North Shore Milwaukee coffee: The definitive guide

Milwaukee's North Shore offers nearly 30 coffee shops and cafes that range from beloved local roasters to European-style bakeries to family-friendly play cafés. This guide covers every destination worth visiting, organized south to north for efficient coffee runs.

The North Shore coffee landscape reveals a clear pattern: locally-owned Wisconsin roasters dominate the scene. Three Milwaukee-born roasters—Colectivo, Stone Creek, and Fiddleheads—operate multiple locations throughout the corridor, each bringing distinct character to the communities they serve. Independent cafes fill the gaps with specialties from French pastries to wellness-focused provisions.

Shorewood

The village of Shorewood along Oakland Avenue boasts the most concentrated coffee culture on the North Shore, with options spanning every preference and price point.

Colectivo Coffee at 4500 N. Oakland Avenue anchors the neighborhood as a bustling village hub. The space features distinctive wood architecture including an optical-illusion "crooked room" design. Hours run 6 AM–6 PM weekdays (6:30 AM weekends), with outdoor seating in small gazebos perfect for dog owners. Their Winter 2026 menu highlights the Blueberry Maple Latte and Cheesecake Chai, alongside all-day breakfast burritos and Troubadour Bakery goods. Street parking can prove challenging, but the location rewards with strong WiFi and ample workspace seating. Phone: (414) 312-8295.

Stone Creek Coffee at 4106 N. Oakland Avenue delivers a modern-yet-cozy atmosphere with botanical vibes and hexagonal wall planters. This certified B Corporation roaster has served Shorewood for 25+ years, recently remodeled in 2022. Their signature Control Freak Coffee line offers customizable caffeine levels from 0–100%. Hours: 6 AM–7 PM (Sunday opens at 7 AM). Phone: (414) 964-1608. Moderate pricing with excellent workspace friendliness.

Fiddleheads Coffee occupies a stunning 1920s Mediterranean revival building at 4334 N. Oakland Avenue. What sets this location apart: a three-season patio with natural gas fire pit—unprecedented in the area. Signature drinks include the Aztec Mocha and Cinnamon Bun Latte, with the Turkey Egg Gouda Croissant with fig jam drawing consistent praise. Hours: 6:30 AM–7 PM weekdays, 7 AM weekends. Phone: (414) 763-3827. Budget to moderate pricing.

North Shore Boulangerie at 4401 N. Oakland Avenue brings authentic French bakery tradition to the North Shore. As the exclusive area vendor for Cafés Richard coffee from Paris, it stands alone in sourcing. French breakfast pastries baked fresh daily with natural yeast pair perfectly with house-blend espresso. Hours: 7 AM–5 PM (Sunday until 3 PM). The LGBTQ-owned establishment also offers wine service and full lunch. Phone: (414) 963-2153. Moderate to upscale pricing.

Love Cafe at 3801 N. Oakland Avenue merges coffee culture with wellness, featuring an integrated Ashtanga yoga shala at its center. Small-batch beverages complement provisions like Jackfruit Tamales (vegan, gluten-free) and Love "Snickers" Candy Bars. Hours: 8 AM–2 PM (closed Tuesdays). Private events, tea ceremonies, and "Girl Dinner" series round out the offerings. Email: lovecafemke@gmail.com. Moderate to upscale.

City Market Café & Bakehouse at 2205 E. Capitol Drive serves Stone Creek Coffee alongside their signature Black Forest Mocha (described as reminiscent of cordial cherries). The Raisin Walnut Roll has achieved near-legendary status—reviewers call it "life-changing." European-inspired since 1997, with full breakfast through dinner. Hours: 7 AM–7 PM most days (Tuesday until 2 PM). Kids menu available. Phone: (414) 962-0100.

Little Sprouts Cafe + Play at 4606 N. Wilson Drive offers something no other coffee shop does: FREE Stone Creek drip coffee for parents while children ages 0–6 play in supervised areas. The full espresso bar complements muffin tin meals in an allergen-safe environment. Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9 AM–2 PM (Thursday until 5 PM). Award-winning birthday party venue. Phone: (414) 563-7529.

Rounding out Shorewood: Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros. Bagels (4301 N. Oakland) for bagel-and-coffee combos (6 AM–2 PM, phone: 414-962-9888), and Starbucks inside Metro Market (4075 N. Oakland) with its own parking lot.

Whitefish Bay

Whitefish Bay's walkable downtown delivers five coffee destinations within blocks of each other.

Stone Creek Coffee Whitefish Bay Cafe & Kitchen at 527 E. Silver Spring Drive represents the brand's most ambitious concept. The only Stone Creek location serving alcohol—wine on tap and local beer—alongside a full chef-crafted kitchen operating 6 AM–4 PM for food (café open until 9 PM). A dedicated kids' play area makes it the North Shore's most complete family coffee destination. Local MIAD student artwork rotates throughout. Phone: (414) 635-0017. Moderate pricing.

Fitzy's Cafe at 424 E. Silver Spring Drive occupies a unique niche inside historic Fitzgerald Pharmacy (established 1954). The cafe revives old-school soda fountain tradition while serving Metric Coffee and Metropolis Coffee from Chicago. Signature items include Coconut Pandan Cake, Bananas Foster Croissant, and affogato. Full ice cream fountain. Hours: 8 AM–8 PM (kitchen until 4 PM). Phone: (414) 356-1424.

Also on Silver Spring: Starbucks (302 E. Silver Spring, no drive-thru, phone: 414-332-8628), Dunkin' (106 W. Silver Spring, budget-friendly, phone: 414-284-7608), and Bruegger's Bagels (601 E. Silver Spring, closes at 2 PM, phone: 414-964-4600).

Glendale

Stone Creek Coffee Glendale at 6969 N. Port Washington Road stands as the essential destination for central North Shore residents. Remodeled in 2020 with a cosmic/space theme featuring celestial touches, this location has served as a community hub since 2004.

• Hours: Monday–Saturday 6 AM–7 PM; Sunday 7 AM–7 PM

• Phone: (414) 228-8699

• Parking: Free lot, excellent access near I-43

• Workspace: Excellent—free WiFi, ample outlets, comfortable extended-stay seating

• Price: Budget-friendly for specialty coffee

Starbucks Glendale (6815 N. Port Washington Road) offers drive-thru convenience with 4:30 AM weekday opening—the North Shore's earliest option. Phone: (262) 825-8152.

Glen Cafe/Bistro on the Glen (6823 N. Green Bay Avenue) provides coffee alongside full breakfast-through-dinner service, with live jazz on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Traditional Wisconsin fish fry Fridays. Hours: 6:30 AM–8 PM. Phone: (414) 352-1940.

Barnes & Noble Cafe at Bayshore Town Center offers Starbucks-branded drinks in a bookstore setting.

Note: Colectivo Coffee at Bayshore Town Center has permanently closed as of late 2025.

Brown Deer

Larry's Market & Cafe at 8737 N. Deerwood Drive stands out as Brown Deer's most distinctive option. This gourmet deli pioneered fine food in metro Milwaukee since 1970, now offering specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, and protein shakes alongside famous corned beef, artisan cheeses, and smoked salmon. Friday fish fry extends hours to 7 PM. Phone: (414) 355-9650. Google rating: 4.7/5.

Holy Grounds Cafe inside Eastbrook Church (5385 N. Green Bay Avenue) serves Colectivo Coffee in a quiet, contemplative setting. Limited hours—Sunday 7:30 AM–1 PM—but excellent free WiFi and spacious seating for those seeking peaceful workspace. Phone: (414) 228-5220.

Two Dunkin' locations provide drive-thru convenience: 9051 N. Green Bay Road (phone: 414-268-6971) and 8111 W. Brown Deer Road with outdoor patio seating (phone: 414-431-4220).

Mequon

Mequon's eight coffee destinations include several unique-to-the-area concepts.

Fiddleheads Coffee Mequon at 10530 N. Port Washington Road represents the brand's largest café and the only locally-owned coffee house in Mequon. The Old Vienna ambiance—fireplace, antique artwork, rough-hewn hardwood floors—creates genuine warmth. A FREE private conference room (bookable online) sets it apart for business users. The Turkey Gouda Croissant draws specific praise. Front and back parking lots handle crowds. Hours: 6:30 AM–7 PM weekdays, 7 AM weekends. Phone: (262) 241-8819. Budget-friendly.

Colectivo Coffee Mequon in Mequon Town Center (11205 Cedarburg Road) features an outdoor Rumford-style fireplace and pocket park patio. Garage door walls create an airy indoor-outdoor feel. Hours: 6:30 AM–5 PM daily. Phone: (262) 302-4051. Bike-friendly location near trails.

Café Hollander Mequon at 5900 W. Mequon Road operates as a grand Belgian café with full restaurant service. Two dining floors, rooftop patio, and Winter Domes (seasonal heated igloos) distinguish it. Coffee drinks range $2.95–$4.95, all served with chocolate squares. Full brunch menu featuring Belgian waffles. Kids menu items $7.95. Hours: 8 AM–10 PM (until 11 PM Friday/Saturday). Phone: (262) 236-0107. Moderate to upscale.

Interurban Coffeehouse & Bakery at Foxtown Market (11120 N. Weston Drive) caters to cyclists on the adjacent Interurban Trail. Coffee flights for sampling multiple drinks. Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 7 AM–3 PM (closed Monday/Tuesday). Plentiful parking. Phone: (262) 292-5730.

Nona at 1400 W. Mequon Road specializes in health-focused beverages—organic coffee, açaí bowls, superfood smoothies. Retail section carries supplements and specialty groceries. Hours: 7 AM–5 PM weekdays, 8 AM Saturday, 9 AM–3 PM Sunday. Phone: (262) 236-9528. Instagram: @nonawisco (13K followers).

Cafe 1505 at 1505 W. Mequon Road has served homemade breakfast and brunch since 1991. Valentine Coffee (local roaster) and Rishi Tea anchor the beverage program. Full bar with craft cocktails. Private patio. Free WiFi with outlets at bar seating. Hours: 7 AM–3 PM weekdays, 8 AM weekends. Phone: (262) 241-7076.

Starbucks (11301 N. Port Washington Road) offers drive-thru and opens at 4:30 AM weekdays. Dunkin' (11511 N. Port Washington Road) opens at 5:30 AM with 22-seat outdoor area.

Fox Point

Friendship Cafe & Bakery at 8649 N. Port Washington Road operates as the only coffee shop within Fox Point, Bayside, or River Hills combined. This nonprofit café, part of Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, provides job training and employment for adults with disabilities while serving excellent Colectivo Coffee and scratch-made bagels.

• Hours: Monday–Thursday 7:30 AM–4:30 PM; Friday until 3 PM; Sunday 9 AM–4:30 PM; closed Saturday

• Phone: (414) 755-5855

• Workspace: Remote-work friendly with WiFi; includes a sensory room for those needing quieter space

• Special diets: Kosher certified, dairy-free, nut-free, extensive gluten-friendly options

• Parking: Strip mall lot (between CVS and Walgreens)

• Unique: Art studio available for birthday party and event rentals

Note: Starbucks at 383 W. Brown Deer Road in Fox Point permanently closed in September 2025.

Planning your North Shore coffee tour

Best for serious remote work: Stone Creek Glendale (space-themed, ample outlets), Fiddleheads Mequon (free conference room), Stone Creek Whitefish Bay (full kitchen for long sessions)

Best for families with young children: Little Sprouts Shorewood (free coffee, supervised play), Stone Creek Whitefish Bay (dedicated play area), Café Hollander Mequon (kids menu, Winter Domes)

Best for coffee enthusiasts: Fiddleheads any location (in-house roasting), Colectivo any location (daily Milwaukee roasting), North Shore Boulangerie (exclusive Parisian coffee)

Best outdoor patios: Fiddleheads Shorewood (fire pit), Colectivo Mequon (Rumford fireplace), Café Hollander Mequon (rooftop, heated igloos)

Best quick drive-thru: Starbucks Glendale (4:30 AM weekday opening), Dunkin' locations throughout

Best unique experiences: Fitzy's Cafe (soda fountain revival), Love Cafe (yoga-café hybrid), Friendship Cafe (mission-driven nonprofit)

The North Shore coffee scene rewards exploration. Local roasters have built genuine community institutions rather than mere caffeine dispensaries—spaces designed for lingering, working, gathering, and returning. Budget $4–7 for specialty drinks at independents, $3–5 at chains, and plan for street parking at most locations outside Mequon's shopping centers.