Alderaan Coffee

The only coffee shop I’m aware of on the funny little intersection, in Milwaukee, where Water, Pleasant, and Jefferson Streets meet—and a place I’ve met with people, more than once—it’s one of my favorites! The funny thing is, I realized a year had gone by since my last coffee shop review—what happened?! Why had I lost enthusiasm? I have no answer—but because of my increased enthusiasm for coffee, in general, lately (I’m not going to start drinking again—since when did Myers’s Rum come in plastic bottles?) I decided it would be both amusing and fitting to get back to the coffee reviews (with a new approach—no rules!) by once more visiting Alderaan and reflecting back on last year!

I won’t rehash the snowman socks story (which isn’t that funny—and… you can read about below), though I did, just for old tymes, wear my snowman socks. The barista gave me a funny look, like, you again! Or maybe that was my imagination. I had the place to myself, this year, got my favorite seat, on a normal height chair, at a table, and I wrote in my little notebook. Not a bad hour in my life, at all. A few people came in, all with dogs. You would think it would be impossible to get a seat here, since about 12 thousand new apartments have been built within a couple of blocks—and I’m sure it’s more crowded, earlier in the day.

There was another really good coffee shop, as well, a block away, in the old Dentice Sausage storefront—but it recently closed mysteriously. I wouldn’t mind moving in there, but I don’t think I could afford it. Maybe another café will end up there—the side of the building already says, “Coffee”—so why not. But I hope this Alderaan stays open forever—it just has a good feeling about it. Another good thing—I liked the music, playing. I noted that last year, as well, so maybe it’s not an isolated event. I am very particular about music. But today, I liked each song I heard—yet recognized none of them. I asked my phone to listen and made notes of band names and song titles—I’ll try to sort that out later. Next time I come back (without my snowman socks) I’m going to again pay attention to what’s in the air—dogs, music, conversation, coincidence.

4.24.25