Canela Cafe

Cute place that wasn't super busy on a Sunday brunch, but still with constant stream of people coming in and out. First impressions is that the staff looked pretty gloomy overall. No one smiled or greeted us, but were pretty much matter of factly standing there, and overall not happy looking about having a big group (of 12) to set up for outside (we asked for outside, since the weather was so nice). The outside set up was ok. The tables were smallish and lightweight, and the umbrellas were bumping on each other so we couldn't keep them up without them touching each other and somehow making the table lopsided when we tried. Not a big deal, and we just ended up folding up all the umbrellas and pulling out sunglasses. Our server came and took our orders, and was quick and efficient about it, but again, no smiles or welcoming, but rather brusque and a tad annoyed like. So up to here, not too pleased, and a little miffed because I felt like we weren't really welcome. But after our server took our orders, things turned positive. Our server totally changed pace and came back often to look in on us and keep our coffee mugs filled, and to make sure we had everything. She also was right on it when we requested things like ketchup, and even though we were outside, she made sure to bring everything out very timely. I guess it just takes a while for things to warm up. Overall, I thought she did a wonderful job despite my first impressions. The food - was good. Steak Breakfast Bowl Hany and I shared cuz we had actually already had breakfast (long story). I asked for the potatoes on the side (keto), and they brought both potatoes and eggs on the side, plus an extra plate (thoughtful!!). The mix was very tasty. Hany said the potatoes were meh, and I agreed, but I think it was because it was put on the side rather than mixed in with the rest of the dish. Totally on me. I would absolutely get this dish again. And our friends shared their thoughts: Shakshuka A friend did this dish because she has egg allergies. She said it was good, but a little less spiced than she has had before, but would order again. BTW, eggs over easy were right on the money Canela Supreme Pancakes (GF) Looked delicious and tasted delicious. He said the peanut butter, honey, cinnamon sauce was scrumptious. Pancakes Personally, I thought the 4 layers of this regular pancakes simply dusted with powdered sugar looked better than the supreme version, but it could be because they were more fluffy, not being gluten free. It was apparently just as tasty, too, cuz friend ate half of it, after finishing his bowl of steak bowl! Steak & Eggs It was cooked well, but friend actually liked it more medium-rare. The server forgot to ask how he likes his steak. (Like I said, she didn't turn out to be stellar until after the orders were in for some reason) Blueberry waffle The single waffle was missing the powdered sugar and looked pretty underwhelming compared to the delicious looking pancakes, especially with the fresh blueberries forming a single layer, and kind of disappearing into the waffle holes. Definitely not camera friendly and not something I would get again for $15. Omelet Forgot to ask what kind of omelet she got, but friend's omelet looked great, fluffy and filled. The side of fruits also looked very fresh. Smoothie Friend says it had the taste! But it was watery, more like juice than a smoothie. Bummer. Overall, I'm giving the place 4 stars without considering the initial impressions because I feel that how I leave a place is important and I definitely left feeling well taken care of and like I would return. But next time, I will sit inside despite the gorgeous weather cuz I like a solid table and chairs. And I would get the steak bowl again. But I would definitely skip the waffle.

One of our favorite places in Milwaukee! They have a lot of gluten free options. We’ve always had a great experience with the staff, especially Christian who is awesome and an amazing server!