Some historic neighborhood institutions come and go, while some become icons. Mandatory Milwaukee is all about the latter. This week: Falcon Bowl.
On June 25, 2021, Milwaukee Record published an article with a headline that read: “Let’s all chip in and buy Falcon Bowl for $249,000 and not turn it into something awful.” That post was written in response to learning the historic bowling alley, corner bar, occasional events space, and all-around neighborhood hub located at 801 E. Clarke St. was for sale. The real estate listing was public, the news was out, and the fate of a Riverwest staple that originally opened way back in 1915 was suddenly in the wind.
It could’ve been bad. With such a low asking price for a place in the heart of Riverwest, the building—or hell, even just the parcel of land the building was situated on—could have easily been turned into any number of shortsighted, trendy, and, yes, “awful” things. Thankfully, though, our call was answered and a group of buyers came in (at double the original asking price, no less) in late 2022 to keep Falcon Bowl intact.
Since then, the bar has been open, the alleys have remained active, and the connected hall has hosted events like “Falcon Flea” markets, dance classes, and a handful of concerts. While preserving the iconic space, ownership has also been quietly making some interior improvements and operational adjustments with the plan to “breathe new life” into the longstanding Milwaukee treasure. Almost two years later, Falcon Bowl is ready to take flight as a full-fledged entertainment venue and multi-use Riverwest destination.
Kitt Pellegrini. Photo: Tommy Moore
A significant addition to Falcon Bowl by the new owners is the hiring of Kitt Pellegrini. Prior to coming on as Falcon Bowl’s booker and general manager, Pellegrini got his start as a jack of all trades at Miramar Theatre before spending six years as a part of the Pabst Theater Group team, where he specialized in events staffing and played a part in booking some shows.
“Honestly, the big thing that really had my career in booking at the Pabst steady was booking local bands,” Pellegrini says. “The locals are really the ones that kept me going through the years.”
He plans to continue his locally-minded booking approach in his new role, while also trying to establish Falcon Bowl as another option for up-and-coming touring acts to play while passing through Milwaukee.
“My favorite part about working [at Pabst Theater Group] and at The Miramar was working with artists at their entry point into the market,” Pellegrini says. “Being able to see them early on in their careers and seeing where they end up is really awesome. It’s the best part of the music industry.”
In recent months, Falcon Bowl has installed a permanent box office (to allow the hall to operate completely independent from the bar and bowling portions of the building), partnered with VenuePilot independent ticketing platform, and became a National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) member. In addition to the behind the scenes changes, the 225-capacity hall at Falcon Bowl has undergone a number of significant interior improvements.
Photo: Tommy Moore
In just the last few weeks, the stage was extended to make it deeper and to allow for the eventual use of drum risers. Subwoofers were installed at the base of the stages.
Photo: Tommy Moore
A new P.A. system and updated lighting were also installed. A projector screen is in the works. And for the first time in a long time (or possibly ever), this sprawling room that mostly sat empty for the last 20 years will have a dedicated sound person on staff.
“The goal with the new sound system is definitely to start attracting some touring acts,” Pellegrini says. “I don’t want to ruffle feathers and I’m not trying to poach anybody. I just want to work with everybody in town. I hope that Cactus Club, X-Ray, and anybody that’s part of NIVA will want to partner with us. I’d love to work with those guys.”
Photo: Tommy Moore
Another major change is the creation of a green room and private events space that’s situated behind the stage. “The Falcon’s Nest”—a name given to the area by Falcon Bowl’s beloved bar manager Graeme McDonald, who passed away last month—is a cozy place with a bar, private entrance, and private bathroom where performers can unwind, where intimate acoustic shows can happen, or where private group rentals can occur on nights there isn’t an event taking place.
“This room is just untapped. It’s a huge space that has a bar built in, and was only ever used by the Polish Falcons as a sort of meeting space in the past,” Pellegrini says. “I don’t even think the former owner knew it was back here. It was caked in dust, but the first thing I wanted us to do was to renovate this into a multi-functional space.”
Photo: Tommy Moore
In fact, Pellegrini says he and the rest of the Falcon flock “just want the whole building in general used.” Beyond concerts and comedy shows, he says he envisions the building as a host site for weddings, celebrations of life, dance parties, conventions, baby showers, Magic The Gathering tournaments, and pretty much anything else. And with the layout of the building, that can be accomplished without getting in the way of bowling leagues or bugging patrons at the no-frills tavern that both share a roof with the hall.
“What we’re trying to accomplish is to breathe new life—not only into the building, but into the neighborhood,” Pellegrini says. “Breathing new life, while being cognizant of the neighborhood’s history and the history of the building is what we’re trying to balance. Riverwest needs a place that has that consistent presence where people can go to have a good time together.”
Pellegrini says people can get a tour of Falcon Bowl during this weekend’s Doors Open Milwaukee festivities beginning at 1 p.m. both days. On Thursday, October 3, people will be able to see/hear the improvements in the hall firsthand during a free “Soft Opening Show” that features Cripes, Bunk Bed, and Oh Geeez, Not Again.
