UPDATE (7/18/23): As expected, 5520 W. Vliet will be the new site of Biersal, a bar for which service industry veteran Eric Gutbrod was recently raising funds to open in Washington Heights. Read more about Gutbrod’s plans for Biersal and the historic building at OnMilwaukee.
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Following more than 20 years in business, Wonder Bar (5520 W. Vliet St.) is no more. The charming, no-frills tavern and Washington Heights drinking hub’s final day of operation was Sunday. Dan Shafer of The Recombobulation Area first announced the impending closure on Twitter on Saturday night.
Last call at the Wonder Bar.
The Vliet Street staple was purchased and staff has been informed that tomorrow is the bar’s last day. End of an era. pic.twitter.com/KUjaGkiLZG
— Dan Shafer (@DanRShafer) July 16, 2023
Our calls to Wonder Bar on Sunday were not answered. We didn’t doubt the 17-time Milwaukee Press Club Award winner (who’s also an occasional contributor at Milwaukee Record), but today’s message on Wonder Bar’s exterior sign further confirms the unfortunate news.
Officially official. The Wonder Bar is closed. pic.twitter.com/Ic2O3jkJPK
— Dan Shafer (@DanRShafer) July 17, 2023
Stay tuned for more information on what’s coming next to 5520 W. Vliet. Until then, pour one out for Wonder Bar. We only made it there two or three times personally, but we enjoyed our visits, and we know this one hurts more than a few folks who live in and around Washington Heights.
