Stop in and enjoy our light menu of appetizers, soups, and desserts.*
3216 S Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 414.431.8145
OUR STORY
SwanSong is the creation of Chrisa Lorch and Jerry Patzwald—partners in life, in vision, and in the art of hospitality. For decades, they have shared their generous spirit with Milwaukee, first through the beloved Café Brücke (2004–2010) and now through SwanSong, their Bay View restaurant and art space.
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The spirit of Café Brücke—conversations stretching across tables, friendships sparked between strangers, the comfort of feeling welcomed—never left them. That memory became the spark to create again, not as a repeat of the past but as a continuation of it.
With SwanSong, Chrisa and Jerry present what they call their final act in hospitality: a culmination of food, drink, and art woven together as a living performance. The gallery walls celebrate local artists, the kitchen and bar celebrate craft, and the space itself becomes a stage for connection—an offering of culture and warmth to the city they love.​​
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“SwanSong may be our crescendo in hospitality, but it’s also a continuation—our way of bringing life, culture, and beauty into a space for people to share.”
JERRY PATZWALD
Jerry has long been a steward of Milwaukee’s gathering places—and his love for beer is more than a passion, it’s a calling. Over the years, he worked in beverage sales (including as Sales Manager at Louis Sieb Imports), developing deep appreciation in European beers and beverage presentation. He has also helped preserve community spaces such as Falcon Bowl and served with the Riverwest Investment Co-Op. Jerry channels that lifetime of beverage knowledge into a drink program built for balance, approachability, and quality.
CHRISA LORCH
Chrisa brings a dedication to creativity and hospitality that has touched every project she’s been part of. Her leadership and design sensibility infuse spaces with warmth and intention, creating environments that feel both artful and deeply welcoming. At SwanSong, Chrisa guides the rhythm of the restaurant with an eye for detail and a heart for generosity, ensuring that every guest feels at home.
From the kitchen to the roof, SwanSong is built on thoughtful choices. Our commitment to sustainability begins with action—like the solar panels installed on our upper roof, providing renewable energy that powers the rhythms of our day. ​It continues through our partnership with Plastic Free Milwaukee, as we work to reduce waste and source responsibly.
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