A foodie’s mecca awaits in Milwaukee’s backyard. That’s right – Wauwatosa, a quaint, history-rich destination, has a wonderfully diverse dining and food-maker scene that can round out any trip to the Greater Milwaukee area.
Casually Cool
Wauwatosa is an easy town to get around in and has some easy dining to match. Try Leff’s Lucky Town (7208 W. State St.) for a giant pretzel and wings while you cheer on your favorite sports team, or BelAir Cantina (6817 W. North Ave.) for a pineapple ginger margarita and tacos. Kin by Rice and Roll (7484 W. State St.) offers delicious Thai and Japanese fare in a casual, yet chic setting where you must try the potato korokke and crispy duck salad. A short walk from Kin would take you to Café Hollander and Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club (7677 W. State St., 7700 Harwood Ave.) two very different, yet delicious spots featuring Wauwatosa’s best patios.
Coffee Lovers, Rejoice!
If you're in need of a caffeine boost, Wauwatosa has plenty of options for locally roasted coffee served up in quirky, only-in-Milwaukee-style cafes. Try Colectivo Coffee with multiple Wauwatosa locations for bold roasts and inventive espresso drinks, or Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. (7471 Harwood Ave.), which serves up smooth, caramelly roasts in a cozy chic setting. Vendetta Coffee Bar (7613 W. State St.), the newest addition to Wauwatosa’s coffee scene, offers traditional Italian espresso drinks that will transport your senses right back to the old country.
Explore Tosa’s Sweeter Side
There is no shortage of sweets in Wauwatosa, and there happens to be a glut of fabulous shops offering treats of many kinds, but especially chocolates. Ultimate Confections (820 N. 68th St.) offers homemade, hand-dipped chocolates and chocolate-covered treats. Tabal Chocolate (7515 Harwood Ave.) offers single origin chocolate that you can explore through its bean-to-bar classes, and Neimann’s Candies & Ice Cream (7475 Harwood Ave.) will sate your sweet tooth with toffee, caramels, truffles, and more. Try one or try them all – no matter where you go, your sweet tooth will be well cared for in Wauwatosa.
Make a Night of It
For elegance and some of Metro Milwaukee's best Italian fare, you’ll want to head straight to Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 (7616 W. State St.). Looking for something a little more…Scandinavian? Then you’ll want to try Eldr+Rime (2300 N. Mayfair Rd.) in the stunning Renaissance Milwaukee West hotel. And don’t forget to order the Swedish meatball sliders. For the Francophiles – or patisserie-philes! – Le Rêve Patisserie & Café (7610 Harwood Ave.), located in the heart of the charming Wauwatosa Village, is your spot.
Article originally published on 4/1/2022