After a slew of restaurant closures, it looks like business is picking up in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood.
Seven Swans Creperie at the former Dino’s
Early risers are going to appreciate having Seven Swans Creperie in the neighborhood. The new creperie and cafe, moving into the former Dino’s building (808 E. Chambers St.), will be the second location opened and operated by Riverwest native Kate Bryan. Her first location, in Kansas City, Missouri, opened in January of 2020. Less than three years later, she’s bringing her eclectic crepes back to her hometown of Milwaukee. Seven Swans Creperie is set to open to the public winter of 2023. And if the menu in the new location looks anything like the first, we’re all going to be in for a great treat.
La Cocina Del Sur Empanada Bar at the former Riverwest Filling Station
Riverwest residents are likely to recognize Pedro Tejada– or at least recognize his food truck, Pedro’s South American Food. Tejada has sold empanadas and arepas to hungry residents and visitors for years. Now, he is opening a brick and mortar restaurant at the former Riverwest Filling Station (701 E. Keefe Ave.). The restaurant, like the food truck, will serve a variety of dishes that celebrate the many tastes of South America.
Lush Popcorn at the former Klinger’s
Lush Popcorn’s Marcia Taylor has purchased the building that formerly housed Klingers (920 E. Locust St.) in Riverwest. Taylor started selling her liquor-infused popcorn in 2014 and has developed a cult following due to her unique flavor blends like Maple Bourbon Bacon, Chili Lime Margarita, Crown Apple Caramel and many more. Taylor originally started selling her creations at local farmer’s markets. Her first brick and mortar shop is inside the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace. At this new and larger location, she has the space to explore new food concepts that are sure to be just as snackworthy as her gourmet bites.
Photo courtesy of Dino’s 
Photo courtesy of Riverwest Filling Station 
Photo courtesy of Klinger’s East
Complimentary Brewery Hop Bus
Riverwest’s five breweries: Company Brewing, Black Husky Brewing, Gathering Place Brewing Company, Amorphic Beer and Lakefront Brewery have teamed up to offer patrons a free hop on/hop off brew tour bus every single Saturday beginning October 22. The shuttle makes a 35 minute loop from bar to bar from 2-7 p.m. so visitors can sample the flavors of Riverwest responsibly.