Top 5 Coffee Shops to Visit Wisconsin
8/18/20252 min read
Bradbury’s Coffee
Founded near the Capitol Square as an adorable breakfast‐joint cum café, Bradbury’s quickly became known for its strong, creamy coffee and exceptional service. They rotate a “flavor of the day” from Ruby roasters, lending fresh variety to every visit.
Top drink: Flavor-of-the-day latte—rich and balanced, with beans roasted nearby.
Colectivo Coffee Roasters
Originally known as Alterra Coffee since 1993, the company rebranded in 2013 as Colectivo, taking inspiration from Latin American communal transit (“colectivo”) and expanding sustainably with local roasting facilities in Milwaukee and Madison.
Top drink: Cortado or espresso-based drinks featuring their house-roasted single-origin beans—clean, sophisticated, and bold.
5th Element Coffee (Regent St.)
A neighborhood favorite in the Tenney-Lapham area, 5th Element doubles as a café and workspace, ideal for studying or remote work. Opened in the early‐2010s and well‐regarded for its community vibe and ethically sourced beans.
Top drink: Their signature pour‐over or a rich cappuccino made with fair-trade beans.
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
Started as a small roaster with a passion for small-batch techniques, Anodyne now has several locations across Milwaukee and Wauwatosa. Known for an old-school industrial vibe and occasional live music nights at its Walker’s Point café .
Top drink: Iced mocha—the perfect espresso-to-chocolate ratio, smooth and indulgent.
Vendetta Coffee Bar
This upscale, rustic‐wood sanctuary serves thoughtfully crafted coffee drinks and Italian pastries. With paninis and even gelato-topped affogatos on the menu, this spot has serious personality.
Top drink: Ubriaco Affogato—espresso poured over gelato—for a delightful twist.
Stone Creek Coffee
Local and eco-conscious, Stone Creek offers a rotating selection of single-origin coffees and events educating customers on sustainable sourcing. A steady favorite among Milwaukeeans seeking ethically- minded roasts.
Top drink: Single-origin drip coffee—bright, nuanced, and sustainably sourced.
Kavarna Coffeehouse (Green Bay)
A community hub with vegetarian/vegan-friendly menus, Kavarna also hosts live music and local art shows, making it as much a cultural destination as a café.
Top drink: House-made chai latte or locally roasted espresso with plant-based milk—smooth and comforting.
The Attic Books and Coffee (Green Bay)
Blending a used bookstore with an espresso bar, Attic Books is a cozy literary haven. Browse titles upstairs while sipping your favorite brew downstairs.
Top drink: Iced latte—classy and reliable, with just enough sweetness.
Café City Founding Notes Signature Drink
Bradbury’s Coffee Madison Downtown café since early 2000s Flavor‐of‐the‐day latte
Colectivo Coffee Roasters Madison Local roaster since 1993, rebranded 2013 Espresso with house-roasted beans
5th Element Coffee Madison Neighborhood café & remote‐work spot Cappuccino or pour-over
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Milwaukee Artisanal roasting + music venue Iced mocha
Vendetta Coffee Bar Milwaukee Elegant, rustic, gelato‐infused ideas Ubriaco Affogato
Stone Creek Coffee Milwaukee Eco-conscious single-origin specialist Drip single-origin coffee
Kavarna Coffeehouse Green Bay Vegan-friendly + local arts hub Chai latte or espresso w/ non‐dairy
Attic Books & Coffee Green Bay Bookstore + café combination Iced latte.
Wisconsin’s coffee scene is deeply rooted in local roasting, community, and sustainability. From Madison’s Capitol Square to Milwaukee’s arty neighborhoods and Green Bay’s bookish oasis, these spots reflect the values of the communities they serve. Whether you're grabbing a mocha before a show at Anodyne or settling in with a pour-over at Colectivo while working remotely, each café has personality worth exploring.