Von Trier bar will stay open with new operators

Forget about those plans to turn the German bar Von Trier on Milwaukee’s east side into a midcentury cocktail lounge.

Wes Shaver and Mike Sorge, who own Black Sheep in Walker’s Point, will operate Von Trier for owners John and Cindy Sidoff. The four announced the change Tuesday morning.

The bar, at 2235 N. Farwell Ave., will shut down for about a month starting in early January for some renovations and reopen in early February, serving German fare, along with Old World beers.

Shaver and Sorge also manage the Schwabenhof in Menomonee Falls, which is reopening Nov. 1, serving fish fry and German fare.

The renovations at Von Trier will include a new sound system, lighting that highlights the bar’s hand-painted murals, and new tables and chairs. Shaver said the renovations will cost “upwards of six figures.”

“We are not going to be doing this cheaply,” he said.

The news in August that Von Trier would get a new identity was met with an outcry from patrons.

“I had no idea how many people truly wanted to see Von Trier thrive during the North Avenue renaissance. The outpouring of support, visitors and personal messages was overwhelming,” John Sidoff said in the announcement.

Several longtime bars had closed in the area, where new apartments and storefronts have been built.

The new operators will install a tap wine system, refocus on German beer and a stein club, and again serve food such as sausages and a Friday fish fry, accompanied by a polka band. Most prices for menu items, such as schnitzel sandwiches, wurst platters and shareable plates, are expected to be less than $13.

In mid-November, the original midcentury mural from previous building occupant Rieder’s cocktail lounge will be on display while the Karl Von Trier mural in the main bar is refurbished. As usual, Von Trier will display its Christmas village in December.

Shaver said he called John Sidoff after news of the plans to transition from German bar to cocktail lounge emerged.

“I showed some other viewpoints, and how I firmly believe that Von Trier would be a great asset to the new North Avenue that’s emerging,” Shaver said.