10.02.25

Marcus Hotels & Resorts Unveils Fresh New Downtown Milwaukee Dining Concepts

Newly reimagined river view bar and ground level food market at the Associated Bank River Center embody the best of Marcus Hotels & Resorts F&B expertise

Milwaukee, October 2, 2025 – Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company, today unveiled its latest creations at the Associated Bank River Center building at 111 E. Kilbourn Ave. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Led by the renowned culinary team from Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, each new destination joins Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio of celebrated venues that have earned national recognition and are integral to the city’s culture and dining landscape.

Overlooking the Milwaukee River, Upper Bar is where chic sophistication blends with a dynamic atmosphere. This stylish indoor/outdoor lounge boasts an inventive cocktail program that spans from bold, modern creations to refined twists on the classics. Guests can enjoy cocktails such as pistachio espresso martinis, ginger rum palomas and cinnamon and cider margaritas, and explore curated wine and beer lists, as well as non-alcoholic cocktails and THC drinks. Alongside the extensive drink offerings are indulgent small plates like specialty flatbreads, Saint Kate’s recently introduced sushi rolls, and more. All are paired with incredible views of the city and river from the terrace. The one-of-a-kind space is the perfect setting to meet with friends, indulge in a pre- or post-show cocktail, or entertain guests in a reserved space. Upper Bar offers flexible private dining and rental spaces for a truly special evening. Upper Bar is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4-8 p.m., Friday from 2-10 p.m. and Saturday from 2 p.m.-midnight, with other times also available for private bookings.

River Center Market continues to be a comfortable, welcoming space for downtown professionals, residents and visitors to enjoy grab-and-go items and delicious made-to-order fare. The all new market menu offers a wide selection of lunch options including homemade soups; specialty salads such as Greek, kale, Nicoise, and seasoned chicken; and artisan sandwiches such as roast beef, caprese, Italian, and roasted turkey that can each be served fresh or toasted. Custom deli sandwiches can also be freshly made to order. Additional items at the market include hot sandwiches and an entrees station, offering smash burgers, buttermilk fried chicken breast sandwiches, Reubens, and hot dogs, with sides like fries and cheese curds. Made to order burrito bowls, along with plated daily specials such as lasagna casserole, Studio’s sushi rolls, and a Friday fish fry will also be featured. Guests can order ahead for pick-up or at the kiosks, and earn loyalty points towards future discounts.

River Center Market includes a new coffee bar, Perk Up, offering premium quality coffee drinks from Valentine, one of Milwaukee’s favorite local roasters, along with smoothies, teas and more. Breakfast items are also available, like quiche and sandwiches, as well as baked goods to kick off or recharge the workday. There is a variety of grab and go items as the perfect snack in between meetings, or simply just on the go. River Center Market is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Marcus Hotels & Resorts has been an integral part of Milwaukee’s dining and entertainment story for decades,” said John Wise, vice president of food and beverage at Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “With Upper Bar and River Center Market, we’re doing what Marcus does best: elevating downtown Milwaukee’s food and beverage scene with experiences designed to bring people together.”

Saint Kate’s expert culinary team has brought these concepts to life, adding to Saint Kate’s diverse portfolio of favored destinations including: the Bar at Saint Kate, the place to see and be seen with curated craft cocktails and nightly live music; The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails, the hotel’s signature restaurant; and Proof Pizza, a fast-casual Neapolitan style pizza joint. The expertise from Saint Kate in heading-up the Upper Bar and River Center Market will be synonymous with Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ far-reaching legacy of excellence in food and beverage throughout its portfolio. In Milwaukee, that also includes The Pfister Hotel’s Mason Street Grill, Blu, and Café at the Pfister, as well as Hilton Milwaukee’s ChopHouse and Miller Time Pub & Grill, and the SafeHouse. Upper Bar and River Center Market infuse the same blend of remarkable hospitality, culinary creativity and community connection for which Saint Kate and Marcus Hotels & Resorts are known.

“With Associated Bank River Center at the epicenter of downtown Milwaukee, we are thrilled to partner with Marcus Hotels & Resorts and the Saint Kate team to bring these incredible new bar and dining experiences to all who work and visit here,” said David Knight, senior vice president and director of real estate at Associated Bank. “In just one place, we have brought together some of the very best of Milwaukee: from business to theatre, hospitality to dining. We look forward to enjoying all that’s to come at Upper Bar and River Center Market.”

To learn more about these new, exciting dining venues and view their full menus, please visit upperbarmke.com and rivercentermarket.com.

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages 16 hotels, resorts and other properties in the U.S. The company’s distinctive portfolio includes city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts, historic properties, and premium branded and independent first-class hotels. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an approved operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and product repositioning. This includes unique food and beverage concepts, developed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, such as Mason Street Grill, The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails, Milwaukee ChopHouse, Miller Time^® Pub & Grill, and SafeHouse^® Restaurant. For more information, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.