German Landmark Karl Ratzsch’s Has New Owner

German Landmark Karl Ratzsch’s Has New Owner

Now run by the owner of c.1880 restaurant, the historic German joint will reopen sometime this spring.

The owner of Walker’s Point’s C.1880 announced today that he has taken over ownership of Karl Ratzsch’s Restaurant, whose history dates to the early 1900s. Ratzsch’s has indeed closed, as the German establishment’s voicemail message confirms. Circa’s Thomas Hauck will continue to operate the restaurant (320 E. Mason St.) under the same name and continue the “traditions of German food, hospitality, culture” and beer, per a press release. The closure period is expected to last a few months, which will allow for design and renovation work — in collaboration with Milwaukee’s LP/w Design (which also created the design of c. 1880).  Expected reopening is spring 2016. Updates to come.

Ann Christenson has covered dining for Milwaukee Magazine since 1997. She was raised on a diet of casseroles that started with a pound of ground beef and a can of Campbell's soup. Feel free to share any casserole recipes with her.