Carbon Steak, located at 725 N. Milwaukee St., is preparing to serve its last steaks on Saturday, July 19, making way for a high-energy new concept designed to cater to modern diners.
The Conroy, a contemporary cocktail lounge featuring shareable, globally inspired small plates, is part of an intentional evolution of the brand that incorporates the Volante Restaurant Group’s vision for a more dynamic, accessible vibe and greater value while continuing to offer uncompromising quality and service.
The name, The Conroy, pays homage to the building’s legacy, which dates back to 1881 when James Conroy built it to accommodate his ice cream business. But it also aims to reflect the building’s evolution as a Downtown gathering place.
The Conroy will officially open its doors to guests beginning on Tuesday, July 22 at 5 p.m., offering a curated menu of small plates from Chef Matt Molli, who will remain at the helm of the new venue.
Molli’s menu will include favorite shareable items, including Caviar Flights ($30), Japanese A5 Wagyu ($55), Spicy Radiatori ($11), and Saffron Mussels ($15).
New offerings will include Butter-poached Lobster Tacos ($27), a House-Blend Burger ($16) and Caribbean Chicken Skewers ($13). Seasonal updates will ensure that the menu continues to evolve.
On the beverage side, the bar will focus on contemporary and elevated takes on classic cocktails that will be showcased during a daily happy hour featuring $10 wine pours, $12 martinis, $12 Old Fashioneds and "Bubbles & Bumps" featuring select caviar bumps and sparkling or champagne specials.
Guests can also look forward to premium red and white wine pours for $20 (and bottles for half price) on Thursdays; and Champagne Hour with $15 sparkling pours and full bottle service from 10 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays.
The lounge’s modern, elegant interior remains largely unchanged, with subtle enhancements and a custom divider creating intimate separation within the open floor plan. A sidewalk patio is also in the works.
Beginning July 22, The Conroy will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. All large party reservations, gift cards and loyalty points from Carbon Steak will be honored at The Conroy.
The Conroy is currently hiring experienced bartenders. To apply, please email info@theconroylounge.com.
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.
