Beloved Wine Bar announces permanent closure next week after 18 years of business
Balzac, a renowned wine bar and restaurant located at 1716 N. Arlington Pl., has announced that it will be closing after its service on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The closure of Balzac is part of a series of shutdowns in the restaurant industry, exacerbated by the challenging and constantly evolving market conditions since the pandemic began in 2020.
First announced on Instagram, Balzac announced the closure, as well as paying thanks to Milwaukee locals for their years of custom.
Opened in 2005, Balzac has been a cozy haven away from the hustle of nearby Brady Street. Its dimly lit interior provided a perfect setting for intimate conversations, accompanied by a thoughtfully selected range of wines and distinctive small dishes like confited duck nachos, cheese plates, and smokey bone marrow butter. In the summer, its secluded back patio offered a hidden retreat, resembling a secret garden just off Brady Street.
Balzac has been a popular choice for first dates, girls’ nights out, and relaxed gatherings. It stood out as one of the city’s pioneering establishments of its kind in the mid-2000s. Despite numerous changes in the Brady Street area, Balzac remained a constant, influencing subsequent establishments. Throughout its years, it was a proving ground for a variety of chefs who started their culinary journeys at Balzac before making their mark in Milwaukee’s restaurant scene.
