Back in late 2018, Café Benelux unveiled its instantly popular rooftop domes. Now, more than five years later, the Third Ward eatery (346 N. Broadway) is planning something a little more expansive.
Beginning February 26, Café Benelux will close for “major renovations.” Those renovations will include “a completely reimagined bar with 50% more seating, additional booths, including a VIP booth for larger groups, bigger and better TV screens, a new and improved host stand area, and operational improvements to optimize service for guests.”
The restaurant will remain closed—as will its to-go ordering and catering services—through March. It plans to reopen in early April.
The food menu will remain largely untouched. On the beverage side of things, three new tap towers will be added to the bar, “two of which will be exclusive to Café Benelux; both the Duvel tower and the 3-tap Chimay tower will be the only of their kind found in the state of Wisconsin.” Wine on tap and a revamped cocktail menu will also be added.
Café Benelux opened in 2011. It briefly closed for a previous round of renovations in 2017.
Here’s a full press release:
Lowlands Group Announces Upcoming Renovation of Café Benelux
WHAT:
A Lowlands Group hotspot will be undergoing major renovations this spring at their landmark location, Café Benelux, in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.
What started out as a market and restaurant in 2011 quickly became an icon in the Third Ward, known for its Belgian bier, award-winning Bloody Mary’s, great food, brunch, and expansive rooftop. Café Benelux has undergone a few minor renovations over the last 13 years, but this one is going to be the most extensive of them all. Renovations will include a completely reimagined bar with 50% more seating, additional booths, including a VIP booth for larger groups, bigger and better TV screens, a new and improved host stand area, and operational improvements to optimize service for guests.
On the food and beverage side, the majority of the existing Café Benelux staples will remain the same, with several new additions to the menu. In addition, three new tap towers will be added to the bar, two of which will be exclusive to Café Benelux; both the Duvel tower and the 3-tap Chimay tower will be the only of their kind found in the state of Wisconsin. Wine on tap and a revamped cocktail menu will round out the restaurant’s extensive beverage offerings.
The Lowlands Group has collaborated with Three Sixty Design Build and Rev Pop for the design and renovations. While Café Benelux is undergoing construction, Lowlands Group recommends heading south to their Bay View sister restaurant, Centraal Grand Café & Tappery, or north to their original Café Hollander location on Downer Ave.
WHERE:
Café Benelux
346 N Broadway, Milwaukee
(414) 501-2500
www.cafebenelux.com
WHEN:
Renovations are set to begin February 26, 2024 and last through the month of March, with a proposed reopen date of early April. To-go ordering and catering will also come to a halt during construction.
About the Lowlands Group
Lowlands Group owns and operates eight restaurants in Wisconsin including Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club, Café Benelux, Centraal Grand Café & Tappery, as well as Café Hollanders located on Downer Avenue, the Village in Wauwatosa, Hilldale in Madison, Mequon and Brookfield. Its European-inspired grand cafés feature from-scratch cooking and an impressive selection of Belgian beers. The company prides itself in its passion for cycling, bringing neighborhoods together and giving back to the community. More information can be found at lowlandsgroup.com.
The group also operates the Lowlands Brewing Collaborative; a celebration of beer culture that brings the world’s best brewers together to create unique beers available exclusively at the Lowlands Grand Cafés. Learn more at lowlandsbrewing.com.
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