Biersal, the Washington Heights bar that opened in March 2024, has closed permanently.
The tavern, 5520 W. Vliet St., announced on its social media accounts that it was closed permanently and offered no explanation. Owner Eric Gutbrod declined to comment on the reasons for the closure. Court records show five tax warrants issued by the state Department of Revenue from October 2024 to April 2025 for Biersal Tavern LLC. The amounts due total nearly $15,000.
Gutbrod led a painstaking renovation of the building, which had been Wonder Bar since 1992 but has hosted a tavern since at least the repeal of Prohibition in the 1930s.
Recognized in MilMag’s Best of Milwaukee 2024, Biersal was an eclectic and welcoming bar with a narrow but well curated list of craft beer and cocktails at good prices.
