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    Cranky Al's

    4.5 (407 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Cranky Al's Coffee & Tea Photos

    Business Info

    CRANKY AL'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for working
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Cranky Al's

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    Scott W.

    It's been about a year since I was last here. In the past I was impressed with the quality of their donuts, but I have to say that this time I was underwhelmed. Could it be that my standards have gone up, or maybe it's the fact that I picked different donuts this time, or maybe their standards have gone down? I'm not entirely sure. What I noticed was that a few of the donuts I got this time were just not very good. They lacked flavor, character, and filling. Here are the specifics: Cruller: In Milwaukee the Grebe's cruller is king, so it's a hard act to follow. This cruller had very little icing. Apple Fritter: Where is the apple? There was no evidence (little bits) of apple anywhere that I could find. Filled Long John: There was only a small hole with a small amount of cream. The best part of the batch was the Bacon Maple Long John. Truly something to brag about. The others, meh. I don't mind paying a premium for a premium product, but unfortunately half of what I got was not a good value.

    Assortment of donuts including gluten-friendly options
    Jill B.

    The best donuts in the area - we love stopping in for a treat when we're in Tosa. Love that they offer tasty gluten-friendly donuts as well. The staff are always friendly and patient as we decide which ones to bring home! There is plenty of seating for those who want to dine in and enjoy some coffee or breakfast, though we typically take ours to go.

    Tilaina T.

    Some of the best donuts/doughnuts in the city. Very friendly staff. *whispers* but get there early in the morning because they sell out by 10:30am lol

    Sooya S.

    Fast and excellent customer service. I went there on a Sunday afternoon and it was super pack. The line moves fast. The small sign above the donut counter was hilarious. Tasty coffee and donuts.

    Donuts
    Emmy L.

    Cranky's has the best donuts in town. I've stopped in many times over the years and recommend this place to all newcomers and out of town friends. It's to the point where if it's not a Cranky's donut, it probably isn't worth having (with a few exceptions). There's always a line snaking around to the door, but it moves quickly and the staff are friendly. They helped me with a box of specialty donuts (you can order letter shaped donuts a day in advance) and they were delicious. Cool ambience inside, painted black.

    Drinks and food menus
    MaryDan H.

    Come here for the CRONUT experience. You will not be sorry you did! What is a cronut you ask? It's the best of a croissant (moist, luscious layers) crossed with a sky-high raised donut. Cronuts. Are. EPIC. Is it draped with heavy frosting? NO. Is it rolled in candy or cereal? NO. Is is stuffed with anything? NO. It is just layers and layers of delicious, delicate pastry enrobed in a light icing. Not too sweet, and just the perfect donut!

    Celeste M.

    This is going to be my go to donut place! I was surprised there weren't that many options in MKE. So far these have been the best! I went 10am on a Sunday and there was at least 20 people in line! The donuts looked so good and they were the best I've had so far in the city. Their cake donuts are really good and I hope they have blueberry at some point. Raspberry filled was amazing and actually huge! The bagel sandwich I had was lacking though. Wouldn't get again, but would definitely come back for the donuts:)

    Dawn O.

    First time here. Easy to find location off 76th street in Wauwatosa. We were able to park right in front so that was a bonus. The light up board was easy to read, but didn't have the choices of doughnuts listed, so you can't choose while waiting on line if you can't see the front case. The front is wide open with a roped line for busy times. The eat- in area was small, but you could grab a doughnut and sit in the window & watch the street and sidewalk traffic. It did echo in there so it was a bit loud when we went with all the people. The service was great, speedy

    Julia J.

    YUM! Although my husband and I arrived late in the morning to have a wide selection of donuts we were still able to get a cruller and a breakfast sandwich. I was very pleased with the breakfast sandwich, fresh bagel and ingredients used. We will be back to enjoy some different flavors of donuts in the future :)

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    9 months ago

    The best donuts!!! Unique flavors but also good classics as well! Obsessed with them. Also, great drip coffee!

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    3 months ago

    Always sold out by the time we get there. I hear the Paczkis are very good. Their breakfast offers are good too... I am told

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    Cranky A.

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    Ask the Community - Cranky Al's

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    I'm still a big fan of this place. I took my nieces here on a Friday night, a few couples were…read morethere but it wasn't overly crowded. We ordered a 12 pack of doughnut and were able to pick 4 flavors. The s'mores ones were amazing! We also really liked the puppy chow. While ordering, one niece picked out Bart's birthday cake and I said something to her like oh you picked those because we are celebrating your birthday. I didn't think much of it but after our doughnuts were delivered, staff asked her if she wanted powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar doughnuts to go for her birthday. She loved getting to leave with an extra treat. We had fun playing pinball while we waited and one of my nieces commented on how she really liked the vibe of the place. They both said the mini doughnut place was a highlight of their weekend with me.

    Found Happy Dough Lucky while walking around during the Bay View Bash. Popped in to see what it was…read moreall about. The selection of donuts looked delicious so I placed an order for a six-pack of donuts. Got to pick out three different flavors. Wait time was a ridiculous but i gave them a break due to the high traffic from the event going on outside. When I finally got my order I had to laugh. These donuts were the size of donut holes. One bite donuts? No exaggeration, I paid a premium price for full size donuts and I all I got were bite size dough balls. I was mad as a Danzig at a Bulletboys concert. Don't waste your time with this place. Happy Dough Lucky is just happy to take your dough. No luck involved.

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    The Bread Pedalers - Scone and London Fog

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    4.6(64 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    This is arguably the best breakfast sandwich in Milwaukee! The bagel was toasted perfectly and…read morestill somehow very soft and cheesy on the inside. And came with eggs, veggies, tomato slice, two types of cheese. The flavors are incredible, and the cheese is perfectly melted. You get to pick the type of bagel you want, and I believe all the bagels are made in house. The service is quick understanding that your food is made to order so you might have to wait five or so minutes. The weight is absolutely worth it! They have a variety of iced coffees and I have tried a couple that all live up to the hype! The place itself is small and very cute so you can sit and work or study if needed. Will definitely be back!

    First time here. Came with a friend. It's a cute place. The exterior is painted white brick with a…read morefloral mural on the south side. There is a rooftop patio that gets you off street level, and on a nice day you can enjoy the sun and fresh air (unless they are cooking something in the oven, and you get the amazing smells that are coming out of the vents). Inside there are several small tables or a counter with seats that face out the front window. The inside design is bright and friendly. Was excited to see all the amazing looking pastries, cookies, and rolls in the case. So with all this goodness in mind, I was a little taken aback by the greeting I got from the male cashier/barista. He appeared grumpy and curt. One of the things I asked for (and I always do) is extra foam with my London Fog Tea Latte. He just flat out said it couldn't be done (because they use a concentrate and not tea bags), but I know that's not the case and have had that before. Now, if you are reading this, you might be thinking, "get over it." However, it was my first time here, and the exchange between us was very strained. After ordering my London Fog, with an amazing looking Apricot Almond Scone, we grabbed a small table. After a little wait, they brought my beverage, and it was very good, and it had extra foam! Nice job! However, I had asked to have my scone warmed up, and it never came. I could actually see it sitting on the kitchen counter, and I asked someone if they could bring it out, which they apologized for. The scone was as amazing as it looked -- warm, nice texture, with almonds and icing on top. There is a lot to like about this place. Great atmosphere, with excellent products. However, the service that I got on this particular (first) visit was not great. I would stop again to see if it was any better the next time. This could easily go from a 4 to 5 star review :) P.S. Everyone can have a bad day. However, when I checked out some other reviews, I noticed a few others that mentioned the service, and I wonder if this is something that needs to be attended to?

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    First, a tip: let the staff know when it's your first visit, and they'll gift you a yummy cruller!…read more To be honest, the thing I've purchased here over and over again is the chocolate frosted dipped old fashioned chocolate donut because it's heaven on earth and I need nothing else. It's perfect for breakfast, it's perfect for dessert, it's perfect as a midnight snack. I once purchased a bag of chocolate dipped crullers that were really fresh and quite delicious, but it's that donut that keeps me going back. Staff can be slow at times. No one ever seems to be in a hurry to serve, but they are friendly.

    I was looking forward to trying Grebe's knowing its reputation as one of the best (if not THE best)…read morein Milwaukee. I was excited about their hot ham & rolls; and they are excellent. They also offer a great variety in rolls and potato salad. On my first visit, I also got a couple of condiments from Boar's Head that I've never seen at the store, and they are very good. My husband tried the crawlers and he quickly became a fan. On my second visit, I placed an order online in advance, and also called to confirm my order but when I got there they didn't have my order, and they didn't know about me order either. Fortunately I was there early so they could fulfill the order very quickly. Overall, the service is OK. The store is clean and organized. Tip: Get there early, or you will be waiting in line that goes all the way out to the parking lot...even in winter!

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