By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published May 24, 2023 at 12:01 PM

In January, we brought you the news that 1033 – an elevated 14-seat eatery featuring small plates, a raw bar and more – would be coming to Walker’s Point.

The result of years of conversation over great bottles of wine and delicious food, the intimate restaurant is slated to open on Thursday, May 25 at 5:30 p.m. at 1033 S. 1st St.  Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online.

Eager to learn more before you go?  Read the basics here and watch for a preview of the space and menu tomorrow.

"Less is more" at 1033

Behind the concept are 2A Wine Merchants operators Rob Levin and Tony Bisciglia of WACH Hospitality who’ve worked with Chef Justin Carlisle to bring the menu to life.

“1033 is our philosophy, culture and collective experiences finally brought to life in this small and very personal dining space,” says Bisciglia. “I am excited to be back in a restaurant space and even more thrilled to work with Chef Justin on this project.”

Guests can expect a concept built on simplicity, an intimate dining experience reminiscent of a gathering where guests gather around the kitchen counter, enjoying food and wine together.  

On the menu

At 1033, meals will include a variety of small plates highlighting the simplicity of fresh, seasonal ingredients; raw bar selections flown in from small coastal farmers; high-quality cured meats and cheeses from Wisconsin and beyond; breads from Rocket Baby Bakery, seafood tins and a selection of sweets. 

Raw bar selections
Raw bar selections (Photo: 1033)
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Meanwhile, guests can choose from a curated selection of cocktails and wines which were chosen expressly to pair with the restaurant’s elegant fare. Guests can find the full menu at 1033mke.com.

“1033 is the first project born out of a friendship that believes in the world of hospitality and in bringing energetic, fun gathering spaces to the city of Milwaukee,” says Carlisle “It is elegant comfort with a little grit. Each dish pairs perfectly with the wine options, setting the mood to spend time with friends around the bar.”

Thanks to design by THREE SIXTY, the first-floor space will reflect equal parts elegance and grit, sporting refined details juxtaposed with industrial elements that pay homage to the Walker’s Point neighborhood.

All in all, Levin says, it's like nothing else in the city.

“It’s the process of creativity and imagination working simultaneously to create consistent ‘ah-ha’ emotions,” says Levin, co-owner. “No boundaries. Zero rules. The goal is to not fit in.”

Dinner reservations at 1033 will be required but walk-ins are welcome for the daily “chef’s selection” happy hour. 1033 will also host intimate, private events for up to 30 guests, from standing cocktail parties with appetizers to seated chef’s dinners. 

1033 will be open for dinner service Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Happy hour will take place (beginning June 6) Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m.

Curious fans are invited to follow @1033mke on Instagram. Want more? Rob Levin delves into the philosophy behind 1033 on the FoodCrush Podcast [listen here].

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.