The Next Bar Is Coming to North Avenue
New tavern proposed for former Upper East Bar.
Site of proposed The Next Bar, 1732 E. North Ave. Photo by Sophie Bolich.
Bar hop, pub crawl, booze cruise — no matter what you call it, Milwaukeeans are known for hitting multiple spots on a night out. That’s not lost on Alex Edwards, who’s making sure his business, The Next Bar, will always be part of that conversation.
“The typical bargoer might go to two or three bars in one night,” he said. “The Next Bar just wants to be that next place they decide to go.”
Edwards and his uncle, James Chappel, plan to open their tavern at 1732 E. North Ave., the former home of Upper East Bar, which closed last summer.
“What I envision is a chill, laid-back establishment … where working-class individuals can come after work, drink responsibly, have a good time and go home safely,” Edwards said.
The Next Bar is slated to open in April with a standard bar program offering craft cocktails and a selection of beers. Edwards said he plans to adjust and expand the menu based on customer feedback.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Edwards launched his first venture, a candy shop, at just 9 years old, operating out of his grandmother’s kitchen window in Midtown.
“The neighborhood loved it,” said Edwards, who put his earnings that summer into a bike. “I just remember those early memories of success and that gratification of serving people.”
Over the years, Edwards has pursued a variety of ventures ranging from real estate to vending machines. He’s also served in several management positions, gaining experience that he said will inform his approach to the proposed tavern.
“I’m familiar with diffusing situations that might arise,” he said.
Chappel, a local investor involved with several Milwaukee-area businesses, has long aspired to branch out on his own, according to Edwards.
The pair were particularly drawn to the eastside building for its location and turnkey status. “It just came together perfectly,” said Edwards. “There’s not much we have to do to get the place up and running.”
In addition to a few coats of fresh paint and some deep cleaning, Edwards said he plans to customize the tavern space with comfortable leather chairs, mirrors — “I know the ladies love to look at themselves” — and plenty of TVs.
The Next Bar will be sports-focused, said Edwards, who noted that he plans to screen a variety of sports, including pay-per-view fights. The tavern would also feature booths for more secluded seating, along with an “entertainment nook” for performances by DJs, jazz musicians and others.
A license application for The Next Bar is pending before the Milwaukee Common Council. If approved, the tavern plans to operate Sunday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Entry will be limited to patrons 25 and older, though Edwards noted that, per state law, younger individuals will be allowed to enter if accompanied by their parents, guardians or spouses of legal drinking age.
“We ask that younger people just be patient with us and wait until they’re older to come hang out,” he said.
The building’s previous occupant, Upper East Bar, opened in February 2022 but closed the same year. It reopened under new ownership in April 2023. Before Upper East Bar, the space housed an Italian wine bar, Baccanera Enoteca, and prior to that, it was the long-time home of the Eastsider.
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