Work From Milwaukee: 7-Day Itinerary for Remote Workers
Remote work that isn’t remotely boring? You’ll find it in Milwaukee.
This is a city where creativity crashes in every Lake Michigan wave, where your workspace comes with a view of roasting coffee beans and where, at the end of the day, there are 191 neighborhoods just waiting for you to explore. As an added little perk, it so happens that we brew a mean cup of coffee to help you close out those tight deadlines and some of the best craft beer in all the land to help you unwind at the end of a long day.
It's a dream remote work getaway, with somewhere new to set up shop for the day all week, near tasty bites, novel sights and some can’t-miss attractions that’ll have you working hard and playing harder. Here’s how to make the most of your remote work week by turning Milwaukee into Mil-work-ee.
Monday
Riverwest
Start your week in Riverwest, an artsy neighborhood where creativity is currency and the coffee flows freely. It’s home to the kind of offbeat energy that turns a regular workday into something worth looking forward to.
Work Spot
Colectivo Coffee – Humboldt
Get settled at Colectivo’s headquarters, where you can sip freshly roasted coffee while watching the process happen just feet away. The hum of machinery makes it less ideal for meetings, but when you need to lock in and get work done, it’s unbeatable.
Lunch
Café Corazon
Bright walls covered in local art and the aroma of slow-simmered sauces draw you in. Café Corazon's menu bursts with flavor, from housemade guacamole to sizzling enchiladas, all crafted with the same bold spirit that defines Riverwest.
After Work
Lakefront Brewery
You close your laptop after a long day. Mission accomplished. Reward yourself with a tour at Lakefront Brewery, a Milwaukee favorite where humor and hops go hand in hand. Grab a pint and an order of cheese curds, take a tour, and unwind at this Cream City gem.
Tuesday
Walker’s Point
Walker’s Point wears its history proudly. Once a hub of factories and warehouses, it has evolved into a district of loft condos, antique shops, craft distilleries and some of Milwaukee’s best restaurants. The brickwork remains but the neighborhood now carries equal parts polish and personality.
Work Spot
Wantable Café
Plug in at Wantable Café, a bright modern space built for getting things done. Big mugs, affordable refills and plenty of room to spread out make it easy to focus and stay productive.
Lunch
La Merenda
Take your lunch break at La Merenda, a neighborhood favorite known for its globally inspired small plates. The menu changes with the seasons, offering dishes like empanadas, Thai curry and local Wisconsin cheeses.
After Work
Great Lakes Distillery
Go from work to play just by crossing the street to Great Lakes Distillery, Wisconsin’s first post-Prohibition distillery. Take a tour to see how the spirits are made. Then unwind with a cocktail in the lounge.
Wednesday
Wauwatosa Village
Midweek calls for a change of pace, and the Wauwatosa Village delivers it with a flourish. Just minutes from downtown, this pocket of cobblestone streets and boutique shops feels like its own little world.
Work Spot
Vendetta Coffee Bar
Set up for the day at Vendetta Coffee Bar, a compact café built for focus. The espresso is bold, the atmosphere calm and the setup ideal for checking off tasks without distraction.
Lunch
Le Rêve Patisserie & Café
Once you’ve hit your morning stride, head to Le Rêve for French bistro favorites and delicate pastries that turn lunch into a small indulgence. The air carries the aroma of coffee and warm pastries and every plate arrives looking like a work of art.
After Work
Tosa Village Boutiques and Galleries
After you fire off that final email, take a stroll through the Village’s boutiques and galleries. Stop at The Village Cheese Shop for something to bring home, browse vintage finds at Shop Privy or check out local art at The Flannel Fox.
Thursday
Historic Third Ward and Lakefront
The Historic Third Ward tells Milwaukee’s story through every era it’s lived. Once a warehouse district lined with factories, it’s now home to galleries, condos and upscale boutiques. The neighborhood keeps evolving but still holds the character that built it.
Work Spot
Grace Coffee Co.
Claim a corner table at Grace Coffee Co., a bright modern café that mirrors the Ward’s refined edge. Sunlight floods through tall windows and the steady hum of espresso machines sets the pace for a productive morning.
Lunch
Onesto
When it’s time to take a break, head to Onesto for handmade pasta and fresh bread served in a loft-style dining room. The brick walls and high ceilings nod to the building’s past while the menu blends rustic Italian flavors with a modern touch.
After Work
Milwaukee Art Museum
End the day at the Milwaukee Art Museum, home to more than forty galleries featuring artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Monet and Rodin. Alongside the masterpieces inside stands one of the city’s greatest works of art, the museum itself, a gleaming landmark set against the natural beauty of Lake Michigan
Friday
Bronzeville
Bronzeville stands at the heart of Milwaukee. The neighborhood is a hub for restaurants, small businesses and public art that draws people in and keeps them coming back. Murals stretch across brick walls, new storefronts sit beside longtime anchors and every stop offers something with its own story.
Work Spot
Kinship Café
Kinship Café offers a warm, welcoming setting where remote workers can settle in with thoughtfully crafted, scratch-made food and quality coffee. The space blends calm seating areas with the energy of a community-rooted workforce training program, creating an environment that feels both productive and purposeful. Every visit supports Kinship’s mission to strengthen wellness, belonging, and opportunity while giving you a comfortable place to focus and get things done.
Lunch
Pepper Pot
Head to Pepper Pot for Jamaican food made from family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Known for its bold spices and generous portions, the menu features jerk chicken, curried goat and fried plantains served with just the right amount of spice.
After Work
America’s Black Holocaust Museum
Close out the day with a visit to America’s Black Holocaust Museum, the first and only museum of its kind in the country. The exhibits tell stories of strength and perseverance, linking history to the neighborhood’s ongoing work toward renewal and pride.
Saturday
Brady Street
Saturday belongs to Brady Street. It’s a stretch of city blocks packed with boutiques, bars and restaurants that have shaped Milwaukee’s east side for decades. The mix of old and new keeps things interesting.
Breakfast
Sweet Joy Brazilian Café
Start your day with a taste of Brazil at Sweet Joy Brazilian Café, where every sip and bite celebrate warmth, community and tradition. Enjoy a rich cup of Brazilian coffee or a perfectly balanced latte with authentic pastries such as pão de queijo and brigadeiros. Settle in and take in the bright, welcoming atmosphere that makes Sweet Joy a true local treasure.
Shopping
Bandit MKE
Step inside Bandit MKE, a boutique filled with carefully curated vintage fashion, art and accessories. Every rack has something unexpected, from retro streetwear to locally made pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
Afternoon Adventure
Milwaukee Food & City Tours – Brady Street Tour
Go on an adventure and join a guided walk with Milwaukee Food & City Tours. Learn about the neighborhood as you explore neighborhood faves and hidden gems, each with a story that ties back to the street’s Italian roots and creative spirit.
Evening
Eagle Park Brewing
Wrap up the day flying high at Eagle Park, a hub for inventive beers with clever titles and an interior of your wildest hipster dreams. Grab a table, order a flight and settle in for a relaxed night on one of Milwaukee’s most iconic streets.
Sunday
Downtown and Lakefront
Sunday is a break from the grind of the workweek, but it's far from a lazy Sunday. Here's where to go when you want to take it slow with waterfront views to serve as your inspirational muse.
Brunch
Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria
Kick off your morning in a tequilaria that sits right on the Milwaukee River. Blue Bat pairs global flavors with a casual vibe. Breakfast tacos, chilaquiles and huevos rancheros fill the menu alongside a long list of tequila and mezcal. Grab a riverside seat and let the city wake up around you.
Lunch
Milwaukee Public Market
Sunday is a day for farmers markets, but this market is open all year round. The Milwaukee Public Market brings together local vendors selling artisan bread, fresh produce, seafood, spices and sweets. Wander through the aisles, snack on something new and take a piece of the city home with you.
Afternoon Adventure
Lakeshore State Park
End your week with a walk that's sure to fend off the Sunday scaries. Lakeshore State Park stretches along Lake Michigan with skyline views, quiet paths and open water that always seems to clear your head before Monday rolls back around.