Cedarburg has a fresh neighborhood hangout. Elbow Room Twelve21 opened in December and is already pulling in crowds for smash burgers, bourbon and big-screen sports. The Brookfield-born concept has taken over the longtime Galioto’s site and is pitching itself as both an easygoing night out and a community hub for leagues, fundraisers and private events. Locals have started weighing in as the new owners settle into the space and dial in the menu, according to FOX6 Milwaukee.
Local TV Took a Look Inside
As reported by FOX6 Milwaukee, the Cedarburg outpost, marketed as Elbow Room Twelve 21, leans into a sports-friendly dining room, specialty cocktails and what the station called fan-favorite smash burgers. The FOX6 segment also toured The Venue at 1221, which the team says can host groups of up to 100 people for parties and fundraisers.
From Galioto’s to a New Local Outpost
The ownership group behind the Brookfield Elbow Room acquired Galioto’s Twelve21 and rebranded the longstanding restaurant and event space, as OnMilwaukee reported. Owners Jake and Seth Dehne, along with partner Robert Jude, told the outlet they plan to preserve banquet services, sand-volleyball leagues and community programming while updating the patio and event spaces.
Menu, Hours and a Hall of Famer
The restaurant's official website lists hours (open 11 a.m. Wednesday through Monday and closed Tuesdays), happy-hour deals and a full food-and-drink menu, and it highlights an exclusive partnership with Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas to serve Hall of Fame Wagyu in its smash-burger lineup. The site also advertises an expanded bourbon and tequila selection alongside staples like steaks, pizzas and a Friday fish fry.
Events, Patios and Private Rentals
The Venue at 1221 is being marketed for weddings, corporate gatherings and fundraisers. FOX6 Milwaukee notes the room accommodates up to 100 guests and has already hosted a partner fundraiser. The owners have said they plan to add a large heated pergola and an expanded back patio in the coming months, per OnMilwaukee.
Early Reaction and What’s Next
Early online reviews are mixed. Some diners praise the food and the Hall of Fame Wagyu smash burgers, while others have complained about noise and service issues in recent comments aggregated on MapQuest. Local groups have already started booking the space, with the Cedarburg Chamber listing a December holiday party at the venue, and owners say community nights and charity events will remain part of the calendar as the new spot settles in.
