MKE Cafes

Edited by John December

This is my list of places in Milwaukee (city) where you can get coffee in an atmosphere that is similar to European-style sidewalk cafes, where you can get a coffee or drink and hang out, talk, write on a computer, or read. In past times, people would read newspapers (on paper--sometimes held together with long sticks! (like in Paris)) or write letters (on paper, before email) in cafes. The cafe offers sociable solitariness if you desire; or sociability on a variety of levels.

Many places in town serve coffee, of course, or have "cafe" in their name. You can always do a Yellow Pages search to find business with cafe in their name, but these don't necessarily have a casual, coffeehouse atmosphere.

Also, note that you can access free WiFi and computers for your use at branches of the Milwaukee Public Library.

Key to icons Free Wireless Access. Use caution: I don't recommend ever accessing sites that contain your sensitive personal or financial information on a public WiFi network. If you access your email, make sure that you use the https protocol. I use a set of Surf Links for browsing Web sites on public WiFi networks. Also, be aware of your surroundings and keep your wallet, computer, and valuables right under your control--not where anyone can take them. Internet access computers available. These are gradually disappearing with the ubiquity of wireless access and devices. Use the Net Cafes information for public net access throughout the world. Has occasional live music One of my favorites		For a discussion of the cafe concept The Great Good Place: Cafes, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons, and Other Hangouts at the Heart of a Community by Ray Oldenburg People like to have a place outside of their workplace and outside of their home where they can hang out and feel comfortable. For centuries, cafes have provided such a "third place." A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction by Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, Murray Silverstein See section 88, "Street Cafe," p. 437: "The street cafe provides a unique setting, special to cities: a place where people can sit lazily, legitimately, be on view, and watch the world go by. Encourage local cafes to spring up in each neighborhood. Make them intimate places, with several rooms, open to a busy path, where people can sit with coffee or a drink and watch the world go by. Build the front of the cafe so that a set of tables stretch out of the cafe, right into the street."
Corrections If you see something missing or incorrect here, please send a correction. Place in MKE Comments (free in AM only) Alterra at the Lake (Milwaukee River Flushing Station) 1701 N Lincoln Memorial Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)223-4551 www.alterracoffee.com www.mmsd.com A very popular cafe and educational center beautifully done, sharing its building and grounds space with displays of stormwater demonstration projects. A cooperative project of Alterra Coffee Roasters, Milwaukee County, and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District; see photo album page. Alterra on Prospect 2211 N Prospect Ave Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)273-3747 www.alterracoffee.com Interesting ambiance; nice seating along the window with a view of Prospect Ave. In the heart of the east side. Popular outside patio and window seating with windows that open out into the street, well-serving the social display function of the cafe; see photo album page. Alterra Bay View 2301 S Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee, WI (414)744-6117 www.alterracoffee.com A two-story cafe at the Five Points intersection in Bay View; seating areas upstairs in a balcony, in a generously-sized seating area overlooking the baking area, outside on the shady north side, in the sunny west side outdoors, and a room which has walls that open up on two sides for the breeze; bicycle parking; Free hotspot available; see photo album page. Alterra Foundry 170 S 1st St Milwaukee, WI (414)765-9873 www.alterracoffee.com In the Fifth Ward area just south of the Historic Third Ward, just south of the Water Street Bridge over the Milwaukee River. Alterra coffee served in a restored foundry building (Kramer International). Outside patio. Free hotspot available in AM; see photo album page. Alterra Humboldt 2999 N Humboldt Blvd Milwaukee, WI 53212 (414)292-3320 www.alterracoffee.com In the Riverwest area across from Pumping Station Park (baseball field), just north of the Locust/Humboldt intersection; see photo album page. Anodyne Coffee Roasting on KK 2920 S Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee, WI (414)489-0765 www.anodynecoffee.com In Bay View; see photo album page. Bella Caffe 189 N Milwaukee St Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)273-5620 www.bellacaffe.com Attractive off-Broadway corner coffeeshop in a brilliantly restored building the Historic Third Ward. Offers coffee as well as desserts, breakfast, and lunch. Nicely done interior, with big windows overlooking Chicago and Milwaukee Streets, comfortable armchairs, plenty of tables, all of which are a window seat. Some outside tables in good weather. Good place for dessert just before or after a performance at the nearby Broadway Theater; see photo album page. Bremen Cafe 901 E Clarke St Milwaukee, WI 53212 (414)324-9596 www.bremencafe.com In Bohemian Riverwest, on the corner of Bremen and Clarke. Offers coffee and live music some nights. Internet-connected computers available; see photo album page. Brewed Cafe on Brady 1208 E Brady St Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)276-2739 www.brewedonbrady.com Great location on fascinating Brady St. Unique atmosphere and clientelle. You'll see people playing chess, sketching, writing. Great cafe au lait. Ceiling paintings. Outside seating right in front of store that gets the sun, so people sit outside as soon as it is warm enough. This location used to be called "Brewed Awakenings" for a long time and also Anodyne Coffee Roasting on Brady; see photo album page. Brewing Grounds for Change 2010 N Farwell Ave Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)BREW-77 Facebook Fair trade coffee. Outside tables in good weather; see photo album page. Bruegger's 750 N Water St Milwaukee WI 53202 (414)272-0202 www.brueggers.com Bagels and coffee. Great bagels. Free Wi-Fi. This is a multi-state chain; I used to live near the first Bruegger's in Troy, New York. Coffee Makes You Black 2803 N Teutonia Ave Milwaukee, WI (414)562-5225 www.coffeemakesublack.com Coffee from Africa; onsite roasting. Coffee with a Conscience www.wwbic.com Schlitz Business Center, 1555 River Center Drive, (414)276-4341 In Schlitz Park. The Coffee House 631 N 19th St Milwaukee, WI 53233 (414)299-9598 www.the-coffee-house.com Well-known for its activism and live music performances including folk and others, this is "a program of Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in cooperation with Lutheran Campus Ministry." Open limited hours for performances. Serving coffee, tea, soda, and baked goods. Dryhootch.org 1030 E Brady St Milwaukee WI 53202 (414)763-2785 dryhootch.org This is a place for veterans to reconnect and provides many veterans services, but its coffee house with its outdoor seating along Brady Street is open to the public. Capuccinos, lattes, hot tea, soda, and chai, croissants, bagels, muffins, sandwiches, pastries, free Wi-Fi. 20% veteran's discount. Einstein Bagels 544 E Ogden Ave Milwaukee WI 53202 (414)276-9888 Plus Various locations 1(800)BAGEL-ME www.einsteinbros.com Bagels, good coffee, and food at these outlets throughout Milwaukee. National chain. Outdoor tables at some locations in nice weather. Fuel Cafe 818 E Center St Milwaukee, WI 53212 (414)374-3835 www.fuelcafe.com Great chili, coffee. Located in the Bohemian Riverwest area. Outside seating in good weather; see photo album page. Grace Place Coffee 250 E Juneau Ave Milwaukee WI 53202 (414)271-3006 gracedowntown.org/graceplace At the historic Grace Lutheran Church downtown, this coffee shop is on the main floor of the Grace Center (entry on Juneau Avenue). Serves a variety of Stone Creek coffees, espresso drinks, teas and pastries. Free WiFi is available; see photo album page. Glorioso's 1101 E Brady St Milwaukee WI 53202 (414)272-0540 www.gloriosositalianmarket.com This neighborhood Italian grocery store offers speciality groceries, deli items to go, and Alterra coffee. At the left of the entrance is a snack bar area where you can have a seat, coffee, or something from the deli. They say they offer calzone--but I've never been able to get one, as they apparently run out immediately on opening. No calzone for you! Inside the former Brady Street Pharmacy see photo album page. Grind (Cambridge Commons) 2323 N Cambridge Ave Milwaukee WI 53211 (414) uwm.edu Located on the ground floor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Cambridge Commons residence hall, this coffee shop is open to the public. This is a branch of the Grind coffee shop run at UW-Milwaukee's main campus about 2 km north-northeast. Coffee plus organic teas, soy beverages, smoothies, and bakery. Discount for bringing your own mug. Hi-Fi Cafe 2640 S Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414)486-0504 www.hificafe.com Great location in the heart of Bay View. Unique wedge-shaped building; see photo album page. Metro Market Cafe 1123 N Van Buren St Milwaukee WI 53202 www.metromarket.net Inside the Metro Market Pick N Save grocery store, there is a little cafe/restaurant. It has a big screen tv. Serves a variety of food as well as coffee. Free Wi-Fi; see photo album page. Milwaukee Public Library Central East Wing of Milwaukee Public Library 814 W Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee, WI 53233 www.mpl.org www.rcafeonline.com Coffee and used books in the beautiful Milwaukee Public Library central building. Hotspot available throughout Milwaukee Public Library building. The coffee shop is to the right as you enter the Wisconsin Avenue entrance. It has gone by different names--currently called "R Cafe;" Former names have included "M Cafe (Mocais Cafe)," "Perk & Peruse," "No More Z's Cafe," "Coffee with a Conscience"; see photo album page. Milwaukee Public Market 400 N Water St Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)336-1111 www.milwaukeepublicmarket.org The Milwaukee Public Market building has a balcony upstairs with tables and outside seating in good weather. A vendor at the market, Cederburg Coffee Roastery, opens early. There are many other vendors at the public market and activities like cooking classes or wine tastings. Free Wi-Fi at the market; see photo album page. Outpost Natural Foods 2826 S Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee WI 53207 (414)755-3202 Plus other Locations at Capitol Drive and Tosa outpost.coop Natural Foods Coop has cafe inside store. Outside seating in good weather. Panera 600 E Ogden Ave Milwaukee WI 53202 Plus other Locations www.panera.com Specializes in bread, but has great coffee. Outside seating in good weather; see photo album page. Que Pasa Coffee & Books 611 W National Ave Milwaukee, WI 53204 (414)649-0460 In Walker's Point area, across from the Spanish Center. Soup and coffee with a small bookstore. Roast Inc. 2132 E Locust St Milwaukee, WI 53211 (414)963-6363 www.roastcoffeecompany.com East Side coffee shop, just south of UW-Milwaukee campus at Maryland and Locust; see photo album page. Rochambo Coffee & Tea House 1317 E Brady St Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)291-0095 www.rochambo.com Colorful, ornamented building. Speciality teas, poetry, live music. Outside seating in good weather; see photo album page. Sherman Perk 4924 W Roosevelt Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53216 (414)875-7375 (PERK) shermanperkcoffeeshop.com The building, a former gas station refurbished to serve java, won a Mayor's Design Award. Live Poet's Society the 1st Friday of every month. Fully handicapped accessible. Located in the Sherman Park area of Milwaukee; see photo album page. Starbucks Various locations Marquette University, Hilton City Center, Red Arrow Park, Third Ward, East Pointe, Brady Street, Downer Avenue www.starbucks.com Although some say that their coffee is an acquired taste, I really have come to like mellower taste of the Caffè Misto. The Starbucks at Brady Street and Farwell Street has an interesting street view out its window. Red Arrow park has skating in the winter; see photo album page. Stone Creek Bay View 2266 S Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee WI 53207 (414)481-4215 www.stonecreekcoffee.com Stone Creek coffee cafe with outdoor seating in good weather at the Five Points area of Bay View. Stone Creek Factory Store 422 N 5th St Milwaukee WI 53203 (414)270-1008 www.stonecreekcoffee.com Stone Creek coffee headquartered and brewed at this cafe, coffee roastery, and kitchen. The building was constructed 1888 to 1889 and designed by Daniel Burnham and John Root of the "Chicago School" of architecture. There is also a coffee stand inside the Shops of Grand Avenue. Subway Cafe 710 N Plankinton Ave Milwaukee WI 53203 (414)212-8495 www.subway.com Serving Alterra coffee, this location provides the sandwiches and other foods of the Subway chain. Located in the former Mo's Mocha space right next to the Riverside Theater entrance, this place retains the fireplace and comfy chairs from Mo's. Enter at the doors marked "124" (West Wisconsin Avenue). The official address of the place, 710 N Plankinton, is the Empire Building entrance. If you go into that door, turn to the right once in the lobby. For up to 2 hours of free WiFi with your purchase, ask for the WiFi code card when ordering. Sven's Cafe 2699 S Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414)483-2233 www.svenscoffee.com In Bay View. A former gas station; fireplace. Outside seating in good weather; see photo album page. Whole Foods Market 2305 N Prospect Avenue Milwaukee WI 53211 (414)223-1500 www.wholefoodsmarket.com Inside this upscale grocery store (nicknamed "Whole Paycheck"), there is a seating area with tables and a counter at the window looking out onto North Avenue and Prospect Avenue. The store offers coffee, tea, and many made-to-order items. Free Wi-Fi; see photo album page. Is something missing or incorrect? Please send a correction.