The Ultimate Guide to Breakfast in Greater Milwaukee

Milwaukee's breakfast scene reflects the city's rich cultural heritage—Polish, German, Mexican, and Greek influences blend with creative American innovation to create one of the Midwest's most diverse morning dining landscapes. From historic diners serving since the 1930s to trendy brunch spots with craft cocktails, this comprehensive guide covers 80+ restaurants across Milwaukee proper and its suburbs, organized by neighborhood for easy navigation.

Milwaukee options

The city's core neighborhoods offer everything from James Beard-worthy institutions to artsy cafes, with particularly strong concentrations in the Historic Third Ward, Bay View, and Walker's Point.

Historic Third Ward

Sweet Diner at 239 E. Chicago St. has become Milwaukee's Instagram-worthy brunch destination since opening. The sleek, modern space serves berry blast pancakes, chorizo hash skillet bowls, and cheese curd omelets using free-range meat and organic eggs. Hours run Monday-Thursday 7:30am-3pm, Friday 7:30am-4pm, and Saturday-Sunday 11am-4pm in the $12-$26 range. The large parking structure next door solves the Third Ward's notorious parking challenge. Weekend waits can hit 90 minutes—weekday visits are considerably easier.

Café Benelux at 346 N. Broadway, (414) 501-2500, offers Milwaukee's most spectacular rooftop brunch experience with Belgium/Netherlands-inspired fare. The Dutch baby pancakes, croque madame, and award-winning beignets pair perfectly with their renowned Bloody Marys made with Rehorst garlic-infused vodka. Weekend brunch reservations are essential, especially for rooftop seating with sunset views.

Wicked Hop at 345 N. Broadway has anchored the Third Ward for over 20 years, serving what many consider "Milwaukee's Best Bloody Mary"—a loaded affair with shrimp, beef stick, pickle, mozzarella whips, mushroom, olive, and beer chaser. The Benedict Cumberbatch and I Dream of Doughnuts with Nutella sauce round out an excellent gastropub brunch menu.

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen at 425 E. Chicago St. brings authentic Southern comfort to Milwaukee. Multiple varieties of chicken and waffles (including Sriracha Honey and Mac-N-Cheese versions), shrimp and grits, and homemade biscuits make this a weekend brunch destination. Reservations recommended.

Walker's Point

The National Cafe at 839 W. National Ave. has been a "powerhouse breakfast spot" since 2008, now co-owned by longtime employee Angie Wierzbinski. The artsy storefront serves extraordinary egg dishes—the potato and chorizo burrito with sunny-side eggs, rice bowls with avocado and pickled cucumber, and The Hot Mess (potatoes, eggs, caramelized onion, cheddar, hollandaise) showcase their egg mastery. Open Thursday-Sunday 8:30am-2pm in the $10-$14 range.

Engine Company No. 3 at 217 W. National Ave., (414) 226-5695, occupies a renovated historic firehouse serving farm-to-fork cuisine. Cajun Shrimp and Polenta, Beef Tenderloin Benedict, and Tres Leches French Toast demonstrate the globally-inspired menu. Sister restaurant to La Merenda, they also offer cooking classes.

Fiesta Cafe at 1407 S. 1st St., (414) 914-9569, stands out with churro French toast with cream cheese and peanut butter, plus fresh-baked conchas (Mexican sweet bread) daily. The bright yellow exterior with funky red truck makes it unmistakable, and the extensive three-egg omelet menu includes vegetarian-friendly Mexican options.

Café El Sol inside the United Community Center at 1028 S. 9th St., (414) 384-3400, serves authentic Mexican and Puerto Rican breakfast in the heart of Milwaukee's Hispanic community. Don't miss the "Mexican Fish Fry" on Fridays with live mariachi band.

Bay View

Honeypie Cafe at 2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. epitomizes Midwestern comfort with everything made from scratch—including pie crust and pickles. Their legendary pies demand you save room, but the breakfast burrito (one of Milwaukee's best), short rib hash, and buttermilk biscuits justify a visit alone. Tofu substitutes available for any meat dish.

Café Centraal at 2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0378, serves adventurous global fusion including birria chilaquiles and their signature "Cheesy Gooey Spicy Mess." The impressive 70 unique beverages on tap (beer, wine, coffee, cocktails) make this Bay View standout.

Café Corazón at 2394 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 544-2774, delivers exceptional Mexican breakfast with standout chilaquiles and what many call Milwaukee's best soy chorizo tacos. Open daily until 3pm with plentiful vegan options across three Milwaukee-area locations.

Axolotl Café is Bay View's exciting newcomer, combining Mexican flavors with traditional brunch. The Axo Bowl (eggs over birria, Mexican rice, black beans, cilantro, pancakes) and horchata pancakes with guava mimosas represent this fusion approach. Small space means weekend waits.

East Side and Lower East Side

Ma Fischer's Diner at 2214 N. Farwell Ave. has been "Curing Hangovers Since 1932." This Milwaukee institution offers the quintessential East Side experience with Greek omelets featuring feta and gyro meat, chewy meaty bacon, and the best people-watching in the neighborhood. The kitschy, old-school setting includes pet-friendly outdoor seating. Now open daily 7am-9pm (no longer 24/7 post-COVID) in the $7-$17 range.

Beans & Barley at 1901 E. North Ave., (414) 278-7878, has championed health-conscious dining since 1973. This specialty store/restaurant/deli combo offers Milwaukee's best vegetarian and vegan breakfast—Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito, Tofu Scramble, Vegan Biscuits and Gravy—with all items clearly marked for dietary needs. The attached market offers groceries and gifts.

Comet Cafe on the East Side gained national recognition on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The eclectic diner serves comfort food from scratch with impressive vegan and vegetarian options—one of few diners with extensive plant-based choices.

Riverwest

Seven Swans Crêperie at 808 E. Chambers St. brings French charm to Riverwest. Owner Kate Bryan's "Dad's Skinny Pancakes" (grass-fed butter, maple syrup) honor childhood memories, while the smoked salmon crêpe with dill cream cheese and arugula showcases savory expertise. Open Thursday-Sunday 8am-3pm in the $8-$16 range.

Beerline Cafe at 732 E. Burleigh St. holds a rare 4-star Green Restaurant rating—one of approximately 35 nationwide. The vegetarian-focused menu includes Spartichoke Crepe (artichokes, spinach, brie), Ethiopian lentil wrap, and Hashbrown Benedict with tofu ham. Everything can be made vegan.

Riverwest Co-op Cafe at 733 E. Clarke St., (414) 264-7933, operates as a community-based, member-owned, volunteer-run establishment with "food for people, not for profit." Open Monday-Friday 7am-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-9pm.

Brewers Hill and Downtown

Uncle Wolfie's Breakfast Tavern at 234 E. Vine St. (Brewers Hill) and 600 N. Broadway (Downtown) ranks among Milwaukee's most beloved breakfast destinations. The Big Wolf Breakfast, Johnnycakes (corn muffin pancakes), and Wolfundido (chorizo, sweet potatoes, beer cheese, ancho-seasoned egg) exemplify their creative approach. Open daily 8am-3pm in the $13-$18 range.

Miss Katie's Diner at 1900 W. Clybourn St. near Marquette campus delivers 1950s nostalgia with an 18-foot shuffleboard and famous political visitor history (Bill Clinton, Donald Trump). The famous corned beef hash, Balistreri's Italian sausage, and homemade malts make this essential for campus visits. Open varied hours in the $9-$17 range.

The North Shore

Shorewood

Hubbard Park Lodge at 3565 N. Morris Blvd, (414) 332-4207, offers Milwaukee's most unique brunch setting—a historic 1930s log cabin with cathedral ceilings and stone fireplace nestled in Hubbard Park along the Milwaukee River. The "Lumberjack Brunch" buffet on Sundays 9am-2pm features wood-smoked lake trout, Wisconsin cheddar hash brown casserole, and a carving station, priced at $27.95 adults, $11.95 children under 12. Accessed through a pedestrian tunnel, reservations are strongly recommended.

North Shore Boulangerie delivers authentic French bakery excellence with fresh-baked European pastries and croissants made with natural yeast, plus Café Richard coffee from Paris (exclusive area vendor). They wholesale to the area's finest restaurants and Sendik's markets. Open daily 7am-6pm.

Whitefish Bay

Moxie Food + Drink at 501 E. Silver Spring Drive dominates OpenTable with a 4.7 "Exceptional" rating from 1,365+ reviews. Sunday brunch 10am-2pm showcases lemon ricotta pancakes, elevated avocado toast, and a lemon blueberry cake praised as "best cake in the world." Reservations max out at 6 guests; patio seating is first-come, first-served.

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn, operating since 1915, delivers quintessential Wisconsin dining. The Sunday brunch prix fixe at $27 includes mimosa, pastry basket, soup/salad/fruit, and choice of 10 entrées including famous Wiener schnitzel and eggs Benedict. Their motto: "You are a stranger here but once."

Fitzy's Café at 424 E. Silver Spring Drive, (414) 356-1424, occupies the historic Fitzgerald Pharmacy (opened 1954), reviving the original soda fountain concept. Chef-curated dishes use bread from Rocket Baby Bakery and feature Midwest roaster coffee, Purple Door Ice Cream, and vegan/gluten-free options. The chef previously led Michelin guide-recommended restaurants. No alcohol served—wholesome family atmosphere.

Glendale

Solly's Grille at 4629 N. Port Washington Rd, (414) 332-8808, earned a James Beard America's Classic designation in 2022—national recognition for this family-owned institution operating since 1936 as the creator of the butter burger. Breakfast (Friday-Saturday only, 7am-10:30am) features the Farmers Breakfast, Swiss Roesti with crispy hash browns, and signature butter burgers served all day. The 100% sirloin beef arrives fresh daily from their local butcher.

Bistro on the Glen at 6823 N. Green Bay Ave, (414) 352-1940, offers a family-owned cafe experience since 2002 with over 40 years of culinary experience. The Cafe Omelet—their "town favorite" stuffed with hash browns, ham, and cheddar—and award-winning matzo ball soup make this Glendale Square Mall spot worth visiting.

Fox Point and Mequon

Maxfield's Pancake House at 333 W. Brown Deer Rd, (414) 247-4994, serves 26+ different pancake varieties including Cinnamon Apple, Chocolate Chip/Peanut Butter, Oreo, and "Health Nut." Their signature "A Little Bit of France"—cinnamon spiral bread with sautéed cinnamon apples and plump raisins—exemplifies their approach. Huge portions at inexpensive prices, seating for up to 70, open daily 7am-2:30pm (3pm Sundays).

Café Hollander Mequon at 5900 W. Mequon Road, (262) 236-0107, brings the Lowlands Group's Belgian influence with cinnamon streusel French toast, breakfast tacos, and extensive Belgian beer selection. Two dining floors, rooftop patio, and winter domes provide diverse settings. Located next to Interurban Trail for bike-friendly access.

Café 1505 at 1505 W. Mequon Road, (262) 241-7076, has served the community for over 30 years (starting as La Boulangerie in 1991). The farm-to-table approach emphasizes locally sourced eggs, dairy, and bakery items, with a signature Verde Bloody Mary made with homemade tomatillo salsa verde. Ranked #3 of 54 restaurants in Mequon on TripAdvisor.

Western suburbs

Wauwatosa

Blue's Egg + Bakery at 317 N. 76th St, (414) 299-3180, has been Milwaukee's undisputed brunch heavyweight since 2010. Chef Joe Muench blends Old World ingredients with American immigrant traditions in art deco surroundings. The legendary "Very Stuffed Browns," monkey bread with bourbon "crunk" sauce, and housemade corned beef hash justify the inevitable wait. Open daily 7am-2pm with $1 from each egg plate going to monthly rotating local charities. Reservations strongly recommended.

Golden Nest Pancake & Cafe at 11250 W. Burleigh St (Mayfair Collection), (414) 935-2135, features The Cheesehead Omelette—eggs with pork sausage, deep-fried Wisconsin cheese curds, caramelized onions, and bell peppers—alongside Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes and Bananas Foster French Toast. Beautiful, bright space with full bar. No reservations; first-come, first-served. Monday-Friday 7am-2pm, weekends until 3pm.

Le Rêve Patisserie & Café at 7610 Harwood Ave, (414) 778-3333, occupies a stunning 100-year-old former bank building with leather banquettes and zinc-topped bar. Classically trained chefs create Champignon Crêpes, Saumon Oeufs Benedict, and an extraordinary pastry display (Chocolate Raspberry Dome, Opera Torte, macaroons). Saturday brunch 9am-2pm is the key time for breakfast—reservations recommended.

Café Hollander Wauwatosa at 7677 W. State St. brings the Lowlands Group's European influence with house-made beignets, Brew City Benedict (cheddar-chive biscuit, house sausage, hollandaise), and extensive Belgian beer selection.

BelAir Cantina in East Tosa delivers Mexican brunch with Chilaquiles Rojos, breakfast tacos, and signature Bloody Maria cocktails. Weekend brunch 10am-3pm.

Brookfield

The Original Pancake House at 16460 W. Bluemound Road, (262) 797-0800, operates from a building that was a sheep farm in the early 1800s (home built 1855). 72 years in business, everything made from scratch including fresh-squeezed juice daily, fresh whipped cream, and house-made sourdough starter. The Dutch Baby Pancake and German Apple Pancake showcase their expertise—no imitation butter or Pam ever used. Monday-Friday 7am-1:30pm, weekends until 2:30pm.

The Breakfast Place at 18895 Capitol Dr, (262) 788-5053, recently renovated with leather booths, wooden beams, and stone fireplace. Known for huge portions—"you get more than what you pay for"—and hearty omelets, stuffed French toast, and Nutella crepes. Open daily 7am-3pm; online reservations available.

Café Hollander at The Corners of Brookfield offers the Pretzel Breakfast Sammy (shaved ham, bacon, Muenster, herb garlic cheese, scrambled eggs on toasted pretzel bun) with excellent summer patio overlooking the shopping district.

Elm Grove

Zisters at 13425 Watertown Plank Road, (262) 794-3924, is a women-owned establishment with trendy, chic interior. The Eggs Benedict Flight serves three varieties (Classic, Florentine, Corned Beef), while Billionaire Bacon and breakfast burger (beef and chorizo mix) showcase creativity. Vegan cheese and eggs available. Large outdoor patio with summer live music. Open daily 7am-3pm, Thursday-Saturday extended to 9pm for tapas.

New Berlin

Brunch Berry at 4900 S. Moorland Road, (262) 202-8138, opened in 2024 and rapidly became a favorite. Berries Mascarpone Pancakes, Cauliflower Bites, and Nutella French Toast arrive in a beautiful modern setting—plus complimentary house-made cream puffs with homemade jam at every table. Open daily 6:30am-3pm.

Sunny Side Up Cafe at 15744 W. National Ave, (262) 505-5121, distinguishes itself with "world-class fine meats" including signature extra-thick cherrywood smoked, dry-aged bacon. Complimentary fruit plate and cold filtered glass bottled table water accompany fluffy pancakes and golden waffles. Open daily 7am-2pm.

Waukesha

The Coop at 350 Delafield St, (262) 408-2748, is rated among Waukesha's top dining spots with fresh-made omelets using Wisconsin cheese and unique specialty dishes. Now serving espresso drinks. Open 7 days 7am-3pm; 10% senior discount Monday-Friday 7am-9am.

People's Park in downtown Waukesha offers Waukesha's most popular weekend brunch with a rooftop patio. Croque Madame with Gruyère and Dijon, house quiche, and multiple Bloody Mary varieties (Classic, Spicy with Green Chile Vodka, Kentucky Derby with Bourbon) make this destination-worthy. Sunset rooftop dining is exceptional.

Southern suburbs deliver hidden gems and family favorites

Franklin

Mimosa at 9405 S. 27th St, (414) 574-5132, was voted Milwaukee's Best Brunch Spot. Their 13-point "life-long guarantees" include cage-free local eggs, fresh-squeezed orange juice (no sugar added), scratch-made pancakes, and fair-trade Colectivo coffee. Pollo Picante Omelet, Challah French Toast, and Churros French Toast exemplify quality. #WeCareWednesdays donates 10% of every bill paid after 12pm to charity. Open daily 7:30am-2:30pm.

Honey Butter Cafe at 7221 S. 76th St, (414) 367-2800, brings Greek-inspired farm-to-table cooking. The specialty Loukoumades (Greek honey puffs) are unmissable, alongside Shrimp & Grits with Gouda-infused grits, Crab Cake Benedict, and Berry Mascarpone French Toast. Full bar with made-from-scratch Bloody Marys. Open daily 7am-3pm.

Oak Creek and Greenfield

Oak Creek Diner at 6874 S. 13th St, (414) 762-8623, has operated over 55 years as a beloved local institution. Homemade pies and cakes, breakfast skillets, and Mexican-inspired options like Chorizo & Eggs with rice, beans, and tortilla ($11) represent true classic diner value in the $8-$13 range.

Honeyberry Pancakes & Cafe at 4900 S. 76th St in Greenfield, (414) 946-3333, serves visually stunning presentations with their signature Honeyberry Pancakes, Red Velvet Pancakes, and Key Lime Pancakes. Bottomless mimosas available. Gets very busy weekends—reservations recommended. Monday-Friday 7am-2:30pm, weekends until 3pm.

Greendale

Sugar & Flour Bakery Cafe at 5721 Broad St in Historic Downtown Greendale, (414) 421-5565, was founded in 2001 by Karen and George Herrera (George formerly an executive chef at Hyatt Hotels). Their Apple Butter French Toast on thick cinnamon swirl bread, giant cinnamon rolls, and famous custom decorated cookies make this worth the drive. You can watch custom cookie creation through the back window.

Cudahy and South Milwaukee

Café Le Crème Brûlée at 3431 E. Plankinton Ave in Cudahy, (414) 312-8893, opened in 2024 in a beautifully restored Queen Anne-style historic building. Siblings Gerardo and Claudia Flores serve chilaquiles with house-made salsa verde ($13), biscuits and gravy considered among the area's best ($10.50), and their praised La Crema Omelette. Perfect Health Score of 100/100. Open daily 7am-3pm.

South Milwaukee Cafe at 211 N. Chicago Ave, (414) 301-4004, combines classic American diner fare with Mexican breakfast options. The Jambalaya Skillet (chicken, shrimp, sausage), Mexican Omelette, and Breakfast Special Burrito showcase diversity. Open 6am-3pm with Health Score 100/100.

Northern suburbs feature charming Cedarburg as a destination

Cedarburg

PJ Piper Pancake House at W61N514 Washington Ave, (262) 421-8040, honors owner Judi's father Peter John Maculan, who established the first Peter Piper Pancake House in Milwaukee in 1963 (growing to 14 locations statewide). The "Breakfast Around the World" menu includes pumpkin pancakes (seasonal), chicken fried steak & eggs, and outstanding eggs Benedict. Open Tuesday-Saturday 6am-2pm, Sunday 7am-2pm. Limited downtown parking; counter seating available without wait.

Toast Cedarburg at 1302 Washington Ave, (262) 421-8007, brings upscale contemporary brunch with craft cocktails. Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Pancakes, Apple Pie Stuffed Croissant French Toast, and the signature "Jungle Juice" cocktail exemplify creative fare. Extended weekend hours until 4pm. No reservations—online waitlist available.

Boulangerie Du Monde at W62 N588 Washington Ave, (262) 375-1050, delivers Paris-quality pastries. Pain Au Chocolat, almond croissants, and morning buns are exceptional—Friday-only spinach and feta croissants sell out quickly. Health Score 95/100. Open Tuesday-Saturday 7am-2pm.

Cream & Crepe Cafe at N70W6340 Bridge Rd in Cedar Creek Settlement, (262) 333-5597, occupies a historic mill building overlooking Cedar Creek. French and American influences meet in savory entree crepes (Reuben, vegetable) and sweet dessert crepes (tart cherry with ice cream). Established 1977.

Menomonee Falls

Ally's Bistro at N72W13350 Lund Ln Corner, (262) 251-9727, offers four different menus with Saturday-only eggs Benedicts and "Good Day Sunshine Burger." The Pub provides full table service with craft cocktails, and Friday nights feature live local bands starting 6pm plus Fish Fry. Open Monday-Thursday 7am-4pm, Friday until 8pm, Saturday 8am-2pm brunch only.

Cafe Agora at N85W15990 Appleton Ave, (262) 250-2747, serves the Wisconsin Scramble (signature dish), Middle Eastern-influenced items, and excellent Bloody Marys. New ownership has elevated the experience with fantastic food, generous portions, and super attentive service. Open Monday-Thursday 6am-2pm, Friday-Sunday until 3pm.

Germantown and Richfield

Sawmill Inn Restaurant & Pub at 1729 Wolf Rd in Richfield, (262) 628-4128, offers Northwoods atmosphere in a log cabin built in 1982 by Don and Ruby Zimmerman (who milled raw timber on-site). Door County Stuffed French Toast with cream cheese and cherries, Crab Cake Benedict, and breakfast served all day make this worth the drive. Nueske's bacon and real maple syrup (on request) reflect premium ingredients. Outstanding Bloody Marys.

Ivee's At Main at W157N11618 Fond du Lac Ave in Germantown, (262) 502-0484, provides comprehensive diner fare with clearly marked healthy options including calorie counts. Farmer's Scramble, Ultimate Scramble, and Friday Fish Fry (11am to close) at excellent value.

Brown Deer

Family Table Restaurant at 6598 W. Brown Deer Rd, (414) 354-5494, has served the community since 1988 with Greek-American fusion. The Big Fat Greek Omelette (gyro meat, feta, spinach, tomatoes, olives), "Deuces" combo ($11.95), and Alaskan Waffle (strawberries, ice cream, whipped cream) showcase variety. Full cocktail menu including Bloody Marys; breakfast served anytime. Monday-Saturday 7am-7pm.

Quick reference by category

Best for special occasions: Hubbard Park Lodge (Shorewood), Le Rêve Patisserie (Wauwatosa), Moxie (Whitefish Bay)

Best classic diners: Ma Fischer's (East Side), Solly's Grille (Glendale), Oak Creek Diner, Miss Katie's Diner (near Marquette)

Best vegetarian/vegan: Beans & Barley (East Side), Beerline Cafe (Riverwest), Riverwest Co-op, First Watch (multiple locations)

Best Mexican breakfast: Café Corazón (Bay View/Riverwest/Brown Deer), Fiesta Cafe (Walker's Point), Café El Sol (Walker's Point), BelAir Cantina (Wauwatosa)

Best bakery cafes: Boulangerie Du Monde (Cedarburg), North Shore Boulangerie (Shorewood), Sugar & Flour (Greendale), Le Rêve (Wauwatosa)

Best bloody marys: Café Benelux (Third Ward), Wicked Hop (Third Ward), Sawmill Inn (Richfield), Café 1505 (Mequon)

Best for families with kids: Maxfield's Pancake House (Fox Point), Golden Nest (Wauwatosa), The Breakfast Place (Brookfield), Honeyberry (Greenfield)

Best value: Oak Creek Diner, Ma Fischer's, PJ Piper (Cedarburg), Maxfield's Pancake House

Best atmosphere: Hubbard Park Lodge (log cabin by river), Sawmill Inn (Northwoods), Le Rêve (historic bank building), Sweet Diner (Instagram-worthy modern)

Newest hot spots (2024-2025): Brunch Berry (New Berlin), Café Le Crème Brûlée (Cudahy), Axolotl Café (Bay View)

Planning tips for the perfect breakfast outing

Weekend waits are common at popular spots like Blue's Egg, Café Benelux, Sweet Diner, and Maxfield's—arrive before 9am or go weekday mornings for easier seating. Many restaurants now use online waitlists that let you explore while waiting.

Friday Fish Fry is a Wisconsin tradition extending to breakfast spots—Sawmill Inn, Ally's Bistro, Ivee's At Main, PJ Piper, and Family Table Restaurant all offer this uniquely Wisconsin experience.

For Cedarburg day trips, combine breakfast with shopping in the charming downtown—use wait times at PJ Piper or Toast to explore antique shops and boutiques along Washington Avenue.

Most Milwaukee-area breakfast spots close by 2-3pm, though several offer extended weekend hours. Toast Cedarburg stays open until 4pm on weekends, and Sawmill Inn serves breakfast all day.

Reservations vary widely—Blue's Egg and Moxie strongly recommend them, while Golden Nest and Toast locations don't accept them at all. Calling ahead on weekends is always wise for groups larger than four.