By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Feb 20, 2020 at 11:01 AM Photography: Lori Fredrich

Last October, we brought you the news that DEER CAMP, a new venue from Hackbarth Hospitality, would be coming to the former Trio space at 1023 N. Old World 3rd St.

Well, the day is swiftly approaching. In fact, DEER CAMP is slated to open to the public on Friday, Feb. 28.

The venue, cleverly named for its proximity to Fiserv Forum, will capitalize on the well-established Camp Bar brand, offering guests a cozy rustic environment in which to enjoy drinks and a small menu of food items.

As for what to expect in terms of look and feel, co-owner Paul Hackbarth says they've doubled down on the rustic charms that make Camp Bar appealing. We're eager to see exactly what that entails.

So stay tuned. We'll have a first look at the space closer to its opening.

In the meantime, you can catch a few teasers by following DEER CAMP on Instagram.

Once open, DEER CAMP's hours will be Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday from 2 p.m to 2:30 a.m., Saturday from noon to 2:30 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 2 a.m.

Also in the works

In the months ahead, we'll also have an update on VISTA, the unique Downtown event space which will inhabit the upper portion of the building on Old World Third. The events venue will operate similarly to The Atrium in Shorewood, providing guests with options for both a second floor indoor venue along with a flexible rooftop space overlooking Downtown. VISTA is expected to showcase an elegant-yet-urban, industrial-chic vibe along with state of the art audio visual, lighting and sound.

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.