It’s a sad day for people who enjoy fun in Milwaukee. 

On Tuesday, Promises (538 E. National Ave.) officially announced their closure via Instagram. In a statement, the ownership thanked patrons for their time spent in the Walkers Point bar and concert venue.

“We are closed. We were unable to afford operation nor were we able to renegotiate with the owner of the building. Best employees. Best customers. Best bands. Best friends. Best times. We love and thank you all for your support. Promises is a way of life, not a building.”

Opened in 2022 by Casey Hughes and Joey Turbo of Platinum Boys, the Walkers Point bar delivered on their initial promise of “live music and easy drinking.” In the years that followed, it regularly offered concerts from touring acts throughout the country, as well as plenty of Milwaukee acts. It also hosted its fair share of shenanigans, including an annual boonie bike motorcycle race inside the venue during Mama Tried weekend, a motorized scooter obstacle course, and even a patron that arrived on a snowmobile during a blizzard. 

The future of the space that once housed Gibraltar and Walkers Point Music Hall remains to be seen in the coming months. There will certainly be no other bar like Promises.