High Stakes, Bartolotta Restaurants newest addition

Bartolotta Restaurant’s newest addition to Milwaukee’s food scene, High Stakes, is generating buzz not only for its European-inspired cuisine and luxury atmosphere but also for its creative tribute to the leaders who’ve shaped Milwaukee into the global destination that it is today.

Photo from High Stakes official website

Last week, High Stakes hosted a preview event ahead of the restaurant’s Sept. 17 opening. Attendees toured the space, tasted the cuisine and celebrated the project alongside the Bartolotta team. Upon entering the Milwaukee Players Room, High Stakes’ private dining space, each attendee was met by a framed caricature of themselves on a feature wall among more than 270 other drawings.

According to the Bartolotta team, they chose each featured individual for their contributions to Milwaukee, including economically, environmentally, socially and culinarily.

“For more than 30 years, The Bartolotta Restaurants has had the privilege of calling Milwaukee home and growing alongside the people who have helped shape this city,” said Chef Paul Bartolotta, co-founder and owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants. “The Milwaukee Players Room is our way of recognizing some of those people and the many different ways they have contributed to Milwaukee. It felt especially meaningful to create this room within High Stakes by Bartolotta as we embark on this next chapter and continue to reinvest in our community.”

Chef Paul Bartolotta with MMAC President and CEO Dale Kooyenga

The feature wall will continue to evolve as the city evolves, spotlighting those who are “all in” on the community. The unique concept extends beyond the Milwaukee Players Room into the restaurant’s Peacock Lounge. Visitors can use one of the five decks of custom playing cards featuring the current rotation of Milwaukee Players while enjoying cocktails and small plates.

“It’s spaces like High Stakes that serve as a reminder of how Milwaukee packs a powerful punch,” said MMAC President and CEO Dale Kooyenga. “From its bold and immersive design to its incredible food, High Stakes showcases the kind of creativity and excellence that makes our region stand out. I have no doubt it will become one of Milwaukee’s newest must-visit destinations.”

To learn more about High Stakes, visit: https://www.bartolottas.com/high-stakes