Gift Store
MOD GEN: A Modern General Store
Just one of the great reasons to stop in regularly is to browse the selection of exotic houseplants and funky pots. With a wellcurated selection of kitchenware and barware, candles, greeting cards, books and even presents for pets, this modern general store makes gift-buying so much easier.
211 N. Broadway; modgenmke.com
(Tie)
The Waxwing
The store to embrace your hometown pride. Owner/artist Steph Davies packs the store with diverse wares created by local artists and makers, everything from cutting boards shaped like the state of Wisconsin to T-shirts that spread the gospel of MKE wherever you travel.
1800 E. North Ave.; thewaxwing.com
Home Goods Store
Cream City Restoration
Midcentury modern and Scandinavian furniture are the bread and butter of this Third Ward shop, which also does restoration and reupholstery services. The bright, airy showroom also displays a nice selection of rugs, accent pillows and other decorative items.
201 N. Water St.; creamcityrestoration.com
Vintage Shop
Retique
Hidden gems are waiting to be found at this specialized Goodwill branch focusing on higher-end men’s and women’s clothing from brands like Tory Burch and Banana Republic.
190 N. Broadway
Women’s Clothing
Faye’s
For women who want to look polished and on-trend (but not trendy), Faye’s is the place – and has been for nearly three decades. Owner Faye Wetzel says it’s all about relationships with customers, and that seems to be the case: Her staff is known to send photos of new items to clients, and will sometimes swing by their homes so they can try on an outfit that interests them.
18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield; fayes123.com
Men’s Clothing
Harleys
This store, known for customsized shirts and impeccable tailoring, balances its reputation for old-style service with an eye for modern (dress and casual) fashion and a great select ion of shoes. After 71 years in Shorewood, the shop is making a big step by relocating to the Third Ward’s Marshall Building.
207 E. Buffalo St.; shopmodernman.com/pages/harleys
Pet Supplies
Bark N Scratch Outpost
Staffed by knowledgeable pet lovers, this one-of-a-kind outpost has an impressive selection of high-quality foods, treats and supplements for dogs and cats – foods that cover all the nutrition bases. The shop also sponsors events for area shelters and nonprofits, so giving back is key to its mission as well.
5835 W. Bluemound Rd.; milwaukeepetfood.com
Lawn & Garden Store
Stein’s Garden & Home
This local chain of superstores offers a knowledgeable sales team to help answer questions and offer guidance, particularly when it comes to choosing the right plants for your yard. The selection of outdoor furniture is of particular note.
Multiple locations; shopsteins.com
Grocery Store / Market
Sendik’s
The venerable Sendik’s Food Markets (with 17 locations) cater to their customers with from-scratch deli items, fresh baked goods, top-shelf meats and fresh produce. The brand also continues to evolve. In October, a 5,000-square-foot expansion of the flagship location in The Corners of Brookfield will debut, offering a Sendik’s home store, a bistro serving beer, wine and small plates, and a grilling station.
Multiple locations; sendiks.com
Bike Shop / Repair
Wheel & Sprocket
This beloved shop – created by the late cycling enthusiast Chris Kegel in a small Hales Corners location in 1973 – is still operated by his family and continues to cater to passionate riders with its selection of bike models and accessories, its repair shop and commitment to bike advocacy.
Multiple locations; wheelandsprocket.com
Photos Courtesy of: Cream City Restoration; Faye’s; Wheel & Sprocket
Readers’ Choice Winners & Runners-up
Vintage Shop
★ Retique
★ Tip Top Atomic Shop
★ Plume
Home Goods Store
★ Cream City Restoration
★ Restoration Hardware Outlet
★ Pabst Basket
Grocery Store / Market
★ Sendik’s
★ Glorioso’s Italian Market
★ Milwaukee Public Market
Men’s Clothing
★ Harleys
★ Moda3
★ Mark Berman & Son
Women’s Clothing
★ Faye’s
★ Twigs
★ The Navy Knot
Gift Store
★ MOD GEN: A Modern General Store
★ The Waxwing
★ Sparrow Collective
Pet Supplies
★ Bark N Scratch Outpost
★ Happy Tails Pet Supplies
★ The Feed Bag
Bike Shop / Repair
★ Wheel & Sprocket
★ Erik’s
★ Ben’s Cycle
Lawn & Garden Store
★ Stein’s Garden & Home
★ Minor’s Garden Center
★ Bayside Garden Center
More Best of Milwaukee 2019
Here it is: The cream of Cream City. You chose the winners in dozens of categories, and we added a few that we couldn’t help but chime in on.