December 2025 was not a merry month for Milwaukee’s dining scene. It started on Dec. 3 with Beans & Barley, an East Side fixture since 1973, announcing its plans to close permanently at the end of January.
Three days later, Strange Town, a 9-year-old vegan restaurant a half-mile away, posted a plea on social media. “The last few weeks have been our slowest weeks since 2020,” the post read. “We won’t survive another 2 weeks like that.”
The “we need your support now more than ever” message struck a nerve – commenters promised to visit (“Scheduling a sitter, be there this week!”). A few of the responses were from other restaurant owners who said they were struggling, too…