EXPLORIUM HOSPITALITY GROUP LAUNCHES EXPLORIUM DISTILLED IN DEER DISTRICT
New concept blends craft brewing, curated spirits and small-batch experimentation
–Grand-opening event to take place on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m.–
MILWAUKEE (Sept. 22, 2025) – Explorium Hospitality Group will launch Explorium Distilled at a grand-opening event on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. at 333 W. Juneau Avenue in the space formerly occupied by Good City Brewing.
“The Explorium Distilled name carries a duo of meanings,” said Mike Doble, Co-Founder of Explorium Hospitality Group. “We’ve distilled everything we’ve learned from our previous ventures to create food, drink and beer offerings honed to their very best. It also points to what’s ahead—our plans for a future micro-still where we can experiment with small-batch spirits and house-made cordials.”
The new venue combines the creativity of Explorium’s award-winning craft brewing with a carefully curated selection of spirits, delivering an experience that celebrates exploration, flavor and innovation in every pour.
“Deer District continues to evolve as Milwaukee’s premier destination for people to live, work and play, and we are thrilled to welcome Explorium Distilled into the mix,” said Michael Belot, Milwaukee Bucks Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Chief Real Estate Development Officer. “With its proven track record as a best-in-class operator in Milwaukee, Explorium brings exceptional craftsmanship and a shared vision for the vibrant future of Deer District.”
Guests can expect a menu featuring a core of Explorium Brewpub favorites alongside new entrées, signature flatbreads and a standout selection of tacos, marking a tasty nod to the hardworking kitchen team that remained steadfast through the transition.
“We want Explorium Distilled to be more than just a stop before the game,” said Joan Doble, Co-Founder of Explorium Hospitality Group. “Our goal is to create an everyday gathering place that celebrates everything that makes my hometown great: a space where friends, neighbors and visitors alike can feel the energy of Milwaukee while enjoying exceptional food and drink.”
Inside, the décor offers a playful salute to both Milwaukee’s favorite basketball team and the artistry of distilling. A striking new mural by local artist Alain Poma, creator of murals in Black Cat Alley and Ivanhoe Plaza on Milwaukee’s Eastside neighborhood, anchors the bar area and ties together design elements celebrating the worlds of brewing and spirits.
“As a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, it is truly an honor to have the opportunity to bring color and vibrancy to our community gathering spaces,” said Poma. “I had an incredible amount of fun capturing the majesty of the buck and incorporating Explorium’s whiskey and beer craftsmanship into this new mural’s design. My hope is this mural inspires more public art initiatives and excites aspiring artists to chase their dreams.”
The public is invited to celebrate the launch of Distilled on Thursday, Sept. 25, starting at 4 p.m. Festivities include featured cocktails, complimentary appetizers and live music by Tommy Odetto, a San Francisco–born blues-rock guitarist now proudly based in Milwaukee, performing from 4:30-7 p.m.
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