From Third Ward roasters to cozy neighborhood nooks, Milwaukee’s coffee scene is packed with spots that take both beans and vibes seriously. Whether you’re looking for a dialed-in espresso, an easy morning hangout, or something experimental, this guide has you covered.
Fiddleheads Coffee BMO Tower
Website: fiddleheadscoffee.com
Location: 790 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI
Phone number: (414) 210-4509
Fiddleheads brings suburban charm right into downtown Milwaukee with this slick location inside the BMO Tower. The café feels professional but warm, with plenty of space for remote work and meetings. Their espresso drinks are consistent, and their pastries are some of the best in the city for a grab-and-go pairing.
Café Benelux
Website: cafebenelux.com
Location: 346 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI
Phone number: (414) 501-2500
While it leans more into brunch than specialty coffee, Café Benelux still earns a spot for its solid brews and standout rooftop setting. The coffee is smooth and the menu leans Belgian-inspired, making it a great spot to pair a cappuccino with waffles or a breakfast sandwich.
Alderaan Coffee
Website: alderaancoffee.com
Location: 1560 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI
Alderaan keeps things bright and minimal inside, letting their beans do the talking. The café roasts its own and serves up exceptionally balanced espresso and fresh pour-overs. Their house chai is also a quiet standout. Great for a low-key meeting or calm afternoon alone.
Biggby Coffee
Website: app.biggby.com/menu
Location: 920 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI
Phone number: (414) 226-6537
If you want coffee fast, sweet, and customizable, Biggby delivers. It’s a franchise, but this downtown location is known for friendly service and endless syrup options. A solid stop if you’re more into flavored lattes and frozen drinks than minimalist third-wave menus.
Likewise Coffee – Milwaukee
Website: likewisemke.com
Location: 232 E Erie St, Milwaukee, WI
Phone number: (414) 914-9497
Likewise makes excellent coffee feel approachable. With a clean interior and a community vibe, this Third Ward café is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Expect a rotating lineup of single-origin beans, solid espresso drinks, and non-coffee options like matcha and turmeric lattes.
Dryhootch Coffeehouse
Website: dryhootch.org
Location: 1030 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI
Phone number: (414) 763-5473
Run as a nonprofit supporting veterans, Dryhootch offers more than just caffeine. The café keeps a cozy, community-focused space and serves strong drip coffee, straightforward espresso drinks, and snacks. It’s laid-back, kind-hearted, and welcoming.
Grace Place Coffee
Website: facebook.com/GracePlaceCoffee
Location: 250 E Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Phone number: (414) 271-3006
Inside Grace Lutheran Church, this little café is a peaceful surprise. Grace Place keeps the drinks simple and well-made. The real highlight is the warm atmosphere and the affordable prices — this one’s a hidden gem, especially if you’re near Yankee Hill.
Rochambo Coffee & Tea House
Website: rochambo.com
Location: 1317 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI
Phone number: (414) 291-0095
Rochambo is as much a vibe as it is a coffee shop. Sitting on Brady Street, this three-level building with mismatched chairs and an enormous tea menu has been serving locals since the ’90s. Their iced Thai coffee is a staple, and there’s always good people-watching from the patio.
Stone Creek Coffee – Factory Café
Website: stonecreekcoffee.com/factory-cafe
Location: 422 N 5th St, Milwaukee, WI
Phone number: (414) 431-2157
Stone Creek’s flagship café and roastery is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn while they sip. The space is huge, with views into the roasting area, plus meeting rooms, events, and a long menu of brewed coffee, espresso, and breakfast food. One of the best all-around cafés in the city.
Pilcrow Coffee
Website: pilcrowcoffee.com
Location: 416 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI
This warehouse-chic café is all about cold brew… seriously. Pilcrow’s signature nitro tap is where it shines, but they also offer great espresso drinks and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Expect good music, good energy, and one of the smoothest cold brews you’ll ever try.
Discourse – East Side
Website: discourse.coffee
Location: 158 S Barclay St, Milwaukee, WI
The sister shop to their downtown spot, this East Side location leans even further into creative drinks. Think complex flavor profiles, thoughtful presentation, and a slightly quieter vibe. It’s a great place to slow down and try something new, whether that’s a coffee old-fashioned or a miso latte.
Nomad Coffee Bar
Website: nomadcoffeebar.com
Location: 1668 N Warren Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Phone number: (414) 224-8111
Nomad is a café by day, bar by night, and pulls off both seamlessly. During daylight hours, you’ll find a short but solid coffee menu, fast Wi-Fi, and a few tables inside. It’s laid-back, unpretentious, and a local favorite.
Café At The Plaza
Website: plazahotelmilwaukee.com/eat
Location: 1007 N Cass St, Milwaukee, WI
Phone number: (414) 276-2101
Inside the historic Plaza Hotel, this café delivers a vintage breakfast vibe with some seriously good coffee on the side. Expect classic American breakfast fare, cozy booths, and a full espresso bar that keeps regulars happy. It’s a perfect weekend brunch destination with character.