Milwaukee’s Growing Coffee Scene: Brew City Cafés

Milwaukee, affectionately known as Brew City, has long been celebrated for its beer culture. But did you know that this vibrant city also boasts a burgeoning coffee scene? From cozy neighborhood spots to innovative cafés, Milwaukee’s coffee culture is brewing up a storm. Here are some of our favorite spots to go for specialty coffee in Milwaukee.

1. Stone Creek Coffee

Keywords: Artisanal, Single-Origin, Community

Stone Creek Coffee is a local behemoth, deeply rooted in Milwaukee’s coffee education and curiosity. Their commitment to quality shines through their single-origin pour-overs and tasty cold brews. You can expect consistently good coffee (and grab n' go food) from every cafe that you visit. On top of all that, you fan find "sweet and juicy" single-origin coffee at a VERY competitive price. 

2. Canary Café

Keywords: Cozy, Modern, Progressive

Canary Café embodies Milwaukee vibes. Canary (along with Discourse) are multi-roaster cafes who source their beans from the best roasters in the USA. This is a forward-thinking coffee culture that will not disappoint if you love specialty coffee.

3. Discourse Coffee

Keywords: Innovative, Experimental, Artistic

Discourse Coffee pushes boundaries with experimental drinks while also offering fantastic pour over coffee options. Their baristas are artists, creating coffee concoctions that surprise and delight. 

4. Interval

Keywords: Minimalist, Expertly Crafted, High Quality Beans

Interval is a fairly new arrival in the Milwaukee coffee scene. Their cafes are cozy and comfortable. Overall, you can expect a great coffee beverage and good service from their baristas. We would highly recommend buying a bag of beans while you're there. We think that they are one of the best local roasters in this list. 

5. Vennture Brew Co.

Keywords: Coffee Meets Beer, Collaborative, Community Space

Vennture Brew Co. blurs the lines between coffee and beer. This innovative café serves both, creating a unique community space. Their baristas are kind, unassuming and well-trained. They roast their own beans, and you can get a very tasty bag of coffee at a reasonable price. This is one of the best places to have a work meeting or to work from your computer. It's busy and lots of people are talking, which makes it a fun space to get stuff done. 

6. Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.

Keywords: Classic MKE, Industrial Chic, Live Music

Anodyne combines artisanal roasts with an industrial-chic ambiance. If you love specialty coffee, you'll find that their roasts all have a little bit of a "roasty" undertone. Even their light roast, single-origin beans. However, they know what they're doing, and they roast and brew their coffee with excellence and consistency. Their cafes have consistently fantastic vibes as well. 

7. Pilcrow Coffee

Keywords: Communal, Nitro Cold Brew, Small Batch Roasting

Pilcrow Coffee may be small, but it packs a punch. Their nitro cold brews flow freely, and their beans are consistently fantastic for specialty coffee lovers. 

8. Blum Coffee Garden

Keywords: Garden Oasis, Tranquil, Balanced Menu

Blum Coffee Garden offers a serene escape. Surrounded by greenery, sip on your latte and unwind. It’s the perfect spot for contemplation or catching up with friends. They serve Colectivo Coffee and their baristas are well-trained (a rarity in the MKE suburbs). So, you can expect a good drink with good service. 

9. Hawthorne Coffee Roasters

Keywords: Artisanal, Small-Batch, Simple

Hawthorne takes pride in small-batch roasting. Their flavorful coffees are a testament to their dedication. This is a family-owned business who is doing great things for coffee on the outskirts of the city. If you are in Milwaukee, get them on your list.

10. La Finca Coffee House

Keywords: Latin Flavors, Vibrant, Espresso Con Leche

La Finca will surprise even the most discerning specialty coffee lover. Grab an espresso and talk to the barista about the tasting notes. Get a latte for here. We were so pleasantly surprised in our visits that we had to mention it here. Their food is absolutly fantastic as well. So, come hungry. 

11. Lake Effect Coffee

Keywords: Family-Owned, Relaxing, Meeting Spot

Lake Effect Coffee is one of the newest players on the scene. Their spacious cafe and expertly brewed coffee will make you want to return the next day. Their baristas are serious about their coffee game, and yet, you won't find a hint of snobbery. Bring your laptop, bring a friend, and stay awhile. They also have a big meeting room that you can reserve for your all-day staff meeting. This cafe is one of the few, the proud, the suburban coffee destinations in West Allis. 

Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, Oak Creek, Franklin, Muskego, New Berlin, Butler, Germantown, Delafield, Pewaukee, Sussex