By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Jul 11, 2018 at 7:01 PM

Sake Tumi, the longtime Asian fusion restaurant at 714 N. Milwaukee St., has hung up its sushi-making apron and taken on a new identity as Red Buddha Lounge, thanks to the efforts of the More Group, operators of Kiss Ultra Lounge and Court MVP.

The transition appeared to have begun last fall, when we reported a number of changes to both the menu and decor. Those changes have now culminated in an entirely new concept, which embraces a nightlife vibe that includes drink specials, DJs and hookah.

Meanwhile, the venue’s menu now features entirely American dishes, including catfish and chicken platters, burgers and chicken wings.

Although updates are still in process and the hours in flux, Red Buddha Lounge is currently open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 5 p.m. Hours will be expanded in the next week or two.

You can follow the Red Buddha Lounge Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and additional information.

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.