Lunch at North Shore Boulangerie

A charming spot for a date lunch in Shorewood

Folks use the phrase "hidden gem" willy nilly, but I think North Shore Boulangerie really is one. You have to venture to the heart of Shorewood to find it, and you'll be glad you did. Their pastries and baguettes are wonderful, and the atmosphere is utterly charming. I'd say "why aren't there more cozy corner cafés in the Milwaukee?" — but then I guess this one might not feel as special. 

Half of the café is a grab-and-go bakery and coffee shop, with little tables for resting to munch and sip. The other half is set with slightly larger tables for sit-down lunching and brunching. Adam and I have lucked out, always snagging a spot by the sunny front windows. The lunch and Sunday brunch menus at North Shore Boulangerie are simple and just French enough to make you feel a little fancy — a nice-casual date lunch vibe.

I've only ever gotten the Dinde sandwich: sliced turkey, roasted tomatoes, fresh greens, aged cheddar, red onions, and aioli on country bread. It's so simple, but with fresh ingredients and house-baked bread with a tender middle and flaky crust, it's truly the best! Why complicate things? As for Adam, he's enjoyed the Croque Monsieur on our lunchtime visits to the boulangerie — heavenly, crusty, cheesy goodness. I'd get it myself if I hadn't fallen for the Dinde.

See, it's hard to stray from your tried-and-true favorites at North Shore Boulangerie. But other goodies on the menu sound so scrumptious, I told Adam we just have to lunch there more often so that I can eat my way through the menu. For instance the Matin: bacon, aged cheddar, crispy onions, and smoked paprika aioli on a baguette with a sunny egg. Or the Eggs Florentine: roasted Roma tomatoes, baby spinach, and poached eggs on country bread topped with hollandaise. 

Pro tip: Share a croissant, almond croissant, or pain au chocolat from the bakery while you wait for your meal! Sound indulgent? Maybe. But sometimes you've got to live a little.