Wayfinder MKE, the Explorium Hospitality Group’s East Side restaurant and rooftop tiki bar, is winding down regular restaurant service and switching to an events-only setup. The last night to grab a standard dinner reservation will be May 3, after which the main dining rooms will be reserved for private bookings while the rooftop keeps its summer nightlife energy.
The change was announced in a news release, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Co-owner Joan Doble, who runs Wayfinder with her husband Mike, said in the release, "We are incredibly proud of the food, the team and the experience we created at Wayfinder." The Dobles noted that guests have treated the spot as a natural gathering place and that the new direction is about leaning into private events instead of daily service.
What The Events Model Will Look Like
Starting this summer, the space will be marketed for small weddings, birthday parties, private dinners, corporate events and other hosted gatherings. Organizers will be able to choose catering from Explorium Hospitality Group, work with preferred vendor partners, or bring in an outside caterer to handle the food. The company’s events page outlines full buyout and semi-private options and details capacities for the main dining room, draft room and rooftop, giving planners some flexibility with group sizes, as laid out by Explorium Hospitality Group.
Rooftop To Stay Open For Summer
The rooftop bar is sticking around as a seasonal stop for handcrafted cocktails, frozen drinks, beer and wine, with an expected reopening around Memorial Day weekend, according to OnMilwaukee. The owners are also keeping things casual on the deck, allowing guests to bring in takeout from neighboring restaurants if they want food alongside their drinks. Until the final night of regular service, Wayfinder will offer a limited menu so diners can get a last taste of the original restaurant concept.
Background
Wayfinder opened in April 2025 in the former Good City Brewing taproom, positioning itself around globally inspired small plates that drew on Thai, Filipino, Chinese, Cajun and American flavors. The menu also included a gluten-friendly and gluten-removed fish fry, alongside house beers and cocktails. The restaurant’s website lists the East Side address, current hours and contact details for reservations and event inquiries at Wayfinder MKE.
Owners say the pivot lets them concentrate on weddings and private gatherings while keeping the rooftop as a laid-back summer hangout. Hosts looking to book a date can reach the team through Explorium’s events portal, and the company is already taking reservations for the upcoming season. Details on packages and availability are available through the Explorium events page linked above.
