‘Fancy’ Bar Planned For Washington Heights

5518-5520 W. Vliet St. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.

While moonlighting as a bartender in the tiny Wisconsin village of Rome, Nate Stiemke‘s daytime uniform, a suit and tie, earned him the nickname Fancy.

That moniker will live on as the name of his first business venture, a bar planned for the former Biersal Tavern at 5520 W. Vliet St.

With a target opening date in late summer, Fancy’s hopes to revive the corner building as a neighborhood hangout. “I’m really shooting for that classic corner bar,” Stiemke said, noting plans for a pool table and several TVs. “People in the neighborhood said they wanted a place to sit down and watch the game, and I agree,” he said.

Behind the bar, 16 tap lines will feature a mix of local craft and domestic brews. “High Life on tap is definitely going to be a thing here,” said Stiemke, adding that he’ll also offer a list of “really good quality cocktails.”

Stiemke, whose career also includes bar management and wine sales, stumbled upon the Washington Heights space through a Facebook ad. “I messaged the owners right away,” he said. “As soon as I saw it in person, I was like, ‘I need to be in this place.’”

The building, owned by Andy and Keri Guidinger, has been home to a variety of tavern concepts over the decades, with recent tenants including Wonder Bar and Biersal. Stiemke plans to preserve elements from both, including the extensive renovations completed by former Biersal operator Eric Gutbrod.

“The bar itself is beautiful,” he said, pointing to the tin ceiling, wood-paneled walls and original armrest rail. “You can see all the marks on it from people from way back in the day. I just thought it was awesome that they were able to preserve a bit of the history.”

He’s also considering bringing back Wonder Bar’s free-peanut tradition, but with a cleaner alternative to tossing shells on the floor. “I heard there was a lot of cleanup,” he said. “But I’ll definitely have some sort of peanut-esque something available.”

Stiemke’s own additions will include new seating, a popcorn machine and antique oak booths rescued from another local bar. Updated signage is also in the works.

A license application for Fancy’s is pending before the Milwaukee Common Council. If approved, the proposed hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with the possibility of earlier openings during neighborhood events.

Stiemke said he’s eager to make his mark on the historic building.

“I love all the history of the place, from it being built by a church to sell potatoes out of during the Great Depression, to being The Four Walls, to the Wonder Bar. That’s definitely something I’d like to keep represented, and hopefully be a big part of the building’s history down the line.”

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