I have nothing against Starbucks (or Dunkin’) but they’re a coffee chain with countless locations reaching far beyond the city limits of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If you’re looking for an experience more unique to the area, then may I suggest checking out one of these 10 coffee shops instead!
Read: 10 Milwaukee Mexican Restaurants
Also, as it goes for lists – ‘rankings’ and ‘best of’ lists are so subjective, rather, look at this as 10 options within the city of Milwaukee to pick from. There are definitely more than these 10, but it gives you a place to start. You should check out each and find your own favorite among these coffee shops. If I missed the shop you frequent most, let me know on social media (@JMattMke)!
10. Colectivo Coffee (IG: @ColectivoCoffee)
Address: 1701 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202 (several locations)
Original fans of Colectivo will remember that they went by a different name up until 2013 – Alterra Coffee Roasters. The transition to Colectivo Coffee Roasters is nearly a decade ago at this point and they have since expanded into both Madison, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois in addition to having several locations local to the greater Milwaukee area. If you haven’t been, check out their location on Lincoln Memorial Drive, close to Lake Michigan.
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9. Stone Creek Coffee (IG: @StoneCreekCoffee)
Address: 422 N 5th St, Milwaukee, WI 53203 (several locations)
Stone Creek Coffee is another coffee roaster that has expanded into double digits for cafes. They have 10 locations around the greater Milwaukee area and have quickly gained a lot of favor from locals for their coffee options. Their cafe on 5th street near the Intermodal station (and stop along the Hop) is the one where you can see the giant floating coffee cup from I-794.
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8. Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. (IG: @AnodyneCoffee)
Address: 2920 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207 (several locations)
Anodyne Coffee has a handful of locations spread throughout Milwaukee with a vendor space tucked away inside of the Milwaukee Public Market. One unique feature in their Bay View location is the wood-burning oven for pizza from scratch. I can’t say I’ve had coffee at the same time as pizza, but I’m not opposed to the idea either (it’s technically an option, right?)!
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7. Alderaan Coffee (IG: @AlderaanCoffee)
Address: 1560 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
I checked this cafe out for the first time during the pandemic and they have very strict COVID-19 protocols; all that said, they were also very efficient with completing my order. They’re a small, independent coffee shop just off of Water Street.
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6. Canary Coffee Bar (IG: @CanaryCoffeeBar)
Address: 720 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Over the past year, I have found myself stopping at Canary Coffee more and more. I’m not one to have a ‘regular order’ – I’ve even had the barista surprise me with a drink of their choice and I wasn’t disappointed (though, it would definitely be my fault if I didn’t like it by not ordering anything specific). Also worth mentioning, they often have treats available for purchase from Hatched (classic cherry hand pie… um, yes, please!).
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5. Sip & Purr Cat Cafe (IG: @SipAndPurrMKE)
Address: 2021 E Ivanhoe Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202
If you love cats (or at least enjoy their presence), you need to check out Sip and Purr! Their shop has a separate room set up where you can pet and cuddle with cats during your visit. It’s all a part of their effort to help people adopt more cats. It’s a really cool concept.
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4. Roast Coffee Company (IG: @RoastCoffeeCompany)
Address: 2132 E Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53211
The way they have adapted during the pandemic really had my attention over the summer of 2020 – they created a little kiosk shop outside of their cafe that people could walk up and order from while staying outside. They are over 15 years old, having started back in 2004, and continue to put a priority on the little details that encourage patrons to return time after time.
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3. Hawthorne Coffee Roasters (IG: @HawthorneCoffee)
Address: 4177 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
The first time I walked into Hawthorne’s cafe, I was surprised at how much space there was inside – I just didn’t expect it. One of the most unique (and very-Wisconsin) coffees I’ve ever had, was at Hawthorne; they have a Cold (Brew) Fashioned, which does indeed taste like an old fashioned with a different kind of buzz that’ll hit you afterward. I’m not sure if that’s a limited featured drink or not – but, it’s truly unique – let me know what you think if you happen to order it!
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2. Interval (IG: @IntervalMKE)
Address: 1600 N Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Ryan Hoban is the founder and a former owner of Pilcrow Coffee, which was previously served at Interval. Interval’s goal is to serve you with locally sourced ingredients and Ryan is at the helm of creating a unique menu of coffees and other specialty drinks. This shop has a cozy neighborhood feel and you’ll often see the owner making the coffee personally from behind the bar.
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1. Rochambo Coffee & Tea House (IG: @RochamboMKE)
Address: 1317 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Rochambo has become somewhat of a landmark over on Brady Street with its green paint job and purple trim. It makes for a great study spot (as you’ll often see college students with books out or writing papers on their laptops), or a remote working spot. They’re also one of the latest open coffee shops I’ve ever been to (’til midnight, pre-pandemic; currently 7 pm). They currently get their beans from Valentine Roasters (also in Milwaukee, WI).
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As you’ll soon learn about my content, I try to add bonus items and locations on the lists I put together. So when you see 10 in the headline, it’s likely going to be 11 or more.
Bonus – Likewise Coffee (IG: @LikewiseMKE)
Address: 232 E Erie St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Likewise Coffee is aiming to open sometime in April 2021 in the location formerly known as Wonderstate Coffee, which was also priorly known as Kickapoo Coffee Roasters. It’s had a few name changes, but the coffee has been consistently good – time will tell if Likewise will live up to the standard that customers have received from this physical location in the past.
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Bonus – Coffee Makes You Black (IG: @CoffeeMakesYouBlack)
Address: 2803 N Teutonia Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53206
Coffee Makes You Black is another one of the coffee shops that I haven’t personally had the chance to try out yet but I see it frequently come up within the comments of my TikTok videos. This is a black-owned cafe that boasts the motto of “in the community, for the community.”
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If I missed one of your favorite coffee shops, let me know at @JMattMke (TikTok, Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat)!
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What about valentine at 60th and Vliet? Big miss!
Lucky for Milwaukee there are far more than 10 unique coffee shops to include! I haven’t personally been to Valentine on 60th and Vilet but I know Rochambo serves Valentine Roasters coffee from their cafe too.
Check out Abysinnia Coffee Roasters at Sam’s Place. A place where you can get a fresh pound of coffee roasted while you wait. Sam’ Place Jazz Cafe.
3338 N. Dr. MLK Jr. Dr.