Vitucci's, a mainstay on North Avenue, has closed after 85 years

Vitucci's on North Avenue has closed after being a mainstay on North Avenue since 1934. 

Mike Vitucci, a co-owner of the bar, confirmed the bar has been closed since Nov. 14 and the family plans to sell the building.

"We have four owners who are in different spots in their lives, and it seemed like time to move forward," Vitucci said. "It seemed like a good time with the changes on North Avenue."

Vitucci's is one of many older bars that have closed on North Avenue in the last five years. Many bars that closed, like the former Eastsiders and G.Daddy's BBC, have newer, more modern bars that have moved into their space. 

Angelo Vitucci, the bar's general manager, decided to quit his position, which he said led to the closure. 

"My family is the ownership, and they haven't had interest in operating it in a few years," Vitucci said. "Now as a result I believe of me leaving it would probably be sold." 

Angelo is the great-grandson of Frank Vitucci, who first opened the bar shortly after prohibition ended. 

Mike Vitucci, who co-owned Vitucci's, lives in Illinois. A cousin, also named Mike Vitucci, lives in Milwaukee and owns Uncle Buck's and other bars that remain open. 

Vitucci's building, 1832 E. North Ave. is listed for sale at $1.3 million. 

The bar was popular with east-side dwellers and UW-Milwaukee students.

As rumors of its closing began to circulate the internet, people on social media paid tribute. 

Jordyn Noennig covers pop culture and entertainment in Milwaukee.  Follow her on Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. Find her on Twitter @JordynTNoennig. Call her at 262-446-6601 or email Jordyn.Noennig@jrn.com.