Wisconsin Pizza Authority Is Closed

Wisconsin Pizza Authority has been slinging pies in the Lower East Side neighborhood for nearly six years. That is, until the restaurant abruptly went dark earlier this week.

WPA, 1888 N. Humboldt Ave., was still fulfilling orders as recently as Saturday, but is now completely empty, save for a couple of tables, chairs and a roll of trash bags.

Owner Luis Castillo confirmed the closure Friday morning, explaining that the restaurant’s lease had ended and “we couldn’t renew the lease.”

“We’re looking for a new place,” he added.

Castillo said he is not necessarily looking to open the exact same restaurant, or even one in Milwaukee, though a new WPA in a different location is not out of the question.

WPA last renewed its annual food dealer license in February.

Castillo shared a parting message to his customers.

“Thanks for the five years,” he said. “We had a lot of very good customers on the East Side.”

WPA opened at the lively intersection of Humboldt Ave. and Kane Pl., joining well-established Finks and BelAir Cantina at the corner. From the start, the restaurant boldly laid claim to being the authority, not a mere devotee or aficionado, on pizza. For what it’s worth, there was a general consensus that the pizza was quite good.

If nothing else, the restaurant was notable for its expansive menu, which included 39 specialty pizzas and 18 calzone variations, along with pasta, sandwiches, salads, wings, sides, breadsticks and desserts.

WPA occupied the first floor, northwest corner of Kane Place Lofts. The location, which previously held Baba Ghanouj, Greek Village Gyros and Maglio Pizza, has seen a great deal of turnover in recent years.

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