City Still Pausing New Liquor Licenses in Vacant Aldermanic District

Milwaukee City Hall. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.

When Milwaukee’s 3rd Aldermanic District elects a new leader in April, it will not only mark a fresh start for several East Side neighborhoods but also end the months-long pause on new liquor licenses for businesses in the area.

The Milwaukee Common Council typically does not grant new liquor licenses without input from the district’s elected representative, and the third district has lacked that representation since former alderman Jonathan Brostoff‘s passing in November.

A passionate advocate for Milwaukee, Brostoff’s tenure was defined, in part, by a selective approach to granting new liquor licenses — especially on Brady Street, which has a large concentration of alcohol-serving businesses. In his absence, the Milwaukee Licenses Committee has remained true to that method, opting to hold new applications until the seat is filled.

Pending licenses range from dive bars and convenience stores to a sustainable event venue at Riverside Park and an upscale Mediterranean restaurant on Farwell Avenue.

The full list includes Purslane at 1751 N. Farwell Ave., Prairie Springs on Park at 1420 E. Park Pl., The Seafood Shack at 2336 N. Farwell Ave., Donnie’s Bar at 1686 N. Van Buren St., Back Street at 2116 N. Farwell Ave. and Sip & Purr Cat Cafe at 833 E. Brady St.

During a March 6 licenses committee hearing, Purslane owner Mary Kastman opted to proceed without her liquor license, though she said the change wasn’t initially part of her vision. “It doesn’t really fit into the business plan currently,” she said. “This is kind of my baby — my venture — and I want it all to be together as I showcase all of these things.”

Kastman proceeded with her food dealer’s license, hoping to stay on track for a late April or early May opening. While the committee delayed a decision on the liquor license, Kastman may still secure approval before opening.

The new plan will require some adjustment, Kastman said, but she’s determined to make it work. “I’d like to be able to open in any capacity that I can.”

Alderman Scott Spiker clarified that, while the committee is choosing to wait for approval from the new alderperson, the decision ultimately rests with the full council. However, a recommendation from someone familiar with the area is still valuable.

“Whoever it is … I’m sure they’re going to have the latest on the feel of the neighborhood,” he said of the incoming alder. “So without that data point, it just makes it hard for us to make an informed decision.”

The pause has also affected businesses that are already operating. Koppa’s Fulbeli Deli, a convenience store at 1940 N. Farwell Ave., is currently licensed, but the vacancy has delayed its plans for new ownership. The same applies to The Gallery at 2335 N. Murray Ave. While the business does not serve alcohol, new owners are seeking to extend its hours until 3:30 a.m., a change the committee has determined requires aldermanic approval.

Valentine Coffee Roasters‘ upcoming location at 3124 N. Downer Ave. is an exception to the rule, having received a Class B Tavern License in December 2024. Owner Robb Kashevarof told committee members he worked closely with Alderman Brostoff to bring the project to fruition, adding that alcohol sales would comprise just 5% of revenue and end at 6 p.m.

The election for District 3 Alderman will take place on April 1, with Alex Brower and Daniel Bauman as candidates. The winner will hold the seat until April 17, 2028, and is expected to consider at least some of the pending licenses at the next committee meeting scheduled for April 8.