Goodbye ARIA, hello The Studio: Saint Kate debuts its refreshed restaurant and lounge - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Posted in
Sep 23, 2025
The signature restaurant at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel has gotten a bit of a makeover.
When it debuted in 2019, ARIA was an all-day café, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It closed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and returned in 2021 as a destination for dining, offering elevated takes on nostalgic dishes from the Heartland. In 2022, the adjoining bar, Giggly, began offering weekend brunch.
Now, both concepts have been rebranded as one: The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails.
Located on the second floor of the downtown Milwaukee hotel at 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., the restaurant and lounge, owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, will serve weekday breakfast, daily dinner and brunch on weekends.
“With a focus on community and creativity, The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails sets the stage for a new era of dining at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, ushering in the hotel’s next chapter of its culinary artistry,” said general manager Dana Johnson. “We’ve designed an experience offering the flavor-forward menu items guests have come to expect, exceptional service, and a vibe as bold as Milwaukee’s spirit.”
ARIA’s executive chef, Heskeith Flavien, will remain at the helm of The Studio’s kitchen.
At dinner, the restaurant serves a blend of elevated comfort fare like braised beef short rib and Mediterranean sea bass, alongside steaks, salads and a lineup of freshly made sushi rolls.
And, yes, the fan-favorite Classic Big Boy Burger is still on the menu.
Breakfast includes signature dishes like chocolate chip pancakes, crab Benedict, omelets, a breakfast sandwich and more. At brunch, expect comforts like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles, along with a roundup of classic and creative brunch cocktails.
On the lounge side, The Studio’s bar features handcrafted cocktails including signature drinks such as the Staycation made with gin, basil, mango, pineapple, grapefruit and lime. Nonalcoholic beverages — including lemonade iced tea and mocktails made with alcohol-free spirits — and THC-infused selections also are available.
Saint Kate’s private dining room, The Dark Room at the Studio, is available to rent for private events.
The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails is open for breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday to Friday, dinner is offered from 5 to 9 p.m. daily, and brunch is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The Studio’s bar is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 3 to11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Reservations can be made online via OpenTable.
