Bella Caffé

Milwaukee, United States

3.5

Open now

21 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 414-273-5620
Website:
www.bellacaffe.com
Address:
189 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Historic Third Ward
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.5 mibusn10tl
0.6 miAmtrak Ticket Counter
1.5 miy80
Categories:
QR code
Download QR Image Download vCard

Map

Streetview

Activate map

Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Wi-Fi
Free
Good for Working
Yes
Take-out
Yes

Today

Today 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Milwaukee) 07:38 Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Related places

You might also consider:
380
ft
Kafevino
330 E Menomonee St (Historic Third Ward)
620
ft
Hudson Business Lounge
310 E Buffalo St (Historic Third Ward)
740
ft
Holey Moley Coffee + Doughnuts
316 N Milwaukee St (Historic Third Ward)
770
ft
Kickapoo Coffee Roasters
232 E Erie St (Historic Third Ward)
940
ft
Starbucks
326 N Water St (Historic Third Ward)
1
mi
Stone Creek Coffee
158 S Barclay St (Walker's Point)

Nearby

Near this location:
40
ft
Woodward Gary Archt
333 E Chicago St
40
ft
Uhen Gregory J Archt
333 E Chicago St
40
ft
Oda Mathew Archt
333 E Chicago St
40
ft
Choren Martin P Archt
333 E Chicago St
40
ft
Barczak Judy A Archt
333 E Chicago St
40
ft
Miceli John J Archt
333 E Chicago St

21 reviews of Bella Caffé

No registration required
Place rating: 4
San Rafael, CA
Great service, delicious African Peanut soup with a huge wedge of bread. Exceptional almond milk chai latte. Free wifi, dig this place.
Place rating: 5
Milwaukee, WI
Cozy atmosphere. I came on a snowy Saturday morning, and the staff members were both very friendly, being patient with my need to read every menu item before ordering and also chatting with my partner and I about the area (we are new to Milwaukee). I had a quiche with mushrooms – very tasty, good consistency – and she had the Florentine quiche (I think that was the name – it onions, cheese, and delicious bacon). Coffee? Good. Hot chocolate? Good. We liked the place so much, we came back in the afternoon to pick up a blueberry scone. It was also quite tasty, and the staff members were again friendly, recognizing us from earlier.
Place rating: 1
Milwaukee, WI
Most of my co-​workers eat here often, so I decided to stop in this morning for a smoothie. The Café itself is well appointed and decorated quite nicely. Trendy people sat drink their trendy drinks and chatting. That is the only thing nice I can say about this. I was treated rudely and greeted with a «grunt» by the unkempt guy that took my order. My «smoothie» was $ 5 and it was literally a small amount of pomegranate juice blended with ice. Since when is a cup of ice and juice a smoothie? On what planet would any self respecting business charge $ 5 for a small amount of juice and ice?
I really couldn’t tell if they had the soup Nazi thing going on in terms of being angry and rude to all their customers as part of their schtick, but I know I won’t be going back. I don’t give my hard earned money to undeserving businesses.
Place rating: 2
Waukesha, WI
The service here is pretty bad. The staff respond to customers with curt replies, and typically try to shuffle you in and out quickly during busier times. Food preparation for items made to order go rather quickly, not much attention to detail or quality.
The soups and most of the refrigerated items are not their own — they serve Milwaukee Soup Market items (including sandwiches) and some pre-​packaged salads. However they do have a small menu of their own items they make to order. Everything — except the soups — is overpriced.
There are better places in the Third Ward to get a decent cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
Place rating: 5
Antioch, IL
Delicious! I’ve been here twice. It was worth the mile walk, even though there were 3 Starbucks I could have gone to instead. It was much quieter than Starbucks so I’m guessing it would be better for studying. I didn’t try any of the pastries but they looked delicious. I had the minty turtle in a frappé form (I like that any drink can be made as a frappé) and it was amazing. The staff was also super nice both times. The environment is much more relaxing and comfortable. The seats are also pretty comfortable. Definitely a place to visit!
Place rating: 3
Chicago, IL
The place: cute local coffee shop. A few tables, order at the counter, prepared food in a fridge, and coffee drinks and freshly made sandwiches.
The taste: nothing that I’ve had from here has blown my mind, but nothing has been bad. The turkey sandwich is a little heavy on the seasoned mayo. The reuben is a little less traditional. Not sure what’s different about it, but something is different. Still, tastes good. The coffee drinks are tasty.
My face: glad that I can pop in and grab lunch for $ 7 when I’m in a pinch. Also happy that they open early– at 6am. Sometimes I need coffee before 7am, so I’m glad to have Bella’s so close.
Place rating: 4
Madison, WI
One of my favorites in MKE for coffee and a breakfast sandwich or muffin (pumpkin chocolate chop being my usual). In the mornings, it has a laid back casual vibe and the people behind the corner are fun and cheerful. Same goes for visits in the evening. It’s a great place to sip a coffee while reading a book or typing laptop/​tablet (and perhaps write some Unilocal reviews, like I am doing now ;)
Lunchtime during weekdays is a bit different. As other reviewers have stated, the lunch menu is ok, the place does get busy so long-​ish waits are possible, and sometimes the volume seems to overwhelm the friendly folks behind the counter.
Place rating: 2
Milwaukee, WI
I liked the atmosphere, I liked the décor, and I liked how quiet it was. It’s located in a good area and the view outside is good. The Third Ward is pretty, after all.
I ordered an espresso and was so terribly disappointed that I vowed never to come back. It was gritty, bitter, and without much crema. My friend got a coffee that didn’t seem to bother him.
There really isn’t much more for me to say. I’ve only been here once and I don’t know anyone else who’s been here either.
Place rating: 3
Milwaukee, WI
Cute little café in the Third Ward, but it sort of has a strange layout. I couldn’t figure out where to stand to order lunch. I got a corn chowder-​type soup and it was delicious. I got a cup, and it was pretty small. I also got half of a sandwich (ham and cheese). I had hoped the sandwich would be made in front of me, but she just threw in a pre made sandwich. The menu didn’t say what came on it, so I was disappointed to get back to my office and have there be mustard. I hate mustard. So I had to throw most of the sandwich out. The menu was not clear and the workers gave no instructions or help, but they did still remain friendly. It’s around the corner from my office, so I’ll give it another shot sometime.
Place rating: 2
Milwaukee, WI
Close to my work so I’m bummed that the last 2 experiences I’ve had have been poor. Food in the case is average at best. Ordered a hot sandwich and soup there recently during this cold spell and it took 10 minutes to make a grill cheese and they put it at the front while I was sitting on the other side so I didn’t even know it was done until I went up and checked. Tables were empty and dirty from the lunch rush so I had to request it to be cleaned off. There are just better options in the 3rd Ward for the same price or less. I don’t know for sure if it’s the same ownership as the Soup Market anymore or not but they run a much better operation at the Public Market for food and there is a Starbucks and Colectivo within a hop-​skip in any direction. Atmosphere could be good but the service and quality weren’t so I won’t be back.
Place rating: 4
Milwaukee, WI
Great selection of coffees and hot beverages, but not much as far as food goes. They don’t have a kitchen, so all of their sandwiches come from another location and when you order them, they’re just heated up. I tried the corned beef once, but would probably pass on it in the future. I didn’t think the meat was very tender and learn. It’s a great place to go and relax, it’s very cozy, and quiet and warm to just enjoy something nice to drink.
Place rating: 5
Oshkosh, WI
We had the African Peanut & Chicken Soup and a breakfast sandwich. Awesome! Great coffee drinks, wonderful atmosphere, and lots of natural light. Our new favorite restaurant and we will definitely be back!
Place rating: 4
New Berlin, WI
Entirely one of my favorite places in the Third Ward. Luckily right around the corner from where I live. Feels like your getting a sandwich made from your moms kitchen. Very homey feel. Chocolate chip cookies — bomb. Egg salad. African Soup. Great coffee. Support local business!
Place rating: 4
Milwaukee, WI
It took me a while to warm up to this place, but now it’s my favorite lunch spot. The sandwiches and salads are overpriced, but their soup is reasonable and delicious. A cup of soup with bread completely satisfies me for lunch and is under $ 5, which is a rare find in the Third Ward.
The soup selections change daily, and every flavor I’ve had has been delicious. My favorites are Italian Wedding, Mardi Gras Chili, Sweet Potato & Lentil and the Chicken Mulligatawny (the best!).
The atmosphere is warm and relaxing. The staff is friendly and welcoming. They always play the best chill music. I love to eat my soup while reading a good book.
Oh, and they have Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip cookies.
Place rating: 5
Milwaukee, WI
This place is my go-​to, my everyday, whatever I need, breakfast, lunch or quick treat place. I work in the Third Ward and I can easily say that Bella is where I’m headed 9 times out of 10.
The soup selection is great and it changes daily. My favorite is the african peanut and if you crave something with a little kick you can’t go wrong with the 5 alarm chili.
They also have a wonderful selection of baked treats (bagels, scones, pie, rice krispies, you name it) along with pre-​made and ready to order sandwiches and salads. I would highly recommend the walnut chicken salad sandwich, yum!
The coffee always hits the spot and they even do holiday themed drinks. The pumpkin pie latte was heaven! It’s pretty sweet, but if you like the dessert this is your drink!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone stopping in the Third Ward for the day. And they also have free wi-​fi!
Place rating: 4
Milwaukee, WI
Great soup selection of which product comes from the Soup Market in Bay View. When I’m looking for a quick lunch I always check the daily features online, and if I don’t like what I see I’ll check the location in the Public Market for alternatives.
The staff isn’t overly friendly or quick, but it’s a great spot to grab something to-​go.
Place rating: 3
Cincinnati, OH
Cute café — nice space to waste a morning in… which I did. Though a place like this should have free wifi.
The chicken and broccoli quiche I had was really tasty.
The staff wasn’t overly friendly to me, but maybe because I’m not a regular — they seemed to be nicer to people they knew or recognized. Small town, small shop — what to expect?
I would not go out of my way for this spot if I lived in Milwaukee, but I’d drop in if I was in the area.
Place rating: 3
Milwaukee, WI
Bella is great for hanging out with friends or reading a good book. The atmosphere is nice and they have comfy chairs. The latte I had was ok.
Place rating: 4
Waukesha, WI
Yummy!
Place rating: 3
Lakeview, Chicago, IL
I came here with hubs after driving by it so many times and thinking it looked like a nice place to pull out the textbooks and hunker down.
Came here on a Saturday evening, around 7pm, and we were the only ones in the place. I liked that, actually. The guy serving was great and even said «thatta girl» when I asked for whip on my mocha. Very personable.
We sat by the windows, in one of the more cozy chairs with the big round coffee table. I ordered coffee cake with my mocha, and hubs ordered the strawberry cheesecake. Neither left a lasting impression. Same goes for the mocha. What did leave an impression was the building itself. I love old restored buildings, and Bella’s certainly is that.
As people began to trickle in and sit by us, I had fun reading the titles of the books they were reading. Kama Sutra, anyone? lol
I don’t think I will be making myself a regular here, but it was nice trying something new.
Place rating: 3
Milwaukee, WI
Bella Caffe. A café in the Third Ward. A Third Ward café.
This sums up how I feel about Bella: upscale/​clean/​open/​somewhat higher-​end to match its neighborhood’s context, it’s nice but not necessarily super duper memorable.
Alterra coffee, snacks/​bakery — I didn’t partake of their café fare offerings — comfy chairs, beautiful building. All the buildings around here are beautiful.
WAIT! I almost forgot. They have pie. I love pie, but didn’t eat any. But I wanted to. Places that have myriad pie offerings always make me happy. Pie is the best dessert in the whole freaking world. Bonus!