Joe Bartolotta
President & Co-owner
Bartolotta Restaurants
Joe Bartolotta is both an ambassador for Milwaukee tourism and a major player in the local culinary scene. His restaurants span from Northpoint Custard, a beachfront burger and frozen custard stand, to Ristorante Bartolotta, one of the best Italian restaurants in Milwaukee.
How was it growing up in Milwaukee versus living and working there now?
Growing up in Milwaukee, my perspective was one of naivety and wonder; I had no fears or concerns about where I lived, since it was just my home and it’s all I knew. Now as an adult and as a business owner in Milwaukee, my perspective has shifted. I’m very focused on the vitality and the health of this city. I have a vested interest in seeing it succeed. I’m pleased with how this city has exploded over the past 10 years. Milwaukee is a more forward-thinking city now than when I was growing up, and it’s become a magnet for young people, who are changing the face of the city.
Tell us a little about the restaurants you operate.
Nearly all of our spaces appeal to groups. We have three large catering facilities that hold upward of 3,000 people—Pier Wisconsin at Discovery World; the historic Grain Exchange; and our newest venture, Downtown Kitchen in the US Bank Center—as well as a variety of restaurants around the city that are ideal for more intimate gatherings of 10 to 200 people. I’d say two of the most appealing are Bacchus and Lake Park Bistro. Our “trendiest” location would likely be Downtown Kitchen, which is an upscale food court with a huge variety of high-quality food offerings. The space is modern and wide open with a view of the lake and the city, and ideal for breakfast and lunch gatherings during the week, as well as private events in the evenings and on weekends.
What are a couple great culinary experiences you would recommend for groups meeting in Milwaukee in 2015?
I think you can’t go wrong with visits to Milwaukee classics like Usinger’s, Lakefront Brewery, the Spice House and the Milwaukee Public Market.
For newer culinary experiences, I’d recommend the Fifth Ward, where you can hit up a lot of local favorites all in one small area, including Great Lakes Distillery, Purple Door Ice Cream and Clock Shadow Creamery.