We have some good news for you as we head into the long holiday weekend! Busby’s (3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-249-4766) is now open for business. The new bar in Bay View/Fernwood—we’ll be corrected no matter which one we write—that took over the property that was the longtime home of Romans’ Pub—had a friends and family soft opening last night before officially opening to the public today.
Owners Rob and Foga Zellermayer were kind enough to invite Milwaukee Record to last night’s gathering, and we absolutely took them up on the offer to see Busby’s in action.
We’re pleased to report that Romans’ regulars will likely be happy with what Busby’s has done (and hasn’t done) with the place. The look and feel that late Romans’ owner/namesake Mike Romans worked so hard to create during the bar’s 45-year run is still very much present.
Instead of major renovations and a significant thematic overhaul, the Zellermayers—out of respect for the Milwaukee craft beer legend who previously presided over the property—have preserved the spirit of Romans’ for the most part, though some fresh paint, new fixtures, and a few decorative updates are all nice touches. Oh, and people are encouraged to spend time out on the patio this time around.
In true Romans’ spirit, Busby’s has 25 draft beers available, including a wide range of local options, taps from respected out-of-state craft brands, and Hamm’s. We totally missed this last night (when we had the delicious Amorphic Beer you see above), but Milwaukee Record Re-Porter is currently on tap there, too! You’ll also find an assortment of wine, classic cocktails, and N/A beverages.
We could show you more photos, but we want you to experience Busby’s for yourself (also, we ran into a lot of people we knew last night and forgot to take more pictures—whoops!). The bar’s hours are 3 p.m. to midnight Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 3 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday; noon to 2:30 a.m. Saturday; and noon to midnight Sundays. You can also keep up on Busby’s-related happenings on Facebook and Instagram.
