Andiamo Coffee & Tea

777 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee

This building got my attention because they tore down some buildings that shouldn’t have been torn down in order to build it—but at least it’s apartments (infinitely more exciting than offices). I looked at rents, when it opened, and I’m not even in the ballpark, income-wise. Anyway, a cool little grocery store opened on street level, which I liked a lot, until it closed during the extended lockdown (which made no sense). Then it took a while, but a very fancy restaurant called Lupi & Iris went it—haven’t eaten at it yet (waiting for that special occasion)—as well as this coffee shop, Andiamo, which is either affiliated with the restaurant or actually a part of it. Anyway, it’s next door, and is technically in the entrance for the apartment building. Ideally, you’d sit outside (when it’s warm) with your beverage (if you can tolerate the traffic noise of “Li’l I-90” (Van Buren Street)). I wondered if it was even possible to sit inside… but yes! There is a coffee counter, with a lot of other drinks and some food—if you lived in this place, you’d have it made (so to speak). And if you want to sit down (like I did) there are four small tables in the elevator lobby, four metal stools at each. My espresso was very good, in a tiny ceramic mug, and I sat at the far table and watched the residents come and go. They all gave me nervous looks—had anyone ever sat in there before? No music—just an industrial hum, which I prefer. You probably wouldn’t want to sit there long. And according to a superficial inquiry, “Andiamo” translates as: “Hurry up.”

3.8.23