Fairgrounds Coffee

916 E. State St., Milwaukee

Substantial neighborhood coffee shop, corner of Astor and State, across from some apartment buildings and a small park and the No.14 bus stop. It’s in the lobby of what used to be a hotel—which they later renovated into what are probably high-priced apartments. This space was the “Aqua Bar” a few years back—which had a bubbling water theme, and when that closed, they went all-out remodeling to make a beautiful Indian restaurant with a fine buffet. That closed, however, when they put in the apartments—kind of tragic. I was happy a coffee shop went in here, though, instead of a cellphone store. The place is always crowded—seems to be a good meeting place for young people—and those who aren’t meeting anyone have laptops. There is a variety of comfortable seating, even some home furniture, but it’s usually taken. There are a couple of marble-topped bars with wooden stools—I tried to sit there once—really painful. This last time I sat at a counter facing out the window—the stools are little lower, so at least my legs reached the ground. I got an espresso—$5—it’s okay, at least while it’s not. As it cools down, it tastes increasingly like ass. Sorry, but that’s my assessment. I can drink it, but must grimace a bit. The lighting is very good, and the music is not so loud to be annoying. I’m happy this place is here (two blocks from where I live). If I ever determine a less busy time, and I can get the couch next to the fake fire, I’ll come by more often.

12.21.22