We love the ice cream here, especially the Zanzibar chocolate. Kids love the chess boards upstairs when we visit.

First time here. Came with a friend for lunch. The place is cute, with small-town charm. It's a welcoming storefront on a street packed with other restaurants and small businesses. Lots of room inside: seating in the front on the lower level, more seating up a short set of stairs (where they have board games like chess and checkers), and another room in the back that can be reserved for groups (not sure if there's a cost). We arrived a little after noon. There were a few other people there. We waited a little while to place our order. The cashier/barista apologized several times as they were preparing other people's orders. Once it was our turn, we got a warm greeting and plenty of help with our menu questions. Lots of nice choices for beverages and sandwiches. We ended up with a couple of chai drinks (one hot, one cold), a grilled cheese sandwich, and a chicken salad croissant. Then we waited... and waited... and waited some more. It took quite a while to get the drinks and the croissant sandwich. Then it took another long while to get the grilled cheese. At one point I asked if they were still working on it (it had been so long that I thought they might have forgotten). They apologized again and explained that the griddle they were using (a panini press) just takes forever. We weren't in a hurry, but I noticed some other customers who were visibly upset. The Chai Latte was excellent, as was the Harvest Chai (an ice cream drink). The Chicken Salad Croissant was also very good -- fresh, with a good amount of chicken and not too much mayonnaise. Nice, crispy textures. The Grilled Cheese was good, but the bread wasn't very "grilled" (maybe a limitation of the panini press?). We didn't get dessert, but they offered a few small samples of the Chocolate Shoppe ice cream -- very tasty. Lots to like about this place, but the wait times were way too long. :( read more

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I recently met up with a friend here. I ordered green tea and banana bread. The tea was good and the banana bread was moist and delicious! It looks like all of their bakery items are made by scratch. My friend ordered the oatmeal and was pleased. Whelan's offers a comfortable atmosphere with ample seating. Definitely check this place out for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. read more

Great coffee, amazing bakery, and absolutely the best service!!! I highly recommend a visit or three!!!

I have been coming here for almost a decade now and it never misses! All of the staff are so kind and welcoming! They have healthy food options (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, etc.) Their Scarecrow is one of the best lunch sandwiches!!! It's a great environment to study at, especially due to their variety of seating options. They have a board game shelf which is great for families and friends! read more

Whelan's Coffee & Ice Cream - Board game/Study/Seating area upstairs - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

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The cutest coffee shop!! It is so cozy inside with a lot of seating. Upstairs had a fireplace and cute trees up for the holidays. It looked like they have a bigger back room up there too for events. They serve ice cream as well, so my daughter was excited! I also was surprised to see they sell Kringle. It's from a place up north that isn't sold in many places around us, so I'll have to try that out soon. The coffees we got were delicious. Maybe a little too sweet for our taste, but will adjust next order and I'm sure they'll be perfect. read more

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This is the best place for coffee and conversation if you need to be out of the house, but want the comforts of home. Seating for whatever moves you; fireplace grouping, high tops, booths...love it. Breakfast selection meets everyone's palate and craving:) read more

Great service, awesome coffee and ice cream. So quaint with many of places to sit and play games

Such an adorable coffee and ice cream spot! Workers are so friendly and kind. Wonderful ice cream, shakes and malts. Also craft coffee, breakfast, lunch available. Fantastic options. My husband got a vanilla and chocolate malt, I got a black iced tea, my daughter got the cotton candy ice cream and we had the energy bites which were incredible! Such an adorable spot! Coming back for breakfast! read more

Whelan's Coffee & Ice Cream - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

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We were in the area on a Monday and found some places closed but Whelan's was open! They had cookies, scones, and Chocolate Shoppe brand ice cream. We were there for warm beverages but were not opposed to ice cream, so we had both tea and ice cream. Mr. R had his Chocolate Shoppe usual, Zanzibar chocolate. I tried something called THIS $&@! JUST GOT SERIOUS, dubbed as smooth salted caramel ice cream brimming with rich sea salt fudge and salted cashews. It was pretty good. Service was prompt at the counter and we sat in front of where you order but I noticed that there was a seating area upstairs as well with tables for larger groups. They offer breakfast and lunch with items like avocado toast, baked oatmeal, smoothies, shakes and malts, and cold brew. We found a newspaper on a table nearby and had a relaxing time perusing the paper and enjoying our treats. read more

I love this local coffee shop. It has the best atmosphere for studying/business/relaxation. Every coffee comes with a ginger snap cookie that is so delicious. While in this morning the barista knew the orders of those ahead of me and behind me so she could have what they wanted ready. Such attentive and friendly staff. read more

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The coffee and tea here is so delicious! The space is so warm and cozy! They have a variety of seating including a cozy couch and fireplace section. read more

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Always was a dilemma when visiting Oconomowoc as far as which side of the fence to go to. We were with friends and thought this was the better choice. Their coffee is great, the desserts are like grandmas and there's plenty of room and stylish options for relaxing with your treats. Love the pixie cone option when you just want to taste or if you're diabetic as my companions are. The lemon bar was fresh and big enough to share with just the right amount of tart lemon flavor. Ice cream is so creamy rich and unique flavors. There were plenty of teenagers and younger people hanging out which was really nice to see in today's world. read more

Whelan's Coffee & Ice Cream - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

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This place is adorable! Perfect little cozy coffee ice cream date place! I had a white chocolate iced coffee and it was one of my favorite coffees ever! I wish I lived closer to get it daily. So so good! The hot chocolate was also really good. Staff was friendly and they were taking COVID precautions seriously. Even cleaning the pens between each customer. Can't wait to visit this area again soon to try more of their beverages! read more

A really nice place. The coffee was wonderful and in many varieties. Although the ice cream selection is not huge, they have really good stuff. I could not resist getting an ice cream named "kitty kitty bang bang". It was a cheesecake and blackberry ice cream. My great niece had Superman (of course). My wife had a hazelnut flavored ice cream. And my friend Steve had a strawberry shake. The decor is interesting. Look at the photos for that. Although this is a long way from home for me, I may very well be back anyway. read more

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Welcome to Wisconsin... home of the friendliest people in the USA! Stopped in for a coffee before our flight home. This is my uncle's local brew house and I gotta say, It was pretty fabulous! I am not even really sure what he ordered for us but all I know is that it was made with whole milk. A little football sticker was placed on the drinking hole and served with a little cookie. Who doesn't love a little cookie with their morning coffee! ? Yum yum. So my uncle showed us around while our java was being made. Upstairs there are big community tables and a shelf of board games. I envision on cold nights the locals coming in and enjoying family style game night with coffee and sweets. A little further back is an art studio, which our uncle says is offered to kids and adults. What a fun thing. And at the back of the second floor is a lighting store where they fix up old fixtures and make them pieces of art for sale. I saw a couple I'd love to have in my future home. There were a couple of ladies sitting in comfy seats upstairs chatting over coffee. I'm telling ya, this place is charming! A MUST stop if in Wisconsin. read more

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Coziest coffee and ice cream shop in town I love their Dirty Chai! My son and I like to enjoy a snack and drink while we play a game together. They have book shelves of games to choose from. They are locally owned by the sweetest family in town. read more

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Excellent place on Main Street for a treat! They have a coffee bar which serves cappuccinos, lattes, and any other hot/iced coffee drinks comparable to Starbucks! They also have ice cream sundaes, cones, and shakes. Also, cookies, brownies, and they even make their own Kringles. Sandwiches are also on their menu! The only downside, they need more staff (not totally their fault) to serve customers/operate the store, especially during busy times. A must stop if you're in the area! read more

Awesome place! We stopped here on our bicycle ride and thought first it's only ice cream. But they had awesome coffee and chai latte. I also ate a brownie wish was one of the best I've ever had! The woman there told us she is baking all the stuff at 5am in the morning. Check it out, it's worth it! read more

Whelan's Coffee & Ice Cream - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

The cutest little gem in the heart of Oconomowoc!!! Super cozy atmosphere with a vibe and trendy style that would cater to everyone! Amazing coffee, amazing options for breakfast and lunch, as well as a bunch of bakery items and specialty ice cream. If you are looking for something healthy they have it, and if you want a treat they have it. Super friendly staff, amazing service, clean, cozy, cute, and perfect to hang around, catch up with family and friends, and enjoy time together! It is an all around must try! We will definitely come back when we visit the area again! read more

Whelan's Coffee & Ice Cream - Super cute cups! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

This is a very cute cafe that serves coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and ice cream. I like the decor of the place. They have local artwork hanging on the walls for sale. I thought that was nice way to support local artists. There is plenty of comfortable seating inside and they have a couple of seating areas outside too. The coffee wasn't very strong as I would like. I got a salted caramel latte and it was okay. I think it was nice though that each coffee came with a ginger cookie on top. As for pastries, We got the strawberry rhubarb scone that tasted surprisingly good. It wasn't the best scone, but it was tasty. Interestingly, I noticed that they serve the same ice cream in Babe's ice cream shop in Bay View. I wouldn't mind coming back to try the other options when I am in the area, but I won't be running back anytime soon. I still think decor is very nice though. read more

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Great atmosphere! I had the bagel which came out perfect with a soft cream cheese spread and to my surprise even a slab of banana. Cookies and coffee also very good. Highly recommend. read more

This is a great coffee shop'. Always go for the best ice realm in town! Open morning to late afternoon

Always quality! Laurel makes her customers feel like they are part of her community. This shop does a great job employing young people from the community and teaching them about work. Check out the cookie on top of your coffee! The best read more

Really yummy ice cream and crafted espresso drinks. They also have tea and drip coffee

Is there anything better than a locally owned business with the kind of customer service you just don't find in the chains that have taken over? That's exactly what you can expect at Whelan's. This morning my wife and I took our dog for a walk around Fowler Lake and decided to stop at Whelan's for an iced coffee and the best smoothie around (Rio Acai - delicious). I told the owner that I was picky about my iced coffee, and she insisted that I try a sample before committing to a whole cup. On top of that, every coffee drink comes with a tasty little ginger crisp cookie that is a perfect complement. When I asked for a cup of water for my dog, the owner not only filled a whole bowl, she also carried it out for me because I had my hands full. What?! Who does that?! Anyway, the coffee is good, the smoothies are amazing, and I also like the baked goods when I have a sweet tooth. I haven't tried the ice cream yet. Feel free to come in and lounge in this quaint little shop with free WiFi, books to read, and games to play, or chill out in the sidewalk under an umbrella and enjoy the breeze and people-watching on the downtown strip. You'll love it! My one complaint: the amazing smoothies are pricey. I can't justify making it a regular thing. And to be honest... sorry... but the atmosphere isn't awesome in their new location. :-( read more

Cute boutique looking coffee and ice cream shop that serves the chocolate shoppe ice cream we used to get in college. The shop is right in the heart of Oconomowoc and has an adorable seating area that is super cozy. Looks like a great spot for groups and has an adorable little outdoor patio. Service is very attentive and nice. Will definitely go back next time we're in town! read more

The ice cream is delicious and the shakes are amazing. Upstairs provides a relaxing sitting area with books and board games for your enjoyment. There is a cozy fireplace with couches surrounding. Towards the back offers more scenery and purchasable items. Great experience every time we go on! read more

Lovely building sweet staff and the coffee was great. Honestly what more could you ask for and or need to review. :-)

Normally I get just a plain old coffee w cream but saw they had a chocolate macaroon latte and decided to splurge. Omg! SO GOOD! Service was excellent and so was my lemon scone! read more

Whelan's Coffee & Ice Cream - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

This is a great coffee shop and ice cream hangout. A nice place to walk in when downtown Oconomowoc it's always very pleasant with comfortable seating, games for different ages of kids and very pleasant people read more

This coffee house is very modern, cozy, and a toasty warm winter hideout! The tea and coffee is outstanding, they even have ice cream. Whelan's is also very affordable. read more

Great friendly staff! Wonderful service and such a cute inviting atmosphere! Would highly recommend!!

This place is my childhood. Growing up around the corner in a pizza shop from 2009-2013, we would escape to Whelan's for ice cream during the summer and coffee in the wintertime. Love to revisit, so cozy and good vibes all around. Service is great too. read more

This place is a favorite for my fiancée and I! Try the berry bowls and their dirty chai!! Or any of the bakery items. All are fantastic!

Great coffee - house chai is my favorite. I would suggest trying a Lemon Poppy muffin as well. This place has a very homey feel to it and I love just studying here. read more

Great hometown coffee house. In addition to the specialty coffee drinks there is a nice selection of sweets including bakery, cheese cake, and ice cream. They have a frequent buyer punch card as well. The new location (1 door down from the former location) is more spacious and well decorated. The one suggestion I would have would be to offer an egg selection or some type of salty protein option. The yogurt parfait was good, but I would have preferred a breakfast sandwich. read more

The Owners have given this coffee and ice cream parlor a real hometown flair. The staff is friendly, ice cream and coffee are delicious and the atmosphere is very inviting! They have a great meeting area in the back of the shop for book clubs, interviews or business meetings. Stop in the next time you are in Downtown Oconomowoc!! read more

I like this place better than Roots Coffee across the street, even though they offer the broader range of coffee products and food. This is a better place to get together with a group and is not as noisy. As a traditional coffee drinker, I prefer the coffee here, anyway. read more

Cute local shop. Lots of variety, friendly staff and decent coffee.