The pandemic has brought with it completely new ways to enjoy the outdoors and socialize while still maintaining physical distancing.
Enter brand new al fresco spaces like the new Lux Container Bar & Socially Distant Terrace at Café Benelux in Milwaukee’s Third Ward, which officially opens to the public today at 4 p.m.
The new patio space, which seats about 100, is located in the parking lot just to the south of the café Benelux. With tables spaced six feet apart and Adirondack chairs flanking the patio area, this casual service venue appears to be a lovely stop for casual eats (including walking sandwiches), draught bier and cocktails.
"Summer in Wisconsin is short and we’re hoping we can make it a little bit sweeter this year," noted Eric Wagner, Lowlands Group CEO in a release about the project. "We’re grateful to our neighbors who came together to make this new experience possible, and we look forward to welcoming people to enjoy a bit of a respite and some fun as long as the weather lasts."
The Lux Container Bar & Socially Distant Terrace is open Friday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to close; and Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to close. As always, don't forget your mask!
In other Lowlands patio news
Café Hollander on Downer Ave. also recently expanded its outdoor seating area with the addition of a parklet right on Downer Ave.
And, the Tosa Village Beer Garden, located just outside of Buckatabon, is offering walk-up biergarten-style service again this summer with hours Monday through Friday from 2 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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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