Working as a digital nomad can come with many pros and cons. Working on the go is never an easy task, especially when traveling to new cities frequently. Coffee shops and cafes are the typical go-to for the digital nomad crowd, and for good reason! Most coffee shops have great food and drinks, reliable internet, and good vibes. If you’re new to an area, it can be intimidating to find the right place to work!
Being a resident in the East Side Neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the past 5 years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore and have found my fair share of amazing places to explore. Whether you’re a college student looking to study, a small business owner trying to send emails, or an avid reader who wants to dive into a new book, check out these 5 coffee shops in the city of Milwaukee!
#5 INTERVAL
*Photos are not mine, credits are linked on each image*
Interval is situated in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Milwaukee at 1600 N. Jackson St. Milwaukee WI 53202. With Scandinavian-inspired plates, mid-century modern furniture, and seating inside and outside, Interval is the PERFECT place to settle down for a couple of hours, grab a bite to eat, and drink a seasonal latte.
Interval really takes pride in creating a small yet cozy, neighborhood feel to their cafe. Seating and tables are limited to about 2 per table making this the perfect spot for a digital nomad to get some work done. With just a short walk to other Milwaukee landmarks like Swing Park and the Milwaukee Riverwalk, Interval is the quintessential coffee shop location for all.
#4 FAIRGROUNDS COFFEE AND TEA
*Photos are not mine, credits are linked on each image*
Fairgrounds Coffee And Tea has only one location in Milwaukee! Located in the Yankee Hill Neighborhood at 916 E. State St. Milwaukee, WI 53202, Fairgrounds is just a short walk away from Juneau Park, Veterans Park, and the Oak Leaf Trail. Fairgrounds is the perfect mix of modern, bohemian, and industrial elements! With added greenery, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-concept seating, this place feels airy and open, yet inviting.
The great thing about Fairgrounds is that they have an extensive food menu and a variety of different drinks, so every time you stop in, you can try something new and never get bored. Fairgrounds believes in “bringing people together through the joy of discovery” so don’t be afraid to indulge in something new!
#3 ROCHAMBO COFFEE & TEA HOUSE
*Photos are not mine, credits are linked on each image*
Rochambo Coffee & Tea House is a Lower East Side staple. Located on Historic Brady Street at 1317 E. Brady St. Milwaukee, WI 53202, this is the perfect spot to escape the busy city bustle. Rochambo is a hipster’s paradise. With eclectic decor and vibrant paint colors, Rochambo really embraces this quirky and eccentric vibe.
Head straight upstairs to find an intimate nook on the balcony to get the perfect people-watching spot, while sipping on your favorite drink of choice! Rochambo not only has a variety of different coffee and tea choices but boasts a unique twist on a classic drink, the Irish Coffee! Yes, they do serve alcoholic beverages. Rochambo is a great place to get some work done and should be your first stop during a Brady Street bar crawl!
#2 COLECTIVO
*Photos are not mine, credits are linked on each image*
This list would not be complete without adding Colectivo! Originating in a Walker’s Point warehouse, Colectivo has quickly planted roots to become a Milwaukee must visit. Any Colectivo location in Milwaukee is absolutely divine, each bringing its own sense of character.
The most popular (and my favorite) is the Lakefront location at 1701 N Lincoln Memorial Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53202. The revamped Milwaukee River Flushing Station has turned into the most beautiful location to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a nice summer night with ample seating outside. If you’re lucky to grab a seat at this beautiful place, it’s a perfect way to spend a day, however, it is popular for a good reason. It might not be the best place to work and study just because of the heavy foot traffic.
A very close second-place winner is Colectivo’s Prospect location at 2211 N. Prospect Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202. This place is really set up for digital nomads and college students in particular. This location draws in students from both UW-Milwaukee and Marquette because of the chill vibes and many outlets. With a sunroof, an open garage door in the summer, and green plants everywhere, you’ll feel like you’re in a cozy greenhouse. Colectivo on Prospect also offers a unique concert experience called The Back Room. Of course, this is not conducive to a study environment, but it’s one of the many reasons this Colectivo is so popular on the East Side!
#1 STONE CREEK COFFEE
*Photos are not mine, credits are linked on each image*
Stone Creek Coffee takes the number one spot on this list! Stone Creek, like many others on this list, has multiple locations, but the Factory Cafe at 422 N. 5th St. Milwaukee, WI 53203 takes the cake for the best work spot for digital nomads! The Factory Cafe hosts the production facility, corporate offices, and Stone Creek Bakery, yet still feels warm, mellow, and professional!
Remote workers can find a seat on a comfortable couch by the fireplace, head over to the bar area for stool seating, grab a spot at one of the elongated wooden tables, or sneak away upstairs for additional seating. With its mix of industrial and farmhouse chic, Stone Creek is the perfect place to stop in and grind for a few hours!
Not only can you get work done, but you can also take a number of educational courses including Latte Art, Espresso 101, and even a Factory Tour! Stone Creek keeps up to date on their blog and provides continuous opportunities to learn more about coffee culture and what they specifically offer, making it number one on my list of the best coffee shops to check out in Milwaukee.
As you can tell, I’ve been to a handful of the best coffee shops in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a graduate student doing a fully remote program, these cafes have become a second home! If you’re interested in buying me a coffee to help me grind my way through graduate school, you can check out my Ko-Fi account HERE. Also, be sure to check out my other blog posts HERE.