The Café at the Pfister

One of downtown Milwaukee's best brunch secrets

If you haven't waltzed through the Pfister Hotel lobby, working your best "We've Got Elegance," you're missing out. And if you didn't know there's an adorable café in said lobby, open for everyone and not just fancy-pants hotel guests, you're also missing out.

Brimming with old school charm, The Café at the Pfister is open daily for seated breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch from 6am to 2pm. Until 8pm daily, you're welcome to snag coffee and a pastry from the barista & patisserie counter, then help yourself to a seat. For seated dining service, there's either in a nice-sized dining room or, my favorite, a row of tables along large street-facing windows. The space is sunny and cozy-casual with just a hint of fancy. After all, it is the Pfister.

I've only ever been for Sunday brunch, and I've never been disappointed. Hot coffee is served promptly, with a little porcelain jug of cream on the side. The Eggs Florentine, my go-to dish, is the kind of tried-and-true deliciousness you can depend on. By and large, you won't find hipster mumbo jumbo at the Pfister — though I did spy avocado toast on the menu, upon my last visit. So I guess there really is something for everyone!

As if the food and ambiance weren't enough, you're welcome to park in the Pfister structure. Take your ticket with you to the café, and your server will have it validated. That's right: Free and easy downtown parking. It's every bruncher's dream!  

Oh, and did I mention that you can snap your fingers and make a reservation? Show me another brunch spot that accepts reservations — and for just a party of two even! (No really, do you know of one? Because I don't.) Truly, you couldn't ask for a more delightful, non-stressful Sunday brunch than the Café at the Pfister — and sometimes easy breezy is better than hip and trendy.