If there is one thing that we frequent on a weekend morning, it’s going out for brunch. I’m a true believer that the more you take your kid to restaurants, the better they behave in restaurants. Thus, we’ve been taking Noah out to eat with us since he was a week old. And, man, does the boy love going out – especially for brunch.
Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn’t matter how comfortable a toddler is with going out to eat. There are always some places that just simply aren’t kid-friendly. That’s exactly why I thought it would helpful to put together a series of guides of kid-friendly restaurants in Milwaukee – most of which we frequent. Here’s a list of some of my personal favorite kid-friendly brunch restaurants in Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Milwaukee.
Cafe Hollander (Wauwatosa)
7677 W State Street | Wauwatosa, WI 53213 | https://cafehollander.com/
Cafe Hollander is proud to be a grand café in the style of those found throughout the Low Countries, especially the “Benelux” region of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Hollander is a place where neighbors can meet over a cup of espresso, a snack, a meal, or a strong ale – day after day. This local favorite has multiple locations – Milwaukee East Side, Wauwatosa, Mequon, Brookfield and Madison. The Tosa location is our personal favorite, located right in the heart of the Tosa Village.
Our favorites: Kids French Toast, Traditional Eggs Benedict, and Fresh-cut Egg White Omelet
Insider tip: Ask for a table by the train – the kids will love watching it go by (approx. every 30 minutes)
Cranky Al’s (Wauwatosa)
6901 West North Avenue | Wauwatosa, WI 53213 | http://www.crankyals.com
An East Tosa homegrown coffee and doughnut shop. After fine-tuning their morning offering (and winning accolades for their cruellers, Hoytie Toyties, and sprinkly dinklies), they followed the natural progression of things, and expanded their business to pizza. Not only are their donuts amazing (for real – Alton Brown has called them the best he’s ever had!), but their service is impeccable. They are a true local donut shop; the staff is sure to know someone by name at any given time.
Our favorites: Peanut Butter Donut, Breakfast Tacos with Chorizo and Avocado
Insider tip: If you love their donuts, stop by The Landing Beer Garden and try their pizzas. They are delish.
Mad Rooster (West Milwaukee)
4401 W. Greenfield Ave. | West Milwaukee, WI 53214 | http://www.madroostercafe.com
Whether it’s our their signature blend of fresh-brewed coffee or our fresh squeezed orange juice, the Mad Flavor will bring your senses to life! Smoothies made with fresh fruit puree and yogurt; jams made with fresh fruit preserves; baby red potatoes roasted with extra virgin olive oil and seasoned to perfection. This West Milwaukee cafe is a family-friendly atmosphere for all generations. The menu has something for everyone.
Our favorite: Goat Cheese Baby Reds
Insider tip: Get there early on a weekend. You’ll end up with a wait if you show up after 9:30AM.
First Watch (Brookfield)
17550 West Bluemound Rd | Brookfield, WI 53045 | https://www.firstwatch.com/
Open from 7am – 2:30pm as a Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant that doesn’t moonlight with steaks or anything else later in the day. When you arrive, they welcome you with a pot — not just a cup — of our Project Sunrise coffee, along with complimentary newspapers and WiFi Internet access.
Our favorites: Smoked Salmon & Roasted Vegetable Frittata, Belgian Waffle with Berries
Insider tip: Get there early on a weekend. You’ll end up with a wait if you show up after 9AM. Grab a free coffee while you wait.
Miss. Molly’s Cafe & Pastry Shop (Milwaukee/Wauwatosa)
9201 W. Center Street | Milwaukee, WI 53222 | https://www.missmollyscafe.com
Miss Molly’s is a cozy cafe that serves seasonal, healthy and locally sourced breakfast and lunch fare as well as a delectable assortment of scratch-made pastries. All of their menu items are made fresh daily. Their menu changes each season. Miss. Molly’s has quickly become a favorite of ours. You can find us there most Sunday’s lately – at request of Noah! He’s obsessed.
Our favorites: Salmon and Lox Bagel, Earl Grey Shortbread Bars, Kids French Toast Sticks, Macaroons, Carrot & Flax Muffins (and it was hard to limit to just these!)
Insider tip: If you enjoy your coffee in the cafe, you get one free refill. Oh, and…They compost all food waste and their supplies are all biodegradable (cups, napkins, etc.). Make sure you use the compost bins!
The Original Pancake House (Brookfield)
16460 W Bluemound Rd | Brookfield, WI 53005 | http://www.originalpancakehouse.com
Their signature items include the Apple Pancake, a single large pancake smothered with sautéed apples and cinnamon sugar baked to perfection. To create a deliciously rich cinnamon sugar glaze. They have so many pancakes on the menu, you won’t know which to choose!
Our favorite: Banana Pancakes
Insider tip: We haven’t been here enough (yet). Have you been here? Share your tips in the comments!
Milwaukee Public Market: C. Adam’s Bakery (Milwaukee)
5513, 400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | http://www.cadamsbakery.com
Located in the Milwaukee Public Market, C. Adam’s is a from scratch bakery, focused on bringing it’s customers delicious products with high-quality ingredients. Their donuts and pastries are absolutely to die for.
Our favorite: Chocolate croissant
Insider tip: Grab your treat and bring it upstairs to eat.
