Discourse Coffee | Downtown — Restaurant in Milwaukee

I have to preface this with saying the staff did not contribute to a low score.

I had wanted to check out Discourse after seeing an article online and then checking out the experimental menu online. Upon arrival the drinks I was looking for weren’t posted on the ordering board but instead on small clipboards, which isn’t a big deal but with a large line, it’s difficult to decide what you’d like when other customers are using them. When I was able to order I was told that the drinks I wanted were from the following week and they now had a new experimental menu and could try something from that. I chose at random since the line was building, the cashier was apologetic as one of my choices was out of stock, so I picked again.

I then waited 15 minutes for my drinks which were supposed to be to-go but were in mugs. Not the end of the world, but I felt bad having to tell the baristas that I wanted them to go since the drinks were well crafted and beautifully presented.

It wasn’t until walking to the car when we found the coffees to be luke-warm and almost undrinkable. I can take the blame for not necessarily knowing what I was ordering, but when paying ~$25 (with tip) for two tiny drinks they should at least be enjoyable. Maybe just stick to their normal menu, not the...

Discourse is one of the best coffee shops in the Milwaukee area. I'm pretty sure anyone who loves coffee and is from the area has already been here, but if for some reason you haven't, it's definitely a must-visit. If you're only visiting the area, I highly recommend stopping by one of their locations too. Not only are the pour-overs, creative lattes, and amazing food top quality and absolutely delicious, but the staff is also fantastic and knowledgeable about coffee.

My husband, who just passed away, was a huge coffee enthusiast with a deep understanding of single-origin coffees. We had the chance to travel and experience coffee from all over the world in many different countries. Still, Discourse was one of our favorite places and will forever hold a special place in my heart. My husband was battling a rare and severe form of cancer, but one of the last places we chose to visit together, while he was still able to go out, was Discourse. It was here that we shared our last cup of coffee on our anniversary. I hope many others can make special memories in this place as well.

It’s also a great spot to get...

Been to the other location several times. First time at this location. Situated right across the street of MSOE Student Union. Inside there are several different seating areas. We hunkered down in some very large, very comfortable chairs.

Gave our order to a very friendly server/barista. Got one of my favorite tea lattes, the Lana Del Ray, their craft take on the London Fog. Wanted to get some kind of bakery, but they only had a couple cookies or brownies, nothing as interesting as what they have at the other location. And not even a scone. That was disappointing :(

When I got the tea latte it was good (not great), it was more lukewarm than hot. I will make a note to be sure to ask for it at the right temp. Good flavors, and I enjoy the orange peel garnish.

The vibe is pretty chill, with some people working on their laptops. Very easy to have a conversation.

If I looking for the full Discourse experience, I"m likely to go to the other location in...