Breakfast in Milwaukee?

Question

I will be arriving in Milwaukee on a Saturday morning at 7:30 with my two adult daughters to attend a bridal shower at 1:00. We will be heading north towards Mequon and will have time to fill. I'm wondering if anyone can suggest an interesting place to go for breakfast. Thanks.

Answer

You need not look further than the list nsxtasy provided for a good option. 


Making the assumption (which maybe I shouldn't) you may want do something with wait service since you may have some time to kill, I would narrow down your options to the following:

Blue's Egg (generally considered the best & consistent, always busy, could be a wait depending on what time you actually get there, but not likely long early on Saturday and probably worth it. It's technically out of your way, but wouldn't likely add any more time than going into downtown.)

Engine Co. 3 (cool spot, fairly easy to get to on your route, have seen some mixed reviews, but our food was v. good)

Simple Cafe (have been to their other location in Lake Geneva several times and love it--have heard good things about this one as well)

Cafe at the Plaza (has a lovely courtyard in a hotel/apt bldg.-had a great brunch there a few years ago, but I think they have a new chef, so I can't comment on any recent meals)

Just a few comments on the others mentioned for what it's worth for the OP or nxstasy.

Cafe Benelux is an awesome space, but we are generally disappointed in most of the food (other than apps/snacks) at all of that restaurant group's spots. We try to stick to the Lowlands group stops for beer (and maybe frites), but I wouldn't risk it for one breakfast.

Honeypie and Comet Cafe are both cool and quirky spots (same owner) focusing on comfort food with a twist. Most of my food has been pretty solid, but I've had some misses. If the menus appeal to you, then I think they both are worth trying. I am more of a fan of Honeypie.

Maxfield's was Ok when I went, but very typical breakfast/pancake house spot. Not exciting.

Brewed is a small and order at the counter. I often get a coffee there when in the area, but can't comment on their food.

Mykonos is also order at the counter, very casual, what you might expect with gyro in the title. Have only had their gyros/dinner type food, but they do a good job at that.

The National may be order at the counter, but it sounds great. That is definitely on my to visit list, so I will have to try to report back when we make it there.

Answer

I want to throw in a really solid, neighborhood breakfast spot, Highlands Cafe in East Tosa 1413 North 60th Street

http://highlandscafetosa.com/

I've had some great breakfasts & coffee here, it's not crowded but busy enough that you can tell they're consistently good. The other recommendations are a good list... this one is just a little off the beaten path.

Answer

Those are excellent recommendations. I second Honeypie, Comet, and The National in particular. I'd add Beans & Barley on the East Side and, if you can wait until 10 am to eat, Cafe Corazon (Mexican) in Riverwest. If the weather is nice, I'd probably choose Honeypie. They have a nice outdoor patio in addition to interesting (and hearty) breakfast options.

I also agree that the food at Benelux is not great, but in my experience it's been consistently good and they have a sweet rooftop patio. As a bonus you could head across the street to the Public Market and spend an hour browsing.

Answer

Thanks for all of these incredible suggestions. It sounds like Blue's Egg is the place to go and we will probably head there from the airport. It's possible, though, that friends from Mequon will meet us for breakfast. Any thoughts on places on the north side of Milwaukee? It is possible that some of these restaurants are located there but we are not at all familiar with the area so we don't know. Thank you for your help.

Answer

None of those restaurants are north of the city -- though Beans & Barley and Simple Cafe are a bit north of downtown -- but depending on where in Mequon your friends live (it's quite spread out), it may not take long to get to the city. Blue's Egg is located in Wauwatosa, which is a little west of downtown and directly south of Mequon, and will be more convenient than places in Bay View. Restaurants downtown might be easier to get to because of the way the freeway system is set up, but it depends how far west in Mequon your friends are.

Answer

Report on breakfast - Friends from Mequon cancelled so we went straight to Blues Egg from the airport. Got there at 8:30 and it was packed with a 30-45 minute wait. Amazingly enough, we saw people who were on our plane from Washington there. Anyway, it was delicious and worth the wait (drove around the neighborhood for a bit while we waited). It was hard to choose but we ordered all egg dishes which were fantastic. The hash browns were the best. Great service and great coffee. We can't wait to go back - but, then, there are all those other suggestions to try......Thanks to all for your responses!

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Breakfast in Milwaukee?

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Discussion Summary

Rocket Baby Bakery

Café Benelux

The Pfister Hotel

Maxfield's Pancake House

Maxfield's Pancake House

Simple Cafe Milwaukee

The National Cafe

The Original Pancake House

The Original Pancake House

Honeypie

Comet Cafe

Beans & Barley

Café Corazón

Milwaukee Public Market

Fiddleheads Coffee Bayshore

Fiddleheads Coffee Mequon

Benji's Deli

Benji's Deli

North Shore Boulangerie

Engine Company No. 3

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