Campsite 131 to open in Third Ward

Campsite 131, the newest concept from Camp Bar owner Hackbarth Hospitality Group, will bring a rustic-chic design and a focus on wine when it opens Friday, March 1 in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.

Located at 131 N. Jackson St. in the former Chic Lounge space, the new bar sits just a block away from Camp Bar’s Third Ward location. Hackbarth Hospitality, which is owned by Paul and Natalia Hackbarth, also operates Camp Bar locations in Wauwatosa and Shorewood.

Campsite will echo the traditional Camp Bar environment– cozy and reminiscent of the Northwoods– but in a 2,000-square-foot space with modern decor, the bar will have a more intimate and elegant feel, said Adriana Ramirez, director of operations at Hackbarth Hospitality Group.

The smaller concept has allowed the hospitality group to hone in on certain aspects of the bar such as building a more robust wine selection, Ramirez said. Its full bar menu will offer a variety of “unique” wines that will be served by the bottle and by the glass.

But for those with other tastes, “there is something for everybody,” Ramirez said. That includes ice cream-based cocktails and a selection of old fashions that is a bit simpler than Camp’s menu of 10 to fifteen varieties.

Campsite’s food menu will be similar to Camp’s– sharable bar fare including a flatbread-style pizza made by Cranky’s in Wauwatosa.

“This is something new and exciting on the brand side of things,” Ramirez said. “It’s outside of what we know and are excited to introduce it to the public.”

Campsite will open a outdoor patio on the sidewalk along Jackson Street this summer.

Starting March 1, The bar will be open Wednesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 2 p.m. to close and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to close.