The Wicked Hop opened in the late 2010s when operator Chris Welter renovated 345 N Broadway into a cocktail-focused neighborhood bar. The build-out emphasized exposed brick and a long reclaimed-wood bar top to match the area’s industrial-to-mixed-use transformation.
The space occupies a ground-floor commercial storefront on a block that was part of Milwaukee’s North Broadway wholesale strip through much of the 20th century. Prior tenants were small retail and service businesses before the 2017 renovation converted the space into a speakeasy-style bar.
Operations prioritize craft cocktails and late-night hours to serve both nearby office workers and evening residents, with equipment added for craft service (dedicated ice well and infusion jars visible behind the bar). The bar’s staffing has roots in local hospitality talent, which helped seed its reputation for fast, friendly service.
The Wicked Hop’s model blends a cocktail bar with approachable pricing — back-bar specials and stronger house pours on certain weeknights keep regulars coming. The venue also partners with local late-night food vendors for quick food collaborations on busy nights.
The building retains historic storefront features like large display windows and original structural elements, while interior changes focus on creating a long, social barroom with a small mezzanine that functions as an informal quieter area when available.
