News Summary
The Milwaukee community is mourning the loss of Mike Bondar, esteemed bartender and caretaker of Wolski’s Tavern, who recently passed away surrounded by family. A great-grandson of the tavern’s founders, Bondar contributed significantly to its enduring legacy. Known for his wit and ability to remember orders, he was integral in creating the famous ‘I Closed Wolski’s’ bumper stickers. His spirit and warmth will continue to thrive at Wolski’s, now managed by his nephew, as the family honors his memory.
Milwaukee Mourns the Passing of Mike Bondar, Iconic Bartender of Wolski’s Tavern
Milwaukee is grieving the loss of Mike Bondar, the esteemed bartender and caretaker of Wolski’s Tavern, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Bondar, a pillar of the tavern community, was the oldest brother in the family that has run Wolski’s Tavern for four generations, making significant contributions to its enduring legacy.
As a great-grandson of the original founders, Mike Bondar played an integral role in the operations of Wolski’s, which has been a fixture in Milwaukee since it was established in 1908. Known for his sharp wit, warmth, and remarkable ability to remember customer orders, Bondar made Wolski’s not just a bar, but a beloved neighborhood gathering spot.
Located on Pulaski Street, just north of Brady Street in Milwaukee’s Lower East Side, Wolski’s Tavern has been celebrated as a central part of the community for more than a century. The tavern is cherished for its inviting ambiance, camaraderie, and rich traditions, which have earned it recognition as part of America’s “Best Bar City” by Esquire magazine.
In the 1970s, Bondar became well-known for creating the famous “I Closed Wolski’s” bumper stickers, a lighthearted recognition of the regular customers who frequented the bar from noon until closing time at 2 a.m. This humorous gesture has since enjoyed international acclaim, with the stickers being spotted on cars around the globe, including locations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. To keep up with the global demand, Wolski’s Tavern orders between 2,000 and 5,000 stickers each year.
Bondar’s legacy is now being carried forward by his nephew, Sean McCarthy, who has taken on the role of assistant manager. McCarthy reflects on the warmth, humor, and spirit that Bondar brought to the tavern, emphasizing the importance of family tradition at Wolski’s.
Wolski’s Tavern is characterized by its welcoming, family-like atmosphere, which includes the cherished tradition of offering free popcorn to patrons. The Bondar family is committed to continuing Mike’s legacy and the well-known sticker tradition as a tribute to his memory.
In a call to the community, the Bondar family invites patrons to raise a glass in memory of Mike, encouraging them to stay late and share laughter as they honor his spirit, which will continue to thrive at Wolski’s Tavern.
For many locals, the impact of Mike Bondar on Wolski’s Tavern and the greater Milwaukee community is profound, and the establishment will continue to serve as a gathering place that celebrates his cheerful presence and memorable contributions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- TMJ4
- Wikipedia: Wolski’s Tavern
- Fox6 Now
- Google Search: Wolski’s Tavern
- WISN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tavern
- TMJ4 (Farewell)
- Google News: Mike Bondar
- Milwaukee Record
- Google Scholar: Wolski’s Tavern
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.
