This month, Camp Bar, 4044 N. Oakland Ave., celebrated its one-year anniversary.

Owners Paul and Natalia Hackbarth modeled the lodge-like bar after their cabin in Star Lake complete with Native American patterns on "stick chairs," classic Up North signage and taxidermied animals.

They also decked the place out with four 60-inch flatscreens and one massive 80-inch TV behind the bar. 

The results were extremely well received by customers, so much so that after a couple of months, it was clear to the Hackbarths that they needed more room. Luckily, they also owned the space next door and so they expanded with a second room, which they call "the cabin," last spring.

Recently OnMilwaukee.com caught up with Natalia to reflect on the past year and the future of Camp Bar.

OnMilwaukee.com: So how was the first year for Camp? Can you even sum it up?

Natalia Hackbarth: The first year was definitely more than we could have imagined. The overwhelming support of the community and our patrons was amazing. Being the first time we have ever opened a bar we had no idea what to expect. The first few months were a learning experience but as a team we worked together to make an efficient system. 

OMC: How is the new space working out? 

NH: The new space has been great for private parties. We have had birthdays, retirement parties, high school reunions and even wedding rehearsal dinners. We love that we can offer this space for rentals. And of course when it is not rented it is open to the public and adds more seating and a cozy area with the fireplace lounge. 

OMC: Aside from the new room, what changes did Camp make through the year?

NH: We added more wines on tap, our beer list has grown extensively. Mainly because we have a lot of inquiries for certain beers, so we wanted to have a great list for our patrons. We added trivia on Mondays which has been successful and live music on Wednesdays.

OMC: Did you sell a lot of old fashioneds throughout the year?

NH: The old fashioned is definitely our most popular signature drink. We do have five total: The Camp Bar Classic, Speakeasy, Southern Belle, Maple Leaf and The Real McCoy.

OMC: What has been the biggest challenge of the year? 

NH: Well, having never opened a bar, the biggest challenge was to learn the whole process and continue to make it a success. Also, when we became so busy that people would walk in and walk out, it was a challenge to figure out how to solve this problem, and that is when we chose to expand and open The Cabin in May. 

OMC: How has Shorewood been as a community toward your business? 

NH: Very supportive. Our patrons love the neighborhood bar and being able to walk to a spot they can hang out at. Something we hear a lot is how people love the diverse age range. It is not just young or old and everyone feels comfortable in this type of environment. 

OMC: What are Camp's resolutions / hopes / plans for 2014? 

NH: Just to continue to reach more people with the camp concept and spreading the word. There are so many people that come in weekly having never been here and absolutely love it saying they can't wait to come back.

We want to keep that going. A goal is to start doing more events like beer or wine tastings and fun game nights. We have kept the option open of expanding into our other business Sound By Design. And if we did, we would love to make it a game / billiard room and make the fireplace double-sided.

OMC: Do you plan to open any other bars in the near or far future? 

NH: It has come up, but currently we are waiting on that. It very much could be in our future. 

OMC: What was the highlight of last year?

NH: Our anniversary party and seeing everything come full circle. It was such a fun night and we had so many regulars, family and friends come in to celebrate. It was definitely a great memory. 

OMC: How many bartenders do you have now? 

NH: We currently have six bartenders and five servers. And six of those staff members have been with us for the entire year we have been open. Which we feel very blessed to have had. We appreciate our staff tremendously and they have been a huge part of Camp's success. We all work as a team and learn from each other.