By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Dec 07, 2015 at 1:15 PM

Burke's Irish Castle, 5328 W. Bluemound Rd., has served up its last pint.

General Manager Eric Repka confirmed by phone that the last day of business for the popular west side Irish brewpub was Saturday, Dec. 5.

Owner Sean Burke acquired the bar and restaurant in April 2012 giving it new life with an extensive remodel. 

According to information reported by Urban Milwaukee this afternoon as well as licensure paperwork filed with the City of Milwaukee this November, we've learned that Karlis Vecitis, former owner of Kelly's Bleachers and co-owner of Burke's Irish Castle will retain ownership of the space.

The business, which has tentatively filed under the name DugOut 54, will be reconcepted, but will continue to operate as a bar and restaurant.

Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee for updates as additional details develop.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

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.