Treats (aka Mark Anthony's)

Treats operated from 1993 to 2015.

Mark Anthony Smukalla (1957-2014) owned and operated Treats as a tavern and live music venue.  He also owned Gothic Body Tattoo and the short-lived Smokey's Bar (2425 N. Dousman St.) 

The Gettelman Brewing Company built the structure in 1895 as a tied house tavern. It was a tavern for the next 120 years under almost as many names, most well-known as Hillside Tap, Spanky's, McCluskey Tavern, the Nuclear Cafe, and Tricks.  Until the mid-90s, Treats existed in an in-between, desolate space between the Commerce Street industrial corridor, the North Avenue Yards, and a declining Riverwest neighborhood.  

Smukalla, a married father and grandfather, identified as a "cross-dresser" and often bartended in glamorous female expression. While this may have confused some customers, he offered neither explanations nor apologies for his looks.  Rather than being shamed or insulted, Smukalla normally put it back on the customer:  "you're just jealous of how good I look."  Insults and intolerance were never tolerated at Treats. 

It was not uncommon for Smukalla to belt out tunes, ranging from Crystal Gayle to Charlene, to an unsuspecting audience.

"Mark is a pretty friendly guy who dresses, often, like one of the Mary Jane Girls. I believe him to be a genuine Superfreak, but don't let his appearance get the best of you. He runs a nice joint," wrote a June 5, 2012 Yelp review.

Later in life, Smukalla came to work dressed more and more frequently.  With "alternative nights," he created a safe and welcoming destination that became very popular with trans girls and queer folks from across the city.  In 2012, OnMilwaukee noted the "strong LGBTQ presence, including middle-aged guys in sequin get-ups."  Treats was an incredibly diverse space where all walks of life came together -- "proof we really can all get along."

After suffering an injury, Smukalla passed away on April 10, 2014 at age 56.  His daughter chose not to renew the lease, and Treats closed forever on January 17, 2015.