THE BARTOLOTTA RESTAURANTS SHARES FIRST LOOK AT PEACOCK LOUNGE, THE SIGNATURE SOCIAL GATHERING SPACE AT HIGH STAKES BY BARTOLOTTA, AHEAD OF ITS SUMMER 2026 DEBUT
Designed by Jay Franke of Jay Franke Design, Peacock Lounge pairs Art Deco-inspired glamour with spirited cocktail service to bring a fresh flavor to downtown Milwaukee's social scene.
MILWAUKEE – The Bartolotta Restaurants, the premier restaurant and catering organization in the Greater Milwaukee region, is redefining a night out in downtown Milwaukee with High Stakes by Bartolotta, its newest fine dining experience featuring Peacock Lounge, an Art Deco-inspired social destination designed by Jay Franke of Jay Franke Design. Set to debut in summer 2026, Peacock Lounge complements the sophisticated flair of High Stakes by Bartolotta as a gathering place designed for cocktails and conversation. It is a versatile destination for everything from a quick drink and a business meeting to pre- and post-dinner cocktails before a show or a night out.
“We have always believed that memorable experiences extend beyond the plate, and Peacock Lounge is the next evolution of Bartolotta hospitality – intimate and immersive,” says Chef Paul Bartolotta, owner and co-founder of The Bartolotta Restaurants. “We wanted to create an inviting, bespoke space where people can come to ‘see and be seen.’ It’s a gathering place where guests feel like they belong, whether they are stopping in for a drink and a small bite before an event, a cocktail after a show, a nightcap after a long day, or a business meeting before heading somewhere else entirely.
“Downtown Milwaukee is raising its own bar, and Peacock Lounge is here to help set it,” Bartolotta adds. “We recognize all the positive change happening in downtown Milwaukee, and Peacock Lounge is our way of doubling down on our commitment to the community and serving as a catalyst for the city’s continued social growth.”
Peacock Lounge is wrapped in deep peacock-blue hues, blending timeless Art Deco-inspired glamour with contemporary elegance, warm lighting, polished brass accents, and plush seating. The design is meant to transport guests somewhere else entirely. It channels the cosmopolitan design, style, and swagger of London’s Soho and Mayfair, with a nod to the energy of Las Vegas, while still feeling like it belongs in Milwaukee. Like Peacock Lounge, every design detail of High Stakes by Bartolotta is overseen by Jay Franke of Jay Franke Design, creating a seamless transition from drinks to dining.
“For High Stakes by Bartolotta, I crafted a glamorous yet sophisticated palette that captures the dazzling energy of Las Vegas, utilizing rich gold metallics, deep jewel tones and classic Art Deco detailing while remaining elevated and true to Paul’s vision of refined elegance in the heart of Milwaukee,” says Franke. “Peacock Lounge was designed with a glamorous Las Vegas-inspired aesthetic rooted in Art Deco opulence,” Franke adds. “I finished the bar in high-gloss Peacock Blue lacquer (of course), with crisp gold trim to highlight the refined Art Deco detailing, and paired it with antique mirrors that amplify the drama of the stunning back bar. Fringe-accented lounge seating adds a touch of plush luxury, creating a sophisticated, theatrical atmosphere.”
Sound is another layer of the experience at Peacock Lounge, curated with the same intention as its cuisine, cocktails, and decor. “We wanted our guests to feel enveloped in sound,” Chef Bartolotta explains. “It’s about the depth and warmth of the acoustics that really embrace you the moment you walk in. The playlist moves with the night. Sultry beats set the tone throughout dinner service, gradually building to a more energetic soundtrack as the evening unfolds. Every track was thoughtfully selected to create an atmosphere that evolves with the night. Music shapes the atmosphere of a room, and we wanted to create an experience that feels as intentional as every other detail.”
An intimate, stylish space that serves as the centerpiece of High Stakes by Bartolotta, the lounge features a menu of classic cocktails, from martinis to Old Fashioneds, alongside signature creations, including the Peacock Train. The cocktail program is complemented by distinctive bites and elevated small plates available exclusively in the lounge. Peacock Lounge and High Stakes by Bartolotta are located at 1030 N. Water St. in downtown Milwaukee, more information can be found at peacockloungemke.com. More information about The Bartolotta Restaurants, its dining and catering portfolio, and its employment opportunities can be found at bartolottas.com.