El Cielo Bar in Milwaukee Closes Its Doors for Good After License Revocation

Milwaukee—For nine years, El Cielo bar stood on the corner of 12th Street and National Avenue, serving as a local gathering spot for the neighborhood. But on Wednesday afternoon, the open sign at El Cielo went dark for the last time. Owner Ruben Albanil Coyolt has had his tavern license permanently revoked, following a series of incidents that culminated in a decision by the Milwaukee Common Council.

The controversy surrounding El Cielo came to a head after a Milwaukee police investigation linked the bar to an October shots-fired incident. Coyolt, who lived above the bar, has expressed concern about the ongoing investigation, but despite his efforts to defend himself, the decision to revoke his license appears final. Coyolt and his attorney, Vince Bobot, have decided not to appeal the decision in circuit court.

Shots Fired, Cocaine, and Chickens: The End of El Cielo

The downfall of El Cielo traces back to the night of October 18, when Milwaukee police responded to reports of gunfire in the area. At a recent Milwaukee Common Council committee meeting, police detailed their findings from that night, which included recovered cocaine, drug paraphernalia, 9-millimeter cartridges, and a suspected drug sales ledger inside the establishment. Officers also discovered something unexpected: chickens being kept in the basement of the bar.

“Officers recovered cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a suspected drug sales ledger, and 9-millimeter cartridges. Chickens were also located in the basement of the tavern,” an officer reported at the committee meeting.

Coyolt denied ownership of the cocaine and denied firing any shots, stating that an unknown person was responsible for the gunfire. However, he did admit to raising a few chickens in the basement, explaining that he intended to eat them and that they were housed near the bar’s beer storage area. Milwaukee city ordinances permit up to four chickens on residential property, but only with a proper permit and outdoor coops—something Coyolt did not have.

“The chickens that were located in the basement of the tavern, why were they there?” asked Alderperson Jocasta Zamarripa during Coyolt’s testimony on November 12.

Coyolt replied simply, “For eat. In my house, I live in the upstairs.”

A Complex Situation Leads to a Clear Decision

Coyolt’s attempts to explain himself fell short of convincing the Milwaukee Common Council. The combination of drugs, gunfire, noise complaints, and the presence of chickens on the premises was enough for the alderpeople to make their decision.

“I just think he knows better than to get into the trouble he’s gotten into,” said Common Council President Jose Perez. The bar, located in Perez’s former district, had a history of complaints and issues over the years. “So, I think the record speaks for itself, and I agree it’s difficult to support this license.”

On Tuesday, the full Common Council voted in favor of revoking El Cielo’s tavern license, effectively ending Coyolt’s operation of the bar. His attorney, Vince Bobot, acknowledged that while they could pursue an appeal in circuit court, they had ultimately decided against it.

What Happened to the Chickens?

The chickens found at El Cielo became part of the bizarre details that marked the end of the bar’s story. Milwaukee police took the birds to the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control. Unfortunately, one of the chickens had to be euthanized due to its poor condition. The remaining chicken was returned to Coyolt.

A Chapter Closes on 12th and National

The closure of El Cielo marks the end of an era for Ruben Albanil Coyolt and for the community that gathered there. What began as a local bar and a place to unwind turned into a center of controversy—a story of gunfire, drugs, and even chickens that ultimately led to its downfall. The sign may be dark, but the saga of El Cielo will linger in neighborhood conversations for some time.

For those interested in Milwaukee’s ever-changing bar scene, what are your thoughts on El Cielo’s closure? Do you think the Common Council made the right call? Let us know in the comments below, and share your experiences at El Cielo if you have any.