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Alterra Wauwatosa
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
9125 WN AveSte 101
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Neighborhood: Wauwatosa
(414) 259-7948
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 6:30 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Alterra Wauwatosa
Review Highlights
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"...runner up fav is the baked oatmeal, but i can't figure out..." In 3 reviews -
"Alterra Tosa hits it out of the park every time in these..." In 7 reviews -
"...local coffee roaster (at any of their locations around town." In 4 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Jen M.
9/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Alterra Wauwatosa is MY COFFEE SHOP. I typically rate coffee shops on quality of coffee, food, room set-up, availability of wi-fi and power outlets, and whether or not they play their music too loud (I just hate that). Alterra Tosa hits it out of the park every time in these categories. In fact, not only do they not play their music too loud - I LOVE their music. I find their menu overwhelming in a very good way, because everything is yummy. The staff is always friendly and very professional. I love to sit in the northwest corner, at the bar and gaze out on 92nd and North Ave.
They only negative is that apparently the entire Village of Wauwatosa seems to share my love of the place and it is often crowded. My knitting group arrived around 9 a.m. this morning and almost left for City Market down the street, because there were no open tables. I had to practically do an instant teleport across the building to snatch a table as soon as it was vacated. Every time I go there I see individuals sitting at tables designed for four. But I have also seen such folk politely move when asked.
Often I run into people I know there and see others doing the same - it truly has become a part of the community. I have to come to feel so at home at Alterra Tosa that I may kick off my shoes and help myself to the fridge without even knowing what I'm doing.
Oh, one more thing - I'm not fond of Alterra's teeny tiny parking lot - it is "L"shaped and wraps around the building. Traffic comes at it from two directions, which stresses me out. My knitting buddies usually park there with no problem, but I park at the diagonal spots across the street, to the North on Swan, next to the Pharmacy on the northeast corner. I think its a lot easier to get in and out of. -
Review from Mike P.
5/22/2012
I'm not a fan of Alterra's coffees. I respect the locally grown business and the people who do love Alterra but their roasts aren't for my me. They seem burnt, oily and woody no matter the bean or roast. (Coffee snob credentials: I always have Anodyne and Intelligentsia beans at home. I've had coffee at most of Portland's roasters. My dream Christmas gift is a vacuum pot.)
SO WHY AM I DOLING OUT FOUR STARS? Because the baked goods and location are great! On the weekends my wife sleeps in and I bike to this Alterra for coffee (it's not fave but it's still caffeine). I sit on their patio and watch Tosa wake up. It's my "get centered" time. I do get here early because it fills up with strollers and North Face jackets after 9AM. -
Review from Jon H.
Houston, TX
5/9/2012
Good location. Fun coffee shop vibe. Mediocre coffee.
I don't go out of my way to get coffee here. Only when it's convenient. -
Review from Jen B.
Wauwatosa, WI
5/3/2012
I love Alterra... Their coffee is fantastic and their grilled cheese is out of this world as are their breakfast burritos. Ambiance is great here, comfy and substantial chairs allow for hours of writing and people watching.
Parking is a challenge here, but the neighborhood is nice so you can walk there if you like. I love to buy the coffee in pounds for home (and they offer free pounds though their loyalty program) but my favorite beverage here is an iced non-fat chai tea latte in the summertime. Grab that and hit the pool a couple blocks away and life is downright fabulous. -
Review from Shaq T.
Milwaukee, WI
5/22/2012
This place freaks me out. I feel like I need a hemp necklace and at least one dreadlock to fit in. Way too much of an earthy vibe going on here.
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Review from Elizabeth H.
Milwaukee, WI
3/2/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I'm a fan of the local-ness of Alterra. They scream MILWAUKEE! I love their honey lattes, their sport tea, their falafel sandwich, the majority of their pastries. They could definitely add a few vegan options to their menu. For some reason, it just seems like it would be natural for them to do that.
This particular location doesn't do much for me though. When I'm on my way to a meeting and I need to stop quickly for a coffee, there are usually no parking spots. It is so frustrating. The lot is not user friendly and there aren't enough spaces. There have been numerous occasions where I have driven in on one end, and out of the other with no coffee. It's a sad, sad thing to have your heart set on something that parking can so easily rip away.
I do love other locations, so Alterra still has a special place in my heartListed in: Yelp 100 for 2012!
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Review from Jay G.
Cooper Park, Milwaukee, WI
5/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
not badi make better
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Review from Maggie S.
Milwaukee, WI
2/10/2012
Seriously, I like live here now. This location is spot-on easy to find for meetings with customers and vendors. The food is scrumptious (my heart lies with the chocolate cherry scone) and the teas are all yummy.
This place is always packed, but it's great in the summer when the outside seats are available. Parking can be a trick, but it's worth it.
Want to meet there?? -
Review from Kaitlin B.
Milwaukee, WI
12/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love Alterra's Coffee.. This is just another excellent establishment of theirs.
The lines can get a bit long at rush hour times, but thats pretty standard across the boards.. I feel like there are a lot more people who camp out here and spend their time leisurely at the tables.. so definitely a good place for studying or reading a book..
Their outdoor seating is nice in the warmer months.. Its just really fits its location and clientele.
My fav is the Pumpkin Spice Latte! Seasonal! but DELICIOUS!
I dont have anything bad to say about their food either, but I do wish that some of it wasnt so pre-prepped as there is usually some form on gluten on many of their to-order items.
And dont forget the Free Wifi! Awesome! -
Review from Becky H.
2/24/2012
I like this location & the ambiance here. The staff is friendly and there's free wireless. Like other Alterra locations I enjoy the coffee, drinks, and sandwiches. I tried a white bean chili here today, which was hearty and tasty. It can get busy at times, but is still a nice place to get lunch or to study or work.
Listed in: 100 Reviews in 2012!
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Review from Rachel F.
8/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here
It's another Alterra. It's an Alterra in Wauwatosa. Alterras are everywhere. What 'chu want me to say, Yelp? Save for size and location and sometimes service, they're all exactly the same... which is the point.
SO -- I'ma take this space to rank the Alterras that I've been to, because I can.
1. by the lake (awesomeness of building and location)
2. Humboldt (awesomeness of staff and proximity to my humble crib)
3. Prospect (awesomeness of remodel)
4. Shorewood (big and lounge-y and it smells like new construction still)
5. 'Tosa (kinda small but convenient when in 'Tosa)
6. Foundry (meh)
7. Bayshore (too many North Shore Nancies and crying babies and tweens wanting double frapppes, and sometimes commerce is scary, and it's a really really small space)
#Mayfair kiosk = doesn't get ranked b/c it's a kiosk
#airport Alterras = affiliate Alterras that I love for the convenienceListed in: CoffeeeeeEEeee, Wauwatosa
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Review from Chris L.
Milwaukee, WI
7/28/2011 ROTD 8/25/2011
Moving, it causes so much trauma.
When I moved from Pewaukee to Wauwatosa in 2007, part of the pain was leaving "my coffee shop" behind. And so it was with a mix of sadness and excitement that I began looking for "my new coffee shop". And for the past 4 years that has been the Alterra in Wauwatosa.
Having now spent hundreds of mornings reading my newspaper in this comfortable setting, I can speak with authority on the deliciously strong coffee, soul-warming baked oatmeal, and palate-pleasing espresso drinks - all of them top-notch. The regular morning crowd is friendly, and the staff always know what to begin pouring for me, before I've even said "Good morning!" And there is always a great, changing selection of take-home coffee beans to brew up at home.
If you find yourself in the vicinity in the evening hours, stop in for a delicious soup, sandwich, salad, or wrap. One of my personal favorites is the Sumatra Pork Burrito - always hot, flavorful, and scrumptious.
In the mornings you'll want to arrive early, as the small amount of on-site parking fills quickly. On the weekend, street parking is less restricted, so stretch your legs a bit and park a block away. But other than the limited parking, I think you'll find this coffee shop has everything you need: great coffee, good food, a good atmosphere, friendly people, and a great location in 'Tosa.
And now, as I pack my boxes to move out of Wauwatosa, I begin the adventure of looking for "my new new coffee shop". Ugh! -
Review from Rich P.
Milwaukee, WI
7/14/2011
Great coffee (my wife also loves their iced chai drinks)
Good food (mmmm the grilled cheese is tha beezneez)
Free wifi (saweeeet!)
Nice corner lot for watching cars run red lights.
This is one of my favorite places to take care of tasks- great lighting and lots of outlets- great seating options!Listed in: Wifi cafe's
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Review from Dee B.
Updated - 5/26/2011
I'm still obsessed with Alterra. My obsession is probably fueled by the fact that I rarely get to Milwaukee nowadays and thus rarely get to enjoy hanging out at an Alterra and drinking their delicious coffee. Therefore, I am a tad embarrassed to admit how often I hit up various Alterra locations (on the Lake, Tosa, Mayfair, airport) on a recent 72-hour trip to Milwaukee.
This Alterra location got my love at least three times in two days, and I introduced some Minnesotans to the wonder that is Alterra as well.
I was surprised by how busy this location was early on Saturday (7.30am or so), but I still love all of their coffees and for the first time enjoyed their baked oatmeal as well.Listed in: Wonderful Wisconsin places, My Favorite Reviews, 72hrs in MKE
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/10/2009 First to Review
I'll admit it. I'm obsessed with Alterra. I'm not the type of person who wears clothing with… Read more »
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Review from Diane K.
9/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's your neighborhood Alterra. They're becoming as well attended in Milwaukee as Starbucks. I hope they overtake Starbucks nationally, though I don't know what that would do for their local image. Maybe they could be local to every community they're a part of.
Charming, tasty, friendly, and great ambiance. -
Review from Sarah W.
8/26/2011
Beautiful interior, beautiful exterior, beautiful coffee. Mmmmmmmmmm.
Alterra is one of my ideal types of coffee shops: low key yet lively, free WIFI, coffee punchcards for those of us with a coffee problem (don't forget two-punch Tuesdays!), a wide variety of seating options (tables, bar stools, indoor/outdoor), good music, and great coffee.
So, if you haven't gone here yet, it is a must-visit place. Support our local coffee roaster (at any of their locations around town)! -
Review from Steve W.
8/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm going to write this review for all Alterra locations.
Alterra is one of those great Milwaukee establishments. They have refreshingly established such a great brand within the area, and each one of their locations offers the same "feel" with a unique twist.
I find all locations opportune for reading the paper, doing some homework, or people watching. The latter, perhaps, is the most satisfying. I sometimes have a problem with that one!
The free wifi is much appreciated. Though i find it goes in and out, i'm not going to complain since it is free.
The Coffee: While this may be my favorite coffee shop to experience, it is not my favorite coffee. Don't let this sway, i enjoy it thoroughly, but i prefer Stone Creek Coffee. (Red Sky to be exact).
The Food: Mostly there for breakfast, i enjoy the options. I'm stuck on the granola with milk (though i don't drink milk, so i usually get soy or yogurt). My runner up fav is the baked oatmeal, but i can't figure out how they produce it so quickly, so i'm starting to step back from that one. I've had some of their sandwiches, which are fine. Muffins and cookies are also wonderful!
The Service: Let me be clear...the service is not poor. It is just not up to par where i would expect it to be. I often find that the staff is distracted, perhaps more concerned about talking with each other than they are with the customer. Nothing wins me over more than customer service, and really its the only thing that lacks at all locations. But again, not poor where i would stop going there, i just adjust my expectations.
I'm also a big fan of the community tables that appears in most of their locations.
I'm excited to see their new Bay View creation, they have an amazing design team.
I visit the tosa location occasionally, as well as the5th Ward and Shorewood locations, but can most often be found at the Prospect location. Yes, that's me in the corner... -
Review from Katie L.
Milwaukee, WI
11/26/2011
This is my favorite Alterra because at one time it was my neighborhood Alterra. Small size lends to a more intimate feel and large windows for light and looking out. Table space can be at a premium but there is almost always space at the bar and in the summers there is ample outdoor seating. Great music, great food, great coffee!
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Review from Kyle K.
9/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Stopped in for breakfast with Pops K. on a Saturday and was SHOCKED to see the line reaching all the way to the parking lot. My dad is an impatient guy, so I braced myself for a rebuke for which he is well known. Just then, something strange happened: The line MOVED! And quickly. I might add that while I have never had any issue with the staff like some Yelpers have at this or any location, the employees at the Tosa shop have always been the friendliest. We both ordered the chorizo burrito (got the evil eye. Nobody ever eats the same thing as Pops.) and it was very good. Being a big guy I would have liked for it to be about twice as big, but it was certainly tasty. A good bet amongst the drudgery of suburbia.
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Review from Jamal B.
Milwaukee, WI
There are bar people and coffee shop people. I am of the latter. I grew up in a college town and was allowed in coffee shops, bars not so much.
A good coffee shop will be home to a variety of people. Some will chat, some will think, and others will just enjoy the drink. You'll have hippies, intellectuals, and everyone in-between. Alterra offers this, as well as an ever changing coffee experience.
Their list of coffees reads as a wine list, with origin and flavors listed. They also rate coffee's on acidity and other factors. This allows the home-brewer to make a wise selection when buying. As a note, their slogan regarding strong coffee is earned. Keep this in mind. Special limited time varieties are constantly changing, and often good. On top of the drinks, there is a food menu - limited but tasty.
The atmosphere is on the loud side, though the musical choices are sometimes worth it. Quite crowded on a normal basis, this is testament to Alterra's popularity, but also to my general belief that most locations are too small. Bayshore is the worst in this regard, while the lakefront is much better. Some locations have free wireless (the location on North for instance). Others are not so friendly (the lakefront).
In the end, the crowd and the noise prevent me from ever truly enjoying Alterra as much as I wish I would. -
Review from Phannie P.
South Padre Island, TX
Updated - 1/9/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Kid's meals are now $3.95 (boo) and no more cookie and apple sauce sides (double boo.) Now it's either chips or fruit.
*sigh* Why you gotta do that to me, Alterra? I loved my sauce and half cookie! It brought back memories of my childhood.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2010
You know how most people go to Church every Sunday?
Well I religiously visit the Tosa Alterra every… Read more »
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Review from Gardiner R.
Rockford, IL
One of my favorite haunts when I need a "working break" in Milwaukee. Great coffee--strong aroma without tasting burnt. Nice people. I love the giant ginger snaps. Lots of seating for loners and free internet.
