Since it opened two years ago, 42 Lounge has been a bastion for all things geek in Milwaukee and has served as a sort of embassy for gamers, cosplayers, anime fans, and Doctor Who aficionados amid a cluster of sports bars, night clubs, and posh gastro-(insert noun)s dominating the bar scene in the heart of downtown. With a devoted clientele and a definitive head start on other geek-centric establishments popping up around the city, 42 Lounge owners Lynn and Tony Nilles are expanding the theme bar that’s succeeded downtown to a second venture a few miles south.
Friday, the owners of the popular geek bar announced on 42 Lounge’s Facebook page plans to open a second establishment, 42 Ale House, in St. Francis. The sprawling bar and restaurant is projected to open in the former site of UBeer (3807 South Packard Avenue, St. Francis) sometime in spring. Unlike its smaller flagship site, 42 Ale House will be more spacious, is said to feature three bars (one outdoor), has patio, and will place an overriding emphasis on a “relaxed and comfortable setting.” Meanwhile, 42 Lounge will carry a “geek nightclub” focus fueled by specialty cocktails.
The announcement also claims, “The location will have a strong focus on beer while offering upscale pub fare with a menu created by chef and restaurateur Jeff Oberholtzer.” More details regarding the opening will be posted periodically at 42 Ale House’s new Facebook page.