85 promises to be a standout addition to Milwaukee’s social scene, aiming to blend fun, family-friendly entertainment with a nostalgic nod to a beloved decade. As the opening day approaches, anticipation builds for what this innovative establishment will bring to locals and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- TMJ4 News
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee
- Urban Milwaukee
- Google Search: Summer of 85 Milwaukee
- Jsonline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 1980s Pop Culture
- Urban Milwaukee – Grand Openings
- Google News: Milwaukee Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
