Alterra Coffee Roasters

2211 N Prospect Ave., 273-3753

1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, 223-4551

170 S. First St., 765-9873

777 E. Wisconsin Ave.

(at U.S. Bank), 225-8970

Mayfair Mall, 453-9202

Bayshore Town Center, 967-5754

2999 N. Humboldt Blvd.,

292-3320

Since 1994, Alterra has been busy brewing notable coffee in Milwaukee. Serving coffees, smoothies and signature drinks, Alterra’s rustic interior makes it a perfect place to curl up with a paper and a cup of joe. A mix of herbal teas, such as the mint-infused Dragon’s Breath, completes Alterra’s drink list. Expect efficient, friendly service. (J.D.) $ CC: MC, VS, DS. OD. Handicap access.

Anodyne Coffee Roasters

1208 E. Brady St., 276-2739

2924 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.,

489-0765

Famous for its in-house roasted coffee, Anodyne (formerly Brewed Awakenings) also offers a sweet selection of homemade pastries. Thick sliced zucchini bread is a house favorite. A full lunch and dinner menu includes fresh sandwiches, wraps and burritos. Enjoy plenty of reading material and the funky-deco bathrooms. (J.D.) $. CC: All major. Handicap access.

Bella Caffe

189 N. Milwaukee St.

Coffee of all kinds, tea and cider, bakery and sundaes, sandwiches and salads: Bella Cafe has many of the usual coffee house flavors. It’s also one of Milwaukee’s most attractive coffee shops. Bella’s high-fashion tables, chairs and comfortable seating areas, and its futuristic lighting fixtures are retro futurism at its finest, a gem of urban design. (D.L.) $. CC: MC, VS. AmEx. 273-5620

Bella Caffe

901 E. Clarke St.

With bohemian Riverwest ambiance, Bremen Café serves a menu of hot and cold sandwiches with many unusual touches. Most nights of the week feature comedy, live music, open mics and other special activities. (D.L.) $. CC: All major. FB, OD. 431-1932

Broadway Bakery and Café

241 N. Broadway

Broadway Bistro has changed its name and scaled back. Now called Broadway Bakery and Café, it remains a popular spot in the Third Ward for coffee, a Danish or a quick bite to eat. The counter service menu still offers a good variety of deli sandwiches, salads, soups and even quesadillas. (D.L.) $-SS. CC: All major. FF, OD. 431-2880

Fuel Cafe

818 E. Center St.

Try a classic cheesy tomato sandwich or coffee speedball. Extra-strong coffee drinks and a casual atmosphere keep customers lingering until midnight. Expect plenty edgy music. (J.D.) $. CC: VS, MC, AmEx. Handicap access. 374-3835

Hi-Fi Cafe

2640 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

Retro meets kitsch at this south side cafe and coffee bar. Catch the Starlight, a cool blend of espresso, mint and ice cream, or a fresh fruit smoothie whipped from strawberries and blueberries. Serves a full vegetarian menu, including homemade soups, falafel sandwiches, hummus plates and spinach salads. Breakfast specials offered on weekends. Carry-outs available. (J.D.) $. CC: MC, VS. Handicap access. 486-0504

Last Drop Coffee

and Sandwich Shoppe

3801 N. Oakland Ave.

The paintings and photographs by local students add to an energetic yet peaceful atmosphere with comfortable couches along with tables bar-style seating. Food includes scones, bagels, muffins, a daily soup special and petite sandwiches you can design yourself. (H.J.) $. CC: VS, MC, AmEx. Handicap access. 967-9911

Rochambo Coffee & Tea House

1317 E. Brady St.

With its Euro-bohemian atmosphere and unique collection of art posters from the 1960s and ’70s, Rochambo’s ambiance stands out among local coffee shops. A recently added mezzanine serves as the smoking section. Wine and a small sandwich menu round out the list of coffee and tea. (D.L.) $. CC: MC, VS. 291-0095

Sherman Perk

4924 W. Roosevelt Drive

This gas station turned kosher coffee shop serves a variety of caffeinated beverages as well as smoothies, sodas, and juices. If it is more than just hydration that you seek, Sherman Perk also offers a selection of bakery items. And don’t forget the entertainment! Featured performances typically include poets, bands, and individual musicians on a semi-regular basis. Once a month, clientele are treated to karaoke as well as a change in the artist whose work is on display to keep the décor fresh. (K.N.) $. CC: Not accepted. 875-7375

Stone Creek Coffee

601 E. Silver Spring Drive,

332-2285

4106 N. Oakland Ave., 964-1608

8340 W. Bluemound Rd.,

443-1302

Shops of Grand Avenue, 2nd Street skywalk, 298-9965

2266 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.,

481-4215

2644 Hillside Drive, Delafield,

(262) 646-2241

6969 N. Port Washington Road, 228-8699

1043 E. Summit Ave., Oconomowoc, (262) 569-7375

8340 W. Bluemound Road,

443-1302

Socially responsible fair trade coffee meets tasty, fresh-baked scones, croissants, pastries and more from City Market. No hassle free Wi-Fi is the proverbial cherry on top. With eight locations, there’s bound to be a Stone Creek Coffee in your neighborhood, offering a genial environment in which to sip lattes and surf the net. (A.M.) $. CC: VS, MC. Handicap access.

Sven’s Cafe

2699 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

Sven’s has done Herculean work to make the interior resemble an Amsterdam cafe, complete with long benches, wooden furniture and a nook with fireplace. Along with an array of tea and coffee drinks, and scrumptious bakery, Sven’s offers a hearty sandwich-salad menu with such Euro-inspired options as the Bastille (turkey sandwich), the Autobahn (ham), the Parthenon (Greek salad) and the Coliseum (Caesar). Opens early for breakfast. (D.L.) $. CC: MC, VS. 483-2233