Starbucks - Downer
/2551 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee
I got a late start, due to a dental appointment, but since I was in the neighborhood, I figured it was time to get coffee. Also, once I find that I have no cavities and I’m outta the chair—I’m in the mood to celebrate, spend money, drink coffee, and maybe get a GF muffin. My first stop was the cat café—not open ’til noon, so 2nd stop was the gluten-free bakery—no one home. 3rd stop—forgot—so 4th stop, Boswell Books—supposed to be open, and not! By now I’m feeling like The Omega Man, ready to start the projector and just watch Woodstock again—but then I see the small print, Boswell doing inventory today—just my luck! But the Starbucks next door is open, so I get a double espresso, which is fine. This Starbucks is essentially connected to Boswell Books—one of the few café/bookstore combos in town. My former disdain for Starbucks has all but dissipated with so many of their stores closing during the pandemic—and now thankful for every coffee shop, no matter their corporate affiliations. This one was always particularly friendly, anyway—the people working here. Good windows facing a corner and two interesting sidewalks. My favorite part, though, is a kind of connecting room between the café and the bookstore—a little room with a high ceiling with a big table and two small tables, with good, low seats. You usually can’t get a spot—but I did today, and so I’m here a moment, to write this, and drink my coffee. You see people coming and going (better when the bookstore is open) and people working on their laptops (of course). Me, I’m just taking it in.
1.11.23