Former downtown Milwaukee Scandinavian restaurant Valhalla being replaced by new lounge

A downtown Milwaukee Scandinavian restaurant that closed after less than a year is being replaced by a new restaurant and lounge.

Business operator Tino Bates is seeking tavern and restaurant licenses for Truth Lounge, which would be at 1111 N. Old World 3rd St., according to license applications filed with the city clerk's office.

Truth would serve chicken wings, pizza, tacos and nachos, according to the filing.

Bates also is seeking a public entertainment license so he can book bands, other musicians, disc jockeys and poetry readings, the application said. He expects to open Truth by April 1.

Truth will be in space last occupied by Valhalla, which opened in March after extensive renovations and closed in December.

Valhalla's Scandinavian foods and drinks were an homage to the heritage of its owner, Melissa McNulty, co-owner of the nearby Wisconsin Cheese Mart.