Museum Cafe

700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States
+1 414-224-3200
$$$ Cafe
(92 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself in Milwaukee, don’t miss the chance to visit the charming Museum Cafe, nestled within the Louis Sullivan-designed Milwaukee Art Museum at 700 N Art Museum Dr. This chic cafe seamlessly combines a tranquil dining experience with breathtaking views of the lake, making it an exquisite spot for both art lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Stepping into the Museum Cafe feels like a warm embrace. The atmosphere is enhanced by its elegant glass architecture, allowing natural light to flood the space and creating a cozy yet expansive feel. It's the perfect setting to unwind, whether you’re refueling after a day of art appreciation or simply seeking a delightful lunch spot.

The menu at Museum Cafe is a delightful blend of artisanal snacks, inviting pastries, and expertly crafted espresso drinks that cater to a variety of tastes. Start your day or afternoon with a velvety latte or cappuccino (both priced at $4.95), or cool down with a refreshing 16 oz cold brew at $5.95. For a mid-morning pick-me-up, try their giant cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting ($4.95) — it’s a sweet testament to good comfort food, perfect for sharing or indulging solo.

For those looking for something light yet tantalizing, the hummus & crudite ($5.95) or the snack box ($11.95) are excellent options. Patrons rave about the flavors, with one customer noting the “surprisingly good” food quality, while others like Audrey Schmook mention delicious pairings, such as the avocado grilled cheese featuring a scrumptious garlic spread. You can’t go wrong enjoying your meal alongside their in-house focaccia drizzled with olive oil, a perfect complement to the gorgeous lakeside view.

The sincere warmth and attentiveness of the staff enhance the overall experience, as highlighted by patrons like Brysen Kawamura and Dave Drachenberg, who praised the friendly service and promptly served food. Andy Ansryan aptly mentions it’s a fantastic spot for a family meal, especially with a kids' menu offering appealing options for only $5.

In a city known for its vibrant art community, Museum Cafe stands out not just for its picturesque views but also for the quality of its offerings. Whether it's a quick bite, a leisurely lunch, or simply a moment to sip and savor while enjoying the artistic surroundings, Museum Cafe should undoubtedly be on your itinerary when exploring Milwaukee. Treat yourself to the beauty of art and taste; your palate will thank you!

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Wine
Dining options
Brunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Children
High chairs
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

92 Reviews
Brysen Kawamura

30 Aug 2025

Lovely cafe with scenic lake views located in the basement of the art museum. This place is a must try during your visit. They have a nice selection of options, but expect to pay higher than normal prices compared to other places. The food came promptly and the staff were friendly and inviting. We were pleased with our choices. The meal came with bread for starters. We got the smoky-dokie burger with chips, I recommend this to try. We ended our meal with the matcha cake special, which was covered with white chocolate. The dessert was a little too sweet for our liking and a little too dense, but it was beautifully plated.

Andy Ansryan

14 Aug 2025

Great place to grab lunch or early dinner. The kids menu items are all $5. For adults they have a selection of steak, fish, and salads. The view of the lake is a cool experience while eating.

Dave Drachenberg

05 Aug 2025

My child and I ate/drank here after a seeing the The Posters of Jules Chéret exhibit. We were so impressed with the courtesy of all staff, the quality and care that went into the food and my latte was so delish I had to get a second one. A little context: it was summer on a weekday and we are inside though it was a beautiful day outside. It was busy but not crowded - we waited maybe 3/4 minutes to order. We were having a great day and engrossed in good conversation. That said the quality of product and service complimented our spirits.

Michael Schneider

22 Jul 2025

Really pretty venue. Nice and intimate for a smaller group. With all the glass it feels a lot bigger by the lake. I can't really comment on the food, because I was at a special event and I'm not sure what their menu is like normally. What we got was decent for a cafe.

Audrey Schmook

27 Jun 2025

Delicious food, spectacular view! Prices are a little high, but what you’d expect at an art museum. Paying for the view but worth it! I had the avocado grilled cheese which has a scrumptious garlic spread and the aperol spritz, a refreshing prosecco cocktail. Meals come with their house made focaccia with olive oil.

Anna Bandana

26 May 2025

The view here is beautiful and the food is surprisingly good! I came here many years ago on a high school field trip and remember more about this cafe than the museum. For the quality of food and beautiful plating, you can't usually find a comparable price. The sauce just had so many LAYERS of flavour. I came again recently with my best friend who is lactose and gluten intolerant, so it was really nice to be find a dish that she could eat and didn't need to be massively modified. The bread they give with the meals are made in house apparently and it's reaaallly really good.

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