This place. WOW. Never have I seen/found anything else quite like Idyll anywhere; and by Milwaukee…read morearea standards, this place is quite unique. Located in a LARGE building on a very busy street (North Ave at 64th Street), parking at times can be a bit dicey, but it's worth the trouble. There are a few parking spots in the rear along the alleyway, as well as street parking where you can find it.
As mentioned, the place is big by "coffee shop" standards, I'm talking HUGE. Two stories, with gorgeous lighting, large bright windows (always a plus in Wisconsin), lots of places to hunker down and chat with friends or study (it's big with the local medical college/office crowd), or just to spend some time on one's computer, or reading a good book. I will say the atmosphere at times is not very conducive to concentration or anything overly "zen"--it can be a rather boisterous place when it gets going--with lots of chatter and background music.
The interior is very "Scandi modern:" lots of light woods, gorgeous furniture, interesting artwork, and lots of greenery, while still being somewhat minimal in flavor. There are lots of little areas and nooks to hang out in, as well as a few outdoor tables in front of the building. They have two useful entrances: in front (with stairs), as well as a more low key rear entrance (with ramp). Inside there's a large stairway to the 2nd floor, as well as elevator access. Clean bathrooms and a product area offering various coffees, mugs, and other coffee/Idyll ephemera, also help with the overall atmosphere. It's cozy, while feeling open at the same time; if they were aiming for "hygge," I think they nailed it. The owner/designer apparently spared no expense when it came to making Idyll truly a "destination" location.
One of the most interesting bits at Idyll is a large interior window wall where one can watch the roasting process in real time (when available). That being said, the coffee itself is fantastic, of course, complete with a ton of flavor varieties. Knowing their coffee is roasted right there in house is a plus. Knowing that it's also woman-owned, with art by real artists, is an even bigger plus.
As far as their food choices, they're kind of "meh" IMHO. Very standard coffee shop fare: light breakfast/brunch items: avocado toast, eggs, danish, salads, etc. Might do them well to add other more robust or unique menu items going forward; however, I'm guessing the majority of patrons are there for the coffee, the company, and the atmosphere. Overall, this is quite an amazing place, one that (as their website states) makes me long to go back again as soon as possible!