Date of visit: December 14, 2025 Our monthly coffee date with our close friends took us this time to the Colectivo in Shorewood and it was good to be close from home given the frigid temperatures we were experiencing. I can't say that I've really spent any time at a Colectivo since the one at Bayshore closed, so this was a nice opportunity to reacquaint myself with their offerings and I came away impressed for the most part. For coffee, I went with the Peppermint Fluff Latte, and I must say it was an excellent choice on my part. They didn't skip on the mint and it really felt like a perfect drink for a cold day with Christmas just around the corner. Foodwise, I selected a cowgirl cookie (a bit too overcooked for my tastes, though the half of the salted choco cookie my husband ordered was quite good and I would recommend that one) and the Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant. The croissant was a bit more squat than I was expecting, but it lent itself to the sandwich well and while a bit miserly on the cheese, it was overall a very good sandwich. I went five stars instead of four because the staff was really quite excellent. I fully expected the usual crew of hungover hipsters you see at most other coffee shops but instead I found a fun, friendly bunch that were happy to help. read more

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood - Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant. Needs more cheese, though. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Shorewood, Wisconsin

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Stopped in for coffee and breakfast the food and drinks were good. It's nicely decorated and there's plenty of tables to eat or work at. read more

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood - Cajun Breakfast Burrito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Shorewood, Wisconsin

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I love Colectivo coffee! Local, quality food, great coffee and tea. The staff at the Shorewood location is always friendly and welcoming. This location provides fast service and they're very organized. I also like the optional outdoor seating. Shoutout to Al, Dylan, Frank and the rest of the staff for always providing exceptional customer service. read more

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Forgive me Colectivo, because despite reviewing your great cafe drinks, I don't think I've ever noted the five-stars for my favorite food item: Veggie Pesto Burrito. It's been awhile since I've had it, but recently I came to ordering this goodness again and it was tasty as ever. I love the size of their burritos - not massive, but just enough to fill the hunger void. This one is full with roasted potatoes, cooked broccoli, pesto, melty provolone and quality-sourced eggs. All of the flavors pair well together and there's even a nice kick of heat to it! Maybe it's from the homemade salasa that comes paired? Either way, it's delish. Find it on the "all-day breakfast" menu! Oh and while I'm here, another positive shoutout to the pistachio matcha latte. It was my first time having the *pistachio* version and it might be my new go-to order. It added this nutty, slighty sweet (but not too sweet) flavor to the green tea. So yummy. read more

I love Colectivo! Everything I've ever gotten here has been good! Great place to find gifts too! read more

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Shorewood, Wisconsin

Every time my husband and I come into town, we have to come here. BLT is amazing and I love their summer menu. read more

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood - BLT - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Shorewood, Wisconsin

Overpriced coffee, Starbucks-level syrups, and sweeteners. Breakfast items are as unhealthy as a ready-made Asian meal at a grocery store (wayyy too much sugar, carbs, and sodium). Sadly, it is a typical snobbery coffee shop, as customer service isn't visible. I have only been here twice, but both times have not been good. read more

Amazing location! Probably one of my favorite coffee shops in the city!! Great people and what a great atmosphere! Love coming here!

Good place. Few options. But seriously all the good is good but there are so few options and the drinks make bank for them. I love how the place feels and you can eat outside. There is food for all ages and nice, considerate staff. read more

I can't even begin to describe how much I DESPISE Colectivo. The coffee is disgust-o barf-o like literally always burnt to ever living hell. The food is straight outta the plastic bag and into the MICROwave. Up until like last week, they had like one alternative milk. They are ableist basically. And STARBUCKS doesn't charge for alternative milk anymore. But Colectivo has the AUDACITY to continue to discriminate against lactose intolerance AND THE COWS. read more

Love the breakfast burritos. The staff is always friendly and they get you in and out quickly. Great place to sit and work or have meetings. Open seating area where to don't feel crammed in. read more

I really like Colectivo, compared to the other locations this one is only A-OK. The two ways I am a customer is the order and go coffee, or the sit down and get some work done coffee and this location isn't quite as good as the others for me in either column. Not to say it's bad, but for pick up and go coffee it's a little inconvenient to park close, and three of the four times I've been here, the line was long. One of the four times someone else walked off with my order. And my Starbucks travel mug. It's also not the best for sitting down and getting work done because the place is often inundated with privileged unsupervised upper middle class suburban post-millennial children. Horrors. I guess this is all about the location, given a choice, I'm happier in the Bayview location than here in Shorewood. The staff has always been good to me. read more

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Shorewood, Wisconsin

Really good coffee, good soup, plenty of space to work, and a comfortable coffee shop vibe. Of the half-dozen coffee shops I checked out during my weekend in MKE, this was my favorite. read more

Love the comfy atmosphere - chairs and couches! Great to have a hometown coffee shop right next door! Can't pass up a soy honey latte! read more

So...I've lived in MKE my whole life and never never never been in ANY Alterra location until this week. That's right..not a single time, ever. I realize this is blasphemy, and that my Milwaukee card should be revoked, but I'm just not one of those "coffee people". This location is nice - it has tables, chairs and many places for people to sit forever with a laptop and $2 worth of coffee and scam off the free wifi. Parking is ok - everything close is 2 hour + on the street. My "x-large" iced tea was not really all that big, mostly ice and exactly "a-ok". Milwaukee, I totally respect your love for Alterra and i won't get it the way of your enjoying - just not my thing. Sorry. read more

Always the best coffee and love the Sport tea! Baked oatmeal is divine and their bakery is amazing!

Alterra rocks. They opened up right across the street from where I work. Does life get any better than this? Oh, maybe if they had a few more vegan options. For you omnivores, you've got it made! Soups, sammies, muffins, croissants...... I usually settle on a whole wheat bagel with PB&J. It's not really settling though cuz they make their own bagels. And life is good when you only have to walk across the street for a hot Soy Latte. read more

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood - a man sitting on a couch with his feet on a table - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Shorewood, Wisconsin

Have been coming to Colectivo since it was still called Alterra. Never is it not super busy. I prefer to drink just black coffee, but theirs is sometimes a little too woody and acidic for me. However I do like it for lattes, etc. They have great smoothies and yummy treats too--loooove the cowboy cookie and the oatmeal raisin cookies. read more

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Shorewood, Wisconsin

so excited to see Alterra open in Shorewood! The cafe is unique compared to their other locations - alot more loungy and couchy and community table oriented. They also have fresh ground coffee pour over service which you have to try - world class coffee my friends. Full breakfast and lunch menu, Wifi = HOME RUN! read more

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Shorewood, Wisconsin

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There are lots of things I like about this location: -Its actual location. Super easy to access right on Oakland in Shorewood. Free street parking on Sundays; 2 hr parking otherwise. -Free WiFi all day. -Lots and lots of space. Big tables, small tables, counter space, comfy chairs. Coffee bar in the middle so everyone isn't sitting right on top of each other. A clean, open, welcoming place. -Good food, decent coffee. Only dislike? I used to like Alterra's fancy drinks because I'm not always the biggest fan of their regular coffee. They've scrapped the complicated menu for more traditional classics, which is fine -- but I can't remember what went into some of those tasty treats or what they were even called at this point. Plain cup o' joe, it is. read more

Alterra is errrywhere in Milwaukee. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. So... when rating any of the numerous, respective Alterras, what exactly would one take into account? (As the drink and food offerings are essentially the same at all locations... ) Service, surely. Ambiance, why not? Parking... I guess. Organization? General overall vibe? So then: Alterra... the Shorewood edition. Love the layout, as others have mentioned. Love the space. Love the Andrew Bird. Loved the friendly service. The one thing I did not love? Trying to work while one of the employees decided to sing Disney tunes at the top of his/her lungs over the Andrew Bird while I was trying to work. I get it... you're being funny and you work at a coffee shop... but eff. Enough to make you snap, for realz. read more

I love that Alterra is locally owned and operated. I dislike their coffee, and the service is always slower than slow. I feel like the food is also overpriced for what you get. It's always really crowded in there too, so good luck trying to find a place to sit, since people seem to camp out there for hours at a time. I do like their fruit smoothies, and their hot cider, but it's not worth it to me to wait 5+ minutes to get either of those things. What can I say, I guess I'd rather have Starbucks. read more

Pretty cool staff and a location that doesn't seem to mind people camping out for 12+ hours on study binges. As far as coffee shops go it's got everything you could really want. My only complaints (which wouldn't exist if I didn't practically live here for days on end) is that their Wifi is dicey at times and that IT IS EXCEPTIONALLY COLD AT TIMES. Honestly, not sure what in god's name is going on with their HVAC system here - it is absolutely frigid at times (and I'm not the type of person who gets cold easily whatsoever.) Good food/coffee/service/atmosphere though - I'll continue to utilize this place as my second home. read more

Positive aspects: I like the fact that it's just a couple minutes away from the building I live in. It's conveniently located. In the heart of Shorewood. Also, there is an outdoor area with a lot of tables, so I can choose whether I want to sit in or outside. The staff is pretty friendly, too, and it doesn't usually take long to get what I order. Now regarding their food & drinks: their latte and chai latte are just as good as the ones I get from other coffee shops. Their cheese bagel with veggie cream cheese is unexpectedly good. I recommend it. In addition, once I had a morning veggie bakery (forgot what it's called) and I also recommend it. Now, negative aspects: I don't really like some of their pastries, such as the chocolate croissant or the blueberry muffin. Their cinnamon roll is pretty good tho. Moreover, it's usually crowded, it doesn't matter if it's in or out, you will most likely find it crowded. The line usually isn't long, tho. Maybe three, four people waiting in line. I also dislike their mocha. It's disappointing, cause it's my favorite drink, and I'm used to the mocha I get at either Starbucks or at Stone Creek Coffee, and both are really good. But I tried both hot & iced versions of the one at Colectivo and they were not even alright. Too little chocolate taste, too much espresso taste. read more

Colectivo Shorewood is a great place to come for beverages, good conversations, and a place to work. Only bad thing is "management" thinks music must be loud: it's way too loud to think - but, perhaps someone will listen and turn the noise down to 3 or 4 read more

Pretty nice I remember when it was Alterra. I guess I'll still patronize it though. Try the Nicaraguan. Add an extra shot of espresso!!! read more

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I love this Colectivo. I mean, it helps that it's only a few blocks away from my house but still. So much love for it. They have a great selection of food as well as various drinks. If you've been to a Colectivo before you should know exactly what to expect. And if you haven't? WHAT ARE YOU DOING??! GET YOURSELF TO THE NEAREST LOCATION ASAP. read more

Colectivo Shorewood Relaxed atmosphere - consistently good coffee - baked goods are fresh from the company bakeries - solid shop with good service. Pro tip- if you have time and a little more $ go ahead and treat yourself to a hand-ground / drip coffee - it's worthy the wait (about 5 mins or so) the Colombian blends carry a little less Anise aromatic than the house blends Overall a good neighborhood brew - Atmo- Man Buns abound and you need to watch the ordering rubric to not mess up the ordering flow - you'll be feeling like a Colectivo regular in no time Outside seating on South Side stays dry in the rain - nice "City" feel to the area read more

This is one of my favorite coffee shops in the country. I love coming through here whenever I'm in Wisconsin. I love getting a simple caramel latte. It's always delicious and rich with flavor. I really like the atmosphere and the people who work here. They're always friendly, quick, and don't make me feel rushed no matter how many people are in the line. Day of the dead artwork coffee cups, great coffee and lattes, well trained staff, clean building, overall a fantastic operation. read more

Excellent coffee at the brew bar that's worth the wait. Great food like all the Colectivos. The only downside is it can get very crowded and you have to compete for seating. read more

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Shorewood, Wisconsin

4 stars for coffee and coffee shop food...3 stars for reading/study environment = 3.5 stars. Shorewood...nice area...this one of the newer Alterras...This place has plenty of seating, although you will sit at the bar around the windows if you do not have 2+ people for the tables. The food and coffee is the same as all the other Alterras, but the noise level can get a little much. I don't know if I went at a bad time... weekday morning...but I guess all the residents and their tots come and congregate for coffee and food in the morning. read more

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE! Great staff, great drinks, great coffee shop food, & the place is always clean and spotless! Go in for a coffee, stay for the atmosphere! read more

Since Alterra is in my neighborhood, we have been there many times. I really do like it but I will say - it is losing its charm or maybe I like my money more, not sure. A biggie about Alterra is that one of the partners in the biz is a local and their family does loads for Shorewood and the Shorewood schools - that means a lot for me. Ambiance: nice - not too crowded feeling, I usually can find a place to plug in my laptop, a variety of sitting options and arrangements. I like the style. As any cafe though, it can get a little loud, especially when you have a young chipper crew on their 5th espresso for the day. I even mentioned to the cashier one morning that I could not hear her because the co-worker behind her spastically barking out orders was so freaking loud, at which point the yelling co-worker with apparently super sonic hearing to match her loudness, stopped mid stride, cocked her head to the side in an unnaturally fast fashion, to say "Yeah we are loud here", and I was like, "Cool, I take mine to go." Food: the food is good and a little different, try the soups, they are worth it. Baked goods are good and I have forgiven them (with the help of their gift card apology) for the giant walnut shell my teeth found in my muffin. Coffee: Not for those who are trying to stretch their dollar. But if you are feeling a little giddy and disconnected from your financial realty - awwh - go get a big size. Shoot, get a shake - yum. For those who drive, there is parking for now, but I wonder if that will change when the new building across the street opens. Nice to have an Alterra nearby. read more

I have yet to find another place in town that actually knows how to make an espresso. Keep up the good work Colectivo! read more

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Shorewood, Wisconsin

Best coffee in the world. Try the Cheesy Biscuit for breakfast! It's like heaven on earth!! Awesome outdoor seating and very friendly staff who care about their customers . Parking is available in the back of the building. read more

I love all the Alterra locations for different reasons, but this is the one I visit most often since I work right down the street. The staff is always so friendly and they often remember what I ordered last time or have suggestions as to what I might like to try. It's never too loud or crowded at this location, often it's just crowded enough and always a pleasant environment. read more

This is by far my favorite Alterra. I feel like the owners finally got the memo that Alterra gets busy and they need space!! There is plenty of seating (I was there on a Saturday afternoon with no problems, at other Alterra's this is nearly impossible....I'm looking at you Bayshore) and more of a loungy feel which is cool! I ordered the Veggie Breakfast Burrito and it was stuffed with sweet potatoes, rice and tons of veggies. I was surprised with the great flavor!! I have tried many things on their menu- they do run specials too- and all are delicious. The drinks? Well, I think that anything Alterra does is good- from the Sport-tea to the Bull Frog to the plain ol' cup of Joe. The outside patio is very accommodating, with again ample seating and huge umbrellas to shade you from the intense sunshine. Dogs are welcome but cig smokers are not- they are told to go for a walk. There was a sign that said: No Cussing No Guns No Smoking Anyway, I am happy with the new addition of this larger Alterra on Oakland, I will surely be back soon. read more

I like this coffe store but cloudy and kinda loud to me.Workers are sometime nice.Toilet isn't clean most of the time.If you looking for somewhere to read book,Study,I would like say here isn't best.But meet up your friends and chat will be awesome here. read more

Free WIFI and always can find a place to sit next to a plug.

Oh Alterra, I love you. Thanks for opening up a Shorewood location. I like this location because there's lots of seating and a decent amount of close street parking. I've already been here multiple times and been quite productive in getting work done. I love to try their different coffees and my favorite drinks are Caramel Royal and Honey Latte. Will be back again and again. read more