There’s a new outdoor patio space coming to Shorewood.
The owners of Camp Bar, 4044 N. Oakland Ave., have announced plans to transform the formerly underutilized space behind their building into an indoor/outdoor Northwoods oasis.
Work has begun on the new addition, which will double the footprint of the longtime bar with the addition of an outdoor patio and multi-use four seasons space. In fact, The Campground is slated to debut toward the end of spring, just in time for patio season.
The new outdoor renovation marks the third and most extensive addition for Camp Bar Shorewood, which was expanded to include a back room and fireplace in 2013 and a game room in 2015.
“After 12 years, we’re making a significant reinvestment in the space,” notes Camp Bar owner, Paul Hackbarth, “We’ll be taking a highly under-used portion of the property and reinventing it to create a new multi-use family-friendly space.”
The Campground
In years past, Camp Bar Shorewood has hosted guests during the summer months on its sidewalk parklet. But all of that will change this summer with the addition of a new 1200-square-foot patio, replacing the concrete parking lot behind the Northwoods venue.
The outdoor space will feature a variety of seating options, along with large split-face field stone fire tables. Crushed granite walkways, landscaping and myriad planters will create a unique space that captures the spirit of sitting fireside in the Northwoods.
“When I think about Up North, I think of my Adirondack chair digging into the red gravel,” says Hackbarth. “I think about the warmth of the fire and kicking back with a drink and friends. As we designed this new space, it was important for us to maintain that same level of comfort and the same immersive look and feel that our Campers have come to know and love.”
Meanwhile, modern amenities, including outdoor televisions, will make the patio an ideal location for enjoying a beer while watching baseball on a warm sunny day.
The Cabin
In addition to the patio, the 1300 square foot outbuilding behind Camp Bar will be transformed into The Cabin: a four seasons space with seating, a gaming space and restrooms.
But The Cabin won't be relegated only for summer use. It will also function as a multi-use, flexible space that can be utilized for both public and private events all year round.
Once completed, the new addition will open up a variety of new possibilities for the 12-year old Camp Bar, including activation of the space with local food options, including food trucks, a live music series starting in late summer and (of course) bigger and better Packer viewing parties beginning in the fall.
For more information on The Campground’s grand opening and related updates, visit campbarmke.com or follow the bar on social media.
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.
