Balzac Wine Bar on Milwaukee's east side closing after 18 years

After 18 years, Balzac Wine Bar, the cozy wine bar and restaurant at 1716 N. Arlington Place, will close Nov. 22.

Balzac opened in 2005, offering east-side residents and visitors sharable plates for hangouts and dates.

“What can I say, closing a restaurant is never easy … but this one is extremely difficult,” Balzac co-owner Leslie Montemurro said in a Monday press release. “The truth is, and I know you’ve heard it before, but since the pandemic, everything’s changed; the perpetuating obstacles of labor shortages, increasing costs, slower than expected sales numbers, and supply chain issues are just too much of a hinderance on business. It’s time to pause and re-evaluate."

Known for a happy hour with wine and small plate deals, as well as its inviting outdoor patio, as noted by Journal Sentinel dining critic Rachel Bernhard, Balzac was called one of Milwaukee's four best restaurants for a romantic evening by former Journal Sentinel dining critic Carol Deptolla.

Montemurro, who wasn't immediately available for comment, invites friends and family to visit the restaurant again before it closes.

“We know that so many people have cherished Balzac and we sincerely appreciate all the people that have made Balzac such a treasure over the years," she said in the press release. "Sharing fond memories and relishing in Balzac’s impact on Milwaukee’s food and beverage scene seems like the perfect send off.”

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee's Balzac Wine Bar on east side closing after 18 years