About
The first meeting for the creation of a fund to build a new gathering place and church for Serbian Immigrants in Milwaukee was held in November 1934.
Following much research and investigation, a site at South 51st and West Oklahoma was suggested by the Very Reverend Milan Brkich, Dean of the St. Sava Cathedral. Although the area was very remote at the time, Father Brkich’s foresight envisioned it to be the most promising location for the needs of the Milwaukee Serbian community. Soon after discovering the area, Father Brkich invited the then church president, and members of the building fund committee to accompany him on a visit to the property. The location met with immediate approval by church membership.
The entire 14-acre parcel of land was purchased in February 1949, and in the fall of 1949 the land was blessed and the cornerstone was laid for the American Serb Memorial Hall. The campaign to finance the project went into immediate full swing and its success far exceeded all expectations. Thousands of dollars were donated and everyone was eager to help and anxious to see the dream of a new Milwaukee Serbian hall become transformed into an actual physical reality.
The building was completed and dedicated in September 1950, in honor of young men of Serbian Orthodox Faith who served with the United States Armed Forces, 15 of whom lost their lives. A beautiful full-wall memorial was later erected in honor of all who served and stands today in the lobby of the American Serb Memorial Hall.
Upon opening for business in 1950, the new hall soon became, by far, the most complete modern facility on the entire South and Southwest sides of Milwaukee.
Accommodations included 12 bowling alleys, two bars, kitchen facilities, and a spacious air-conditioned hall with parking for 400 cars. Making American Serb Hall a popular setting for banquets, meetings, wedding receptions, exhibits, rallies and other social events.
The American Serb Hall’s now famous Friday Fish Fry was initiated in 1967 and continues to this day. The KING of the Milwaukee fish fry is still served dine-in in one of the two large banquet halls and its unique drive-thru and carry out window each Friday.
In addition to the famous fish fry, the delicious house made food, served for various special events, (including weddings, quinceañeras, Holiday parties…) at American Serb Hall over the years has become well known throughout the entire city and beyond.
In May 1987, in order to accommodate increased business and the need for renovations, a 31,000 square foot addition became a part of American Serb Hall. With the new additions, the complex now has a capacity to serve more than 2,000 persons with two beautiful air-conditioned halls, two lounges, a drive-up window, remodeled bowling alleys, new office facilities and a huge remodeled kitchen area, serving a complete menu for groups of all sizes. The entire American Serb Hall was again renovated in late 1999, and again in 2023.
Many, many important rallies have been held at American Serb Hall and some of the famous persons who have visited and/or spoken here over the years include: President John Kennedy and First Lady Jackie, President Dwight Eisenhower, President Richard Nixon, President Gerald Ford, President Jimmy Carter, President Lyndon Johnson, President Ronald and Nancy Reagan, President George Bush, President Bill Clinton, Vice President Dick Chaney, Senator Hubert Humphrey, Senator Edmund Muskie, Senator George McGovern, Vice President Walter Mondale, Governor Michael Dukakis, Congressman Jerry Kleczka, Governor Tommy Thompson, Mayor Henry Meier, Mayor John Norquist, Police Chief Harold Brier, Congressman Clement Zablocki, County Executive William O’Donnell and the list goes on. As one NBC producer covering one of the rallies so aptly put it, “American Serb Hall has been a must stop for local, state and federal office seekers for many years.”
American Serb Memorial Hall continues to serve extraordinary hospitality to the people of Greater Milwaukee and beyond.