THIRD WARD
EVENT VENUE DESCRIPTION
CAPACITY: 400
The Explorium Brewpub Third Ward is conveniently located in the Pritzlaff Building in downtown Milwaukee in the Historic Third Ward. Explorium occupies a building in the Pritzlaff complex that was built in 1904. Much of the historic nature of the building has been preserved and is showcased in the buildout. The brewery restaurant has a total capacity of 400 in three main areas: Inside Bar and Dining Area, The “Tunnel” Bar and Dining Area, and Outside Patio.
The Inside Bar and Dining Area shows off this beautiful historic building’s cream city brick and timber post & beam construction. The original brick walls, wood columns, floors, and floor joists above are kept in their original, natural state giving the space a very warm and inviting feel. The main bar seats about 40 people and two community tables seat an additional 40 or so. The dining area seats about 84 and can be divided. The total inside occupancy is 180 people.
The “Tunnel” is an outdoor space that is under the cover of the building that can accommodate 100 guests in a 60 person seated area and 40 person bar. Historically this space literally was a train tunnel through the building that provided a covered area to unload box cars into the warehouse space. The tracks are long gone and have been replaced by stamped concrete cobblestone and a wood deck. The Tunnel has two distinct spaces: the dining area and bar area. The dining area floor is cobblestone and the walls are cream city brick. A charming level of lighting is provided by overhead cafe lighting giving the space the feel of the old streets of Milwaukee. The bar area is built on a wooden deck that can accommodate approximately 40 people in a mingling style event. Overhead radiant heat is provided in the cooler months.
The Outside Patio can accommodate about 80 guests and a band stage is available for entertainment. Two fire pits warm the space in the cooler months and overhead cafe lighting gives a warm glow to the space that is perfect for a nice el fresco dining experience. The band stage can accommodate bands up to five people.
COMMUNITY TABLE
CAPACITY: 20
Located in our bar area, the Community Table is a 20 person, high-top table ideal for family gatherings or business meetings. The table base conveniently includes power for those events that may need to power equipment. We generally reserve groups of 16 to 20 at this table.
TUNNEL BAR AREA
CAPACITY: 40
The Tunnel Bar is a great space to hold a business happy hour for 30 to 40 people. There is plenty of space to mingle or sit at the bar. Plus there is a bar top along the wall that lends itself to a spread of shareable food. Having the convenience of a full bar available is very popular for happy hour events.
OUTSIDE PATIO
CAPACITY: 80
Our outside patio is exposed to the elements but has great shade during the hotter months. During cooler periods the fire pits provide a nice warming to the whole patio. The seating is a variety of high top tables and dining height tables, as well as, chairs and benches around the large fire tables. Being an outdoor space, this is a smoker friendly area and from time-to-time we book groups of cigar or pipe smokers in this space. Another nice amenity is the large band stage for outdoor entertainment. Sound and lights can be provided for the band stage.
FRONT BAR AREA
CAPACITY: 40
The front bar area faces the street and has seating at the bar, at a community table, and two independent tables for a total of about 40 people. In the warmer months the two overhead doors with bar tops and seating can be opened to the street. We generally reserve groups of 25 to 40 in this area.
TUNNEL DINING AREA
CAPACITY: 60
All but three of the tables in the Tunnel Dining area are dining height tables that can accommodate up to 60 people. This space is semi-private and lends itself to sit-down dinners for up to 60 people, or buffet style dinners for up to 50 people. We regularly schedule private parties in the Tunnel Dining area for groups up to 60.
TUNNEL BAR & DINING
CAPACITY: 100
Large parties that are looking for a mix of seating dining and mingling bar space really enjoy our Tunnel event space. The space is semi-private and the music system is set-up for providing custom sound within the space. In addition, there is a PA system installed for speakers or smaller bands.
