By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Mar 14, 2022 at 10:06 AM Photography: Dan Garcia

After two years in the dark, Punch Bowl Social in Deer District is ready to get social once again as the interactive bar and restaurant will reopen permanently starting Wednesday, March 16. 

Opened in March 2019, Punch Bowl Social, 1122 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., closed just one year later due to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic – and stayed closed since then. But with the combination of first and second round NCAA men's basketball tournament games coming to Fiserv Forum this weekend – including the hometown Wisconsin Badgers – as well as St. Patrick's Day, the high-energy bar and restaurant is ready to open its doors once again. 

“We are eager and ready to re-open our doors to Milwaukee, and we look forward to a bustling week ahead,” said Robert Cornog, Jr., Chairman, CEO and co-founder of Punch Bowl Social, in a release. "I can think of no better place for St. Patrick’s Day revelry and basketball excitement than Punch Bowl Social at Deer District. Punch Bowl Social delivers a unique experience for all of our guests, so we are thrilled to be opening on March 16 with our full menu and entertainment experience."

One of the first bookings in Deer District, Punch Bowl Social features elevated diner-esque comfort food; several bars serving up a full menu of cocktails, mocktails and craft brews; quirky decor; and games around just about every corner, including bowling, board games, pool, darts, karaoke rooms and much more. For a deeper look, check out Lori Fredrich's first look back in 2019. 

“We are thrilled to have Punch Bowl Social back for our fans and all guests of Fiserv Forum and Deer District,” said Michael Belot, Senior Vice President of Ventures and Development for the Milwaukee Bucks, in a release. “Punch Bowl Social’s restaurant and entertainment features play an important role in Deer District’s environment and comprehensive offerings.” 

Punch Bowl Social will open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. until midnight, Fridays from 2 p.m. until 2 a.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. until midnight. The locale will also open on select Mondays and Tuesdays when Fiserv Forum is hosting notable events, such as Bucks home games and concerts. 

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.