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Milwaukee Beer Bistro, the successor to Rio West Cantina at 2730 N. Humboldt Ave. in Riverwest, opened quietly early this week, and today it's celebrating with free beer from 5 to 7 p.m.

The focus is on American craft beers and a menu of small and some large plates, often incorporating beer. (Meatballs, for example, are simmered in beer and served in Parmesan cream sauce, $6.)

The bistro is in its soft opening, with a limited menu and hours this week, opening at 5 p.m. Starting this Saturday, it will open at 11 a.m.

Regular hours start Monday, when it opens at 11 a.m. weekdays and at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, when it will serve brunch. It also will have a Friday fish fry.

Owner Russ Davis said a late-night menu will kick in at 10 p.m., possibly serving until 2 a.m.

To contact: (414) 562-5540.