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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Wauwatosa

Cool food spots

Somewhere with a distinct personality that avoids the generic polish of a chain.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
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Updated May 2026
01
Cafe Blue image 1
Cafe Blue image 2
Cafe Blue image 3
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Tiny, quaint space filled with local art and indie music creates a calm, cozy vibe. Friendly atmosphere suits casual chats or quiet reading. Offers affordable, filling breakfast and lunch with standout sandwiches and quiche.

Food comes fresh and tastes like a lovingly homemade meal. Staff treat everyone with dignity, even those who cannot pay, while serving delicious coffee and breakfast foods.

Vibes feel cool and chill with a relaxed atmosphere. Walls feature cool pictures that add to the laid-back mood.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be strong and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The vibes here are so cool and chill."

Good to know

1

Ordering by text is available for quick service.

2

Wifi is available for customers, making it a good work spot.

3

The cafe offers large portions at reasonable prices.

02
Joy Ice Cream Social image 1
Ice cream shop

Renovated from an old gas station, the shop offers a whimsical atmosphere with a retro vibe and blue and white color scheme. Outdoor seating surrounds the building, including a green space with picnic tables and play areas for kids. The place attracts families and casual visitors looking for a fun, nostalgic ice cream stop.

Food offers a good mix of flavors and tastes delicious. Food handling follows rules that ban bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat items.

The spot has a laid back vibe with a cool outdoor area. It offers a sweet way to cool down after activities like golf.

People are saying

"I found the ice cream here to be delicious."

"The ice cream flavors here are so fun and delicious."

"This ice cream in a homemade waffle cone made me giggle with joy!"

Good to know

1

Joy Ice Cream Social offers a variety of unique flavors and dairy-free options.

2

There is no indoor seating available at Joy Ice Cream Social.

3

Parking can be challenging due to congestion on 84th Street.

03
Serious Sanji| Dumpling & Dim Sum & Bubble Tea image 1

Robot servers deliver food with a cat-themed design, adding a playful touch to the quiet, cozy atmosphere. Seating includes comfortable booths and tables in a well-decorated space with open views of dumpling preparation. The vibe is fast casual with lively music that can be loud at times.

Food offers a great variety with hot dishes served constantly. Service is quick and thoughtful, though prices run higher than expected.

The setup features a kitty robot that adds a very cool atmosphere. The food matches the vibe with its amazing quality.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the chicken soup dumplings; they were flavorful."

"You have to try the soup dumplings; they're excellent."

"The kitty robot delivering food is pretty cool."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is currently open and serving customers.

2

Many menu items were unavailable during the visit.

3

The portions are generous for the price, with a total bill around $23.

04
First and Bowl โ€“ Football Bowling, Group Parties, and Corporate Team Building image 1

Large warehouse space offers football bowling, basketball connect 4, and cornhole with an open, outdoor-style setup. Atmosphere feels like a laid-back tailgate, energetic and welcoming for families and groups. Games encourage friendly competition and team bonding in a casual, fun environment.

Food arrives hot and ready right after activities end. Pizza and large pretzels are popular choices, and the service for drinks and food is consistently prompt and outstanding.

Football and bowling pin decor adds a unique touch. Drinks taste good and the overall vibe feels fun and cool.

People are saying

"It's a really fun place with tons of games for all ages."

"The food here is delicious and offers a lot of variety."

"The nerf gun arena upstairs is really cool for kids."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure space availability.

2

The venue is suitable for both kids' and adult parties, offering flexibility for events.

3

Expect some activities to be closed or not functioning during your visit.

05
Drunken Cobra image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with unique decor and an architect-designed interior featuring a nice outdoor patio. Atmosphere ranges from loud and energetic with live music and DJs to laid-back and comfortable. Offers sports on TV, dog-friendly spaces, and activities like extreme bingo.

Food comes out cooked to order and consistently delicious. Many options pair well with a selection of great beers and IPAs.

Lights and decorations create a cool atmosphere with a lot of attention to detail. The bar's concept and overall vibes make it a cool spot to hang out.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be pretty nice."

"The bar staff were so friendly and attentive."

"The atmosphere here is really cool with all the lights and decorations."

Good to know

1

Bingo game starts at 7pm on Mondays with a lively atmosphere.

2

Trivia night occurs every Tuesday at 8pm, attracting a fun crowd.

3

Reggae brunch happens every Sunday, featuring live music and a vibrant vibe.

06
Vendetta Coffee Bar image 1

Space resembles a classy old-time espresso bar with authentic Italian design and stained glass windows. Atmosphere feels relaxed and cozy, often filled with vocal jazz and lively conversation. Ample seating and outdoor patio invite both quiet work and social gatherings.

Food includes margarita pizza and pastries with a limited menu of sandwiches. Options lean toward light food, with flavors ranging from authentic to just okay.

An old bar with a really cool setting creates a unique vibe. The coffee bar inside also feels very cool and inviting.

People are saying

"The woodwork and stained glass make this coffee bar feel like stepping back in time."

"The food and drinks here are delicious and authentic."

"The interior setting here is really cool."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on Saturday mornings due to high traffic.

2

Street parking is recommended over the expensive nearby parking lot.

3

The bathroom is located two flights of stairs up.

07
Colonel Hart's image 1
Bar & grill

Cozy dive bar with a rowdy atmosphere and comfortable seating. Multiple TVs show games, and a patio offers views of passing cars and trains. Regulars create a familiar vibe with cold beer and lively energy.

Food offers excellent quality with good consistency across visits. Prices stay amazing given the portion sizes and taste.

The spot features a cool bar and a vibe that feels very laid-back and inviting.

People are saying

"It's the best dive bar in town."

"The food here is great and exceeded my expectations."

"The bar and food here are really cool."

Good to know

1

No reservations are needed to dine there.

2

Happy hour deals are available on Wednesday nights.

3

On Sundays and Mondays, they offer half-price 12-inch pizzas.

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Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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