It was 1924 when John T. Kegel and his wife Anna founded a small prohibition-era soft drink parlor. Little did they know that it would evolve into the haven for German heritage, food and culture that Kegel’s Inn, 5901 W. National Ave., is today.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the West Allis bar and restaurant, owners Julian and Stephanie Kegel are inviting the community to celebrate with a special Birthday Bash Weekend, Dec. 5-7, featuring live music, exclusive beer releases, German wine tastings and immersive historical tours.
The Kegels will be honoring the rebellious spirit of their ancestors by teaming up with local breweries to make their own German Prohibition-inspired beers, which will be served in Bootleggers Alley, a special heated winter beer garden tent created especially for the occasion.
Thursday, Dec. 5: VIP Night
Guests are invited to enjoy an evening showcasing live music by world-renowned accordionist Stas Venglevski and clarinetist Johnathon Broniewski in Bootleggers Alley and chef-curated hors d’oeuvre stations will feature delicious bites including Duck Nests, Tenderloin Goulash and Weiner Schnitzel, plus fresh oysters and charcuterie boards.
The evening will also include tours led by owner Julian Kegel, which offer insights into the stained glass windows, prohibition-era speakeasy and the original family residence upstairs. Meanwhile, special presentations from West Allis Mayor Dan Devine, the West Allis Historical Society’s Devan Gracyalny and Cindy Regenfuss will highlight Kegel’s place in Milwaukee history.
The evening will also include games, a 50/50 raffle and Centennial Mural Bingo with the chance to win memorabilia, Kegel Brau beer swag, and more.
Tickets are $55 per person. Reserve your tickets here.
Friday, Dec. 6: Fish fry in Bootleggers Alley
Enjoy Kegel’s iconic fish fry inside a fully decorated, heated beer garden tent. Doors will open at 11 a.m. for lunch. Dinner service will kick off with a 4 p.m. keg tapping and free beer along with music from The Squeezettes from 6 to 9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended.
Saturday, Dec. 7: Birthday Bash
Head over to Kegel’s Inn between noon and 9 p.m. for music, food and festivities. Guests can partake in an all-you-can-eat specialty buffet; take part in guided tours of Kegel’s Inn to learn more about its storied history; participate in the Mural Scavenger Hunt Trivia, a 50/50 raffle and bidding on items like Kegel Brau merchandise and memorabilia.
Scheduled events include:
12 p.m.: Keg Tapping: Kegel Brau Schwartzbier
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Music from Alpenblaser
1:30 p.m.: D’Wendstoana German Dancers
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.: German wine and liquor tasting (special case deals available)
3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Music from Tally Ho
6:30 p.m.: D’Oberlanders German Dancers
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Music from Alte Kammeraden
8:30 p.m. Stein-holding Contest: Test your strength and compete for prizes
Tickets for the Birthday Bash are $45 per person. Reserve your tickets here.
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.
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