Caribbean Restaurant Leaving Bay View

Sabor Tropical. Photo by Cari Taylor-Carlson.

After six years of operation in Bay View, Sabor Tropical has temporarily closed, with plans to reopen this spring in a different location, according to a Sunday announcement.

The Caribbean-inspired bar and restaurant shared in an online post that it did not renew its lease at 2258 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., citing a rent increase. While the new address has not yet been revealed, the business said a “quarter million dollar” remodel is already underway, and noted plans to reopen by this May, in time for Cinco de Mayo.

The update follows a December 2024 announcement that the bar and restaurant would close Jan. 1 for a remodel, name change and menu revamp. However, the business has since shifted its approach.

In its message, Sabor Tropical thanked area Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and “everyone that has supported us.”

During its time on Kinnickinnic Avenue, Sabor Tropical offered a wide array of dishes from Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. Highlights included mofongo relleno, ropa vieja and mar y tierra (surf and turf), which featured skirt steak, lobster tail and shrimp. The restaurant also served desserts like fried cheesecake, mini rum cakes and flan. The business doubled as a rum bar, featuring a selection of 20 craft cocktails ranging from tart pisco sours to comforting coquito.

Sabor Tropical originally opened in 2018 under Jesse Fonseca and his partners, Stephen Gonzales and Carmen Munoz. While Fonseca is no longer listed on the business’s license, he was introduced as its manager during a 2024 license renewal hearing. A current license lists Julio Arias as the registered agent and 100% owner.

Fonseca, founder of Fiesta Latina MKE, also previously operated Caliente Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar with Munoz and Hernan Castillo.

Fonseca was charged in December 2022 with three felony counts and three misdemeanors related to stalking, domestic abuse, intimidating a victim and attempted bribery of a witness, among other offenses, according to Wisconsin court records. He initially plead not guilty in March 2023, but changed his plea to guilty for counts of stalking (domestic abuse) and intimidating a victim during a Jan. 16 hearing. Four other counts were dismissed. A sentencing hearing is set for April 14.

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