We started our route at Hawthorne Coffee. (Parking is in a lot just across the street.) Had a great walk through by Steve Hawthorne, the owner. You could tell he was very passionate about coffee and wants to create an atmosphere of truly enjoying quality brew. Enjoyed a sample of their cold brew coffee aged in a bourbon barrel– you can really taste the bourbon! It's a really cool concept that they execute well! The atmosphere is very friendly, relaxed, a place you take your time in– not a drop in/out. It's a huge space, so they also have food trucks come by as well. They just completed a patio area as well. Has a bit of an unfinished feel. Overall, a cool place that brings truly handcrafted coffee to their community.
Our next stop was Kickapoo Coffee. Had a harder time finding parking nearby since it's located in the popular Third Ward. It was a busy morning, but co-owner, Scott Lucey, took time to talk to us about their process. We tried a cup of their Kenya Mbeguka and Kenya Karimikui– both very acidic/bright. The space is very bright with their large windows, hipster/chic, pots of plants.
Made our way next Pilcrow Coffee. I think this was one of my favorite places. Ryan, one of the founders, was the one who led our walk through. They have a really thoughtful meaning behind their name and emphasize that they serve more as a vessel to provide the brew to the customer. (I really can't explain it as well as they can, but they're very humble.) They are relatively new to the coffee world in Milwaukee but I feel like they're someone to keep an eye on. Really loved their creamy cold brew and their turmeric ginger tea!!
Our fourth place was classic Stone Creek Coffee of Milwaukee (Factory Cafe, main headquarters). It's a beautiful space! Had a very organized presentation by two of their baristas. Sampled their Green Dragon Costa Rica and then their collab with Hotel Madrid, Coffee Mint Julep. They do free tours on Sundays and also classes on brewing ($$).
So happy to end our tour at Rishi Tea HQ. Walking in the doors, it smells beauuuutiful. Learned a lot about tea! Enjoyed a sample of their Runner's High and then… ah I can't remember the name of the second one. They were both super delicious and would recommend searching it out– they said you can find it at Fuel Cafe. Will definitely have to search for it there until they have ready-to-drink options in the future.
Overall, a very cool event that was fun way to explore Milwaukee and get caffeinated!