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.

Lots of other 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.

Key to icons Free Wireless Access. These are known locations. Please send an update, addition, or correction. For wireless access provided free by the City of Milwaukee, you could also try Milwaukee County Parks downtown: Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park. To find pay access, use the Net Cafes information. 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. Join us for coffee I have a Cafe MKE group on the social networking site Facebook if you'd like to meet others for coffee and conversation at cafes in the area.

Place in MKE	Comments
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. This is THE ONLY place anywhere near the shore of Lake Michigan in the city (or county) of Milwaukee where you can buy food and drink in a casual (self-service) yet appealing atmosphere* open year-round. In winter, cross-country skiers often stop in. In summer, everyone seems to stop in. Very crowded with customers! In fact, as Yogi Berra said, "it is so crowded, hardly anyone goes there anymore," is true--I don't go here on the summer weekends or peak times of the day because I can never get in. Seating inside, on outside patio, and the lawn, giving an ingenious series of overlapping social spaces. See photos. (*there is a snack bar at the McKinley Marina with limited, unappealing food and few customers in spite of its gorgeous location right on the lake).
Alterra on Prospect 2211 N. Prospect Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)273-3747 www.alterracoffee.com	Interesting ambiance with wholesale coffee roasting right in the cafe; 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. The smell of the roasting coffee helps define the neighborhood, and it is a sign that you are nearby. Warning: the coffee contains caffeine at extremely high levels. A double cappuccino will end a coma. See photos.
(free in AM only) 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 photos.
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.
Anodyne Coffee Roasting on Brady / Brewed Awakenings 1208 E. Brady St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)276-2739 www.anodynecoffee.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. See photos.
Anodyne Coffee Roasting on KK 2920 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Milwaukee, WI (414)489-0765 www.anodynecoffee.com	In Bayview. See photos.
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 photos.
Bon Bon Cafe 140 N Jefferson St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)220-1110	In the historic Third Ward.
Borders Books and Music 101 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414)225-9977 www.bordersstores.com	The only large-format national bookstore in the city of Milwaukee, this Borders' has its cafe right off Milwaukee's downtown RiverWalk. This is the ONLY place on Milwaukee's RiverWalk where you can buy food and drink in a casual (self-service) atmosphere. Outdoor seating right on the riverwalk in good weather (warning: there are sometimes panhandlers here; please consider giving directly to a charity or social service agency and not support the hustlers in this area who disguise themselves as "homeless."). See photos.
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 photos.
Bruegger's 750 N. Water St. Milwaukee WI 53202 (414)272-0202 www.brueggers.com	Bagels and coffee. Located on the northwest corner of Water and Mason St., just off the RiverWalk. Great bagels. Free Wi-Fi. This is a multi-state chain; I used to live near the first Bruegger's in Troy, New York.
Brewing Grounds for Change 2010 N. Farwell Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)BREW-77	Fair trade coffee. Outside tables in good weather. See photos.
Cafe Brücke 2101 N. Prospect Ave Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)287-2053 www.cafebrucke.com	On The East Side. Open evening hours. Outside tables in good weather. See photos.
Closet Classics Caffeine and Clothing 1000 East North Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53212 (414)265-1950 www.closetclassics.net	Clothing--men's and women's--and Alterra coffee. Open mic night first fridays of the month. In Bohemian Riverwest.
Coffee Makes You Black 2803 N. Teutonia Ave. Milwaukee, WI (414)562-5225	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.
Comet Cafe 1947 N. Farwell Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)273-7677	Eastside haunt. Good coffee. Nice outdoor seating in the summer. See photo.
EspressoChristoph 3116 N. Downer Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211 (414)332-1300 825 N. Jefferson St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.espressochristoph.com	Near UW-Milwaukee campus as well as a location on Cathedral Square. See Cathedral Square photos. See Downer photos.
Einstein Bagels 544 East 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 photos.
Hi-Fi Cafe 2640 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414)486-0504 www.hificafe.com	Great location in the heart of Bayview. Unique wedge-shaped building. See photos.
Kafé International 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53219 (414)545-6030 www.serbhall.com	Inside American Serb Hall.
La Taza 810 S. 5th St. Milwaukee, WI 53204 (414)389-1060	In Walker's Point. Offers espresso, teas, ice tea, chai, bakery, wines, beers, and cordials. Patio seating.
MCafe 535 E. Wells St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)271-5212	Across from Cathedral Square in the lobby of the Cathedral Place building. Serves "Gano health promoting anti-aging beverages." Open during the morning and afternoon. See photos.
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 photos.
Milwaukee Public Library Central East Wing of Milwaukee Public Library 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53233 (414)286-2142 www.mpl.org	Coffee and used books in the beautiful Milwaukee Public Library central building. Hotspot available throughout Milwaukee Public Library building. Currently called "No More Z's Cafe," formerly "Coffee with a Conscience." See photos.
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 photos.
Mo's Mocha-A Coffee Bistro 124 West Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414)276-6242 www.mosmocha.com	Just west of the Riverside Theater on Wisconsin Avenue. Spacious seating, personable staff, and great coffee. Nice views out the window to see the pedestrian life of downtown, which is gradually coming alive even in the evening. Part of the Mo's empire of restaurants, including Mo's Irish Pub just across Plankinton Avenue. See photos.
Nervosa Coffee Bar & Gelato 215 East Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee WI 53202	Serves Alterra Coffee to go or in store and European Gelato, sandwiches, and salads. Delivery of coffee as well as bakery for company meetings or functions. Free delivery of sandwiches and salads ($25 minimum) within a one block radius. This location had been a Stone Creek Coffee shop. See photos.
Panera 600 East Ogden Ave. Milwaukee WI 53202 Plus other Locations www.panera.com	Specializes in bread, but has great coffee. Outside seating in good weather. See photos.
(free to members only) Quasi Cafe 1340 North Sixth Street Milwaukee, WI 53212 (414)305-1324 www.quasi-cafe.com	Inside Bucketworks, a creative activity center which offers programming and services in everything from arts--dance, theatre, visual art--to business and technology. Free wireless for Bucketworks members. Open during the week and on weekends based on special events. See photos.
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 photos.
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 photos.
Sherman Perk 4924 W. Roosevelt Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53216 (414)875-7375 (PERK) www.shermanperk.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. Kosher. Fully handicapped accessible. Located in the Sherman Park area of Milwaukee. See photos.
Starbucks Various locations (7 within walking distance of my apartment) www.starbucks.com	You have to admit, they are good at marketing coffee and a lifestyle (now including music and other products). 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 Red Arrow Park photos.
Steamer's Coffee 624 N. Water St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)277-7679	A clean, well-lighted place.
Stone Creek Various locations www.stonecreekcoffee.com	Pretty good coffee. Bay View location (outside seating in good weather). Also stand inside Shops of Grand Avenue downtown. Headquartered and brewed at 5th & St. Paul, near the Amtrak station, where possibly a retail store may open someday.
Strange Brew 134 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)847-3247	In the Historic Third Ward, in Catalano Square, at the south end of Broadway, near the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Desgin. Outside seating on Catalano Square.
Sven's Cafe 2699 S Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414)483-2233	In Bay View. A former gas station; fireplace. Outside seating in good weather. See photos.
Trocadero 1758 N. Water St. Milwaukee, WI Phone (414)272-0205 www.ztrocadero.com	A combination cafe and bar named after the 16ième Parisian arrondissement Metro station. Very nicely done in a restored building just east of the Van Buren-Holton bridge and just north of Brady Street. Offers espresso, foreign news and magazines, deli, wines, tobacco. Patio seating. See photos.
Whole Foods Market 2305 N. Prospect Avenue Milwaukee WI 53202 (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 photos.
Wildgrove Roastery and Coffee House 524 S. 2nd St. Milwaukee WI 53204 (414)807-3699 wildgrove.com	In Walker's Point.

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