Central Standard Distillery opening its new downtown craft house and kitchen
Central Standard Craft Distillery is bringing the newest distillery, restaurant, liquor store, wedding and event hall, rooftop bar and offices all to one space downtown as it celebrates the grand opening of its new building on Saturday.
The Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen is a renovated 11,700-squarefoot building at 320 E. Clybourn St.
The building features five levels, each offering something different.
In the basement, distillery tours and tasting are offered. There’s also a small private event space with a 20-foot table made from a 120-year-old tree that stood on the historic Pabst Mansion grounds.
On the main level is the restaurant, which includes a 30-foot bar and 20 dining tables. There is additional seating for sipping cocktails, along with a gift shop.
The next level has an events space that can seat up to 120 people, and accommodate 180 standing. An additional bridal suite on the floor can be used for weddings or small parties.
The third floor features offices that can be leased by private companies.
At the top of the building is a rooftop bar with seating and snacks.
Central Standard has been in Milwaukee for seven years, first in Walker’s Point and then in a warehouse on the near west side.
“It’s about a million times bigger, with so many more ways to experience the building,” said Evan Hughes, cofounder of Central Standard. “We want it to be an experience where you walk in there is something different every time. You can hang out and have a really great cocktail or rent private areas to host a party, small or large.”
The space was supposed to open in summer 2020, ahead of the planned Democratic National Convention. That never happened because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We missed the DNC and the NBA finals, but Milwaukee has such a bright future that we’re going to be able to partake in,” Hughes said.
Hughes and his business partner, Pat McQuillan, purchased the building for $930,000 in January 2020.
“I think right now as everything is trying to get back to normal, we expect it will be able to thrive,” McQuillan said. “Milwaukeeans always want to support local. We’re happy to be here downtown where we feel like we can support others in the area.”
The building, which was formerly Wisconsin Leather Building, was built in 1874.
The updated space kept original features throughout, including exposed Cream City brick and original floors. The owners even repurposed a couch that was left in the building and took the original gears in the elevator, which now open a sliding door in the dining room.
Distillery barrels are throughout, especially in the basement. A giant lightup sign that says “Milwaukee” welcomes patrons to the bar.
On Saturday, Hughes and McQuillan will raise a glass of bourbon and offer a toast at 3:20 p.m. to celebrate the rebirth of 320 E. Clybourn St.
Central Standard’s kitchen will be open daily from 5 to 10 p.m., with bar close at midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, it will open at 11 a.m. with light snacks and drinks through the afternoon and evening.
For information visit
standard.com or call (414) 455-8870.