Mi Casa Su Cafe owner plans to open new nearby restaurant, Bronzeville Kitchen and Lounge

Jordyn Noennig, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
Paul Whigham stands in front of his restaurant, Mi Casa Su Cafe at 1835 N. King Drive, on June 3, 2020. He is planning to open a new restaurant about two blocks away that will feature some new menu items along with favorites from his existing restaurant.
Paul Whigham stands in front of his restaurant, Mi Casa Su Cafe at 1835 N. King Drive, on June 3, 2020. He is planning to open a new restaurant about two blocks away that will feature some new menu items along with favorites from his existing restaurant.

The Bronzeville neighborhood will get a new restaurant as the owner of Mi Casa Su Cafe is planning a new concept near his current cafe.

Owner Paul Whigham plans to open Bronzeville Kitchen and Lounge at 2053 N. King Drive, the former space of On The Bayou.

Whigham wants to bring aspects from the nearby Mi Casa Su Cafe, 1835 N. King Drive, but expand on it for the new restaurant, which has a bigger kitchen and more seating.

"Right now at Mi Casa, we're running out of space," Whigham said. "They're just two blocks from each other, but (Bronzeville Kitchen and Lounge) has the different name, with dinner and night time business. The extra space is going to be good. Some stuff will be the same, but it will have a different vibe."

A proposed dinner menu includes items not available at Mi Casa Su Cafe such as grilled lamb chops, southern fried or Cajun blackened catfish, deep fried lobster tail and more.

Whigham is bringing over popular breakfast burritos, sandwiches and pastas from the Mi Casa Su Cafe location.

Additionally, Bronzeville Kitchen and Lounge will have more brunch plates including chicken and waffles, ribeye and eggs, and more.

The restaurant plans show most of its sales would come from food, but Whigham is building a cocktail program as well. The menu will be inspired by the neighborhood and drinks will be named after nearby streets.

Similar to Mi Casa Su Cafe, Whigham is focusing on the space having many creative and artistic components. He plans to feature artwork on the walls and wants to host live jazz music, poetry readings and more.

"The art is really important to me for setting the vibe and mood," Whigham said.

He is aiming for an October opening, saying that he is 70% done with the interior renovations and decorations.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New Milwaukee restaurant coming to Bronzeville from Mi Casa Su Cafe owner