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    Discourse Coffee - Downtown

    4.8 (89 reviews)
    ModerateCoffee & Tea
    Closed 7:30 am - 4:30 pm

    Discourse Coffee - Downtown Photos

    DISCOURSE COFFEE - DOWNTOWN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for working
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Discourse Coffee - Downtown

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    Julian W.

    My favorite coffee spot in Milwaukee! They have one of, if not the best, curated drink menus with true craftsmanship and thought put into the recipes. The Parisian was an amazing take on a matcha latte and was perfectly balanced. The Pappy was sweet and savory with just the right amount of bourbon essence expressed throughout the nose and palate. The seating is somewhat limited but is the perfect place to study or meet with friends if you can find a spot. The staff is friendly and drinks come out quick.

    Channel orange
    Rachana P.

    Stopped in on a Sunday morning post yoga for a mid morning pick me up and was pleasantly surprised. There were multiple lattes that caught my eye but ended up ordering the channel orange per barista recommendation. **there are only 2 size options - 8 and 12 oz** I sat at the bar and noticed there was plenty of seating through the hallway as well as restrooms. The atmosphere is cozy with some ambient music. The latte was soothing, comforting and the salt provided a nice contrast as well. Next time I'm in Milwaukee, I'll be back to try another option from the menu!

    Cappuccino
    Jack G.

    Definitely try something new here. You will likely enjoy it. Pleasant, quiet atmosphere suitable for studying while sipping on a latte.

    Parisian Matcha
    Emily M.

    Been a fan of discourse since they opened up their pop up cafe at Crossroads Collective years ago! They've since grown and now have two cafes and a hybrid cocktail bar downtown. I am continuously blown away by their drinks...incredibly innovative and delicious! Recently I have been very into the Parisian matcha drink...it literally tastes like fruity pebbles! The staff are knowledgeable and the drinks always come out fast. The downtown location seems like a good coworking space.

    Coffee on a patio table
    Liv L.

    Unique menu with absolutely delicious coffee! In fact it was so good I actually had to intentionally pace myself not to finish it all at once. The interior has lots of places to sit as well as a few tables outside on the sidewalk. Definitely will be back to try more drinks- I've heard their matcha is next level!

    Butterfly tea
    Sara Y.

    The ambience is crazy cool. Amazing art, impressive service set up, and the feel like you're in on a secret. The tea was fantastic and the server very will informed. I will be back.

    Adrienne N.

    I'm obsessed with their drinks menu and how creative they are. It's also a super cute spot to sit around and do some work or chat with people. The servers are super friendly as well!

    Full counter
    Christopher T.

    Tucked in a lower level spot between a Museum and a college. Ambiance is modern, but comfy. Service is gracious and friendly. Coffee menu covers all the standards. Americano for me - smooth, low acid. Added a bit of cream. Great cup of coffee. When in Milwaukee - check it out. N*joy!

    Yvonne I.

    This place was a great find during my recent trip to Milwaukee with my husband. This location is located on a college campus. Discourse Coffee offers very unique drink options. There were at least 3 or 4 from the menu that caught my eye, but I decided to go with the Channel Orange (espresso, milk, smoke & oaked orange vanilla syrup, blackstrap bitters, orange powder, black lava salt). The flavor profile was complex and not too sweet.

    Dystopian Nostalgia
    Tim F.

    Discourse Coffee is hands down one of my favorite coffee cafes of all time. All of the baristas are very knowledgeable and easy to talk to and their drink offerings to say the least are unusual, yet surprisingly good! They have both a Craft Drinks menu where they offer some of the permanent cafe favorites as well as a rotating experimental menu that true to the name, is an experiment in flavors. I've been to Discourse twice and both times could not resist ordering drinks off of the experimental menu despite telling myself beforehand that I needed to try some of the cafe classics. First Visit: - "Future Food" drink menu: Past, Present, and Future - "Future Food" drink menu: Dystopian Nostalgia (had real ants as part of the drink!) - Burnt Lemonade Second Visit: - "An Homage to David Lynch" drink menu: Damn Fine Cup of Coffee - "An Homage to David Lynch" drink menu: Red Room Experiment - Channel Orange Verdict: The experimental drinks were definitely very interesting to try and while none of them were misses (most were pretty good), the ones that I loved the most were part of their classic menu: Burnt Lemonade (my wife and I's favorite) and Channel Orange. The drinks are certainly on the pricier side but given the quality and novelty of their creations, I have no qualms in saying they're justified.

    The Parisian
    Jerilyn A.

    If you are a matcha person who likes it sweet the Parisian is a must have. I love that you can tell they really take the time to make the drinks (lime zest and fruit on top) and the taste is so so yummy. I would be open to trying other things but the matcha is so good I don't think I'll ever get anything else.

    Nicole L.

    I love Discourse's menu, but I've never been to this location. I wasn't 100% sure I was at the right place, but it is attached to the school. It actually had a cute and cozy vibe inside with bar seating and couches with tables. Make sure you give yourself time because there's always a wait, but it's because the use care with every recommendation, order, and drink that they make. I got the Channel 5 one and the salt was soooo good on it. Would recommend to a friend.

    Lilian X.

    Things to keep in mind: NOT a suitable cafe if you're going to be on meetings, speakers surrounded and there isn't a quiet spot unfortunately. On the other hand, it's perfect for other occasions like doing homework/work with music as background. Great for coffee dates! Drinks are very pricy. Think of this place as cocktail lounge for coffee/tea lovers. Each drink is made with lots of thoughtful garnishes and homemade syrups which makes them unique. I got the Parisian (matcha) which was $8.67 with tax. Overall Very cool space and service is friendly. The entrance is tucked in near the Direct Supply and MSOE building.

    Orange blossom latte/ can not recall exact name

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    The attention to detail on their drinks along with the unique combinations make this a must try!

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    Ask the Community - Discourse Coffee - Downtown

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