I'm actually adding a star for their coffee, but they need to get to get their wifi fixed. Honestly, they might have the single best cup of coffee in Milwaukee. Their Moon Water is simply delicious and their Motorhead (pork fat, really?) is almost as good. I want to try different drinks but between those two I can't branch out. I look forward to Moon Water too much! Their staff are always super friendly and they have some very comfy couches and interesting seating options. Located right next to the Grohmann Museum, which is absolutely worth a look if you haven't been. Now about that wifi. I've been here 4 times now and that wifi has been spotty at best every single time. This morning it quite simply did not work. I had to use my own hot spot. I recently started working from home and I like switching it up between coffee shops and the library. Obviously the coffee is priority but I'm also there to work, and I'd like having reliable wifi to do my work. I'd like to come here more often but that internet connection is a problem. read more

The atmosphere inside this café is great! The baristas are quite friendly and love to recommend great options suiting cutomers' taste and preferences. I got a seasonal special matcha latte (their sakura matcha latte) which tasted amazing but a bit pricey as it was $10. The wifi in the cafe was also not working which dimmed my overall experience. Overall, it is a nice place to get experimental drinks and coffees albeit a bit pricey. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Seasonal sakura matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I was back again for a second time. Been to the other location in Third Ward more than this one, and while I have great admiration for that space, this one on Broadway has some other things going for it. The seating allows for more deuces (couples) to sit at tables. Because the space is smaller, it has more of a chill vibe. They don't offer all the pastry selections as the other spot, but on this trip they had a nice selection. Today I got a Lana Del Fog that was excellent. They also had a Guava Cream, and Raspberry Scone. That was delicious. And both baristas were friendly and helpful. I had a few questions about their barista craft and they took the time to give me some helpful information. I'll be back! read more

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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. read more

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FANTASTIC STAFF! The most mind blowing coffees and drinks in town. Jenna, Rye, Noelie, Dusty...et.al., killing it!!! read more

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! read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Channel orange - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Parisian Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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! read more

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Solid coffee. There is only bakery items, which I didn't realize when I was scoping them out, which was a bummer as I was hungry. Coffee was delicious. I enjoyed the space as well - the entrance is a bit tucked away, but once inside it is comfortable. I had a delicious oat milk latte, and would happily return for another in the future. Staff were nice enough, I missed where the dirty dish bin, and to be fair, if it were a snake it would have bit me, but the staff person was annoyed at me for bringing my plate to the counter. So, four stars. read more

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. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Butterfly tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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! read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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! read more

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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. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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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. read more

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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. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - The Parisian - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

When I asked my husband what he wanted to do for his birthday this year, he immediately suggested a trip up to Discourse. An upscale coffee date? You don't have to ask me twice! The location is easy to find, despite feeling a little like a speakeasy with an entrance just below street level. It's nestled among MSOE buildings, but has good signage. We easily found free street parking on a Sunday afternoon. We'd perused the menu before arriving, which somehow didn't make it take any less time for us to make up our minds. We knew we were each going to try multiple beverages. I started with the Moonwater, and loved the kick the black pepper added to the beverage. My husband had Channel Orange, which I was immediately jealous of (despite loving my own drink). The bright citrus and salt were heavenly. For the second round, I ordered the Liquid Sunshine, which wasn't coffee - it's a seasonal cordial. I lost track of what my husband ordered at this point; it was something on the rotating menu and came with smoked rosemary(?) on top. The vibe here is very chill. They had some pastry options available. The baristas were friendly and helpful. Lots of seating options and a steady stream of customers, even late in the day on a Sunday. I would love to come back with a book or a journal and spend more time enjoying the location (and more options from the menu!). read more

A lovely space for beautiful drinks. I've had fancy lattes when I needed a pick me up and a truly delightful matcha latte that tasted like Fruity Pebbles. This coffee shop isn't the easiest to find, but worth a visit. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown is a cozy spot, a bit hidden from plain view. As you walk in, the aroma of amazing coffee hits you. You know you're going to be in for a great drink. The drip coffee machine was broken on the day that I visited so I opted for a large Americano. The coffee was full bodied and flavorful without tasting burnt. This staff was very friendly and engaging. Quick to offer suggestions and opinions. In so far as food, Discourse offers a variety of pastries, but I chose not to enjoy my visit. I really enjoyed my Discourse coffee and would definitely go back ! read more

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. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Drink was really good, classic cappuccino. Atmosphere was very nice and restaurant is clean. The servers were very communicative during their busy day regarding their wait times for coffee and food. Extremely polite staff read more

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. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Best coffee!! When I travel I seek out coffee shops , this is hands down one of the top spots!! So delicious. The baristas are skilled. The shop is next to an art gallery under ground/basement. Try this place it will have you craving it. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Orange blossom latte/ can not recall exact name - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I was in Milwaukee for a day trip and saw that this place had great coffee. I stopped by to get a coffee to-go for my drive back to Madison and got the Moonwater coffee and a chocolate chunk cookie. When I arrived at 3 pm on a Sunday afternoon, there were a handful of people in line waiting to order. The person at the front was very nice and informative of what drinks were popular, and I ended up ordering the Moonwater. It was a nice, slightly sweet drink and perfect for the drive back. The cookie was not bad either. The inside ambiance is cute and a perfect place to meet up with a friend for a cup of coffee or a small pastry. The only complaint I have about this place is that the service was a little slow, so if you're looking for a quick coffee to-go, this might not be the place for you. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Menu from 5/4/2025 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Most unique coffee offering of any coffee shop I have ever been to. The baristas are true professionals! A true coffee shop! If you're a coffee lover this is the place! The ambiance is very cozy! read more

Interesting twists on coffee, but interestingly enough, delicious. Chatted up the bartenders (ok, baristas) and they were happy to let me taste some of their concoctions. Make sure you find the right door, NOT the MSOE entrance. They'll kick you out and you have to go around the front of the building towards the basement. Don't let "pork fat" scare you away from Motorhead. It's delicious and actually tastes like pork, but it still good. I don't know how to explain it. I've had better pour overs, so I'd just stick to their craft drinks. Which reminds me, there's this charcoal black lemonade iced drink that is totally delicious. Go in, try new things, have fun! read more

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Very interesting coffee drinks that are almost experimental (in a good way!) What makes it even better is that they offer bakery from Gather Bakehouse. The brandy old fashion danish was delicious. Also, the staff is always very friendly. read more

Discourse absolutely lives up to the hype. If you are looking for a coffee shop that has an experimental menu in addition to standard drinks, this is the spot for you. I tried out the Fortunes Favor and it was a unique and delicious blend of flavors with a hint of spice. The shop is on the smaller side, but they have a good mix of cozy armchairs, tables, and even some bar stools. It would be a good spot for small groups or individuals who want to work or study. The baristas were kind and available to ask any questions about the menu. They were quite busy on a Saturday afternoon but got me my drink within 10 minutes. It was really impressive watching them make all the drinks with speed and precision. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Fortunes favor - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The barista was very knowledgeable and kind - the speed at which she made drinks was remarkable. The line was long after I got there but went quickly! It is a little chilly in there yet comfy, if that makes sense? Sensible street parking. My latte was perfection and my apricot scone: chefs kiss. I'll be back! read more

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I absolutely LOVE this coffee concept--bespoke beverages with masterful detail and unforgettable flavor palettes. This is the kind of place where I personally wouldn't dare take an experimental drink to-go. Instead, I'll pull up a chair, even if only for a little while, and savor the experience of my cup and its presentation while my tastebuds dance with excitement. Every time. What also stands out? Every drink is carefully crafted and served up with excellent customer service. If you haven't had a chance to try Discourse I highly recommend you do soon! read more

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The perfect coffee shop in downtown Milwaukee. Discourse came recommended to me by a friend and I was super impressed. Fun vibe, great energy, lots of seating, and very good coffee. Fancy coffee is expensive and is worth it in my opinion and Discourse proves that. My channel Orange latte was one of the most delicious lattes I've ever had. Truly outstanding. The burnt lemonade we ordered was also fantastic. I didn't expect to like it but it was refreshing and tasty. Definitely coming back for more! read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Channel Orange latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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If you're a coffee lover looking for a truly handcrafted coffee drink made with less common ingredient combinations then you simply must give Discourse Coffee a try. Their Moonwater house latte made with honey, cinnamon, black pepper and applewood smoked sea salt is *chefs kiss* Each drink is a work of art and with a focus on seasonality the rotating menu will keep you coming back for more. They even rotate their drip coffee! There are two locations in Milwaukee. I prefer the downtown spot. It's in a historic building made with that infamous cream city brick. I wish there was more seating inside and more space between the tables in the back half of the space especially because the place can get jammed and if you want to have a conversation be prepared for everyone to be listening in. The vibe is kind of industrial and unique to discourse. I prefer a more cozy ambience for my coffee gatherings. As for the service and baristas, I thought both were good. I appreciated the barista answering my questions about the menu before I placed my order the first time I stopped in . read more

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Great vibe, excellent drinks. Wished their pastries were warmed, but that's pretty normal. Great service, warm staff. Come here if you want to get some work done and want a great cup of coffee. Plenty of spaces to sit and getting enough quietness. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I love exploring coffee shops and discovering new flavors, and Discourse absolutely blew my mind! First of all, the service was very friendly and approachable. It seemed like the back area was more for studying and solo work, so my husband and I opted to sit in the front where we could chat. The server explained that in addition to the "standard" menu items, there is a rotating experimental menu based on a theme. The current theme was "Future Food" and included drinks like "Seaweed & Science" (ingredients include konbu dashi syrup and flavorless menthol) and "Dystopian Nostalgia" (with golden beet miso caramel and black garden ants). Being more adventurous, my husband and I tried the Dystopian Nostalgia, and we really enjoyed it! All of the unique flavors really worked together to provide a flavorful punch. The drinks are more than you would expect to pay for coffee, but I would consider it more of an experience than a standard coffee shop. We also picked up a Burnt Lemonade, which was actually amazing. It's not your standard lemonade, but I would recommend it if you want something that is refreshing, herb-forward, and not-too-sweet. We arrived too late for pastries but we did pick up a cookie. I will definitely have to come back to check out future menus. read more

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Discourse has quickly become my favorite coffee place! I literally go every weekend to study and grab a drink (and an occasional baked goods! My favorite is the blueberry biscotti). My current go to drink is the Clyde (metolius chai, oat milk, mango juice, tamarind syrup, freshly grated nutmeg). I love how fun and experimental their drinks are! What really tops it all off though is the wonderful baristas! They're always so kind and welcoming. I highly recommend stopping by if you're in town. read more

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How lovely to be sitting in a coffee shop called "Discourse" and overhearing a lively discussion among regular customers about books! (The coffee and service were lovely, too!) read more

Food: delicious, fresh, crispy pastry. greens were amazing and the egg was great. Service: very nice staff, no problems with food, but one drink we asked for oat milk but initially got normal milk. They realized after we started drinking, and they offered a free remake. Ambience: good music, not too loud and not annoying. Quiet atmosphere food for studying. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Channel Orange (Iced 12oz) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I first tried out Discourse when they opened in Milwaukee at the Crossroads Collective - happy to see them in this spot on MSOE's campus. It's tucked away and attached to the Direct Supply downtown office. The thing I enjoy most about Discourse is how creative their specialty drinks are - on this trip I tried the Matcha Affogato and Cosmo & Wanda. Matcha Affogato is in the stemless glass with roasted strawberry basil and balsamic basil. The Cosmo and Wanda is in the stemmed glass with Matcha, Watermelon Juice, Pomegranate Molasses, Lime Juice, Bittercube Jamaican #2 Bitters, Top Note Tonic, and Watermelon + Tajin Foam. Both are menu items you can only experience with Discourse! They of course have traditional coffee options. They also have a great ambiance with friendly service - worth popping in if you haven't been yet. read more

Discourse Coffee - Downtown - Matcha Affogato (stemless glass) and Cosmo and Wanda (stem glass matcha drink). - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Absolutely love this spot in downtown Milwaukee. The first thing I'll mention is they're a little difficult to find. Initially our navigation brought us to what seemed to be a large technology building at MSOE. The door was locked and we were flummoxed. But, head to the corner of the building and you'll actually find it's basement level with its own entrance. We entered to find a chic atmosphere, amazing music (makes a different, right?), and incredibly friendly baristas. They have a bakery case of goodies. I opted for their monkey bread and my dining companion went for their spicy lemon dill scone. The monkey bread was pure sweet deliciousness. For my beverage, I went for one of their experimental craft drinks called the channel orange. It was an astounding blend of espresso, smoked + oaked vanilla, orange oleo saccharum, oat milk, and candied orange powder. Not sure if it was a mistake or not (and if so, it was a delicious one) but they also added a sprinkling of smoked sea salt. All of the flavors blended together to create a complex and delicious coffee drinking experience. The seating is super comfy and we were able to sit, sip, nibble, and play a couple games of cribbage. The baristas were above-and-beyond lovely! Get to it! read more

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