George Watts & Son, Inc.

Best place to shop and dine in Milwaukee, with over 145 years of history. Stop by the store, and then be sure to drop by for a delicious meal at the Watts Tea Shop!

There’s really nothing like this tea shop anywhere else in the state, but these sorts of places used to be common in England. I don’t know why, the first time I tried to find the place I just couldn’t figure it out, but there is a really big sign outside and it’s just upstairs over the eclectic gift shop. My father’s side of the family is Sri Lankan, so I’m enough of an Anglophile to shudder at good tea being gulped from a coffee mug, that’s just uncivilized. This place will serve Earl Grey properly, from a tea pot, through a silver strainer, into a proper tea cup with a saucer. If you think I sound prissy, then this isn’t the place for you. I am secure enough in my masculinity to sit here, sip my tea, surrounded by blue haired ladies planning bridge club matters, while I ponder and ruminate. I recommend this place to meet and chat, enjoy tea time, for afternoon wedding showers, a light lunch (their quiche is always good), after lunch dessert, or for a small group to plan something. This is hardly the place for barbarians, hooligans or ruffians.

Took a tour group of 38 people here for lunch the other day. I’ve taken quite a few groups here in the past and they always do such a nice job. I agree that the décor looks a little bit more like a place you’d take a group of ladies or your grandma, but that is part of its charm as a little tea shop tucked away on the upper floor of a great store and a beautiful historic building in Milwaukee’s East Town neighborhood. The management and service staff is always polite and competent. The food is always good — love the fresh bread and the sweet pickle chips. Typically the groups I bring here have the soup du jour and the chicken salad. Always a hit. And it isn’t a visit to Watts unless you have the Sunshine Cake — so pretty and sooo good. Although I always feel a little odd eating that pretty edible orchid.
Another thing I love here is the Ginger Toast.
This is a great Milwaukee restaurant with a lot of wonderful history. Although the shop has changed recently with a reduction in the china patterns, etc, it still has a wonderful selection of unique gifts and it is nice to see the addition of the DeLind Art Gallery and Zita Bridal keeping it going strong.

Wonderful shop that’s been in Milwaukee for over 140 years. Signature gift boxes and wrapping make gift-​giving special.

We have had nothing but awesome experiences when doing business with George Watts and their staff!!! From making purchases, whether for personal use or gift giving, the helpful staff has gone above and beyond.
We’ve also enjoyed wonderful lunches in the Tea Room! The food is wonderful and such a treat! Never been disappointed!
And lastly, having done a wine tasting one evening has gotten us hooked on purchasing all new wine glasses from Watt’s! The evening was one of great wine, great company and a very knowledgeable demo on what a difference the correct wine glass can make in bringing out the best of your wine.
We will always make a point of stopping back into the store when we are in town. They are always keeping their selection fresh and exciting!
Thanks for the wonderful experience’s plan to have many more with you!!!

we registered here for our wedding and LOVE all of our gifts! Lance is AMAZING and helped pick out EVERYTHING! You get great personal service unlike another store…

I love, love, love this place! Where do I start? Yummy food upstairs for brunch, tons of gorgeous gift items, and exceptionally helpful and nice staff, consistently. This is a Milwaukee institution that has stayed true to itself but also stays current. Go there for a fun girly Saturday or buy someone a gift card. DId I mention I love it here?