Last December, Journal Sentinel reported Vanguard owners Chris Schulist and Jim McCann were exploring the possibility of opening a second bar in the former site of Cloud Bar (111 W. Howard Avenue). Though their plans to bring a cocktail bar to the South Side space were “highly tentative,” talks advanced to the point of Alderman Terry Witkowski holding a meeting with neighborhood residents to see if they’d be receptive to another bar opening in Cloud Bar’s former location.
Evidently, the answer was yes. However, it won’t involve Schulist and McCann. Schulist told Milwaukee Record they’re not involved in the bar that’s coming to the space. Instead, a new venture called “Wërd Bar” will take over the property near the corner of Howard and Howell avenues. According to the bar’s website (which has the domain LiveMusicMilwaukee.com), the Bay View-adjacent establishment will be “your premier live entertainment and bar destination in Milwaukee, WI and the surrounding area.” The business’ description indicates Wërd Bar will have a karaoke machine and they’ll have “live bands perform each night.”
On top of live entertainment and karaoke, Wërd Bar will have 16 draft lines (specializing in Wisconsin craft beer), more than 30 canned and bottled beer options “from around the world,” and a cocktail menu. Wërd Bar joins a suddenly-bustling section of Milwaukee that also boasts Iron Grate BBQ, Hawthorne Coffee Roasters, Bar Rescue‘s own Campbell’s Irish Pub (for sale!), that diner from Joe Pera Talks With You, and the almighty Gold Rush Chicken.
The opening date hasn’t been announced at this time, but a recent update on Wërd’s Facebook page, newly-installed exterior signage, and interior updates all seem to suggest the bar will be in business very soon. Check back for updates. Until then, you can ponder how to pronounce “wërd.”
