Grind – UWM Golda Meir Library

2311 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee

Not really a coffee shop, but arguably better—it’s a library! There’s a little coffee counter, not far from the entrance on the first floor, along with plenty of places to sit. One thing about college libraries—plenty of places to sit. Also, good bathrooms. I got a double espresso—it came in a little paper cup like to dispense your pills in the hospital. I had a feeling I was the first one ever to get plain espresso here—I mean, rather than a spicy milkshake with a “shot” of espresso. Someone in line even made a comment… like, “Hardcore old-timer!” Something. I don’t think they take cash… I’m not sure… anyway, I always use a credit card… but you can’t put tips on your card, so I put a couple of dollars in the tip jar and about doubled its contents. For me, the coffee area is a bit chaotic—though I’m not sure you can’t take your coffee anywhere in the library. I drank it while it was hot, anyway, and if I was intending to hang out there and read or write in a notebook, I’d find a cool spot soon enough. If I was a student there, I’d have my secret spots. Why didn’t they have a coffee shop in the library when I was in school? Sure would have been welcome. I did a lot of sleeping in the library!

10.25.23