By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Feb 01, 2021 at 12:35 PM

After three years in its current location at 3001 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Belli’s Bistro & Spirits is making a move.

The restaurant, which serves up a menu of American and Southern style fare, closed last week in preparation for the move into the former Honeypie Cafe space at 2643 S Kinnickinnic Ave.

Honeypie Cafe exteriorX

Belli’s owner, Charmice Dodson, says that they are currently working to make cosmetic changes to the space, with a hopeful reopening in late February or early March.

“We think there’s a real advantage to being located in the heart of the Bay View,” she says, noting that the new location offers a variety of advantages, including being in a more highly trafficked area. The new location, she says, is not only more conveniently located for many of its customers, but also has the added benefit of an outdoor patio space.

“We very much look forward to continuing to bring great service and delicious food to the Bay View community at our new location,” she adds.

Honeypie Cafe still serving

Honeypie Cafe, which officially announced its move to the former Alchemist Theater space at 2569 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. this summer (and plans to make their full move later this spring)  is currently operating out of the kitchen at Palomino, 2491 S. Superior St., with curbside pick-up available Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A new restaurant is also on the way to the former Belli's Bistro space. Watch OnMilwaukee for details as they solidify.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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 each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, 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.