Stone Creek – Factory Café

422 N. 5th Street, Milwaukee

I guess this is where Stone Creek roasts coffee and all that, maybe they have offices in here—it’s a terrific big warehouse building under the highway and near the train and bus station—it’s got a big city feel to it, though I get a sense that there are a lot of regulars here. Not particularly warm and friendly (in general—but the people working here are super nice). I was mailing something at the East Side P.O. and saw the trolley (“The Hop”) coming, so I jumped on, rode to the end of the line, which is here. Which is funny, because I woke up this morning with an anxiety dream about trying to get coffee before a train trip at a super crowded convenience store, and all I could get my hands on was a head of lettuce. Enough laptops here to put a chill on your morning. Good window seats because the window counters are low enough for normal chairs! The bad part, though—the windows look out on cars, highways, vacant lots, and enormous Clear Channel billboards—visually, it’s the asshole of the world.

4.26.23

Full of Beans Café

184 S. 2nd Street – Milwaukee

It’s been open a while now, I guess, over on this constantly changing block of S. 2nd Street. I had the slightest feeling I was walking on an unfamiliar block, exploring a city—nice feeling. A cute, one room storefront café, really homey and comfortable. I sat by the window, visited on an empty time. If I worked in the area, I’d come here every day. A guy is getting a takeout lunch, and someone else comes in for lunch—it makes me think of the sandwiches I used to get at Kline’s Market (Kent, OH), which were the best ever. “We’re an American Band” is playing on an oldies channel—which leads me to remember when that record came out—I think it was on gold or yellow vinyl, and my first copy was badly warped—not my favorite band or record, but it gives me a certain feeling of the time. It’s nice when a café allows you think back about things with inspired feelings.

4.19.23

North Shore Boulangerie

4401 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, WI

Even though I can’t touch what are probably very fine bakery items, bread and pastries, I visit this café frequently for lunch—which is excellent and reasonably priced. It’s also an extremely pleasant room—there’s a café, bakery, takeout side and dine-in breakfast and lunch side. If I lived in the neighborhood, I’d come here all the time and probably get acquainted with the regulars. I love the all-purpose nature of the place. I’m no expert on the French, but it feels like what I’d imagine are the best qualities of a French café. It feels simultaneously relaxed and unassuming, and high quality and kind of fancy—which is a nice thing to pull off. The coffee is excellent, of course, and I really like their salads. Someone else can fill me in on the bread.

4.5.23

Sweet Joy Brazilian Café

1208 E. Brady St., Milwaukee

This address has been a coffee shop since I first set foot in town (Brewed Awakenings, etc.) so it one of the more brutal closings during the pandemic. Nothing’s made me happier than seeing a new café open up, with its own personality and some Brazilian specialties, truffles, chocolates, other food, and even something I can eat, these delicious Pão de queijo, gluten-free cheese breads. After I enjoyed my espresso, I got to sit for a while—waiting for them to come out of the oven! There’s a new paint job, I believe, and things cleaned up in general, brighter but still warm, very homey, comfortable. Some high seats and low seats and window seats, and a hanging swing loveseat, I guess it is. I do wish there were even more places to sit, because I can imagine it being busy enough to be full—of course, in the warm weather there is always the potential for outside tables. I always liked the feel of this space, and the U-shaped layout—kind of two separate sides. And it’s more or less my neighborhood.

3.29.23

Starbucks – Hilton Milwaukee City Center

509 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee

That awkward name is what they call the big, old Hilton (the first place I ever saw in Milwaukee, riding through on the train in the mid-Nineties—where I vowed to stay if I ever visited). I haven’t heard anything about this place being haunted, but it sure feels haunted—there’s plenty of room for ghosts. This is one of those Starbucks where you can’t add a tip with your credit card purchase, so bring some actual money if you want to tip (I’m sure the workers get very little). It’s an okay place to sit, with a few tables and normal chairs, even a real fireplace! (Just kidding, but it is a good-looking fake one.) The music is that horrible top 40 or whatever it is you hear forced in everywhere. What I do is take my coffee into the Hilton—there’s an interior entrance, and you can wander about like a hotel guest. There is a good lounge on the second floor, in the front, and as long as it’s not in full operation, it might be perfect for you drinking your Starbucks coffee—and usually old jazz is playing. (The last time I was there, it was Mose Allison, who you never hear anywhere!) Also, there are good bathrooms here and there, even some with stalls with full doors (though those are likely to be dominated by people working on their resumes). My favorite part of this hotel is the odd back stairways where you’d least expect them. The place is an intriguing maze. I’m certain that somewhere in that hotel there is the secret stairway that goes nowhere.

3.23.23

Fiddleheads Coffee – Shorewood

4334 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, WI

I’ve been to a few Fiddleheads—they’ve got half a dozen or so coffee shops in the area, spread out pretty well. The one I used to go to regularly, on my bike, was up by Bayshore shopping center—but last time I looked, that one had closed and is now a place selling cookies. What’s with all the cookie shops lately? Do 10-year-olds run the world now? Well, I guess if you take into consideration movies and music—maybe so. But I’ve got to assume that adults are the customers for all these cookie shops. It kinda makes me worry. Anyway, I’m no longer going to mention that a place has decent expresso—I’m no kind of judge of it anyway. We’ll just assume it’s okay—or if they don’t have any, or it’s abysmal, I’ll mention that. This stretch of Oakland Ave., in Shorewood, between, Capitol and Lake Michigan, has more places to get coffee than the population in this area could possibly support, right? Well, let’s just say you’re lucky if you’re up here and working from the café—you’re sure to find a spot to set up your laptop. I can’t remember what used to be in this space—I want to say “Chocolate Factory”—in which case it’s a step in the right direction. It’s a spacious, old storefront—nice building—looks like a good place to hang out for hours. Also, there’s outdoor seating, plus a firepit, so you can sit out there any time of the year. They are open until 7 p.m., which is really nice—not enough coffee places are open that late.

3.15.23

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

Discourse Coffee – Downtown

1020 N. Broadway, Milwaukee

This is a Discourse Coffee location on the MSOE campus, which pretty much means I can fall out of bed and be there. It’s on the ground floor of an old building and they did a good job of fixing it up and accentuating the cool old parts. It’s on odd layout, with various seating on the outer edges, quite a few comfy chairs—a good place to meet with someone. There are people with laptops, of course. I’ve got to say, I’m not against people with laptops in cafés, and I’m even all for it, but still, the atmosphere is always better when there are people without laptops, particularly couples or groups, talking. The lighting is good, and the music okay—I noticed an old Seventies stereo, turntable, and records—though I didn’t inquire if you were allowed to play them. They know how to make an espresso. Also, the description of an odd specialty drink caught my eye—called a “Lewis” something—named after a guy whose significance escaped me (even after I asked). The name got my attention because of my old cat (though he spelled his name “Louis.”) The barista said the drink is based on this Lewis’ favs—Old Fashioned Cocktail and Pizza—who can’t relate with that. I have to try it—it’s delicious—and I’ll let the mystery of its ingredients reign. I can’t say I would have thought, blindfolded, “pizza”—but what I did think was, it’s like something I might make at home. I consider that a high compliment.

3.1.23

Supernova Coffee & Doughnuts

3rd Steet Market Hall – 275 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee

This is the coffee and doughnut place in the relatively new 3rd Street Market Hall (replacing the Applebee’s and “food court” from the old Grand Ave Mall—in case you’ve been gone for a while). Supernova is near the Wisconsin Ave. entrance, and they have a cute little seating area with a few tables and a couch. I got an espresso, which was good, and sat a few minutes—it wouldn’t be a bad place to meet someone and talk—and there were two small groups doing just that. It’s always a little sad getting espresso in a paper cup, but here, at least, it gives you the flexibility to go sit anywhere in the place—or even to leave the Market altogether (the piped in music is dreadful), and there are a number of quieter tables along the skywalk, which now extends from the Hyatt to the other side of the river. I asked about the future of gluten-free doughnuts (an obsession of mine) and the woman working hinted that they may move their location within the Market Hall, add more space, and expand to include GF doughnuts, fried in a GF fryer—which is rare indeed. When that time comes, I’ll do another review, and it will include doughnuts.

2.22.23

Stone Creek Coffee – Downer Ave Café and Kitchen

2650 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee

This location used to be my bank—funny to think of now—when I first moved to Milwaukee, c. 2000. I can’t even remember the name of the bank—I think they no longer exist. Anyway, the Stone Creek café here is an excellent addition to this neighborhood—if you live over here, you’re in luck, with a few restaurants, hardware, drug, and grocery store, bookstore, theater, and a couple of cafés. Stone Creek is a good, local coffee company—currently with about eight locations in the greater area—and I hope they open more, post-pandemic. (Please reopen the excellent spot in the skywalk!) The espresso is very good, can’t complain there. I’ve visited here a lot, and I’ve never quite figured out why I don’t like it as a place to sit. Most likely it’s just always too crowded—it’s not the café’s fault—it’s set up well enough. The clientele here bug me—of course, that’s a massive generalization—but places have vibe. When you put too many rich people in too small a place, it creates a negative aura, due to their personal space issues. I guess it reminds me, in a way, of the atmosphere on an airplane. If it was possible for the café to expand, that would help. Really, my favorite way to enjoy this place is during warmer weather because they have a great outside seating area facing the side street—so it’s not too traffic noisy—and they also have a variety of ways to open the inside to the outside.

2.15.23

Likewise

232 E. Erie St., Milwaukee

The guy (barista) said it’s free expresso February, and I said what… like free? I figured it was a joke, but who would the joke be on? The espresso is really good here. I suppose the idea is, I would order a baked good, then, why not? But, of course, I can’t eat anything (wheat, gluten, sugar), so I got an additional drink, an “elixir,” ginger and turmeric, to go along with my free espresso. Very good. I’ve always liked this physical space, since it’s been a series of coffee shops. I can’t remember what café was here in the past, or the one before that—it doesn’t matter—we’re moving into the future—I just always liked the feeling of whatever café was in here—a big, rectangular room, but it feels comfortable. Maybe it’s the big windows in front, or that’s near a school—essentially the MIAD coffee shop. No different now—maybe better. It feels more like a meeting-place café than a work-on-your-laptop café. Of course, there are people working on laptops—but that’s everywhere. On this day, though, there’s a few small groups—including some people playing chess! I’m the only asshole drinking two drinks and writing in a notebook. Oh, the other good thing is, I like all the music that’s playing—all some kind of jazz, none of which I can identify, but it’s music I’d play at home—and it’s not too loud. Good atmosphere here. If you’re meeting someone in the neighborhood, highly recommended.

2.8.23

Valentine – Third Ward

189 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee

I’ve always been a fan of Valentine—they know how to make coffee—and I’d buy their coffee beans whenever convenient. I didn’t get to their cafés much, since none were in walking distance—so I was excited to see this relatively new location in the Third Ward. It’s in the spot where the Bella Caffe used to be, for years and years, until it sadly closed. That was always a place to go. I looked up my old review of Bella and it amused me that I referred to their décor as: “seaside senior citizen”—though more of an observation than a critique. I have to say, I miss that look now that it’s gone—the place has been completely remodeled as streamlined and clean as a computer chip. I guess that appeals to the younger, sockless generation—and I suppose I sound like a seaside senior just saying it. But as soon as I stepped inside, I wanted to flee, seeing this long row of uniform tables along the front wall with a single, laptop-equipped remote worker at each one. A bit of future shock, as is the world these days—on various levels. I mean, I did get the last open seat, and my espresso, with the “V” on the inside of the cup, was fine, and warmed me up. The lighting, however—inexplicably cold—which got me wondering, do people look at warm color temperature as dated—as old fogey? The cold, blue light disturbed me—I’ve been in homier morgues. That’s not true—I’ve never been in a morgue—but no doubt will be all too soon.

2.1.23

Interval

1600 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee

I like how they painted the place, white with giant black letters: COFFEE. It’s to the point, and you’re not likely to confuse it with Car Wash, or Fish Sticks. Though, I can never remember the name: “Interval.” It’s one of those words… I know it has a specific meaning… not sure what it means to them… but it makes sense… somehow. Though, it does remind me of when I ran in cross country in high school—the worst (best) workouts were the ones called “Intervals”—which meant repeat runs of similar distance, such as multiple quarter mile runs at so and so speed. The worst (best) ever was twenty quarter miles, with very little rest in between. “Workout From Hell” would be a cool coffee shop name. Maybe not. Anyway, I first remember this spot as the Dentice Bros Italian Sausage shop—I lived a block away in a house that used to be the sausage place, I think. I’d pay my rent to Tony Dentice at the shop, and sometimes get some sausage. The best I’ve ever had. It always smelled like fennel from half a block away. I was sad when it closed, but someone did a great remodel, and now it’s been cafes, including this current one, kind of a split-level space. You can sit downstairs, where the café is, or upstairs—there’s a booth and a few tables, very intimate. Outside, when it’s warm, is good, too. Excellent lighting, good windows, quiet music. Fine espresso, which came with a little hexagon of chocolate (which I’ve sworn off—but made an exception). At first, I thought it was a little, brown, hexagon ceramic tile. That would be funny, too—to serve that with coffee. An idea I’ll throw out there.

1.25.23

Wantable Café

123 E. Walker St., Milwaukee

I walked by the Wantable Café countless times and wondered what it was all about—a block down this little side street off S. 1st Street. I pictured it as… maybe café… maybe not open—who knows. Kept forgetting to look it up. So… finally walked over and stopped for coffee. I’m shocked when I enter—it’s huge, lot of people, but so big it’s not remotely crowded. A lot going on—various types of meeting space—but then, an entire business. I looked up “Wantable”—“Expert Personal Stylists”—which still means very little to me—so I’ll chalk it up as something for young people—probably not for someone like me whose entire wardrobe consists of castoffs. They have quite a building here—I can’t tell if it’s a renovated warehouse or built to look like a renovated warehouse, but it’s big, airy, warm, pleasant. The café part is a: “Hub for creators, innovators & entrepreneurs”—that describes me, right? There’s a lot of food—and even though I wasn’t going to eat, the half Cobb salad sounds perfect. The espresso is wantable. Plenty of open tables, but I sit at a highchair at the bar—to observe the goings-on at the café counter—which is pretty happening. A guy sitting at the bar drinking white wine at noon, on the phone arranging hotel rooms, adult entertainment, and brisket. People are working on laptops, of course—but it’s nice—there’s a mixture of alone people, group meetings, and couples. The place could be a lot busier—but it’s nice for me—it’s lowkey and comfortable. The bathrooms are clean and nice and there’s a couple of totally private toilet stalls, like you rarely see (sometimes in hotels)—the downside of that is people could be camping out there for days.

1.18.23

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

Colectivo Coffee – Bay View

2301 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee

I got a little tired of Colectivo coffee shops—being the most ubiquitous coffee shops in Milwaukee—but since so many coffee shops closed during the pandemic—and some of them were Colectivos—I haven’t been to any Colectivos in a while. If you say “Colectivo” enough times really fast, it starts to sound weird. Or else you get used to it and forget what they were before they were called Colectivo. At any rate, they all seem new again. The espresso is good and not ridiculously expensive and comes in a cute little cup with lightning bolts on the side and the red letters, “CCR.” I guess that stands for Creedence Clearwater Revival—but I don’t know what the significance is. The thing I like about this place is that it’s huge—it’s a sprawling corner establishment with several entrances—I think their bakery is in there, too, though I wouldn’t know about stuff like that. I like that there are a variety of places to sit, and a variety of indoor/outdoor hybrid areas, depending on the weather. My favorite seating is the upstairs—quiet and less hectic—there are some private corners and cubbyholes, and a balcony overlooking the downstairs area. A lot of natural light (if it’s light out) but also, it’s pleasantly dark in there—a lot of brick and dark wood—one of the more relaxing cafés in town.

1.4.23

Discourse Coffee – Museum Café

Milwaukee Art Museum

There used to be three cafés in the art museum, or four if you counted the coffee cart in the long hallway, that was there for a while, which was the best option. Though, maybe the one by the lake, in the old part, was better—kind of an indoor/outdoor space. Not that you’d want to go outside today, it’s cold as hell—even the geese are acting weird. There is one café, now, in this post-pandemic moment—but you can count on that to change. I’ve recently become aware that there are several Discourse Coffees within walking distance, and I’m just now getting so I don’t confuse that name with other odd café names (Confab, Proselytism, Inculcate)—which seems to be a trend. My espresso comes in a ceramic cup that might be handmade—along with a similar cup of sparkling water—and they’re both on a little, ceramic, custom serving try—it’s cute as hell. The coffee is really good, a pleasure. The space is the lower level of the museum Calatrava addition—so not quite as dramatic as the space directly above—but not as ostentatious, either. Down here you can (even more than above) imagine you’re on a ship, with nothing but horizon in front of you. I like low ceiling, and the contrast between the billion-dollar structure and the 99-cent, middle-school castoff tables and chairs. It would even be better coming with friends and getting the black, ad-agency couches. Or, if your timing is right, you can get the table directly in the prow of the ship—that day would be the jackpot.

12.28.22

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

COFFEE STATUS

Due to time and the pandemic, there probably needs to be a lot of updates on the coffee shop posts, below, i.e. previous to, this post. I’ll try to get around to it. It seems like, in the last couple of years, nothing has changed as much as the status of coffee shops. Going forward—I’m beginning, at the end of December 2022—to attempt to visit and write a bit about one coffee shop every week.

Fuel Cafe – Center Street – 818 E. Center Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Open 7am on weekdays, 8am on weekends – until 9pm.

There may be no more crucial coffee shop in Milwaukee, in terms of what it means to the neighborhood, so I'm hoping Fuel on Center Street stays open and outlives me. They proudly claim to be open since 1993 (which happens to be the year I quit drinking, and was before many of you were born, or at least drinking coffee), and keeping a business open is something to be proud of, especially when it's so strongly part of the community. I've had coffee here that frankly tasted like ass, but at least it was strong, and I can live with strong ass coffee, just not weak ass coffee. It's a bit of a no-nonsense place, and I like that. There are always people here—I'm sure to many people it's more familiar than their own kitchen. I seem to find myself here relatively often for not living in the neighborhood. I never eat here, though there is a lot of food, but mostly sandwiches. Their internet menu has tacos—do they actually have tacos, and are there corn tortillas? I will try sometime, but put that in taco reviews. People who eat sandwiches are fond of their sandwiches. There is something about the place that always bums me out a little—I guess I look around at people, and often I get that feeling of “just woke up and feel like I'm going to die.” I really can just viscerally feel other people's hangovers, and I'm guessing if you could collect all the hangovers that flourished here over the years, you could start a world-renowned hangover museum. I guess it's a positive sign, though, when people get out in the world—no matter how much they look like death-warmed-over—and have some strong coffee, and attack the day.

Randy Russell 4.30.19