Absolutely loved Hi-Fi Cafe this morning. The banana smoothies were fresh, creamy and delicious! My blueberry pancake was perfect and the breakfast burrito nailed it! Staff were super friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is artsy, vibrant and happy. Great energy! 10/10 would recommend! read more

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I like to start my year at Hi Fi Cafe. I order to Salami & Cream Cheese Onelette. It's been my tradition since 1999. Today's Salami & Cream Cheese Onelette was as good at the first and every one in between. read more

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I've been to HiFi Cafe a few times now and the fun retro decor, friendly staff, and quality bites always make for a pleasant experience. Though they have a lunch menu with a variety of sandwiches and such, I've only ever gotten breakfast at HiFi. It has never disappointed. The breakfast sandwich is hefty and the blueberry pancakes are a classic. I'd recommend both! I love that they've got some coffee and tea drinks on the menu, but they're not quite at the same level as a local coffee joint. My partner ordered an iced coffee yesterday and we're both pretty sure he was just poured an entire glass of cold brew concentrate. It was definitely potent and a shock to the tastebuds, but once the ice melted and we added a bit more water, it was diluted to a drinkable level. I docked HiFi Cafe one star due the fact that it's cash only, which can be really inconvenient! During our most recent visit, we paid about $35 for two beverages, a breakfast sandwich, and a short stack of pancakes. It truly is a fun little diner, so I plan on returning. Definitely a spot to check out if you haven't already! read more

Hifi Cafe - Blueberry Pancake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The menu prices and whole menu on THEIR website is outdated with prices from years ago and food that doesn't exist. It makes it very deceiving. The decor is creepy and it made me want to leave. The cleanliness was really bad... very dirty. The food was ehhh. The staff however was wonderful! They were all very very nice and warm- thank you! read more

This was such a cute coffee shop! I met a friend here for an afternoon drink. We both got milkshakes--which I'll admit was not the best milkshake I've ever had in my life. But I'm a bit of a milkshake snob. I had the brie plate as a mid-afternoon snack. It was delicious. I wish the bread had been cut into slightly smaller pieces, if I was going to be picky about something. Their coffees looked delicious, but opted for a non-caffeinated option in the afternoon. The vibe was so fun! Quirky decor, very retro, obviously community focused, and super comfortable. People were sitting with laptops doing work, so its clearly a comfortable place where you can sit and stay awhile. read more

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Full disclosure: I haven't been here for eats, only for coffee. Upon entering Hifi Cafe, I immediately dug the vibe. Quirky decor and plenty of tables. This is a great spot for a business meeting over a cup of coffee, working, or simply enjoying some coffee talk with friends. They serve Valentine's coffee (so yum). I got their butter cup mocha, which is essentially a peanut butter mocha. I didn't watch her make it, but I think she may have used peanut butter powder? All I know is the last half of the mocha was super thick with an odd texture (so much so, that I couldn't drink it). So, I wouldn't order that again. But, they do have a full espresso bar. I'm sure there's something to love. All in all--a bit of a hiccup in my first stop. But, the service was friendly and the atmosphere was cool, so I'd stop back by and try something else. read more

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Really delicious breakfast sandwiches! More of a sit-down speed instead of quick serve.

Excellent everything! Service was fabulous and fast, cappuccino was quick, bagel sandwich was everything I dreamed. I was worried that 10am on a Saturday would be too busy for a table but it's only half full. All the neighboring patrons are super friendly as well. I wish I lived closer! read more

Hifi Cafe - Chill 10am Saturday vibes - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I would never guess this place to be a delicious little cafe inside. They have a full blown espresso bar with lots of specialty drinks. Their menu had all kinds of options too. I had a cappuccino and a breakfast bagel (scrambled eggs, cheddar, and ham on an everything bagel). Everything was delicious. I practically licked my plate clean. The downfall? Only one person typically works. So she was taking orders, making coffees, and cooking the food. It took us quite awhile on a Friday morning. She apologized and let us pick a cookie to take with us. It wasn't a big deal, but if in a hurry I definitely wouldn't recommend stopping here. You also bus your own table and fill your own waters. They also had a lot of vegan and vegetarian options if you're into that sort of thing. I'm a fan and I'd come back. read more

Hifi Cafe - Bagel breakfast sandwich. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Hands down best customer service and food ever! They'll come to know you by name. Today I had the Brie plate special to go. A wedge of Brie, toasted baguette, olives, pickles, avocado, tomatoes, sliced granny Smith apple and salami that I added. Tomatoes get this undue bad reputation but not the tomatoes at Hi Fi! Fresh, vibrant and bright red; these are tomatoes that taste of summer at local farmer's market in Wisconsin! This meal, as does every meal at HiFi, leave you feeling full but never heavy or sleepy. read more

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Favorite coffee shop in town! More than the coffee, love them for - 1. An elaborate food menu with all day breakfast, freshly prepared sandwiches and soup, etc. for a coffee shop 2. Quirky interiors and seating plus interesting music 3. They allow dogs inside and use reusable cutlery and utensils ! Less guilt with not using the throw away cups and lids ! read more

How is it that I can never remember how much I love Hi-Fi Cafe? I know as soon as I leave I'll forget again. Must be part of the magic here. This place is as close to the good ol' cafes of the 1990s and early aughts as you're going to get. And if that makes me old, well F U FYI. Old mismatched tables and chairs, rando xmas lights and shiny hanging things, and the most magnificent 1950s-ish table-lamp combo (which I'm still planning to steal) are what awaits your visit. This is what your local coffee shop should look like, not some revolving door assembly line. Hi-Fi, don't ever change. read more

Hifi Cafe - Table-lamp! It shall be mine! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Delicious food! Friendly service, just kind of slow-paced. The ambiance is very retro and fun! The two ladies working were very friendly. We ordered a breakfast burrito, a bagel sandwich, and a FRESH baked blueberry muffin. Everything was delicious! My fiancé and I were relieved to find such an affordable, friendly place with delicious food in a city where we were strangers. We'll see you again the next time the Cubs play the Brewers! read more

Hifi Cafe - Asiago bagel sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Fuck. This. Place. The service=shit. The food=Average I have lived in Bay View for 2 years and have been to Hifi twice. This last weekend was my second visit and has sealed the fact that I will NEVER return. I would love to support this local business but the shit attitude, long wait, and average but overpriced meal have turned me off completely. I waited 5 minutes before placing my order because the gal was working by herself and clearly was stressing out. I'll cut her some slack for that. I think, whats quick that will get me outta here fast and won't take awhile? Veggie chili! Perfect! Then she tells me she has to warm it up... Um. Ok. TEN minutes later and I'm finally leaving. I shoulda just told her I'd microwave it at home! 6.50 for a "large" soup and 3.50 for an iced coffee and I was looking at an 11 dollar bill for not a whole lot of actual product. I get home and find this. (please refer to picture) A fucking coffee cup filled with bland vegetable soup. I wouldn't even call this chili because most chili's I know don't have green beans in them. I love my neighborhood, and love eating locally, but I will never, ever, ever step foot in Hifi again. read more

This place doesn't make excuses and has memories and nostalgia burned into my brain. It still looks, smells, and acts the same way it did 15 years ago. Good coffee and you can hang out here for 3+ hours without a problem. The sandwiches and soup are tasty. The food takes awhile. If you don't like it, my advice is to move along. Make room for the people returning for nostalgic reasons. read more

Went here last week for breakfast. As the first two people there, we had our pick of where to sit after ordering at the counter. Coffee is plentiful and affordable. As a huge eggs benedict fan, I decided to order it. I wish I had the description because I missed the twist that said scrambled eggs instead of poached eggs. Disappointment aside, the food was decent. I probably would order it again but I would go with the breakfast sandwich my sister ordered because that was delicious. read more

Hifi Cafe - Eggs Benedict with a twist, scrambled eggs in place of poached eggs - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Milwaukee is in a cultural awakening and with cultural awakenings explorative entrepreneurs opening doors to uniquely themed culinary canvases. Such a beautifully painted experience is the Hifi Cafe. This corner business instantly takes it's customers back to an equally explorative generation of the 1960's. Fun and comfortable vintage furniture, comic books, and artifacts including a vintage vinyl jukebox lures music fans, hipsters, and creatives in for amazing coffees, teas, hot chocolate and customizable hot drinks. This cafe is the perfect meeting place for impromptu business meetings. You are nestled in the coolest neighborhood next to Brooklyn NY's Carroll Garden's Smith Street (Circa 1997). History echoes through the cafe slightly muffled reintroducing the legends and icons of Jazz and Vocals with younger generations. Way to go Hifi! I'm a fan. read more

Hifi Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Owners stopped caring around 2010. I'm a horrible cook and I can make better food than this while I'm drunk. Business model seems to be "let's pretend it's perpetually 1998, update nothing, and just rely on community nostalgia from when we were relevant back in 1998 and GoFundMe campaigns to stay in business". The two owners are nearly always working, so when reviewers complain about the service, there is about a 75% chance they were actually dealing with one of the owners. Also, no way there isn't loads of coke being consumed back in the kitchen. Pepsi too. Update 30 minutes later: I was just googling them and I found this from only a few weeks ago when they were plugging in the local media for a GoFundMe campaign. From TMJ4: "We focus on art, music, and people and maybe that's why it's different," says Peter Steinhoff, co-owner of Hi-Fi. From the horses mouth: it's a cafe that doesn't focus on food or drinks, they focus on art and music. Huh? Maybe I'll go across to the record store and ask if they focus on an edible sandwich. read more

Makes the awesome cafe list . Unique quirky fun In the Bay View People and wall watching at its best. My favorite part other than great coffee and food is my punch card hand made super awesome read more

Hifi Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Went to Hifi today for lunch. It is such a cool, eclectic place and we received a warm greeting when we walked in. You order at the counter and they bring the food to you. I got the lunch special of half a turkey dill Havarti sandwich on French bread and a bowl of the broccoli cheddar soup. It came out relatively quick (there was only one other group in there) and it was delicious! They also serve espresso drinks and coffee made with Valentine coffee. I got a vanilla latte and it was so good! Will definitely be back again! read more

Dig it. Very local vibe, kinda like Fuel but more intimate and you don't feel like some of the customers showed up thinking it was a fashion show. I miss smoking here. Fuck the police, Rachel. They hook up a good variety of foodstuffs, and sandwiches come with those El Ray chips with the secret yummy orange powder. I think that stuff is shaken from Satan's beard or some shit. Go over to Burnheart's after you have breakfast here. Or whatever. I don't care. read more

In the year I've lived in Bay View, Hi-Fi always seemed so intriguing through the windows--retro decor, funky sign--so when a friend was in town, it seemed like a good excuse to finally check it out for a Sunday afternoon lunch. Immediately I was surprised by the prices on the menu. $9-$10 for a sandwich and side seemed steep for a diner-y kind of place. Whatever, that's fine, maybe the price meant it would be awesome! Not so much on that one. I had an open-faced turkey sandwich which was served lukewarm, and my friend had a club sandwich which he found inedible. My girlfriend was the smartest of all, because she just ordered coffee, which was indeed fit for human consumption. And as others have mentioned, the service was at best indifferent. Maybe I just don't get this place, but I can't think of a single reason to go here over any other Bay View establishment. You'd be better off eating at the McDo's across the street. read more

The smoking ban makes Hi-Fi better. I'm no fan of the nanny state, and I do understand the whole coffee and a smoke thing. However, this place had horrible ventilation. You would walk in for a coffee and reek of smoke the rest of the day. It's fixed now. I ordered some of their awesome spinach greek salad. It came out and I was told they were out of Kalamata Olives (a key ingredient). I got an apology and an offer to give me some money back. This is what makes this place rock. They owned up to the mistake and tried to make it right. I let it ride, but it really made my day that someplace actually still cares about delivering what they promise. read more

This place is a blast from the past. And not just by its 60's decor or lady worker who looks like she just jumped out of Deee-Lites "Groove Is in the Heart" music video. This is the OG coffee shop on Milwaukee's south side. Long before yelp, before anyone classified someone else as hipster, before Facebook, before Twitter, before Collectivo and Anodyne and a million other coffee shops, before Bay View was "cool", hell, before even a Starbucks popped up on the south side, there was Hi Fi, serving coffee to the masses. My wife and I were steady customers during our Mid-90's high school years. We were right across the street on Saturday and decided to visit this old haunt on a whim. Honestly, with all the different coffee shops in the area and not being down on this area as much as we used to be, it's been an embarrassingly long time since we've stopped in. The both of us wondered if they still carried our favorite drinks from the past (mine is the Mint Mocha and my wife's is the Fresh Fruit Smoothie) and both were still on the menu, just as they were 20 years back. The woman working the counter (who I overheard saying she was the owner) assured us that they don't like to change the menu that much. The woman told us there would be a wait, which we were okay with. She was very polite and apologetic about this, but honestly, it wasn't that big of a deal. It was probably about five to seven minutes from ordering to getting our drinks, and while some other shops may do it faster, I really do love the drinks here so it's worth it. I'll definitely be back a lot sooner than later. read more

I'm reading over the reviews saying the staff was rude... maybe it's because I'm new to Milwaukee after six years in New England and am used to "rude", but I thought the staff were ever pleasant and attentive. Even the chatty Cathy in line after me was greeted warmly. (People here really do want to share allll of the details) I'm sitting at a corner table with a strong iced coffee and easy wi-fi access, headphones in but haven't yet connected to my own tunes because I like what they've got going on in here. Plus with headphones in, it's less obvious that I'm eavesdropping on these incredible accents. My falafel just arrived tableside with pasta salad on the side...I'm rating it before taking a bite because this plate looks delish. Spend a Saturday afternoon browsing through Rushmor, LuvU, R Vintage N More and Bayview Books and Music (is that someone's living room in the middle of the store?) and top it off with a stop at Hi-Fi. It's a vintage haven all on one city block. read more

This place was in Bay View when nobody was here. Rushmore was barely hanging on, and there was no gentrification to speak of, but blam Hi-Fi opened up. Well, what has been going on since then? A lot. Free wifi is pretty nice, but the coffee prices at $3 and up is a bit high. Sure, they don't want people hanging out for 10 hours on a $2 coffee, and it is strong coffee, but still, the prices seem high for the market. The staff are nice. The music is good. A friend I met recently said - with all the good coffee Hi-Fi should become a bar. Hmm. It is a great location. Food for thought folks. read more

Fantastic cafe food. Seriously. Those nachos. Great breakfast stuff, too. They inherited some of the tables from old Comet. Takes me back. Sigh. Fantastic music and I like the vibe, for the most part. Decor is great. They don't carry Anodyne. I don't understand that. You'd think they would? No more smoking because you can't. Win for me. Jukebox? Also a win. It's awesome. Hang some fliers up or something. If I lived in Bayview, I would go to here more often. read more

I used to be a Riverwesterner when I lived in Milwaukee, but I would always make a trip to HiFi for that cheese muffaleta and a cup of the chili. It was always so fresh and good, and the sunny space with tons of shiny dangly things made it seem even more magical. That was over 10 years ago. I went there yesterday and it was just like I remembered it! Better, even. The smoking ban and the change in the position of the door are vast improvements. I used to worry about slipping on the wet concrete ramp that used to be the entrance. Now I don't have to worry about busting my shit ever again! ;) The woman working front was lovely- helpful, friendly, and with a really great energy and style. She made me a perfect 3 shot iced Red Eye! HELLO, I'M AWAKE! XD If I ever move back, I will have to make sure I am walking distance from HiFi Cafe. read more

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Had breakfast here on Saturday. I liked this joint, the only drawback is the smoking. I'm sure smokers will be up and arms about the criticism but the fact remains that eating your breakfast in a smoky environment is disgusting. Staff is really nice and friendly. Plus they serve Orangina. Any place that serves that is tops in my book. I love that crap. What we ordered: Raspberry Beret: Cappuccino with a shot of raspberry syrup. Gets huge points for the Prince reference, and even more points for tasting so darn good. Eggs Benedict: Oh cripes these were something special. You could get them with ham, spinach or a little of both. I opted for the latter and was so glad I did. Few things go better together than ham and spinach. This was a huge plate, there was no way I could finish it. Breakfast Burrito: Boyfriend is a burrito connoisseur. Seriously. He said that while the wrapping of the burrito left a lot to be desired, and admittedly, it did fall apart, he said it was one of the best if not the best breakfast burrito he'd ever had. It was stuffed with all the good things you are suppose to find in a breakfast burrito, eggs, cheese, black beans, etc. Also the burrito came with a side of El Rey chips, which are perfection in and of themselves. I highly recommend letting some stuffing fall out of the burrito as mentioned above and using the chips to scoop it up and deliver it to your mouth. Oh and the old fashioned juke box is cool as hell and contains The Clash's "Rock the Casbah" under which written in bold letters is "Do Not Play". Awesome. Clearly Hi Fi has caught onto the fact that playing the Clash is cool, but only if you don't play the over-played irritatingly popular song that made it into 80's pop culture. If they ever go smoke free, I'm giving them five stars. read more

Most overlooked place in Bay View. I've stopped for a takeout working girl lunch and with 3 adults and 3 kids (some vegan) and it's always been solid. Not fast food because it's made by a real human and one can consume actual vegetables! Egads! I like the burritos, both the breakfast one available all day and the other one. Comes with chips that have something nummy sprinkled on. Never got the "you're not cool enough" vibe I saw mentioned in recent comments. Perchance I'm so uncool that I don't even notice the "not cool enough" glances being directed my way, haha. If I had just a few words, they would be "honest food in a kitschy cool, small joint." read more

Hi-Fi is the flagship of what a old-school hipster cafe should be. It has great coffee, good food and a cozy atmosphere. I have many fond memories of sitting there for hours chatting with my friends and drinking coffee. The smoke never really bothered me (if a smoke-free coffee shop is really that important to you, there are *many* other options.) My real gripe with Hi-Fi lately is the fact that they offer free Wi-fi. Why would this bother anyone? Because now there is never any place to sit. I would guess there are about 10 tables at which to sit inside the cafe, and it can hold about 20-25 people. However, you never see more than 10 people at a time in the cafe, because people now feel the need to come in with their laptops and take up whole tables so they can check their important Facebook updates. It started about 3 years ago and has not gotten any better. I've had to go elsewhere at times because there is just no place to sit. It has turned this retro, hispter hangout into a veritable internet cafe. This, and this alone, is the only reason I give Hi-Fi 4 stars. read more

Super adorable Bay View spot for coffee and hangs. Good food and great atmoshpere. read more

Hifi Cafe - Cute cafe! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I'm all about coffee/cafe culture. During the day I like to get away to a nice cafe and work, else I love going out for coffee and talking with folks. I do this a lot. I love Hi Fi. I love everything about Hi Fi. I like the coffee, the decor, the staff are friendly, and there is free WiFi. Its a great place to go work in the middle of the day - or to sit and talk at night. Its also great that this place is a throwback to the days when Coffee and Cigarettes went together hand in hand. Yes, one is allowed to *gasp* smoke in Hi Fi. That's not really the only reason that I like it though... The coffee there is good, not excellent or artfully done (i.e. don't expect god shots of espresso or latte art) but its otherwise quite acceptable. The music is generally really good (last time I was in there during the day Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures was playing and that made me happy), and not played at obnoxious levels, and the funky retro seats are actually quite comfortable. So I know that its more PC to complain about the smoke in traditionally smoky places - like bars and cafes - but you know - if you're that precious there are *plenty* of smoke free cafes. I mean, an overwhelming majority of them. Go to one of those. Hi Fi is great how it is. read more

I ate here when my boyfriend was selling some CDs to the record store across the street, and they directed us to the Hi-Fi Cafe for lunch, and to put it on their tab. That in itself was nice! The cafe has a great neighborhood feel to it, and I was surprised by the variety and quality of the food, given the slightly dingy and smoky atmosphere. The decor is retro (formica tables, lots of bright colors and kitschy items) which I find to be neat. I enjoyed myself; great place to relax and have a conversation, read the paper, or just enjoy your coffee. I think they were playing music as well, which was some rather hard rock, and at the time I was okay with it but in retrospect I can see myself not always being in the mood for that audio barrage when I'm eating my lunch. read more

From the outside, it looked like this place and I were meant for each other. Cool, trendy, indie looking store-front and sign. Once inside, I felt the same way. The deal breaker for me though was that they didn't have really any vegan breakfast options. No oatmeal, and granola, but no definite ingredients. The coffee was cool because they had a small for $1 with 50 cent refills and a large for $2 with $1 refills. I had the small. Free wi-fi, which was a plus, and a great ambiance. If I was just going for coffee, this would have maybe been a 5. read more

Great atmosphere, nice staff and good food. This is in a cool area of Milwaukee as well. read more

Went for breakfast with my husband a few weeks ago. I had a scramble that really was super good--onions, tomatoes, salami, and cream cheese. I've tried to make it at home a few different times because that flavor combination was really awesome. Only a 4 star review because service was sort of slow and meal seemed somewhat pricier for the amount of food I got. Will definitely still be back though! read more

Was ok it's a pretty slow moving place. Some Of the wall decorations are a little strange but most are pretty cool. They have a good music selections. read more

The coffee is great and the atmosphere is that of a family run business that's been operating since the 1950s. Very retro old school feel. IMO, best place in Bayview to see how the locals live. I don't eat here so I can't speak for the food. Might I add one more thing. I can't believe that the customers who gave 1-2 star review can be so anal not to realize how this can negatively affect a small business. So the bread on your sandwich was too hard and hurt your teeth. Maybe you should have ordered your sandwich with plain ole gum and tooth friendly white bread instead of the chiabatta bun? Is that really worth giving them one star? read more

Cool atmosphere and good breakfast. We had a mix of dishes including omelets, quiche and pancakes. Most of their menu can be made gluten free, including pancakes and french toast. Lots of coffee drinks and teas. Omelets were filled with loads of fresh veggies and feta. Blueberry gluten free pancakes. A nice treat! Quiche was good and flavors change daily. A little more expensive that a coffee shop, but the fresh food with attention to veg and gf options is worth it. read more