Where To Find the Best Breakfast in Milwaukee, WI in 2024
Looking to kick off your day with a delicious breakfast in Milwaukee? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Milwaukee has lots of delicious spots that are sure to scratch your breakfast itch. From classic diners to trendy brunch spots, there’s a breakfast in Milwaukee with your name on it.
With Wisconsin’s reputation as a haven for dairy products, it’s no surprise that Milwaukee has a killer breakfast scene. But with all the quality options, finding the Milwaukee breakfast spot that works for you can feel like a challenge. Don’t worry! This list is here to save the day. It has all of the information you need to make an informed Milwaukee breakfast decision, even before you have your first cup of coffee. Read on and get ready to explore the best breakfast places in Milwaukee.
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Find the Best Breakfast in Milwaukee
Do you want to taste the very best breakfast Milwaukee has to offer? Taking a food tour in Milwaukee is the best way to taste your way through the city. A local guide will show you all of the best under-the-radar spots, including some of the best Milwaukee breakfast joints. Plus, you’ll learn local history while becoming happily engulfed in the city’s culinary world.
17 Best Breakfast Places in Milwaukee, WI
1. Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette
For some of the top bagels in Milwaukee, head on over to Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette, a popular spot for a classic Milwaukee breakfast that serves fresh bagels alongside a charming menu of sweet and savory breakfast bites.
The Vibe
This spot fills up quickly during breakfast hours and there’s very limited seating. Your best bet is probably to order ahead of time and take your bagels to go.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong with an “everything” bagel with cream cheese, but if you’re in the mood for something more along the lines of brunch, the pizza bagels are absolutely delicious.
Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette | 135 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204 | $$
2. The National Café
The National Café has been a classic spot for breakfast in Milwaukee since it opened its doors in 2008. Specializing in transforming local, seasonal ingredients into delicious breakfast dishes, The National Café represents everything that’s great about Midwestern hospitality.
The Vibe
The National Café has a fun, artsy ambiance, perfect for any morning meal, including a casual weekend brunch.
What to Order
Don’t miss out on The Hot Mess, which consists of breakfast potatoes, peppers, caramelized onions and cheddar cheese topped with sunny-side-up eggs and hollandaise sauce, as well as your choice of meat. Can you think of a better Milwaukee Breakfast?
The National Café | 839 W. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204 | $$
3. Canela Cafe
From savory shakshuka to mouth-watering pancakes, the brunch experts at Canela Cafe have created one of the very best spots for breakfast in Milwaukee. Canela Cafe offers the perfect blend of sweet and savory, which is a balance that all breakfast enthusiasts actively seek.
The Vibe
This Milwaukee breakfast spot can get crowded during peak hours, but the bright and fun ambiance makes dining here a worthwhile experience.
What to Order
The corned beef hash is made in-house so it’s definitely worth a try. Just make sure to also get an order of cinnamon, banana and peanut butter pancakes to split with the table.
Canela Cafe | 2621 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211 | $$
4. Golden Nest Pancakes & Cafe
As per the name, Golden Nest Pancakes & Cafe makes some of the top pancakes in the city, but this classic spot for breakfast in Milwaukee has far more to offer the discerning breakfast diner. It also has a great collection of sandwiches and burgers if you’re craving something a little more savory.
The Vibe
This restaurant is a homey and popular spot on weekends. Also, don’t be surprised if you see a couple of robot waiters rolling around!
What to Order
The cinnamon roll pancakes are a must-order, and the Nashville heat Benedict is a daring way to start the day.
Golden Nest Pancakes & Cafe | Multiple Locations | $$
5. Blue’s Egg
Famous for its legendary hash browns, Blue’s Egg is one of the most beloved breakfast joints in Milwaukee and one of the most cherished Milwaukee restaurants around. Whether you’re an early riser looking for a delicious breakfast or you’re planning a weekend brunch, Blue’s Egg will satisfy your needs.
The Vibe
This is one of the most popular restaurants for breakfast in Milwaukee, so be prepared to wait a bit for a table, especially on the weekends.
What to Order
Don’t miss out on the stuffed hash browns, which are just as delicious as they sound.
Blue’s Egg | 317 N. 76th St., Milwaukee, WI 53213 | $$
6. The Wicked Hop
The Wicked Hop is rumored to have the city’s best Bloody Mary, which immediately propels it to the top of many Milwaukee breakfast lists. But even if you’re not trying to kick off your day with a cocktail, The Wicked Hop has plenty to offer, including tasty Benedicts and breakfast burritos.
The Vibe
The Wicked Hop has a chilled-out bar-like ambiance with exposed brick and plenty of seating.
What to Order
Sip on a bloody Mary while enjoying breakfast tacos and French toast.
The Wicked Hop | 345 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$
7. Uncle Wolfie’s Breakfast Tavern
Uncle Wolfie’s Breakfast Tavern is a Brewer’s Hill mainstay that serves some of the most unique and delicious breakfasts in Milwaukee. Plus, if you’re partial to a beer with your brunch, Uncle Wolfie’s Breakfast Tavern has an excellent offering of craft brews.
The Vibe
This classic breakfast joint in Milwaukee has a trendy and cool aura and it draws plenty of crowds, especially on weekends.
What to Order
Don’t skip the biscuits and gravy and make sure to order some perfectly crispy tavern potatoes.
Uncle Wolfie’s Breakfast Tavern | 234 E. Vine St., Milwaukee, WI 53212 | $$
8. Mimosa
Featuring an appetizing offering of dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, Mimosa is favored by many locals for its breakfast in Milwaukee. It does the classics well, adding its signature elevated twist to each item on the menu.
The Vibe
This popular spot garners long wait times during peak hours, so make sure to plan accordingly or go as early as possible.
What to Order
Enjoy a fresh-squeezed orange juice, then order an omelette with a side of Mimosa’s famous potatoes, which are diced daily and can’t be missed.
Mimosa | Multiple Locations | $$
9. Miss Katie’s Diner
This Downtown Milwaukee diner is a charming retro-themed eatery and a must-visit for breakfast in Milwaukee. Specializing in soul-warming breakfast staples that kick off the day in the tastiest way possible, Miss Katie’s Diner is a comfort food haven.
The Vibe
Miss Katie’s Diner is a charming 1950s-themed diner that’s perfectly no-frills.
What to Order
You won’t want to miss out on the corned beef hash, and splitting a plate of blueberry pancakes with the table is never a bad idea.
Miss Katie’s Diner | 1900 W. Clybourn St., Milwaukee, WI 53233 | $$
10. Sabrosa Cafe & Gallery
Offering a wonderful blend of delicious food and tasteful art, Sabrosa Cafe & Gallery is an excellent spot for breakfast in Milwaukee. This art gallery/restaurant hybrid serves as a perfect spot to start the day and the delicious Mexican-inspired menu will leave you longing for a return.
The Vibe
This is a charming Milwaukee breakfast spot that also functions as an art gallery, with indoor and outdoor seating available.
What to Order
The huevos rancheros are a customer favorite at this breakfast spot in Milwaukee.
Sabrosa Cafe & Gallery | 3216 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207 | $$
11. Honeypie Cafe
Utilizing Wisconsin ingredients to craft stunning elevated diner fare, Honeypie Cafe is deservingly one of the best places for breakfast in Milwaukee. Just make sure to save room for pie, which is the specialty of the house.
The Vibe
This is some of the best breakfast in Milwaukee, so expect a wait at this first-come-first-serve restaurant.
What to Order
The breakfast casserole is a fan favorite, but you’ll want to make sure that a fresh slice of pie is part of the equation as well.
Honeypie Cafe | 2569 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207 | $$
12. Tupelo Honey
Adding a homey Southern flair to the Midwest, Tupelo Honey serves a Southern-inspired breakfast in Milwaukee that tourists and locals happily partake in. Chock full of Southern hospitality, Tupelo Honey is a welcome addition to the Milwaukee breakfast and brunch scene.
The Vibe
This is an easygoing restaurant that works just as well for breakfast or brunch as it does for dinner.
What to Order
Make sure to start with the biscuits and treat yourself to a plate of chicken and waffles.
Tupelo Honey | 511 N. Broadway, Ste. 100, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$
13. Mad Rooster Cafe
Looking for unique morning date ideas in Milwaukee? Pay a visit to Mad Rooster Cafe, a stylish foodie paradise that serves some of the freshest breakfast fare in Milwaukee. Located in a farmhouse, Mad Rooster Cafe takes its agricultural vibes seriously, sourcing many of its ingredients from local farms.
The Vibe
Expect long wait times during peak hours. That said, you can add your name to a waitlist ahead of time.
What to Order
The daily specials tend to steal the show at Mad Rooster, but if you’re looking for a Milwaukee breakfast favorite you can always rely on, the breakfast burrito or some crêpes for a bit of sweetness are both solid choices.
Mad Rooster Cafe | 4401 W. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53214 | $$
14. Sweet Diner
Despite the name, Sweet Diner is far from your classic no-frills diner. This Milwaukee breakfast spot specializes in Insta-worthy dishes that look as good as they taste and the comfortable, vibrant space is a great place to start the day.
The Vibe
Sweet Diner is an easygoing restaurant with a clean and modern design.
What to Order
The pancakes and crêpes are tasty options that are decorated with delightful edible flowers.
Sweet Diner | 239 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$
15. Toast
Toast is a quintessential Milwaukee breakfast and brunch spot, serving classic dishes in a friendly, happening atmosphere. Plus, Toast has a lovely patio where you can enjoy your bloody Mary and breakfast sandwich during warmer months.
The Vibe
Toast has a chilled-out vibe, with a hip, trendy ambiance and multiple levels of seating.
What to Order
The lemon berry croissant French toast is a popular order for sweet-toothed Milwaukee breakfast enthusiasts.
Toast | 231 S. Second St., Milwaukee, WI 53204 | $$
16. Story Hill BKC
The team behind Blue’s Egg (see above) expanded their empire with Story Hill BKC, a wine shop/restaurant hybrid that also serves some of the best breakfasts in Milwaukee. There’s also a full bar if you’re in the market for a boozy brunch.
The Vibe
This is a roomy, open-concept restaurant with plenty of friendly, Midwestern charm.
What to Order
Try the shakshouka, a North African and Middle Eastern dish made with a hearty tomato sauce and baked eggs.
Story Hill BKC | 5100 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53208 | $$
17. Fuel Café
Fuel Café is a Milwaukee breakfast joint that has a spacious patio, making it a perfect spot to enjoy some delicious coffee and food during the warmer months. Whether you need a place to get some work done or are planning a weekend brunch, Fuel Café is ahead of the pack.
The Vibe
Fuel Café has a cool motorcycle motif throughout the space, with memorabilia and décor scattered throughout.
What to Order
The breakfast burger is a hearty way to kick off the day, and make sure to pair it with a bold coffee creation.
Fuel Café | 630 S. Fifth St., Milwaukee, WI 53204 | $$
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Finding a delicious breakfast in Milwaukee can feel like an intimidating venture, but with all of the amazing options throughout the city, it’s hard to go wrong. Hopefully, this list can serve as a helpful tool for planning your Midwestern adventure, ensuring that you kick off your day by enjoying the best breakfast that Milwaukee has to offer.
For even more ways to explore Milwaukee and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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