Pilcrow Coffee — Restaurant in Milwaukee

I have had a few bizarre experiences at this coffee shop, that were really unnecessary as a paying customer, so much so that I don't even want to go back. The last time I went in, I requested extra mocha, only for the barista to tell me they put in the correct amount in. It struck me as odd, because I never said they made my drink wrong, and I thought it was weird that they would challenge a simple request. After that, I didn't go in for several months, until today.

Today when I went in, I requested my "neighbor discount". It should be noted that this was never something I personally requested or sought out, it was given to me by previous employees so I just thought "how nice that they give their community members a small discount for shopping there", and moved on with my life. The barista asked me "where do you work?" which I thought was strange because you are a stranger why are you requesting my place of employment? So I said "oh I live up the street", to which he responded "heard" and then scuttled away to the back. After receiving my coffee, I was accosted by this employee, who stopped me, to tell me that the discount is for "BUSINESSES ONLY" and then proceeded to repeat himself, going so far as to say that "next time you come in you won't be eligible for the discount". At this point I had already said "okay" several times, as I was on my way out and needed to get going. And he just stared at me, which was even weirder.

The way they handle themselves is giving cop/narc/ general weenie behavior, like there was so many ways he couldve handled this and chose the most awkward and uncomfortable way to do it. Its just so unpleasant to have had this experience repeatedly at this coffee shop. I have never experienced anything like this anywhere else. Like I come here for morning coffee and to give you my money, not to be chastised like I'm a child or like I'm trying to "game their system" -as it were- because again, I never requested this, it was given to me and never explained further. The coffee is great but the customer service...

Truly creative, with lots of cold brew options. I ordered the “Bake Sale Flight”, consisting of cold brews flavored as, and topped with a small bite of, each of the following: -Scotcheroo -Rice crispy treat -Oatmeal raisin cookie -Puppy chow None were overly sugary, and each had distinctive flavors. Topped with whipped cream. I thought Scotcheroo best, rice crispy second best. Another customer recommended I try “sweet and creamy” cold brews flavor. Next time. Definitely next time.

A shot of espresso served in triangular based glass, accompanied by a glass of sparkling water, served on wooden tray. Espresso was rich, luscious, not at all bitter, with perfect crema.

A variety of baked goods are available, from Greige Patisserie. I had a warmed up ham and cheese croissant. The croissant was not as flaky as I expected, there seemed to be much more (?Swiss) cheese than ideal, with an adequate amount of ham being overshadowed by all this cheese.

Excellent service. Perfectionust (in a good way) barista.

Room was very welcoming despite very industrial, stark architecture. Lots of seating options.

The crowd was younger, diverse, with average age probably thirty. Saw a number of families with children here, who fit in...

I ordered a pastry and a latte this morning and truthfully they were delicious. The only part of my experience that maybe made me not feel so great was being approached by a teenage girl. As someone who already deals with anxiety in social situations, being approached is a bit uncomfy. This girl however proceeded to sit herself within our group uninvited, listen to our conversation and proceed to tell us over and over how hungry she was and how much her stomach hurt after declining our offer to buy her a pastry from the menu multiple times. She said she wanted friend chicken. She also touched my friend’s hair without permission, but luckily my friend is very kind and only had nice things to say. It’s obvious this girl may not be aware of her impact on others, but either way it didn’t feel great. She approached every table of people there today in the hour it took us to drink our coffees and have breakfast, and the staff did nothing about it. My friend has seen her there on multiple mornings so it may be a repeat event. Just a heads up for those socially awkward persons...