Engine Company No. 3 is a fabulous choice for your rehearsal dinner or small wedding. The venue can hold 150 for a seated dinner between the two levels or up to 85 guests in the upper level only. There is also a beautiful patio for your cocktail hour! For events, they offer the menu from La Merenda, their sister restaurant, also located in Milwaukee’s Fifth Ward. We had a chance to sit down with Amanda and find out more about her and this awesome venue.
The Interview
Beverage of choice: Champagne or bourbon
Favorite junk food: Kopp’s Custard
Favorite animal: My cat, Liana
Best trip you ever took: Visiting Germany and seeing the Chapel of Brother Klaus, designed by Peter Zumthor
Favorite dish on the wedding menu: Seasonal Vegetable Tart or Empanadas
Favorite wedding trend: Smaller, intimate weddings with 80 or fewer guests, a more personal experience
Engine Company No. 3 hosts 4-6 weddings per year but LOTS of rehearsal dinners. Since it was purchased in 2014 by the owners of La Merenda, it’s been a hit in the community. Before that, the building was a firehouse from 1903 through the 1930s, then it sat empty for over 70 years before they renovated it for the restaurant. When it was a firehouse, the horses climbed the stairs and slept with the firefighters!
Couples are drawn to this space because of its old Milwaukee feel with the cream city brick and the opportunity to share La Merenda’s amazing food with their guests. There is a lot of history in Engine Company No. 3 and people who have firefighters in their families love celebrating in the space! It’s a historical preservation building and it holds firefighting relics and artifacts that will engage your guests in the history of our city.
Because everything is made in-house – even their sodas- they choose to serve all meals family-style!
The event coordinators at Engine Company No. 3 can help you plan the perfect event. With linens, AV and sound capabilities, and referrals to all the vendors you will need, it really is one-stop shopping.
Engine Company No. 3 also hosts holiday parties, corporate retreats, and other business events!
Check out Engine Company No. 3 website to for more information! To see more of our commercial work, check out our portfolio!