Today, Saint Kate – Milwaukee’s first, soon-to-open arts hotel – announced plans for the lounges and eateries that will be located inside the facility.

Aria Café & Bar will offer all-day café and restaurant services featuring a friendly environment with rebooted classic menu items such as blueberry granola pancakes, house-made corned beef hash and the famous Big Boy Burger. Other options will include crispy Amish chicken and shareable plates like charred octopus.

Proof Pizza, a Neapolitan-style pizza joint located adjacent to the hotel, will provide quick lunches during the work day and casual dinners ideal for grabbing a bite prior to a Downtown performance. Proof will offer both specialty and build-your-own pizzas with 48-hour slow-rise dough and homemade tomato sauce, all cooked in under two minutes in a handcrafted brick oven.

Other Proof menu items will include Italian-style pocket sandwiches known as "tascas," fresh seasonal salads, antipasti, desserts and other Italian classics reinterpreted with an artistic twist. Proof Pizza will also have a selection of imported and craft beers, as well as wines.

The lobby bar – aptly named The Bar – will feature a vibrant, social space during the day and at night. Mornings and afternoons will focus on locally roasted coffee, fresh squeezed all-natural juices and cocktails and house-made pastries. In the evening, the space will transform into a lively environment featuring hand-crafted cocktails, draft cocktails. sharable drinks. nitro cold brew cocktails  local beers, a crowd-sourced beer can art program, wines and a special focus on non-alcoholic drinks. 

Finally, the hotel will house Giggly Champagne & Bar, Milwaukee’s only champagne bar. Giggly will offer a collection of champagne and international sparkling wines from some of the world’s finest vintners as well as a full selection of cocktails, beer and bar bites.

Director Brent Hockenberry and Executive Chef Aaron Miles will serve as the creative forces behind these dining and bar endeavors. Both previously served as executive chefs at top hotels across the country.

"Just as art is subjective, so is each person’s individual culinary journey," said Hockenberry. "Our menus will use only the finest, best-in-market ingredients, allowing guests and locals to have fun discovering, creating and tasting new foods, flavors and smells. There will be something to inspire every palate at Saint Kate."

Stay tuned to more information and a First Look from OnMilwaukee.