Embark on a cozy adventure through Milwaukee with The Hop Streetcar as your guide to the city’s most delightful hot cocoa spots.
If you’re looking to warm up and create sweet memories, this route offers a charming way to explore Milwaukee’s inviting cafes and coffee shops, each with its own unique take on everyone’s favorite winter warm-up beverage.
From the Historic Third Ward to cool downtown spots, here are five must-visit places for enjoying a cup of hot cocoa with the kids, all easily accessible along The Hop.
1. Stone Creek Coffee – The Factory Cafe (422 N 5th St)
Located at the first stop of The Hop’s route, just around the corner from Milwaukee’s Intermodal Station, the Stone Creek Coffee’s Factory Cafe is a coffee shop and an immersive experience where visitors can dive deep into the world of coffee.
From the aroma of freshly baked goods from their in-house bakery to the intricate details shared in their public classes and tours, Stone Creek is a testament to Milwaukee’s rich coffee culture.
Open early for the morning crowd and closing in the late afternoon, it’s the perfect spot for your first—or third—cup of the day.
Pro Tip: Sunday tours start at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.!
2. Colectivo Coffee – Third Ward (223 E St Paul)
Hop off The Hop in the Third Ward for cocoa at Colectivo.
Right across from the Milwaukee Public Market, Colectivo’s Third Ward location boasts an open-air concept that’s as refreshing as their brews.
With communal tables and bike bar racks, it’s a hub for both locals and visitors to gather.
Whether you’re grabbing a hot cocoa to go or staying for the ambiance, Colectivo’s commitment to community shines through, making it a bright spot along The Hop’s route.
Pro Tip for parents: Try the pistachio matcha latte!
3. Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. at the Milwaukee Public Market (400 N Water St)
Nestled in Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward, Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company was born in 1999 and is now the flagship cafe in the Milwaukee Public Market.
Like its name suggests, Anodyne will soothe what ails you with exceptional hot cocoa and coffees.
You can head upstairs to enjoy your hot cocoa at a table, or grab it on the go and take in the sights and smells of the other market vendors.
Pro Tip: Take a selfie by the vintage bus at On The Bus just down the hallway from Anodyne.
4. Valentine Coffee Roasters (189 N Milwaukee St)
Walk a bit further into the historic Third Ward to find your valentine. Valentine Coffee Roasters, that is.
Valentine Coffee Roasters brings a cozy yet sophisticated charm to the Third Ward. Their new bar and cafe serve not just their signature blends but also a delicious menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Coupled with a selection of wines and beers, Valentine offers a well-rounded experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life, all within the warm embrace of their bright and welcoming cafe.
Pro Tip: Just down the block is Broadway Paper, a fun local paper shop that all ages will love!
5. Ben & Jerry’s
Located at 203 N. Broadway in the Historic Third Ward, the Ben & Jerry’s opened its doors on Sunday, July 14, transforming the former home of Paintball Dave’s into an ice cream haven.
The menu also boasts a variety of indulgent sundaes, shakes, sorbet slushies, root beer floats, and even hot chocolate for those cooler evenings.
Hop off at the Milwaukee Public Market and you’ll be right there.
6. Discourse: a Liquid Workshop (1020 N Broadway)
Hop off at Cathedral Square Park and walk a couple of blocks to find Discourse: a Liquid Workshop.
Discourse offers a story in every cup. Located in the heart of Milwaukee’s downtown, this unique and innovative coffee shop is a vibrant blend of creativity and science.
Their commitment to sustainability and seasonality means every visit offers something new and unexpected.
Each drink is a work of art, infused with surprising ingredients and created with innovative techniques.
They also have a location in the Milwaukee Art Museum!
Pro Tip: There’s a playground in Cathedral Square Park to burn off some energy!
Each of these cocoa and coffee spots along The Hop Streetcar route offers a unique taste of Milwaukee’s coffee scene, embodying a blend of joy, brightness, simplicity, friendliness, and intelligence. So, hop on and discover your new favorite cup of coffee.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these cafes are sure to add a warm and flavorful layer to your Milwaukee experience.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
