Pouring Passion at Kenosha Tap House
Kenosha’s bar and restaurant scene has no shortage of great spots—but few combine community, creativity, and craft quite like Kenosha Tap House. At the heart of it all is General Manager Dave Barton, a lifelong local with a passion for people, music, and a well-poured pint. We sat down with Dave to talk about his journey, what makes the Tap House tick, and why this downtown hotspot is more than just a place to grab a drink.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your background? What were you doing before you became the manager of Kenosha Tap House?
Dave: I’m a proud Kenosha native. I grew up on the east side near Baker Park and went through Curtis Strange, Lincoln Middle, and Tremper High. After graduation, I moved to La Crosse, and that’s where my journey into the restaurant world really began—at Fayze’s Restaurant and Bakery in downtown La Crosse. Fayze’s was like a morning symphony—chatter, sizzle, hustle. Think The Coffee Pot meets Paielli’s Bakery. It was chaotic in the best way, and I fell in love with small business and hospitality there.
Eventually, I came back home and worked at Ashling on the Lough, which ended up being one of the most rewarding chapters of my personal and professional life. I learned a lot from some amazing people. In 2014, I married my incredible wife Jina, and we now have two boys—Jack and William—and three dogs: Fred, Oscar, and Roger, who make sure our home is never boring.
Now, I’m at Kenosha Tap House—and I can confidently say, it’s the people that make working downtown so special.
Q. How did you first get involved with Kenosha Tap House? What drew you to this opportunity?
Dave: It all came together pretty organically. I had friends who helped open KTH, and after some convincing, I decided to join the team. It’s definitely a unique experience being in the same space but with a whole new vibe and business. It just felt right.
Q. What excites you the most about managing Kenosha Tap House?
Dave: The possibilities. We’ve only scratched the surface of what this place can become—whether that’s collaborating with other local businesses or reimagining how we use our space. But more than anything, I’m excited about the team we’ve built over the last six months. We’ve got some truly incredible people here, and I love coming to work every day because of them.
Q. For those who haven’t been here before, how would you describe the overall vibe of Kenosha Tap House?
Dave: Upbeat, social, and entertaining. It’s a place where people come to connect, unwind, and discover something new.
The self-pour concept is pretty unique! How does it work, and what do customers seem to love most about it?
Dave: Definitely the variety. You’re not stuck with a drink you thought you’d like but don’t. At KTH, you can sample beer, wine, cider, seltzers—even cocktails—until you find something you love. I personally taste everything that goes on the tap wall, and I’ve even surprised myself with what I end up liking. It’s all about exploring and enjoying the experience.
Q. With 60 taps, you have a huge variety. How do you decide what goes on tap? Any local favorites?
Dave: It’s a mix of guest feedback and my own research. I’m constantly chatting with regulars—especially folks like Calvin Kleckner, who always has great insights—so I can keep the tap list fresh and exciting. We rotate frequently and love featuring rare or hard-to-find brews. Starting next week, we’ll be dedicating a tap exclusively to Public Brewing year-round. First up: their delicious Key Lime Sour, which happens to be one of my favorites.
Q. Beyond drinks, your food menu is impressive. What are some must-try items that keep people coming back?
Dave: The Bang Bang Shrimp and our Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with sweet potato fries are absolute fan favorites. They hit all the right notes—crispy, spicy, and flavorful.
Q. Live music, DJs, and events seem to be a big part of what you do. What kind of entertainment can people expect at Kenosha Tap House?
Dave: This summer, we’re showcasing a wide range of musical styles from across Southeast Wisconsin—rock, punk, jazz, classical, ethereal, country—you name it. We welcome all genres and want KTH to be a hub for local talent.
Q. The outdoor patio is a great spot, especially in summer. Any special plans for patio events this year?
Dave: Yes! Friday and Saturday nights will feature live music on the patio. Starting May 10, we’ll host a rotating lineup of local vendors every Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM—think henna tattoos, CBD treats, pet apparel, and more. When there’s no event, we’ve got fun games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and Connect 4. Plus—we’re dog-friendly, so bring your furry friends!
Q. How does Kenosha Tap House connect with the local community? Any partnerships, themed nights, or special promotions?
Dave: Absolutely. Every Wednesday night, we host a fundraiser for a different nonprofit, school, or local cause. We donate 15% of our sales to that week’s organization. It’s a way for us to give back and raise awareness. Wednesdays also feature America’s Pub Quiz Trivia, and on Thursdays, we host Xtreme Bar Bingo.
Q. What’s next for Kenosha Tap House? Any upcoming changes, new menu items, or expansions?
Dave: We’re launching our new summer menu in late April or early May. It’s a bit bittersweet, as our head chef Jessica Aragon is leaving to run her amazing food truck, Aragon’s Platos Borrachos. We’re so proud of her and encourage everyone to support her next venture.
Taking the reins in the kitchen will be John Betancourt, who brings an incredible passion for food. We’re excited to see where he takes the menu next.
Q. If someone’s never been here before, what’s the one thing they must experience on their first visit?
Dave: Grab a drink and head to the patio. Enjoy the sunshine and views—we’re just steps away from the Southport Marina Playground, so parents can relax while keeping an eye on their kids. It’s a little slice of downtown Kenosha heaven.
Whether you’re in it for the live music, an awesome craft beer selection, or just looking for a chill night out with friends, Kenosha Tap House delivers. With Dave Barton leading the charge, this spot continues to grow, evolve, and pour love into the local scene—one tap at a time. So next time you’re near the lakefront, swing by, raise a glass, and experience the vibe for yourself.
