After nearly 28 years at 1019 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Buck Bradley’s has announced that it will be closing its doors following service on Saturday, July 1.
A statement from long-time owner Walter “Wally” Paget cites health issues as a motivation for the closure.
“With my ongoing health issues the timing was just right for us to consider selling the business. I believe it goes without saying that with all the years my family and I invested into Buck Bradley’s that this decision was not an easy one to make.”
Paget also expresses gratitude for nearly three decades of support from customers.
“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. After 28 years of great nights and rough nights, 28 years of stories that can be told and retold; and some that just can’t, my heart is filled with so much joy to have been a part of an industry I love, in a city that I love.”
Paget established the long-time bar and grill in 1995 alongside his father Bernie Paget Sr. and brothers Bernie Jr. and Danny Paget. Paget continued to run the bar even following the passing of his brother Bernie in 1996 and the loss of both his brother Danny and father Bernie in 2020.
Under his watch, Buck Bradley's provided a well-appointed space to sit down for a meal, socialize and watch athletics games. Well known for its bar, which was said to be the longest "east of the Mississippi", the bar and restaurant will be undoubtedly remembered as a gathering place with an unrivaled, convivial atmosphere.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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