When Honeypie Cafe opened its doors in spring of 2009, its goal was to offer diners delicious Midwestern-inspired fare made with exceptional Wisconsin ingredients. And while some things have changed – including a big move to 2469 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. in May of 2021 – the beloved Bay View eatery has stood by its mission, even 15 years later.
To express gratitude to everyone who has supported and assisted the restaurant in reaching its 15th year, Honeypie will host “15 Days of Gratitude”, a celebration featuring food specials, events and giveaways leading up to Bay View Gallery Night.
“This industry is not for the faint of heart,” notes Honeypie Cafe Founder and Co-owner Valeri Lucks. “It’s been really hard work, especially over the last few years. It takes a lot of dedication, a little insanity, and a real love of it to make it through all the tough moments.
“Surviving 15 years only happens when you are lucky enough to be surrounded by great people. And we have been incredibly lucky to work with amazingly creative and dedicated people who have stuck with us. We are lucky we have a city that has loved us for us and keeps showing up. We will be doing our best to keep showing up for our city for another 15. Our gratitude to our team and to everyone who has supported us all these years is monumental”
What’s on tap
During the “15 Days of Gratitude” celebration, guests can enjoy a variety of throwback menu items including sandwich specials during weekday lunch and dinner service. Reminisce over classic offerings like the Solid State, the Lambwich, the D.L.T., the Klug and The Composter.
Pop in for brunch and you’ll find beloved favorites like the Schnitzel Benedict, Scallop Benedict and Farmers Breakfast.
But that’s not all!
Friday, May 17: Cupcake Pop-Up
Honeypie will celebrate with a Cupcake Pop-Up at both Honeypie and Comet Cafe. These delicious housemade baby cakes hearken back to the opening of Comet Cafe in 2007 and the inaugural menu at Honeypie Cafe. To celebrate over a decade of cupcake-filled memories, and express gratefulness for the family recipes that have stood the test of time, cupcakes will be available at both Honeypie Cafe and Comet Cafe until sell-out.
Tuesday, May 21: Firkin Night with Black HuskyRemember Firkin Night? Well, it’s back! In grateful acknowledgment of partnerships with local purveyors, Honeypie Cafe will be partnering with Black Husky Brewing to tap an anniversary firkin.
Monday, May 27: Memorial Day
In grateful remembrance for those who are no longer with us, Honeypie Cafe will be open on Memorial Day serving brunch staring at 9 a.m.
Friday, May 31: Bay View Gallery Night
Head out to the Honeypie Cafe patio for a special gallery night celebration. In gratefulness for the community that has gotten the Cafe to this point, everyone who stops by will get a free slice of birthday cake! In addition, guests can get a tattoo or enjoy other works by Julio Avila and the artists of Cornerstone Tattoo. Beverages will be available for those who wish to mix and mingle, and a raffle will be held with the chance to win a Birthday Dinner for Six at Honeypie, plus other assorted goodies.
SURPRISE!
Honeypie Cafe also has a few other tricks up their sleeves which will be revealed throughout the 15-day celebration. Keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram accounts for additional surprises.
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.
