After almost a decade of housing Rogue’s Gallery, the two-story brick bar just off of Water Street is now home to a new spot called Mojo MKE.
Owner Todd Wargula, along with partners Sara Van Ess and Dan Hutchinson, opened the bar at the end of February. All three have 15-20 years of prior service industry experience.
“We really wanted to make the space our own because Rogue’s had been here for a long time,” says Van Ess.
Mojo MKE, 134 E. Juneau Ave., serves primarily local beer and spirits, and hopes to get a slushee machine later this season. A decent-sized patio with an outdoor bar, large stage, heaters and a retractable awning that covers almost the entire space during inclement weather is definitely one of the bar’s main attractions.
“People go crazy after long winters in Milwaukee – especially this past winter – so we’re pretty excited to have this patio,” says Wargula.
Eventually, Mojo MKE will host live acoustic music and they currently have DJs on Friday and Saturday evenings. Like Rogue’s, Mojo MKE will also serve as a sports bar before, after and during games.
The massive art and signage is the focal point of Mojo’s main space. Created by Milwaukee artist Justin Stone, the mediums include wood, acrylic, stainless steel and LED light that when activated can pulsate to the beat of the music.
“We are a place where anyone can come and feel comfortable at anytime. We’re not catering to any one group of people,” says Wargula. “Our goal is to offer the best Milwaukee has to offer.”
Follow Mojo MKE on Facebook here.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
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