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The only thing I love more than coffee is going to a coffee shop. There’s something uniquely special about these third spaces – people come together to meet old friends, be productive or simply just sit back and sip a latte. When people ask me my favorite coffee spot, I always say it depends: What do you want to do there? Here’s a nuanced user’s guide to Milwaukee’s amazing coffeehouses.
Anodyne Walker’s Point
224 W. BRUCE ST. → BEST FOR WORKING
Whether you’re settling in to focus while working remotely or meeting up with a few colleagues, this is the place to be. The long tables, multiple spots to charge your devices (outlets are a must!) and cheap refills on drip coffee all lock in a productive morning. The new food menu from Donut Monster and unlimited wi-fi make it an even better place to spend the workday.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Colectivo Bay View
2301 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. → BEST FOR A BITE TO EAT
Sometimes you want something more to eat than just a little baked good. Colectivo – a perennial Readers’ Choice champion for coffee – has those bakery items but also a full breakfast menu all day, great for sitting in or grab-and-go. My favorites? The veggie pesto burrito and an iced latte for breakfast, or the turkey club and an iced chai for lunch. The Bay View location wins for its wide variety of seating options and parking lot.
Vendetta Wauwatosa
7613 W. STATE ST., WAUWATOSA → BEST FOR MEETING FRIENDS
I’m always asking people out for coffee. And while I like to change it up, my go-to spot for a casual meet is the original Vendetta Coffee Bar. The historic building has stained glass along the back wall, a beautiful bar and a little patio out front. The ambience is lovely, the coffee is fancy (Italian espresso!), and people are always impressed that this charming spot is tucked away in the Tosa Village.
Discourse Walker’s Point
158 S. BARCLAY ST. → BEST FOR TRYING SOMETHING NEW
You never know what’s going to be on the “coffee workshop’s” rotating drink menu. The innovative baristas are constantly working on new items inspired by everything from ramen to ants on a log. I love going here when I feel like changing things up – I’ll try an exciting drink, jam out to whatever vinyl record is pumping through the suspended speakers and hang out for a bit.
Rochambo
1317 E. BRADY ST. → BEST FOR ESCAPING REALITY
Sometimes you just want to step out of the day-to-day and go back in time for a bit. That’s what it feels like to enter Rochambo. The Brady Street spot is filled with positive baristas who brighten my day, deliciously simple coffee and a throwback vibe that feels like the antidote to our aesthetic-obsessed culture. Who needs a minimalist design when you can embrace the offbeat, cozy feel of this two-story coffeehouse?
