John D.'s Profile

Astor Street Dance Studio provides instruction in a wide variety of dance forms by caring and skilled teachers.  The studio also hosts many different dance-related events.  I've attended many of the dance showcases and was always impressed by the students and instructors.

What is really neat is that the studio is in a historic building and located right in the heart of the Yankee Hill neighborhood.  This is a dance studio that, if you live nearby, will be a pleasant walk.  County Clare is next door, and Monica's is right downstairs.  By including this dance studio in your regular choices for dance, exercise, fitness, and having fun with others, you'll really improve your life!  I couldn't recommend it more highly!

This is my favorite cafe in the world.  The Alterra coffee is famously strong.  Also try the other beverages--I even like the soda they offer here.

The building has character:  made of cream city brick, it is over 100 years old and a pumping station that transfers water from Lake Michigan to the Milwaukee River in an effort to clean (flush) it with fresh water.  Look in the back room to see these pumps.  The interior has dramatic, high ceilings and an industrial/metal/wood design.

The grounds provide a great deal of outdoor seating in good weather.  It isn't actually on the Lake, but nearby, at the crossroads of the lakefront--south of Bradford Beach, across from McKinley Marina, and north of the Art Museum/Pier Wisconsin/Festival Grounds.  The Oak Leaf bicycling/walking/hiking/cross-country ski trail passes just behind and another trail passes in front.  The road out front--Lincoln Memorial Drive--connects the north shore with downtown and south across the Hoan Bridge.  

It is about the only place anywhere on the lakefront in the entire city of Milwaukee where you can dine casually, relax, watch people, philosophize, and plan further walking or hiking.  As such, it is very crowded at peak times, but it remains open late.