{image1}"There isn't a piece of wood in the entire place, not even a pile of sawdust," says David Larson about the interior of his latest venture, Terrace Bar. "We decided to completely break the mold of Water Street and utilize steel and metallic stained concrete to create an industrial-urban concept."
Traditionally, Water Street has been a "party hardy" strip of dark wood bars where many a college student, sports figure, politician and meat marketer has tied one on, but Larson, along with co-owners Nick Howell and Tom Buestrin, plans to create something wild but new.
"Our goal is not to only run a fun and successful establishment, but to breath new life into the entire Water Street district," says Larson, 35, who grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from UW-Whitewater.
Larson hopes to open Terrace Bar, 1131 N. Water St., by St. Patrick's Day. He and Howell also own the Third Ward's Sauce and Camille's Trattoria in Cedarburg. Howell originally owned Cush on North Avenue, but sold the business.
"Our idea is to have a unique owner attached to each new project to ensure that every customer receives the best service," says Larson.
Terrace Bar spans two stories with a rooftop terrace offering a picturesque view of downtown. "We're still finalizing plans for live entertainment, but we're looking to utilize the rooftop in the summer and feature bands up there," says Larson.
Both floors will have all-glass garage doors providing the option of an open-air atmosphere in the summer, and mid-level "pods" for patrons with a penchant for people watching.
Flux Design created the unique interior, including a lighting concept installed in the tables and bars that splashes custom-programmed color. "For example, if you're watching a Packers game on of one the plasma screens and they score a touchdown, the lights may flash green and gold for a few seconds," says Larson.
Eventually, Terrace Bar will offer food like wraps, dips, sandwiches and rooftop barbeques, all catered by Sauce, but will focus on serving drinks for the first few months. Although Larson says they are still working on their drink list, he promises great martinis and a new, patented method of pouring tap beers.
Apparently, Terrace Bar will be one of four bars in the country testing this new method of tapping. "Terrace Bar is definitely on the radar screens of the major beer and liquor companies," he says.
"Basically, we're trying to make Terrace Bar an environment where people who haven't visited Water Street in years will want to return, as well as a great place for all the regulars," says Larson.
For more information, call (414) 223-0073 or soon, visit www.terracebar.com.
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.
