A Modern Spin on Entertainment

Located in Milwaukee's Deer District, The New Fashioned offers more than just bowling—it's an entertainment hub reimagined for modern fun. Originally opened as Punch Bowl Social and closed twice since the pandemic, it came under local ownership in 2024 and was rebranded to The New Fashioned, a play on words for the Old Fashioned drink so popular in this part of the country. 

The 24,000-square-foot property is the newest and largest entertainment facility in the Bars and Recreation chain owned by Marla Pottinger and her husband, David. Under Pottinger's leadership, The New Fashioned offers a unique blend of innovative activities, family-friendly experiences, and Milwaukee pride. 

The New Fashioned is an anchor in an already buzzing entertainment district. It is situated across the street from Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks, and hosts numerous concerts and events. But it stands out with its wide array of creative entertainment offerings and cutting-edge self-service options. 

Innovation in Entertainment: HyperBowling, Street Curling, and Dart Ball 

At the core of its appeal are the venue's inventive activities. HyperBowling, a thrilling blend of bowling and pinball, injects a different energy into the typical bowling experience. "We are not a traditional facility at all," said Steve Davis, general manager of Bars and Recreation. With many traditional centers already in the area, the entertainment group focuses on creating its own niche in the market.

"We wanted to build a venue where families could come together and have fun," Davis notes. "It's important to us that this isn't just a place for kids to run around, but somewhere adults can relax and enjoy themselves, too." HyperBowling provides options for everyone to choose which bowling experience they want, whether traditional or one of HyberBowling’s options. With bumpers available on all lanes, even the youngest bowlers can get in on the action. 

Plus, with competitive social play being popular across many age groups the creative team is looking to offer HyperBowling leagues to engage the local community further. "We've had a lot of requests from customers for leagues and tournaments," Davis says. "It's definitely something we're looking to add in the near future, and we think it's going to be a big hit." 

But HyperBowling is just the beginning. Street curling, played on the outdoor patio using synthetic ice, provides year-round enjoyment of a sport typically reserved for winter. This modern take on curling opens the game to all visitors, regardless of season.

For a truly local touch, guests can also try their hand at dartball, a sport that blends darts with baseball—a game deeply rooted in Milwaukee's culture. Players aim for a large board laid out like a baseball diamond, throwing darts to advance around the bases. Four bays upstairs are dedicated to this quirky yet beloved pastime. "Dartball really resonates with locals," says Davis. "It's always exciting to watch visitors try it for the first time and get hooked."

Streamlined Self-Service Systems: Bar Wall, Quick Dining, and Reservations 

Running such a large venue requires streamlined operations, and The New Fashioned excels in this area with innovative self-service systems that enhance the guest experience and optimize efficiency. 

One of the standout features is the massive self-serve bar wall, offering 50 taps of local beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas. Guests use wristbands to keep track of their drinks and can sample up to 64 ounces of any beverage they choose. This modern approach eliminates long bar lines, allowing guests to control their experience. "The self-pour system is a big hit," Davis says. "People love the flexibility it gives them to try a variety of drinks without waiting." 

Beyond beverages, quick-service dining makes ordering food easy and fast. Guests can scan a QR code at their table or in the dining area, order via smartphone, and have their food delivered to them by food runners. This streamlined process means quicker service for large crowds, especially before or after events at nearby Fiserv Forum. For added convenience, guests book online reservations for activities, which ensures they can secure their spots ahead of time, making their visits smoother and more enjoyable.

Leaning into Milwaukee Culture: Local Partnerships and Community Focus 

The New Fashioned proudly leans into Milwaukee's local culture, partnering with local producers for much of its food and beverage offerings. The bar wall features locally brewed beers, while the food menu highlights Wisconsin favorites like bratwursts, cheese curds, and the iconic Friday fish fry. This commitment to local partnerships extends beyond the kitchen—upstairs, a dedicated space allows local artisans to sell their wares, and the walls are decorated with murals celebrating Milwaukee's heritage. 

"We wanted this venue to reflect the community we're a part of," Davis explains. "Milwaukee has a unique culture, and we're proud to showcase that through everything we do here." 

An Event Destination in the Heart of Milwaukee 

Strategically located just steps from Fiserv Forum, The New Fashioned capitalizes on the heavy foot traffic from major events like concerts, NBA games, and conventions. But even when nothing is happening across the plaza, the venue continues to draw crowds with its unique blend of activities. 

Davis points out that the center has hosted various events, from buyouts for the Republican National Convention to special occasions featuring local celebrities. "We're always busy before and after arena events, but we also see strong crowds on weekends when there's nothing scheduled," Davis shares.

As the Deer District grows, so does The New Fashioned's role in the local entertainment scene. With new developments like a 4,000-seat, year-round entertainment facility and an expanded convention center nearby, the venue is poised to remain a key player in the district's future. 

The success of The New Fashioned is just one part of the Bars and Recreation portfolio, a company known for its immersive, creative entertainment experiences. Beyond bowling, the company operates AXE MKE, a venue dedicated to axe throwing; Amped, a private-suite karaoke spot; and Nine Below, where guests can build their own mini-golf course. 

Each venue offers a unique way for guests to have fun while embracing creativity and competition. "We wanted to create something different with Bars and Rec," says Davis. Each of our locations has its own personality, but they all share the same goal: to provide memorable, engaging experiences." 

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Entertainment 

With its innovative offerings, emphasis on local partnerships, and seamless guest experience, The New Fashioned is redefining what an entertainment center can be. Whether visitors come to bowl, try their hand at street curling, or sample the latest craft beers from the self-serve bar wall, they leave with a memorable experience that blends fun, technology, and community. 

And with plans to introduce leagues and expand its competitive offerings, this entertainment hub shows no signs of slowing down. As the Deer District grows, The New Fashioned is set to remain a cornerstone of Milwaukee's entertainment landscape, delivering fun for locals and tourists alike.