MilwaukeeCafesMKE 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 those. Here, I'm listing only those places that have a casual, coffeehouse atmosphere--where you are not hustled out after drinking or eating, and people hang out comfortably.

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

send corrections and suggestions via email If you see something missing or incorrect here, please send a correction.

Icons used in listings
Free HotspotFree 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 Available 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.
Live MusicHas occasional live music
John's pickOne of my favorites
Streetcar On The Hop streetcar route
For a discussion of the cafe concept
The Great Good Place 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."
0195019199 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."
Alderaan Coffee
1560 N Water St
Milwaukee WI
(414)395-9955
alderaancoffee.com
Free Hotspot
Alderaan Coffee
Located in the flatiron (resembles a wedge-shaped iron heated to smooth clothes) building near the North End. This cafe rotates through roasters from all over the US. For example, currently serving: Anodyne Coffee (Milwaukee WI); Wonderstate Coffee Roasters (Viroqua WI); Brooklyn Roasting Company (Brooklyn NY).
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Bay View
2920 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Milwaukee, WI
(414)489-0765
anodynecoffee.com
Free Hotspot
click to see album photos
In Bay View; see photo album page available photo album page.
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Public Market
400 N Water St
Milwaukee, WI
(262)888-3642
anodynecoffee.com
Free Hotspot On the Streetcar Route
anodyne public market
Inside the Milwaukee Public Market
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Walker's Point
224 W Bruce St
Milwaukee, WI
(414)276-8081
anodynecoffee.com
Free Hotspot Live Music
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Walker's Point
Coffee shop and roastery.
Arts @ Large Cafe
1100 E Fifth St
Milwaukee WI
artsatlargeinc.org
Arts @ Large Cafe
Inside the Community Center of the Arts @ Large which supports art in communities.
Canary Coffee Bar
720 N Old World 3rd St
Milwaukee WI 53203 canarycoffeebar.com
Free Hotspot
Canary Coffee (Digital Painting)
Multi-roaster coffee offering indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting). Located on North Old World Third Street in the heart of Westown.
Caribou Coffee/Einstein Bagels
544 E Ogden Ave On the Streetcar Route
Milwaukee WI 53202
3129 South 27th Street
Milwaukee WI 53215
locations.cariboucoffee.com
Bagels, coffee, and food at these outlets throughout Milwaukee. National chain. Outdoor tables at some locations in nice weather.
City.Net Jazz Cafe
306 E Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414)336-1723
citynetcafe.com On the Streetcar Route
Live MusicFree Hotspot
onsite roasting.
Coffee Makes You Black
2803 N Teutonia Ave
Milwaukee, WI
(414)562-5225
Facebook
Coffee from Africa; onsite roasting.
The Coffee House
Reception Hall
Plymouth Church UCC
2717 E Hampshire St
Milwaukee, WI 53211
the-coffee-house.com
Live Music
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.
Colectivo at the Lake (Milwaukee River Flushing Station)
1701 N Lincoln Memorial Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414)223-4551
colectivocoffee.com
mmsd.com
Free Hotspot Live Music John's pick
click to see album photos
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 Colectivo Coffee (formerly Alterra Coffee), Milwaukee County, and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District; see photo album page available photo album page.
Colectivo on Prospect
2211 N Prospect Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414)273-3747
colectivocoffee.com
Live Music Free Hotspot
click to see album photos
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 available photo album page.
Colectivo Bay View
2301 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Milwaukee, WI
(414)744-6117
colectivocoffee.com
Live Music Free Hotspot John's pick
click to see album photos
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 available photo album page.
Colectivo Foundry
170 S 1st St
Milwaukee, WI
(414)765-9873
colectivocoffee.com
Free Hotspot
click to see album photos
In the Fifth Ward area just south of the Historic Third Ward, just south of the Water Street Bridge over the Milwaukee River. Colectivo coffee served in a restored foundry building (Kramer International). Outside patio. Free hotspot available in AM; see photo album page available photo album page.
Colectivo Humboldt
2999 N Humboldt Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414)292-3320
colectivocoffee.com
Free Hotspot Live Music
click to see album photos
In the Riverwest area across from Pumping Station Park (baseball field), just north of the Locust/Humboldt intersection; see photo album page available photo album page.
Colectivo Third Ward
225 E St Paul Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414)220-8330
colectivocoffee.com
Free Hotspot On the Streetcar Route
mke-2014-05-25 113 A
In Milwaukee's Third Ward. This cafe makes the most of its small space with sidewalk tables and lift-up doors on the front that open to the street.
Colectivo US Bank Center
777 E Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414)225-8970
colectivocoffee.com
Free Hotspot On the Streetcar Route
US Bank Center
On the mezzanine level of the tallest building in the State of Wisconsin. The cafe opened in 2002. The US Bank center, at 42 stories, opened in 1973.
Daily Bird
818 E Center St
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Facebook
On Center Street in Riverwest.
Discourse Coffee
158 S Barclay St
Milwaukee WI 53204
discourse.coffee
Live Music Free Hotspot
Coffee Walker's Point
Located in same building with Radio Milwaukee.
Dryhootch.org
1030 E Brady St
Milwaukee WI 53202
(414)763-2785
dryhootch.org
mke-2010-10-12 051.JPG
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.
Fairgrounds Cafe
1001 N Astor St
Milwaukee WI 53202
fairgrounds.cafe On the Streetcar Route
A multi-roaster cafe. In the Advantage on the Park apartments. Food, tea (Rishi), and a variety of rotating coffee roasts such as Colectivo coffee, Stumptown, Metropolis, Spyhouse, Halfwit, Frothy Monkey, and many others.

Fairgrounds, Yankee Hill, Milwaukee

Fiddleheads Coffee
790 N Water St
Milwaukee WI 53202
Fiddleheads Coffee On the Streetcar Route
Fiddleheads Coffee
lobby coffeeshop; multi-level common area
Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market Cuppa' Joe Coffee House
470 E Pleasant St
Milwaukee WI 53202
(414)290-3999
freshthyme.com
Free Hotspot
The North End: Fresh Thyme Market (Upstairs=apartments; Downstairs=grocery store)
Inside the Fresh Thyme grocery store is a little cafe where you can have coffee, use free WiFi, or eat items purchased from the store Deli.
Fuel Cafe Walker's Point
630 S 5th St
Milwaukee, WI
414-847-9580
fuelcafe.com
In Walker's Point.
Full of Beans Cafe
184 S 2nd St
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414)539-6448
fullofbeanscafe.com
In Walker's Point.
Grace Coffee Company
102 N Water St
Milwaukee, WI
gracecoffeewi.com
Free Hotspot
*new* Located right on Milwaukee's Riverwalk in the Third Ward at the corner of Water and Erie, this cafe offers a beautiful setting and an array of coffee and food.
Grace Place Coffee
250 E Juneau Ave
Milwaukee WI 53202
(414)271-3006
gracedowntown.org
Live Music Free Hotspot
Grace Lutheran Church
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 available photo album page.
Hawthorne Coffee Roasters
4177 S Howell Ave
Milwaukee WI 53207
(414)939-6403
www.hawthorne coffeeroasters.com
Free Hotspot
Hawthorne Coffee Roasters
On Milwaukee's South Side, this cafe also serves BBQ. Open during morning hours. Serves pourover coffee, cold brewed, espresso, Rishi Teas.
Hi-Fi Cafe
2640 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414)486-0504

Free Hotspot
Hi Fi Cafe
Great location in the heart of Bay View. Unique wedge-shaped building; see photo album page available photo album page.
Interval
1600 N Jackson St
Milwauke,e WI 53202
(877)585-1085
intervalmke.com
A neighborhood cafe and shop. Seasonal plates and homemade pastries.
Interval Bay View
2266 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Milwaukee WI 53207
(414)
intervalmke.com
***Coming soon*** coffee cafe with outdoor seating in at the Five Points area of Bay View.
Likewise Coffee
232 E Erie St
Milwaukee WI 53202
(414)914-9497
Facebook
likewisemke
In the Third Ward, near MIAD. Formerly Kickapoo / Wonderstate.
Manhattan Mocha
7600 W Capitol Drive
Milwaukee WI 53222
(414)
Facebook
MARN Coffee + Wine
191 N Broadway
Milwaukee WI
marnarts.org/coffee-wine On the Streetcar Route
A cafe at the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network.
Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N Art Museum Drive
Milwaukee WI 53202
(414)224-3200
mam.org
Free Hotspot
Along the Lakefront; click to see album photos
The Milwaukee Art Museum offers a wonderful cafe at ground level where you can get a cup of coffee and sit at a table inside or outside in good weather. See https://mam.org/visit/cafe-dining.
Milwaukee Public Library Central
East Wing of Milwaukee Public Library
814 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414)286-2142
bookseller@mpl.org
supportmpl.org/bookseller
Free Hotspot in Library
click to see album photos
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 over the years. Currently, it is called "The Bookseller."
Milwaukee Public Market
400 N Water St
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414)336-1111
milwaukee publicmarket.org
Free Hotspot On the Streetcar Route
click to see album photos
The Milwaukee Public Market building has a balcony upstairs with tables and outside seating in good weather. A vendor at the market, Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company, 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 available photo album page.
Newline Community Cafe
3618 W Pierce St
Milwaukee, WI
newline.cafe
Free Hotspot
Coffee and tea; operated in by students from the charter Escuela Verde school.
Outpost Natural Foods
2826 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Milwaukee WI 53207
(414)755-3202
100 E Capitol Drive
Milwaukee WI 53212
outpost.coop
Natural Foods Coop has a cafe inside store. Outside seating in good weather.
Panera
600 E Ogden Ave
Milwaukee WI 53202
Plus other Locations
panerabread.com
Free Hotspot On the Streetcar Route
click to see album photos
Specializes in bread, but has coffee. Outside seating in good weather; see photo album page available photo album page.
Pilcrow Coffee
416 W Walnut St
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414)
www.pilcrowcoffee.com
Nitro, pour-over, espresso, tea, and more.
Rise and Grind Cafe
2737 N Dr Martin Luther King Dr
Milwaukee WI 53212
(414)249-3846
Facebook
Roast Inc.
2132 E Locust St
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414)963-6363
roastcoffee company.com
Free Hotspot
click to see album photos
East Side coffee shop, just south of UW-Milwaukee campus at Maryland and Locust; see photo album page available photo album page.
Rochambo Coffee & Tea House
1317 E Brady St
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414)291-0095

Free Hotspot Live Music
click to see album photos
Colorful, ornamented building. Speciality teas, poetry, live music. Outside seating in good weather; see photo album page available photo album page.
Sherman Perk
4924 W Roosevelt Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53216
(414)875-7375 (PERK)
shermanperk coffeeshop.com
Live Music
click to see album photos
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 available photo album page.
600 EAST Cafe
600 E Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee WI 53202
(414)224-6594
600eastcafe.com On the Streetcar Route
600 East Cafe
Despite the outside appearance of this cafe with its windows blacked out air-raid style, there is a lively, wonderful cafe inside that is open during daytime business hours. Locally sourced menu items, coffee blends, breads and bakery, meats, and cheeses.
Shindig
3536 W Fond du Lac Ave
Milwaukee WI 53216
(262)228-6021
Facebook
Inside the Sherman Phoenix.
Sprocket Cafe
3385 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414)539-4040
sprocketcafe.weebly.com
Sprocket Cafe
In Bay View, near Morgan Park.
Starbucks
On the Streetcar Route
East Pointe
Red Arrow Park
Metro Market
Other locations: Downer Avenue, Northwestern Mutual, Marquette University, Hilton City Center,
starbucks.com
Free Hotspot
click to see album photos
A collection of the Seattle-based chain of cafes is in downtown Milwaukee. Red Arrow park has skating in the winter; see photo album page available photo album page.
Stone Creek Factory Store
422 N 5th St
Milwaukee WI 53203
(414)270-1008
www.stonecreekcoffee.com
Free Hotspot On the Streetcar Route
Stone Creek Coffee Factory Store
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
subway.com
Free Hotspot
Subway Cafe by John December
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.
Sweet Joy Brazilian Cafe
1208 E Brady St
Milwaukee WI
(414) 210-3446
Free Hotspot
It is wonderful to see a new cafe, and a clean, well-lighted place in the former Brewed on Brady/Brewed Awakenings space. Inside, you'll still find the angel on the ceiling on one of the dining rooms, the wonderful creaky old floors, and a great picture window to look out of in the back room.
Troop Cafe
3430 W Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee WI 53208
(414)763-7490
www.troopcafemke.com
Open to the public. Have coffee, enjoy food, and know that your patronage supports food service and hospitality training to United States Veterans. Located on 35th and Wisconsin Ave in Milwaukee WI at Veterans Manor. Breakfasts and lunches to the general public Monday through Friday, 6:30 am until 3:00 pm.
Valentine Coffee Co
5918 W Vilet St
Milwaukee WI
(414)988-8018
valentinecoffeeco.com
Free Hotspot
A tasting room and roastery.
Valentine Coffee Co
189 N Milwaukee St
Milwaukee WI

valentinecoffeeco.com
Free Hotspot
In the Third Ward.
Whole Foods Market
2305 N Prospect Avenue
Milwaukee WI 53211
(414)223-1500
wholefoodsmarket.com
Free Hotspot
click to see album photos
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 available photo album page.
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2024-03-12 · John December · Terms © johndecember.com