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Rochambo Coffee & Tea House
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1317 E. Brady StreetMilwaukee, WI 53202
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
(414) 291-0095
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 12 am
Sat 8 am - 12 am
Sun 9 am - 12 am
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
33 reviews for Rochambo Coffee & Tea House
Review Highlights
"...and enjoy one of the best Irish coffees on this continent."
(in 3 reviews)
"Its also nice and quiet enough to relax and read."
(in 8 reviews)
"...a gorgeous street-view window upstairs that's great for..."
(in 9 reviews)
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Nineu I.
Milwaukee, WI
11/30/2011
I love this place! They make fantastic coffee and their tea selection is great. While I am not a big tea drinker, I usually get tea when I go here in the evenings to work. I always ask for suggestions and I am happy every time.
It's cozy and laid back. Perfect to work, talk to friends or just enjoy a good cup of coffee/tea. This is one of my favorite places in the area. -
Review from Evelina L.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Minus the little attitude behind the counter, this place was great and had some very unique drinks.
My friend swears by Starbucks chai latte's, so she was pretty pissed when we ended up at this local business. Once she found out that they put alcohol in their chai's, Rochambo was embraced :)
Don't be afraid of a little local - try it! -
Review from Kara S.
Milwaukee, WI
2/6/2012
I have been here twice and can't believe I haven't been here more.
This place is great! I love the interior and ability to have a good conversation with a friend. The tea is great too. I tried the apple cider once and wasn't disappointed.
If you're looking for a place to study or chat quietly.. this is the place! It's definitely worth checking out. -
Review from Nelson S.
10/27/2011
Rochambo is a great place to get some Alterra coffee that isn't at Alterra, if you hate said scene as much as I do. The baristas here are sassy and witty (in a completely fine way), and enjoy bantering with customers.
The real stand out here is the booze-laden drinks available for purchase. Best Irish coffee in the city isnt a lie; its quite a treat, and a nice pour on the jamo, too.
It definitely has an art vibe here, but there are ranges of people from across the board; bums, students, heroin addicts (normally upstairs), and the occasional brady street mom.
Centrally located, open till midnight, and free wi-fi with purchase...why the hell wouldnt you come here to do homework or bitch the night away with friends?! -
Review from Elle L.
Milwaukee, WI
2/6/2012
This place rules! Great tea and coffee, aesthetically pleasing, friendly workers and great outdoor seating for in the summertime! If you're in the neighborhood stop by this cozy and laid back coffee shop.
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Review from Rich P.
Milwaukee, WI
7/14/2011 ROTD 1/22/2012
Pretty cool coffee shop with a Brady street vibe
Im always on a search for different places to people watch while getting tasks completed and I'm glad I finally made the trek. Awesome place to kick it with friends or relax with a book and a cup of tea.
It's a big place with many different seating options (brighter and busier downstairs, dim and mellow upstairs).
Downsides: The mens bathroom upstairs wasn't my idea of clean- one of those types where I would have to really think through what I was going to touch, how I was going to wash my hands, and how I was going to get out without touching anything.Listed in: Wifi cafe's
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Review from Rachel F.
8/7/2011
Not sure why I don't frequent Rochambo.
I should, though... really. This place is quirky. I like quirky. I like tea and coffee, too, so there's that.
Coffee? Check. Beer? Check. Tea? Check. Baked goods? Check. Wi-fi? Check. Cool vibe? Check. It's on Brady, too... so the people watching is sublime if one was so inclined to grab a spot outside.
Ro's a touch laden with patchouli-loving types for my tastes, but then again, I'm getting old. -
Review from Ritchie A.
Santa Clara, CA
7/24/2011
Rochambo is a great spot to sit and work. Characters aplenty, and while the wireless is of the pain-in-the-ass expires every two hours type (if I remember this correctly), the baristas are generous with re-ups. If you're lucky, you can also snag a signal from the Greek restaurant across the street.
While I worked there in the mornings, an aggro looking hipster dude would ride up on his lowrider bike, search his pockets for change, and have a shot of something-or-other to chase the hair of the dog. Don't get this type of atmosphere at most coffee-and-tea only shops. Also from the notes I took while I was working there:
The cafe has been nerdy gold this morning. There is a guy that's been here since before nine offering the following choice quotes:
"I'm not really computer suave..."
"You want to find a girlfriend? Go to the Renaissance Faire. Even if you don't hook up with somebody, it's great eye candy with chain mail bras ... that's where I go every summer."
"What is that thing?"
"This is for the new Pokemon game."
Am I too judgemental? Perhaps I'm just not accepting enough of my own nerdy side to be sharing it so openly in public.
Never did make it in in the evening, when it is supposed to be a whole other game.Listed in: Work and Coffee
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Review from Gemma K.
Lombard, IL
6/5/2011
Come here, at least once, and enjoy one of the best Irish coffees on this continent. I mean it.
This is our first trip here and they gave it to us exactly as expected: mellow, smooth, creamy, the kind of Irish coffee that makes you want ... oh so many more.
The cinnamon nut scones were super fresh. And, being the tea fan that I am, I kept reading and re-reading the major and many blend options.
The place was pretty busy; not surprising. But it was cute and it was clean. Service was massively prompt and friendly.
Like I said, get the Irish Coffee; your eyes will be smiling and you'll be super relaxed; without any major intoxication other than the 'give it to me again' flavors. Yum! -
Review from Nick T.
Milwaukee, WI
2/22/2011 ROTD 3/15/2011
You know why I like Rochambo? or Ro, as I like to call it when I'm extra short on time.
I like it because it feels like one giant wacky home, filled to the brim with the strangest family members imaginable.
Rochambo is all about the pairing of the unlikely:
Bums + yuppies
Caffeine + Alcohol
Wine + homework (highly recommended)
and so on and so forth.
But if you're alright with, or even rooting for, the possibility that you may very well end up having an enlightening conversation with a strange, but friendly man who may or may not be homeless, then I think you and Ro will get along just fine.
You might even learn something new. -
Review from Lynn G.
Appleton, WI
4/18/2011
I don't live in Milwaukee, but this place is well worth the drive in.
Great for sitting outside and kicking back, or venturing upstairs and playing a game of trivia or whatever other board game they have on hand. Otherwise, if you have no plus one, bring your laptop and surf away.
Morrocan mint is my current favorite loose tea to buy. I've shared with coworkers and the comments have been more than favorable.
The building itself may have seen better days, but it is quaint and I like it a lot. Parking wasn't the easiest to obtain on our warmest of Sunday afternoons we have experienced this month in April, but it's more than an even trade-off for the polite people, calming atmosphere, and as previously mentioned high quality tea any day of the week. -
Review from Samantha G.
Milwaukee, WI
2/8/2011
Quit reading this review and get your booty to this place asap.
Go upstairs and relax for a few hours.
Bring a book, laptop, homework, cards or a friend.
:) -
Review from Scott D.
Milwaukee, WI
4/22/2011
Pro's: Fantastic Tea Selection. Excellent Coffee
Con's: Poorly lit and maintained shop. Sticky tables and chairs.
There is no arguing with the coffee. it is excellent every time. Their Tea selection seems both expansive but also well curated. In addition, most of the baristas there are actually knowedgable enough to walk you through the teas to find you something you'll probably like.
That said, the shop itself is not in great condition. More shabby that chic. I've never felt it terrbly welcoming to people who want to go there to work on a laptop. It's more of a social place to get coffee.
If you fit into the hipster crowd that frequents the place you will feel right at home. If you don't there is always alterra or stone creek. -
Review from Shannon E.
Milwaukee, WI
8/22/2011
Love, love, LOVE the location and atmosphere. Great music, too! I love tucking myself into a corner on the second level. Staff is friendly, the breads are fresh and moist and the view of Brady street is great. Its nice to come here when I have a few hours to be with good company. Its also nice and quiet enough to relax and read. I adore this home away from home! Very comforting.
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Review from Victor S.
Milwaukee, WI
7/9/2009 3 photos
This place is my own little secret amongst my family, whom have been cultured to the extent of a 12 year old hermit.
I know a lot of people have a problem with the severe smoking on the second floor, but it's nice to have a place to relax and have a cigarette once in a while with a lemon-mint tea. However, with this smoking ban coming into place I know there are going to be a lot of unhappy people. Sad, but true.
The only unfortunate thing about this place is the lack of seating for non-smokers, or people uncomfortable moving from the first floor to the second floor.
Probably one of the only affordable legit tea shops in the Milwaukee area. I would be TERRIBLY devastated to see this place go (let's hope that doesn't happen). -
Review from Clayton D.
San Francisco, CA
6/26/2010
Best Irish Coffee Ive ever had, and I consider myself to be a border line alcoholic. Just kidding about that, but these things are excellent.
Nad to the non smokers...its been bannned, so youre good!
The only bummer is that I have to travel 1800 miles to have one....
Great place by a great lake...hehe -
Review from tawnee s.
Grayslake, IL
8/27/2010
This place is really great. I come here all the time to read, study, and draw. The baristas are friendly and place has a really mellow and laidback feel. There's a gorgeous street-view window upstairs that's great for people-watching or to just bask in the sunlight as you drink your coffee. Each time I've come after 6 (especially on Fridays or Saturdays), the feel is a lot different- more groups arrive and people tend to be louder and a little rowdier, making it harder to study. During the day there's more of a mix of people, but at night time it seems to mostly be hipsters and students.
My only complaint, which would knock this place down a star if I didn't love it so much, is that each barista makes the drinks totally different. Makes ordering coffee a risky venture. Usually the drinks end up fine, but a couple times I've ordered an iced chai and received basically a tall glass of milk with ice cubes in it -
Review from Justin N.
7/4/2009
Teetering on three stars due to the heavy smoking, but at least it's confined to the upstairs. The only problem with that is that most of the seating is up there, not too much room downstairs, so you often end up without a choice.
Omitting that it's one of my favorite places to relax with some tea which they have a decent selection of. It's been around a long time and has had some nice renovations over the years. If I want to transition they have some beer options and I think wine too (don't quote me on the wine). Some tasty food options too although I haven't tried much. A few tables outside too for the nice days and nights, overall a decent place to kick it.Listed in: Milwaukee: Back at home
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Review from Alyssa R.
Gurnee, IL
7/5/2011
I love this place. The first time I walked in there, I told the woman behind the counter that I had never been in there and she seemed really excited and tried to help me pick something I would love. Eventually, I did and it was delicious. Also, the atmosphere is very hipster and very laid back. There is also a second floor I had no idea about when I first walked in there.
I would recommend this place for anyone who is looking for great coffee and a place to relax for a while -
Review from J. B.
Milwaukee, WI
5/4/2007
I love tea and if you love tea, you will love this place. They have two pages worth of awesome concoctions. My fav is the crysanthimum oolong. You can ask the person working there for a suggestion if you are too overwhelmed. They are very nice about giving free refills of hot water to re-step your tea leaves. I have only had the coffee once but it was pretty good. Only minus is that smoking is allowed...
FYI: There is a minimum charge on using credit cards.
and
Get a punch card to earn free drinks. -
Review from Erika B.
Milwaukee, WI
5/19/2008
This is, in all honesty, my office.
Strong coffee, nice staff. If you're sensitive to the type of music you're subjected to, bring headphones and your iPod because some of the selections are questionable at best.
If you're not working or doing homework, there are boardgames and a large assortment of local publications at hand.
The $5 minimum for credit card purchases just means you may have to indulge in one of their tasty bakery items (darn, I hate it when that happens).
Ro also offers beer, wine and a few select liquors, like Jameson for your Irish coffee. -
Review from Ben F.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just stopped here for a quick snack and a cup of tea, we had raspberry white tea I believe and and it was very good. This is a very trendy and hipster place that's perfect for small groups the atmosphere leaves a little to be desired but it's quiant. I love tea and they have quite the selection of craft teas and even some great craft beers and delicious coffee. Great place to warm up on a cold winter or enjoy a cool beer with friends in the summer 4 stars keep it up!
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Review from Meena V.
Somerville, MA
7/30/2009
This isn't the coffee shop to get in-and-out of for a quick cuppa on your way to work, nor is it a sterile, efficient work space -- I mean, come on, there's PBR on the menu.
This is for when you want that coffee, but also a charming space to hang out with friends, a book, the internet, or that Scrabble board with missing letters Sharpie-d on to wood pieces. I love that they have longer hours than most non-bar establishments in the area, for the nights you're just not feeling drinks in a dimly lit space.
Con: those TWO dudes smoking up the place for everyone! But that bane will thankfully be gone from MKE soon! -
Review from Nick F.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Back when I lived in Wisconsin I used to frequent Rochambo quite often. Excellent atmosphere and reminds me of the comforts of home on the north side of Chicago. Love it.
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Review from Megan L.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2010
I quite like this place. The aesthetics are right up my alley and I've always had friendly and kind service here. The coffee's not perfect, but I've still had many the good cappuccinos here. Sure, there might be a lot of "hipsters", but again, I've never experienced any douchebags. They've always been friendly and polite.
It's one of the things I miss about Milwaukee.
Oh, and if you don't like smoking, don't go upstairs. -
Review from Martin W.
Milwaukee, WI
11/25/2009
I've been coming here since 1997, so I think I'm pretty well qualified to talk about this place. It's changed a lot since back in the 90's. That's when I'd call it the Dark Ages, since there was no carpeting, and no balcony. It's still smokey as all hell upstairs, but in a way, that's a charming element. You can't find a better tea selection anywhere in the city, although the coffee is mediocre.
The real deal behind this place is the atmosphere, and the employees. If you hate hipsters, avoid Rochambo. If you want to see good looking men and hot women, come on by. -
Review from Sunny Y.
Seattle, WA
3/21/2007
I love this place in the summer...People sitting on the steps, a guy playing his guitar. The coffee is good and they have a great selection of tea. My two pet peeves about this place is that smoking is allowed and they charge you a $1 just to have soy in your drink.
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Review from Jorge S.
Chicago, IL
9/30/2007
For when I need to get some work done, it's Rochambo. It's only two blocks from my place and it has such a lovely "at home" feeling. The internet is free, and the drinks are great. They have an awesome selection of teas as well as very good coffee. They also have some wine and beer. It is usually pretty crowded, but it's the perfect kind of atmosphere that I like to get away from distractions. The best part about this place has to be the people. Not just the staff, but the other customers are always cool and are great to have conversations with. I wish they were open later. They close at midnight, but I guess if I had that much work I should have done it earlier.
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Review from R W.
Milwaukee, WI
11/2/2007
Rochambo is a perfect to relax and just sit. You can go there with a friend and have a great conversation in a great atmosphere. Sometimes there are some weirdos but you could say that about anyplace. Great menu and really nice staff.
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Review from Douglas R.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2008
Good coffee, and lots of loitering. If you are a smoker running low on cash, sitting upstairs should take care of your nicotine fix requirements. Nice view of brady street from the top windows...decent outdoor seating in the summer.
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Review from Shaun B.
Milwaukee, WI
1/14/2009
A nice place to relax with some coffee.
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Review from lindsay t.
Shorewood, WI
9/13/2008
i love the vibe at rochambo: it's funky, it's in a cool building, hooray for free wifi, and i love that i can get a delicious chai there. what i don't love: paying an extra dollar for soymilk, and the smoking.
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Review from Brian W.
Milwaukee, WI
1/31/2009
delicious teas, my only minor quarrel is that their wireless internet was on the fritz. cool decor and atmosphere (if you don't mind smoking/brooding.)
