Milwaukee Small Businesses - A Travel Guide

Milwaukee downtown — Photo by Kellie Klumb

So, who saw this coming?? We’re in the middle of a pandemic. Stay-at-home orders are happening, hospitals struggling to find enough equipment, and non-essential businesses are closing. We are all being affected by the COVID-19 outbreak right now, but small businesses are really taking a hit. Shops have closed, and bars and restaurants have either closed or transitioned to carryout or delivery only. With these sudden changes, many people are being laid off. As of today, over 3.3 million Americans have filed for unemployment. This is an unusual and super tough time. So if you have the means, it is important to support the small businesses in your community that are struggling right now. That is why I have compiled a list of my favorite Milwaukee small businesses you should check out if you can!

I have sorted these Milwaukee small businesses into categories to make it easy for you all to navigate. I have linked the website and/or social media of each business as well. This is a rapidly changing situation, so I recommend you check those out for information before trying to order from each place. I am soooo sorry if I missed a Milwaukee small business you love; there are just so many to cover! Let me know if I missed any of your favorites in the comments.
Also, my list of Cleveland small businesses will be coming to the blog very, very soon!

Food

Blue’s Egg– arguably the best brunch in the city. Blue’s Egg has two locations- one on N. 76th St (near the Pettit Center) and one in Shorewood. Currently, the Milwaukee location is closed and Shorewood is open for call-ahead orders with curbside pickup. You can view their menu on their website! I recommend the monkey bread and any of their stuffed hash browns, soooo delicious.

Don’s Diner/Don’s Grocery & Liquor– located in Walker’s Point, Don’s is typically known for their boozy shakes and Crockpots of old fashioneds. In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, Don’s has shifted from being a diner to a bodega! They offer a small selection of groceries, whiskey, wine, and beer. They also offer their regular food menu for to-go orders. You can order online or by phone for carry-out, delivery, or curbside takeout.

A table of with two shakes and a slice of pineapple upside down cake — Dessert at Don’s

Egg & Flour– a pasta bar with locations at Crossroads Collective on the East Side and in Bay View. Egg & Flour makes pasta from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. They are offering takeout at both locations currently with online ordering through Toast Takeout!

Pizzeria Scotty– my most favorite pizza in Milwaukee! Located in West Allis, Pizzeria Scotty has a large menu of pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. The Chicago pan and stuffed crust pizzas are both just unreal!! So. Freaking. Thicc. Scotty’s currently has online and phone ordering for pickup and delivery.

Ruby’s Bagels– Ruby’s is located at the Zócalo Food Truck Park in Walker’s Point. They are woman-owned and serving up the freshest, most delicious bagels in MKE. During this health crisis, Ruby’s is offering zero-contact ordering (no cash!) with the ability to order half and full dozens of bagels online. They also have a digital tip jar!

SmallPie– the sister restaurant of Honeypie (who supplies pies to Comet Cafe)! SmallPie is a small counter-service cafe in Bay View. They have some of the best pies and treats in MKE! Right now, SmallPie is open for curbside pick-up and at-the-door pick-up. You can call ahead to place your order or order online!

Uncle Wolfie’s Breakfast Tavern– a cool, rustic spot for brunch in Brewer’s Hill. They are currently offering call-in takeout for the time being from 9-2.

Coffee

Canary Coffee Bar– a new coffee shop in Westtown serving up artisan coffee drinks with a twist. They rotate coffee roasters and have your traditional selections and well as speciality drinks inspired by cocktails. You can order online for zero-contact pickup, or you can text the owner, Colin, and he’ll bring your order out to your car!

Interval– located at the North End, Interval is a space to enjoy coffee, food, and cocktails. They use Pilcrow coffee and locally sourced foods to create their seasonal menu items. Interval is currently offering takeout and curbside pick-up via online ordering.

Shopping

A beige couch filled with decorative pillows inside Ursa Boutique — URSA

Cival Collective– Cival is a jewelry design company, studio space, and boutique. Their brick and mortar location is in Walker’s Point, but you can find their jewelry at many other vendors throughout Milwaukee. They make all of their jewelry by hand and also offer custom designs. They are currently taking and shipping online orders.

Orange & Blue Co– right next door to Uncle Wolfie’s in Brewer’s Hill (same owners!), Orange and Blue Co is a boutique that offers a curated selection of vintage and modern accessories and goods for the home. The shop is stunning, and you should visit in person when you can! They are currently taking and fulfilling online orders, with free shipping for purchases over $50.

Tippecanoe Herbs– a shop in Bay View offering a variety of herbs and apothecary items. I’m obsessed with their golden milk! They have other wellness items too, like matcha, bone broth, and elderberry syrup. Their storefront is closed for now, but you can still order online. There is free shipping for orders over $50.

URSA– a boutique with a curated selection of products for your home and body in Bay View. While the shop is closed for now, it is so beautiful and always filled with plants, sun, and stunning goods! URSA is taking orders online that can be shipped to your home or picked up locally.

The Waxwing– an East Side boutique that supports and showcases local makers. Currently they feature the work of over 350 local and national artists and makers. Online ordering is available during the pandemic.