Whenever I get gloomy about the state of the world, I think about Milwaukee cafés. I think about the caffeinated combination known universally in the coffee-loving lexicon as the latte. Two shots of espresso. A healthy serving of light, frothy steamed milk. And the cherry on top, a layer of micro-foam, a blank canvas with a creative license for any barista around town. Seems to me that love is everywhere. And Milwaukee’s got a latte love to give.

Latte drinking is an art, and choosing where you sip yours is a choice not to be taken lightly. Follow these nine pairings, coupling the dream latte with the perfect activity in Milwaukee.

Stone Creek Coffee & Boswell Book Company

Classic and elegantly simple, this is a duo that stands the test of time, and for a reason. Stop by the East Side Stone Creek Coffee to order a vanilla bean latte. The artisanal cousin of the classic includes two shots of espresso and steamed whole milk, but what makes this one special is its house-made vanilla bean syrup, which adds a little extra sweetness. Afterwards, stroll down the charming Downer Avenue to Boswell Book Company to find your next read. The independent bookseller is the kind of place where books seem to jump off the shelves, encouraging you to discover new authors and genres.

Idyll Coffee & The Well Red Damsel

Inside the bright, sun-soaked Idyll Coffee Roasters, you’ll find a menu that focuses on seasonal blends, special lattes and an eye-catchingly delicious salted maple cold brew. But today’s all about steamy allure, and here, we have a choice between chai, matcha and classic lattes. Once you have something hot in your hands, you can walk down the street to find something hot on the shelves of The Well Red Damsel. The bookstore specializes in romance novels and has exactly what you’re looking for.

Pilcrow Coffee Co. & 414loral

A day for the senses awaits. Sight, smell, taste and touch all occupied in one morning (or afternoon), with a coffee cup in one hand and a potted plant in another. Pilcrow Coffee in Bronzeville is known for its delicious, almost dessert-looking coffee flights, but we’ll save that rich taste sensation for another day. We’re here to savor a vanilla matcha latte that balances the creamy profile of a latte with the earthy flavor of matcha, and adds just enough sweet vanilla to round it all out. Take it on the go and make your way to 414loral to pick from their selection of fresh, seasonal blooms as you build your own bouquet.

Colectivo Coffee & A Lakefront Stroll

Lakefront views and latte fumes fuel this one. Colectivo’s lakefront location is as much a two-story museum as it is a café. Once home to the Milwaukee River Flushing Station, the Victorian Romanesque Revival style building is the balance of history, architecture and flat-out good coffee that keeps coming back. Get the salted caramel latte, with Alder smoked salt and caramel sauce mixed with Colectivo’s signature Toro espresso and steamed milk. Get it hot or iced, depending on the time of year, then take a stroll along the miles and miles of majestic Milwaukee lakefront available right across the street.

Stone Creek Coffee & Klode Park

Winter calls for a warm pick-me-up and a cool activity, too. Pack your ice skates and head to the North Shore for a little seasonal fun, with a foamy to-go cup waiting to warm you up. Klode Park in Whitefish Bay is home to a free community skating rink. Located along the lake, the seasonal sheet of ice is a great place to test your skills (or try to stay upright) before heading into the cute Silver Spring Stone Creek location to warm up. Double down on the seasonal vibe with the adult version of hot chocolate: a mocha, made with housemade chocolate syrup.

Discourse Coffee & 88Nine

This is a day for those of us who listened to that band before they were cool. Those of us who march to the beat of our own drums and prefer the hidden gems off the beaten path. Welcome to Discourse. The coffee shop in Walker’s Point offers a wide variety of latte-style drinks with unique ingredients, perfect for adventurous palates. The staff can help you find your latte fix, but when in doubt, The Pappy is a must-try. Made with maple syrup, bourbon essence and black lava salt, it’s complex without being busy. Once you’ve got a hot mug in hand, find a seat and listen to local independent radio, 88nine, as they spin the soundtrack of the city.

Best Place Coffee & Spirits & A Tour

Your Brew City adventure comes full circle at Best Place Coffee & Spirits. Known for our place in the history books as a beer-brewing hub, Milwaukee has also become a hub for caffeine, with coffee roasters and cafés drawing coffee drinkers from across the country to savor the bold flavors of the Fresh Coast. Best Place lives at the intersection of coffee and beer, with a café and tours of the historic Pabst campus. Grab a classic latte against the beautiful backdrop of the cafe's stained glass windows, then take a journey through the past, as you discover the history of one of Milwaukee’s beer barons on a walking tour through the Brewery District.

Sprocket Café & A Bike Ride

Ride on into the cozy, bike-inspired Sprocket Café in Bay View to pair a trail ride with an off-the-beaten-path coffee shop. The well-kept local secret pedals bicycle-themed sandwiches like the Bike Club and The Trike, alongside a selection of simple, but inventive coffee drinks. Order the chai latte London smog, mixing the classic latte combo with honey and English Breakfast tea. Afterwards, take a spin just down the road on the Oak Leaf Trail.

Nomad Coffee Bar & Lilliput Records

Soccer, records and coffee, all on the same block. It’s a full day, and you don’t even have to move your car. The café opens at 6:30 a.m. on the weekends, meaning that you can catch early morning Premier League and Bundesliga matches on the TVs and stick around all day to catch every second of the action. Here, you can show your team spirit with a little extra spirit in your latte. Just ask your barista to add Baileys, butterscotch schnapps, coconut rum or a wide variety of other spirits to put a little kick in your cup. Once the action’s wrapped for the afternoon, turn the corner to Lilliput Records, an independent record store. Find top artists, classic records and your forgotten favorites as you sort through the stacks and relax.

If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that latte love actually is all around. Find your caffeinated fix today.