This past week I had the chance to visit Coffee Wizards in Appleton, Wisconsin. As soon as I entered it felt like I was being transported to another dimension, another world. It had a map of Middle Earth, wardrobe straight out of Narnia, and a bar made out of what looked like a tree trunk. The coffee shop was also a bookstore, offering mostly fantasy books to its patrons. The interior was cozy and its coffee and vegan waffles were amazing. The aesthetic of the coffee shop worked well together. It was well balanced that you didn’t really know if you were still in Appleton.
There is something often fun and whimsical about a theme that brings us to a different environment. There is something powerful about a theme that touches our heart. And there is something comforting about a theme that conveys welcome and homeliness.
Leaving Coffee Wizards made me think about MIlwaukee. We have our own brand - MKE, Brew City - but other “themed” coffee shops also came to mind.
Milwaukee is the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. Just last week we had the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival gathering thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts. With this in mind, if you’ve spent time in Walker’s Point we’re sure you have walked by Fuel Cafe. And as the name suggests, this restaurant/cafe is sure to “rev” up your morning. Adorned with motorcycle pictures and even housing a full-sized motorcycle, Fuel exudes a biker aesthetic. And if you don’t like motorcycles, the brunch menu will make you stay for sure. For coffee lovers, the coffee bar offers great options, which may seem surprising given most of us don’t associate a growling Harley with high end espresso. But the true hidden gem is the upper level seating, which is great for your work needs. You can find the classic coffee drinks (made with local Stone Creek) but you can also try some of Fuel’s original creations with appropriate names like Lavender Menace. Or take a ride on the wild side with some Banana Coffee Milk (and you’ll be a bit wilder than us).
Last month, we were inundated with a lot of fútbol (ok, soccer if you must). We had the Eurocup and the Copa America showcasing some of the world’s best players. (Side note - Gabe went full tilt rooting Colombia to the final of the Copa, including decking his entire family out in the bright yellow of the “cafeteros”). And with the 2026 World Cup coming to the States, this is a perfect time to start getting into the sport. Open at 6am on Saturday and 6:30am on Sundays, Nomad Coffee Bar, on Brady street, offers a space for coffee and fútbol lovers that promise to get you game ready with its creative menu. And if you wake up early enough, you can catch a fútbol match at Nomad. Their “Matchday” and “Direct Kick” house blends offer an energizing and tasty start to your day. But the real MVP at Nomad Coffee Bar is its breakfast and brunch menu. Whether it is the Cristiano Ronaldo inspired omelet, the “CR7” or the “Chicharito Burrito” named after renowned Mexican striker, Javier Hernandez, Nomad offers something for everyone. Even though Brady street is mostly known for its food and its nightlife, Nomad coffee bar is definitely worth a visit!
Venture out to Lake Country and in a little shopping mall off Highway 16 in Delafield lies a great “themed” shop that demonstrates the power of a commitment. Started in 2022, the coffee company was the passion project of Mackenzie Edinger to give differentially abled individuals an opportunity to work. It is a warm place with a good classic menu and fun flights, and for those with kiddos, it has a great array of games and toys.
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So now we would like to ask you, what is your favorite themed coffee shop or if you were to open one, what would it be?
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