1910-1930 The Tied House
In 1910, the Copperfield's building was constructed by the Miller Brewing Company to serve as a tied house. The tied house system became popular in late 19th century Milwaukee due to low beer prices and stiff competition between breweries. Large brewing companies (Pabst, Miller, Blatz, Schlitz) took over pre-existing taverns or built their own from the ground up in order to have direct control over the business and exclusively sell their own products. Before Prohibition, Milwaukee was home to hundreds of tied houses, including our very own Copperfield's building.
1970-1993 Copperfield's the bar
The Copperfield's building served many businesses over the years (including a basement speakeasy during Prohibition), but for two decades it served drinks to people from all walks of life as a popular neighborhood bar under the name Copperfield's. In the 80's, Copperfield's the bar was coincidentally a favorite drinking spot of one of the current owners. As a tribute to those years, the building once again bears the name Copperfield's.
2019-today Copperfield's Cigar lounge
Today, we continue the building's legacy by preserving its history and once again filling it with the soul and spirit of the people of Milwaukee. The timeless atmosphere of Copperfield's will always be a part of Milwaukee's rich past and bright future.
