5 Queer-Owned Businesses in Milwaukee,Wisconsin

Jan 19

Hi! Charlie (he/they) here, founder of Everywhere Is Queer. I grew up in small town Pewaukee, Wisconsin which is 25 minutes outside of Milwaukee. Growing up 1) I wasn’t out until I was 21 years old and 2) my family didn’t go into Milwaukee much growing up.

This past holiday season, I had the opportunity to partner with Visit Milwaukee to highlight and connect with 5 incredible queer-owned businesses around Milwaukee area!

I am excited to share a touch of my experience with you. Make sure to download our app (free on IOS and Android) and give these spots a favorite so you remember to visit them when you’re in Milwaukee next!

1. Sabrosa Cafe & Art Gallery / Milwaukee, Wisconsin

As we walked in, we were immediately graced with the kind energy of their staff. I could tell they were so excited to welcome another guest into their space.

As we turned the corner in the main seating area, there was a lovely human playing the piano. Shortly, after being seated, the owner of restaurant greeted us and let us know that his husband was the one playing the piano (ok cute!).

WOW, their food was absoultley incredible from the shrimp and grits to the incredible cinnamon roll shown below! This is a must stop for an incredible breakfast/brunch in Bay View (suburb of Milwaukee). You will find Sabrosa on our map :)!

Sabrosa Cafe & Art Gallery Instagram: @sabrosacafeandgallery

Images taken by @coryallenhall + @everywhereisqueer

2. New Barons Brewing Cooperative / Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A queer-owned cooperative brewery!?? YES please. Thank you for the warm welcome, Heidi! You may of heard Mug Clubs but New Baron Brewery does it differently. They are truly invested in building community beyond drinking beer at their bar. Heather gave a tour of their small microbrewery in the back of the building. Fun fact, my dad owns a company that manufactures stainless steel tanks to brew beer in and New Barons uses one of his tanks!

If you own your own business and are a member of New Barons, you can potentially sell your goods there! They had a cute little stand with lots of cute goodies.

I had their hazy IPA that was truly delicious, maybe I had two ha! You don’t have to be a part of their cooperative to drink beer there. If you are visiting Milwaukee and you like beer, this is the place to go. You will find New Barons Brewing Cooperative on our map :)! Also make sure to keep an eye out for our stickers there.

New Barons Brewing Cooperative Instagram: @newbaronsbrewcoop

3. Gallery 218 / Milwaukee, Wisconsin

What a lovely spot. A beautiful room in a building FULL of galleries. Have you ever heard of First Fridays? Check Gallery 218’s Instagram for updates, but usually the first Friday of every month there is a community art walk. Meaning, most galleries are open, serving light snacks and drinks! It is a great night to go out with friends and explore all the amazing art. This happens in most cities!

Gallery 218 is definitely involved with First Fridays! Also a cooperative, Gallery 218 welcomes any artist to apply. Any gender, any sexuality. I loved seeing the diverse work of art in their space and can’t wait go back next time I am in Milwaukee. Must stop for the queer and allied artsy folks!

Gallery 218 Instagram: @218gallery

4. North Avenue Market / Milwaukee, Wisconsin

SO many options, get comfortable! North Avenue Market offers a handful of food vendors and a full bar. You pick what you want and there are a lot great seating options. We really enjoyed this spot and will definitely be back once I am back in Milwaukee.

As a big wine fan, they had an orange wine which is always fun to try paired with some great tasting tater tots :)!

Instagram: @northavemarket

5. Sprocket cafe / Milwaukee, Wisconsin

On the cold and windy morning we went here, it was the perfect spot and I LOVED the vibe. I am a big biker and absolutely loved all of the bike decor! Warm coffee, donut and incredible spicy chicken sandwich for the win. This was a spot where the customers hang their jackets on the small coat rack when you walk in. That told me that they were locals. Which I loved to see.

I have my favorite coffee shops in Portland,OR where I live, and this spot would be my go to if I lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Must stop!

Instagram: @sprocketcafe