Know the North Shore: North Shore Boulangerie

Milwaukee's most authentic French bakery calls Shorewood home, and families across the North Shore have made this charming boulangerie a beloved neighborhood tradition since 2014. North Shore Boulangerie combines world-class French pastry credentials with accessible neighborhood warmth, offering croissants consistently rated the best in Milwaukee alongside a full café menu of French classics.

The 90-year-old restored building, exclusive Parisian coffee, and annual holiday gingerbread display have made this spot a multigenerational gathering place where parents who discovered the bakery as young professionals now bring their own children.

Essential information

Address: 4401 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood, WI 53211

Phone: (414) 963-2153

Email: northshoreboulangerie@gmail.com

Website: northshoreboulangerie.com

Social Media: Facebook (@NorthShoreBoulangerie), Instagram (@NSBoulangerie), Twitter (@NSBoulangerie)

Hours of Operation:

• Monday through Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Lunch service: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM daily

• Weekend brunch: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday and Sunday

Parking: Free street parking on Oakland Avenue with a 2-hour limit. Visitors consistently report parking is easy to find, and the location on Shorewood's main thoroughfare makes for convenient access.

The story behind Milwaukee's French gem

Gene Webb's path to opening North Shore Boulangerie defies convention. He earned a PhD in yeast biology from Carnegie Mellon University before trading the laboratory for the bakery, though his scientific background now informs every loaf he produces. Webb grew up in Illinois receiving his first Easy Bake oven for Christmas—his brothers initially teased him, then soon paid their allowances for his baked goods.

After moving to Milwaukee for Marquette University and completing research positions at the University of Chicago, Webb enrolled at the prestigious French Pastry School in Chicago, studying under renowned chefs Sébastien Canonne (Master Craftsman of France) and Jacquy Pfeiffer. He then apprenticed with Alsatian Master Baker Pierre Zimmermann and trained in Paris, returning to Wisconsin with an authentic vision.

When scouting locations from downtown Milwaukee to Whitefish Bay, Webb chose Shorewood specifically because it was "a great established neighborhood with good foot traffic, plenty of young families with children." The $400,000 renovation (including a $50,000 loan from the Village of Shorewood) restored a gorgeous 90-year-old Schomberg building, uncovering undamaged plaster, beautiful windows, and original woodwork. "The environment really provided the feel we were going for," Webb told OnMilwaukee. "There's a great view of the neighborhood and the neighborhood can see you."

The bakery has expanded its reach in recent years, acquiring Wild Flour Bakery in South Milwaukee in January 2024 as a sister operation focusing on American-style baked goods. A second Mequon location at Foxtown development operated from 2021 until closing in late 2025.

What you'll find on the menu

North Shore Boulangerie's menu spans from quick pastry counter purchases to full French café dining, with prices in the moderate range ($$). The kitchen uses all-natural French levain yeast imported from Bordeaux, traditional slow-proofing techniques, and high-temperature baking methods that produce truly authentic results.

Breads and pastries anchor the operation. The signature butter croissant ($3.50) draws constant praise, while the almond croissant ($4.25) and pain au chocolat ($4.00) fill the gleaming display case alongside kouign-amann ($3.75), danishes, and Berliner beignets. Fresh-baked baguettes ($3.00-$3.50), the house North Shore Miche sourdough ($4.50), olive fougasse, three-cheese bread, and soft dinner rolls round out the bread selection.

Breakfast and brunch options run from simple to elaborate. The beloved Quiche Lorraine features bacon, gruyere, and rich egg custard in a buttery crust. Country omelets arrive with pommes Anna on the side. More substantial plates include the Petit Pays ($12.00) with duck confit, sweet potatoes, and poached eggs; the Hachage De Boeuf ($12.50) featuring house-cured corned beef with horseradish sauce; and proper Eggs Benedict preparations.

Lunch brings French café classics. The Croque Monsieur ($11.00) and Croque Madame ($12.50) showcase proper béchamel and gruyere on country bread. The Saucisson Sec sandwich ($9.50) layers dry-cured salami with Asiago on baguette. Heartier appetites gravitate toward Beef Bourguignon (which often sells out by noon), Chicken Francoise with lemon caper sauce, Ragout of Duck Confit ($13.00), and a rotating Cassoulet.

Soups, salads, and starters complete the savory offerings. The French onion soup arrives properly gratinéed. The Salade Boulangerie ($10.00) combines chicken, ham, gruyere, and fresh vegetables. A baked double cream Brie appetizer ($8.00) comes with marinated mushrooms and toasted baguette.

Coffee deserves special mention. North Shore Boulangerie is the exclusive Milwaukee-area vendor for Cafés Richard, a respected Parisian roaster. Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks range from $2.25-$3.25. Wine is available at lunch and brunch, with periodic wine dinner events featuring regions like Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley.

The items families keep coming back for

Reviewers consistently identify several standout offerings that have earned the bakery its reputation:

• Butter croissants: Called "the best in Milwaukee" by multiple reviewers—super flaky, properly buttery, with satisfying chew

• Almond croissants: A visual and taste highlight, frequently photographed

• Baguettes: One TripAdvisor reviewer noted they "remind me of markets in Versailles"

• Quiche Lorraine: Rich, perfectly textured, ideal for brunch

• Beef Bourguignon: Arrives with house-made pasta and regularly sells out

• Multi-colored macarons: The display case draws children's eyes immediately

• French Opera cakes: Single-serving versions of the classic layered dessert

A French visitor from Lille validated the authenticity in a TripAdvisor review: "As a French, what I miss the most in the US is bread and French pastries. I'm so glad I've found this bakery! The breakfast pastries taste just like in France... It's the best you can find in Milwaukee."

A welcoming space for families

The restored historic building creates a warm atmosphere that families appreciate without feeling overly formal. Two dining rooms totaling approximately 2,400 square feet provide ample indoor seating bathed in natural light from the building's beautiful original windows. Outdoor patio seating opens in warmer months.

Reviewers describe the space as "nice enough to impress, but not overly pretentious"—making it comfortable for families seeking quality food without white-tablecloth formality. One reviewer captured it well: "You could easily spend the same at a casual dining chain but at NSB you will get a wonderful meal prepared by a thoughtful chef and served by professionals."

For children, the pastry case holds obvious appeal. Croissants, cheese danishes, macarons, and French toast with house-made whipped cream provide kid-friendly options without a separate children's menu. Generous portions (particularly noted on items like monkey bread) mean sharing works well. The relaxed-but-refined atmosphere teaches young ones about European café culture in an accessible way.

The wheelchair accessible entrance ensures the space works for all visitors. Staff consistently receive praise for warmth and efficiency—one recent review specifically highlighted café attendant Megan for her "positive energy that consistently elevates visits."

Holiday traditions and community connections

The annual Gingerbread Village display has become a North Shore tradition spanning more than eleven years. Each holiday season, an elaborate gingerbread scene fills the bakery's front window—multiple houses, sometimes featuring moving elements like ice skating rinks, created by professional pastry artists. The bakery hosts an annual Gingerbread Artist Competition (with $2,000 in prize money) drawing talent from culinary programs at MATC and WCTC as well as experienced professionals.

"People who are young, people who were looking at this display as children when we opened, are now bringing their kids by," Webb has noted. "From our side, that feels great."

Lunch with Santa events offer families a special prix-fixe holiday dining experience ($20 for children, $30 for adults, reservations required). Additional seasonal offerings include Thanksgiving dinner rolls and stuffing croutons, Valentine's Day special dinners, and Mother's Day Soufflé Brunch events.

The bakery maintains strong community ties as a Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce member and through its partnership with local culinary schools. The wholesale operation supplies breads and pastries to area restaurants, hotels, and Sendik's markets, meaning you may encounter their products throughout Milwaukee's dining scene.

Catering services and private event space rental make the bakery available for family celebrations beyond regular visits.

What the reviews reveal

North Shore Boulangerie maintains strong ratings across platforms: 4.6-4.7 stars on Google (500+ reviews), 4.2 stars on TripAdvisor (#2 of 11 restaurants in Shorewood), and 4.3 stars on Restaurant Guru (548 reviews).

What customers consistently praise: The croissants and pastries receive the most enthusiastic reviews, with "best in Milwaukee" appearing repeatedly. The authentic French techniques, charming atmosphere, and professional but friendly service earn consistent appreciation. The Parisian coffee program, unique in Milwaukee, adds to the European café experience.

Occasional concerns: Some visitors note prices run higher than casual bakeries—expect roughly $12-18 for lunch. A few reviews mention slow service during peak times. Like any quality bakery, popular items can sell out; arriving before noon ensures the best selection.

Urban Milwaukee's October 2024 dining review summarized the experience well: "Croissant aficionados take note, because you can't go wrong at North Shore Boulangerie, where a glass case displays multi-colored macarons, single-serving classic French Opera cakes and a selection of buttery croissants... At this Shorewood bakery, the baker has mastered the art of turning flour, butter, and yeast into croissants to relish."

What makes it special

North Shore Boulangerie occupies a unique position as the only authentic French/Alsatian bakery-café in the Milwaukee area. The combination of Gene Webb's unusual background—PhD scientist turned master baker—with legitimate French training credentials and imported Parisian coffee creates something genuinely distinctive rather than merely themed.

The commitment to traditional technique sets it apart from industrial bakery operations. All-natural yeast, extensive preferments, slow proofing, and high-temperature baking produce results that French visitors validate as authentic. The historic building, original woodwork, and neighborhood-focused philosophy create the kind of European café experience that's rare outside major metropolitan areas.

For North Shore families, this translates to a place that works equally well for a quick croissant and coffee stop, a leisurely weekend brunch, or a special occasion lunch. Children absorb a bit of French culinary culture alongside their pain au chocolat, while parents enjoy food prepared with genuine expertise. The gingerbread tradition creates annual anticipation and multi-generational connections to the neighborhood.

Conclusion

North Shore Boulangerie represents that rare combination: world-class credentials made accessible in a neighborhood setting. Families visiting can expect authentic French pastries (particularly those exceptional croissants), a charming historic space, and food prepared by trained professionals who chose Shorewood specifically to serve the local community. Arrive early for the best pastry selection, plan lunch before the Beef Bourguignon sells out, and add the holiday gingerbread display to your family's annual traditions. This is exactly the kind of locally-owned destination that makes the North Shore dining scene worth exploring.