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Dining Month is brought to you through a partnership with Educators Credit Union, Potawatomi Hotel Casino and Saint Kate Arts Hotel.
Marcus Hotels & Resorts has reimagined dining inside the Associated Bank River Center, unveiling two new venues: Upper Bar and River Center Market. Both concepts were created by the culinary team behind Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel. The River Center is located at 111 E. Kilbourn Ave. in downtown Milwaukee.
The new arrivals follow the exit of 41Fork Hospitality, which had been operating multiple concepts in the River Center since August 2023. After two years the company announced it would close River Center Market and Vault Cocktail Bar. Knockbox Coffee, Toro Tacos & Bowls and On Rye Deli wrapped up service on Aug. 15 and Vault concluded operations on Aug. 30.
Upper Bar
Perched above the Milwaukee River, Upper Bar offers a mix of chic style and city views. The indoor-outdoor lounge features a creative cocktail list with options like pistachio espresso martinis, ginger rum palomas and cinnamon-cider margaritas. Guests can also explore curated wines, craft beers, non-alcoholic cocktails and THC beverages. Small plates include specialty flatbreads, sushi rolls from Saint Kate and other shareable dishes.
The bar is designed for both casual drop-ins and private gatherings with flexible rental spaces available. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 4–8 p.m., Friday from 2–10 p.m. and Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight. Private bookings are also available.
River Center Market
On the ground floor, River Center Market offers a casual food hall-style experience. The menu includes soups, salads, deli and artisan sandwiches, smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, Reubens, hot dogs and sides like fries and cheese curds.
Guests can also order burrito bowls, sushi rolls, daily specials such as lasagna casserole and a classic Friday fish fry. Orders can be placed ahead for pickup and loyalty points are available for frequent diners.
The market also features Perk Up, a coffee bar serving drinks made with locally roasted Valentine coffee plus smoothies, teas, breakfast sandwiches, quiche, baked goods and grab-and-go snacks. River Center Market is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“With Upper Bar and River Center Market we’re doing what Marcus does best: elevating downtown Milwaukee’s food and beverage scene with experiences designed to bring people together,” said John Wise, vice president of food and beverage at Marcus Hotels & Resorts.
These new concepts join a portfolio that includes The Bar at Saint Kate, The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails, Proof Pizza, The Pfister Hotel’s Mason Street Grill, Blu and more.
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.
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