Milwaukee chef, Paul Bartolotta, opens new steakhouse revitalizing Water Street area

‘My stake in the ground’: Milwaukee chef, Paul Bartolotta, opens new steakhouse revitalizing Water Street area

High Stakes by Bartolotta opened in September near Water Street and Highland Avenue.

MILWAUKEE —

A new restaurant is open in downtown Milwaukee, and it’s in the center of one of the city’s busiest nightlife districts.

High Stakes by Bartolotta is a European-inspired steakhouse and cocktail lounge near Water Street and Highland Avenue.

The restaurant takes over the Rumpus Room, which was previously owned by the Bartolotta Group until it shut down in 2020, bringing new energy to an important part of downtown.

A European take on the American steakhouse

The inspiration for the restaurant’s unique design came from a trip to a department store in London.

While shopping there, Bartolotta’s wife purchased a vividly patterned pillow, which Bartolotta brought to a meeting with his designer as a visual representation of the atmosphere he wanted.

“He said, ‘I know exactly what you want,'” Bartolotta said. “You want something between the private clubs in London and a little bit of glitz like LA or Vegas, without being too gimmicky.”

That combination helped shape High Stakes and the Peacock Lounge, where guests can stop in for cocktails.

Casino-themed decorations, like custom playing cards used as coasters, also appear throughout the restaurant, another nod to the restaurant’s name.

Raising the stakes in downtown Milwaukee

More than another restaurant, the new project represents Bartolotta’s personal commitment to revitalize the Water Street area.

“It’s my stake in the ground, saying we are investing in Milwaukee,” Bartolotta said. “Doing something on Water Street is critical. It’s a major thoroughfare.”