It’s the first Friday night in more than two months that restaurants and bars in the city of Milwaukee can welcome patrons inside their establishments again.
Many people have criticized the city’s decision to reopen restaurants and bars to in-person service again. Many restaurants decided to stay closed. But most of the bars along Old World Third Street are back open, and many were busy Friday night.
“I was super excited, and wasn’t going to miss this for the world,” said Alex Wuestenberg.
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The bar and outside tables at Milwaukee Brat House were nearly full by 9 p.m. Friday.
Olivia Andres and Ella Curran decided to have a girls’ night out.
“You wouldn’t think that going to a restaurant would feel so out of the norm, but it’s been so long since we’ve been able to sit down and enjoy a meal out, so it’s almost like a new experience,” Andres said.
“I was really surprised to realize how much I craved this,” Curran said. “To have some semblance of normal amidst all the crazy definitely feels better.”
Capacity is limited to 25 percent. At Milwaukee Brat House, a hand sanitizing station greets you at the door, and all employees wear masks.
“I feel very safe,” Wuestenberg said.
“I don’t feel at risk at all,” Curran said. “I’m wearing my mask, keeping my distance and I have sanitizer in my purse.”
“You have to be cautious about what's going on with the whole pandemic, but at the same time, you want to be able to live your life,” Andres said. “Take the extra precautions, but also have fun.”
Outside some bars, like RWB Milwaukee, there are markings that measure a six foot distance on the sidewalk, in case a line forms to get inside.