South Milwaukee’s main drag just picked up a new late-night hangout that will not necessarily send anyone home with a headache. Twelve29 Lounge has opened at 1229 Milwaukee Avenue, a woman-owned spot that mixes crafted cocktails, zero-proof drinks and community events under one roof.
Opening And The Owners
Co-owners Stephanie Morgan and Audra Dzelili recently cut the ribbon on Twelve29, with Morgan calling the launch “a long time coming,” as reported by TMJ4. The pair told the station they set out to build something that feels different from a typical bar, aiming for an inclusive gathering space where neighbors can linger, whether they are drinking alcohol or not.
Grant-Funded Renovation
The lounge sits inside a 100-plus-year-old building that needed serious behind-the-scenes work before anyone could start shaking mocktails. A $10,000 Milwaukee County Building Bridges grant helped cover a major overhaul of the property, including updated plumbing, electrical, HVAC and professional-grade bar equipment, according to Milwaukee County. The award was part of the first round of $10,000 grants meant to reactivate vacant or underused storefronts around the county, as reported by Urban Milwaukee.
What To Expect
Twelve29 is set up to double as an event space, with the owners planning to host fundraisers, business functions, bridal showers and baby showers, alongside regular lounge service. The menu features crafted mocktails next to cocktails, and the owners say the lounge will welcome guests Wednesday through Sunday, as noted by TMJ4. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and South Milwaukee Mayor Brett Briesemeister joined the opening celebration, and nearby residents told the station they were happy to see a new option arrive downtown.
Local Approvals
Behind the scenes, public records show the owners applied for a Class B beer and alcohol license for the 2024–25 license year and also pursued a Bucyrus façade improvement grant for 1229 Milwaukee Avenue, according to the South Milwaukee Plan Commission minutes and the Common Council agenda. The plan commission recommended approval of a façade grant not to exceed $25,000 as part of the storefront work tied to opening the lounge.
Where It Fits In A Broader Trend
Twelve29 is also tapping into a bigger national shift toward “sober-curious” nightlife and more elevated zero-proof drinks. Trade coverage notes that non-alcoholic and low-alcohol offerings are gaining traction and can be a solid revenue stream when treated with the same care as traditional cocktails, as Bar & Restaurant reports. The low and no-alcohol spirits category is maturing and reshaping the drinks landscape, according to HiCork.
The owners say they hope Twelve29 becomes a neighborhood mainstay and another piece of South Milwaukee’s downtown revival. For now, the lounge is carving out a spot for people who want a night out, a community gathering or a special event, without needing a hangover as a party favor the next morning.
