What happens when you combine restaurants, winter, a pandemic, and heated outdoor seating partially inspired by Milwaukee’s favorite form of public transportation? “Streetcar on Lincoln,” of course, an outdoor dining concept coming to Centraal Grand Café & Tappery, 2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., beginning February 18.

“This exclusive escape by rail experience allows guests to enjoy a meal in one of three individual dining cars, complete with colorful and eclectic bohemian décor, and specially outfitted heating systems,” reads a press release. “The Streetcar is installed in the parklet area along Lincoln Ave. and was painted to match the spirit of the surrounding neighborhood.”

Each streetcar can accommodate up to six guests for 90-minute reservations. You can make those reservations at lowlandswinter.com. What do you get with your streetcar experience? Well…

Each reservation includes a Lowlands Snackuterie Box, which are themed boxes with bite-sized grazable, dippable and spreadable selections, including Centraal-specific Mid-Day Munchies, Lox Box and Sweet & Savory Brunch Box. Guests can also order from Centraal’s full menu of family-style food and beverage package options, including favorites like Spiced Pear Mule, Pomegranate Margarita, Taco Trio, the “Banh Mi That’s Good” and Fried Chicken & Biscuits Brunch.

“Streetcar on Lincoln” joins other Lowlands Group outdoor dining concepts like the Lux Domes at Café Benelux, and the Dome Village at Café Hollander.

“I think we’ve all got a bit of wanderlust right now since we’ve been unable to travel,” said Eric Wagner, Lowlands Group CEO, in the press release. “Swapping stories in the dining car of a train is one of the many joys of traveling by railway, and we’re hoping to evoke that feeling of forward motion in a time where everyone is feeling incredibly still and a little trapped.”

Fun! Here’s the full press release:


LOWLANDS GROUP INSTALLS “STREETCAR” ON LINCOLN AVE.
Three dining cars offer unique outdoor experience at Centraal Grand Café & Tappery in the heart of Bay View

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Feb. 17, 2021 – Lowlands Group today announced the launch of “Streetcar on Lincoln” at Centraal Grand Café & Tappery, an expansion of the restaurant group’s popular outdoor winter dining experiences. This exclusive escape by rail experience allows guests to enjoy a meal in one of three individual dining cars, complete with colorful and eclectic bohemian décor, and specially outfitted heating systems. The Streetcar is installed in the parklet area along Lincoln Ave. and was painted to match the spirit of the surrounding neighborhood. The Streetcar officially opens Thursday, Feb. 18.

“I think we’ve all got a bit of wanderlust right now since we’ve been unable to travel,” said Eric Wagner, Lowlands Group CEO. “Swapping stories in the dining car of a train is one of the many joys of traveling by railway, and we’re hoping to evoke that feeling of forward motion in a time where everyone is feeling incredibly still and a little trapped.”

Each of the three Streetcar compartments features a private dining area for up to six guests that can be booked in 90-minute increments. Reservations are available online at lowlandswinter.com and walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability. Each reservation includes a Lowlands Snackuterie Box, which are themed boxes with bite-sized grazable, dippable and spreadable selections, including Centraal-specific Mid-Day Munchies, Lox Box and Sweet & Savory Brunch Box. Guests can also order from Centraal’s full menu of family-style food and beverage package options, including favorites like Spiced Pear Mule, Pomegranate Margarita, Taco Trio, the “Banh Mi That’s Good” and Fried Chicken & Biscuits Brunch.

Throughout the pandemic, Lowlands Group has been a leader for local innovation and safety in its restaurants and outdoor dining experiences. Each patio and parklet installation is scheduled with staggered reservation slots to ensure groups arrive and exit at different times. A 30-minute window is built in between reservations for cleaning and sanitation. In addition to following the city’s Moving Milwaukee Forward Enhanced Approval 72-point safety procedures, Lowlands utilizes atomizer fog machines to target airborne pathogens and bacteria. The Centraal Streetcar compartments also have individual entrance doors with screens which open for fresh air ventilation during and between each reservation.

To coincide with the Streetcar launch, Centraal is extending its live outdoor music series in the heated courtyard through March.

Lowlands Group has outdoor experiences tailored to each of its restaurant’s distinct concepts, from cozy canal houses and Northwoods shanties, to dome villages and heated winter lofts.

“We’ve been blown away by the response to our Outdoor Winter Experiences, and we’re excited to extend that to our guests in Bay View,” added Wagner. “In the midst of this bitter cold snap, our goal is to continue to provide warm, cozy options for getting out of the house and dining together, safely.”

Reservations, details and full menu options are available at lowlandswinter.com. Guests are invited to join Lowlands Group’s loyalty program to receive special offers and updates. To sign up, download “Lowlands Rewards” in the App Store or text the word “Lowlands” to 43618.

Exclusive articles, podcasts, and more. Support Milwaukee Record on Patreon.


RELATED ARTICLES

Here are 25 pictures of the new Centraal Grand Cafe & Tappery

About The Author

Avatar photo
Co-Founder and Editor

Matt Wild weighs between 140 and 145 pounds. He lives on Milwaukee's east side.