I like that Highlands does all the meals of the day, and feels cozy and comfortable to boot. LOVE the sunny windows in the wintertime, but they do get pretty hot in the warmer months (so keep that in mind when you choose a seat). I also love that they serve Valentine coffee. Yay for local support! I came here to meet someone for a business-y conversation. They were pretty busy, but my coffee was kept flowing. I also had a super tasty cranberry muffin. They offered to warm it for me, which was an unexpected delight. YUM! Everything tasted great, and was well priced. Four stars mainly because the staff seemed a little bit disorganized and uncertain about maintaining consistent attention at each table. Multiple times, I'd be looking for my server and find that she was cooing at the 2 year old and infant at the table next to me (both of whom were very well behaved and the parents seemed a little uncomfortable to be getting all this attention). There may be a boundaries/time management conversation to be had there (or maybe I'm just a crabby, prickly person). That said, I'd definitely come back for lunch or a night cap sometime if I am in the neighborhood again! read more

This place is nice and has a lot of charm! The barista was super friendly and she served me up a nice americano. Lots of regulars filtered in and chatted with the staff while I sat in the corner most of the morning working on my laptop. Very friendly and warm atmosphere. 3 stars for these reasons: A) The hours. They close everyday by noon or so. Oof. B) No wifi. I was told this is going to change soon, but it's nice to check the email (and yelp!) while you sip on your drink. I haven't tried their sandwiches, but they looked pretty good. read more

Lovely stop for breakfast, which is the only meal I've had there. Can't get anything but the Highlands Ham and Eggs, but I always sub bacon or sausage for the ham. Soft boiled eggs, batter and deep fried over a fresh veggie hash?! Yes! The service has always been wonderful. Everyone is kind and friendly and they love our daughters. Valentine coffee and fun coffee drinks just to top it all off. We keep coming back! read more

Highlands Cafe - Highlands Ham and Eggs, subbed sausage for the ham. Deep fried soft boiled eggs are amazing! - Cafes Near Me - Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

My husband, son, and I decided to try the Highlands Cafe in our old neighborhood. We had come a number of times for coffee, but we had not tried the dining room. Hubby had the Reuben, I had the chicken avocado sandwich, and our son had the special, a gyro. We all thoroughly enjoyed our choices. The servings were ample and nicely presented. I behaved myself and had a side salad with my sandwich, but hubby had the chips with his sandwich. I couldn't keep my hands off of them. They were delicious. The prices of each sandwich was reasonable. Our server was very pleasant and attentive. We enjoyed sitting in the window watching the world go by. We will definitely be back. read more

Hashes are absolutely AMAZING on the menu, add a poached egg and its perfection. read more

Highlands Cafe - Steak and pancetta hash, best breakfast item on the menu!! - Cafes Near Me - Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

The Highlands has some good food for good prices. It's an easy go to place for carry out lunch. I think you can dine in if you want, but I have only used it for carrying out. If I am in the heights area and want carry out, this is my go to stop. Good menu, creative blending of foods, and not super expensive. The food tastes great. read more

Highlands Cafe is one of those hidden gems, that isn't so hidden. We frequent this place, at least once a month and have always been satisfied with the food and service. I usually go for the Omelettes and Mimosa's, but I have also tried the Chicken and Waffles, when they offered that a while back and it was Amazing. I have also grown fond of Waitress Michelle. She is the epitome of an Amazing person. If you want wonderful food with wonderful service, check out Highlands Cafe. read more

Amazing food and pretty good service. I was talking for days about my Goat Cheese Sandwich and how delicious it was. Going back and thinking about it is still makes my mouth water. My husband had a potato and Ham scramble which was also delicious. We went on a Saturday around brunch and service was a little bit slower but still pretty good for a saturday. Our waitress was amazing with our 2 year old son who was acting up due to being hungry. She made sure to bring his milk right away and brought his fruit out a couple minutes later. Since she did this we were able to eat our whole meal without a screaming toddler and that in itself was well worth a large tip. This place will easily be worth 5 stars when they hire more wait staff. read more

We've had 3 great meals here. Meatloaf sandwich to die for. Last weekend we had company and the brunch places nearby had long lines so we went here and everybody had a great meal. Super friendly staff. It's a neighborhood gem for breakfast and lunch. read more

Stopped in for brunch and enjoyed amazing chai and almond lattes with our salads and sandwiches. Everything was fresh and tasty. Super cute interior with a full bev list too. Great local spot. Will definitely be back! read more

Nice neighborhood establishment. Good for breakfast. Plenty of seating, friendly staff.

I wanted to love this place. It's adorable on the inside. A Great neighborhood feel. The food was just weird. The first sign was when I read the menu and not one thing appealed to me. This rarely happens. All of the flavor combinations seemed odd and not well thought out or taste tested. The service wasn't the greatest, but I won't ding them on it, because our server was trying REALLY hard which I really appreciated. However, she didn't have much to work with because the food was just meh and it took a long time to come out. They served the weirdest french fries. I'm not sure that they were made from potato (I'm serious. I couldn't tell. It didn't seem like it. My husband thought they were Yucca fries. Again, serious, the food was confusing). I just checked out their website and their headline says casual, complex food. Therein lies the problem. It's too complex. Put some simpler dishes on the menu without so many elements, make it easier and faster to get out of the kitchen and just do that really well. Save the crazy complex creativity for the specials. If they revamp the menu I'd try it again. If not, doubtful I'll return. I hope they read this review and take it to heart.... they could be so much better if they made some tweaks. read more

I am writing this review out of concern for my community. DO NOT EAT HERE. As a tenant that lives in one of the apartments above the cafe, let me tell you I have seen how things are operated. Not only do they not have any regard for the people they are sharing the building with, but their recent habit seems to be leaving food, specifically bakery, out in the open, sometimes covered, but also uncovered, outside in the back alleyway behind the building. I actually saw a pie sitting on top of the HVAC system, uncovered with pieces cut out of it. Clearly, I do not need to go into the details of why this is not a good thing. I should also point out that this alley is the only access for some of the apartments to get to the laundry and storage below the building. That being said, anybody has access to this food, and anything could happen. It could be knocked over, touched, etc. The last time we tried doing laundry and this happened, you could barely get through the alley past the cart of food sitting out with out touching it. It's unsanitary, and just outright disrespectful of the others in the building. I do not write reviews much, and I usually reserve any that I do for a place that I really enjoy and love to share with people. However, this is something that I can no longer sit back and ignore. It's just such a shame. We used to be regular customers, even before we lived above, but we will never again step foot in this cafe. read more

Tried this place twice, both time food was gross. Bacon was too salty and portobello mushroom burger literally soaked my whole plate in juice. They are fine for a coffee run.. But go to valentine instead it's just down the street! read more

I have been here about four times. The chicken sandwich was good. Depending on what the hash combination they have is, it's fairly good. But the BLT had the saltiest bacon I've ever tried and the chips with the sandwiches aren't the most crisp. read more

Great food. Service can be hit or miss. Depends on who you get. Very clean, great fruit cup! Love my poached eggs. Will go back. It's worth it read more

I had high hopes for this little place since they just expanded their menu and their seating. I had been there many years ago and was not impressed, so not sure why we went back. First of all the place was FILTHY, the floor, the windows, the table everything was dirty. My food was edible, nothing I'd ever want to eat again. But I can't explain how dirty it was in there! For my husband to even say something, even before I brought it up, that says something right there. I'm sorry, but I won't be going back. read more

Went here with my Dad once we realized the farmers market wasn't open, and Maxie's/Blue's Egg at the picnic table wasn't an option. As far as second choices go, this was a winner. Honestly, my 1 complaint is that of the eternal fat kid, uh, I mean foodie: I wish they'd given me one more drop biscuit with my biscuits and gravy, so I could sop up the soup left by my eggs and gravy. (Sorry to gross you particular eaters out with the image). Also, their poached eggs left something to be desired. But overall, a solid, cute, and reasonably priced neighborhood staple. I bet the other menu options are 4 and 5 star worthy. read more

Tries hard to be upscale, but breakfast is just Okay. Overpriced for quality. Service is slow and infrequent. Eggs Benedict came out cold and hollandaise sauce not remarkable. Also, will not split the bill for you and make you add up each couples total. Just the icing on top of a subpar experience. read more

The Food was very good but the service and unreturned follow up call from Manager was very disappointing. I took my Mom here for lunch and our food was delicious but one of the servers was very rude. I called the next day and asked for a manager to call me back so I could share the positive and negative; I never received a call back and its been over two weeks. This nonresponse and rude service does not make me want to return, even though the food was good and I work in the neighborhood. read more

Nice neighborhood cafe with a bar and a cozy interior that was partially bathed in sunlight. Visited for breakfast this morning. Friendly service, reasonable prices, lovely food, and best of all, Valentine coffee is served. Had the avocado toast that I swore off as a stupid hipster idea prior to this, and my friend had the breakfast burrito. Both were done well and we have a new favorite spot for breakfast, close to home. read more

Highlands Cafe - Avocado toast from the specials menu. Excellent! - Cafes Near Me - Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

We went on Wed night, which also happened to be half-price wine night. The place was dead, not sure how long they have been open for dinner, but it was kind of surprising since it always seems to be busy during brunch times. Given that we were one of two tables there, service was friendly and prompt. Prices are very reasonable and the food was good. I had the coffee crusted beef medallions and my dinner mates had the roast beef sandwich and fried chicken. I ordered the medallions medium rare, and my only complaint was they were more medium, but still very tasty. The dinners come with two sides that are the chef's choice. Will definitely be back and 1/2 price bottles of wine is always a good thing! read more

Great food and service. We tried both the savory and sweet French Toast dishes - they come as sort of a casserole in a ramekin! Yummy! Also tried the white cheddar hash browns, not quite as good, a smidge on the dry side but good flavor. Locally roasted coffee was strong and tasty. We'll be back! read more

Really great breakfast. $2.99 eggs your way and toast done perfectly. Add a side and one of their many morning drinks and it's a good start to a great day! My foodie daughter loved the blueberry pancake special- she commented that they exploded a burst of flavor in her mouth. Service was solid, food timely. Overall a great experience. read more

Highlands Cafe is a nice, corner cafe that provides good food and good service. The decor highlights the city and surrounding area. Although I would go again, it wouldn't be by choice. While the food was good, it was lacking in options. Perhaps it is because it is somewhat of a small operation. Anyway, I ordered the ribs, and they were pretty standard. Our server was very friendly and accommodating to my young boy. I'd say it is family friendly if you get there early enough and beat the rush on a weekend night. They had a couple of interesting cocktails that were yummy! I'd say that Highlands Cafe is one of the better restaurants in that particular area. read more

Very good, They have out side seating, One of the staff member came to my table and took my coffee order because I had my pet dog with me. The coffee was very good and the staff person brought out a bowl of water for my pet too. I was surprised! Thank you. The Highlands Cafe is very pet friendy. Refreshing to know there is a place for a drink and/or a sandwhich with having my pet to walk to. read more

I like this place. I like that I have the option of either grabbing a coffee quickly on one side or sitting down to enjoy the cafe atmosphere. I got a latte here last fall. I honestly don't remember what I got but I remember it being SO good. I went a few weeks ago with my bestie and we both got hashes. I had the veggie hash. I never thought of the combination of potatoes, a whole bunch of veggies and avocado. It was cooked very well but it lacked seasoning. (Which I found to be true on the last time I was here as well). I don't eat eggs, so it was nice to find a savory breakfast dish that didn't have eggs. The service was only ok. I had to ask for a refill on coffee and then wait a good 10 minutes for it to come. Overall though, pretty good! read more

Charming resturant especially the patio. The food is super yummy and extra special. Great coffee, breakfast and lunch, if we lived closer we would be there more! read more

I always enjoy eating at the Highlands Cafe when I'm in town, after having business near Chicago. This is my favorite place to eat for many reasons. For the most part the hosts and servers are excellent at their jobs and do great at making me feel welcomed and at home. Sandi and Carmen are so nice and accommodating with my order each time I come. Even if my favorite sandwich isn't on their menu they make it for me. It's a real delight when I see Holly, Lilly and Colby working the days I get to visit because they are always a pleasure to have as our waitresses and host - they rock! Overall this is a must visit / quaint cafe when in town. read more

I'm giving this three starts because I had an excellent brunch here in June 2013 and just a pretty blah dinner here tonight. It might be more of a brunch spot; the dinner tasted like industrial food while the brunch was delicious and fresh. Not sure what's going on. Their homemade ketchup is gone, too. I'd try brunch again but not dinner. And yes, the menu is odd and the layout isn't logical. Hard to find stuff. read more

Went here for lunch on a Friday. Staff was quick to welcome us and inform us to sit wherever. Service was alright as was the food. Our food was a bit salty, which was alright with me but my friend wasn't too thrilled. The s'mores hot chocolate was great, but for the price tag this place was kind of "blah". The food wasn't enough for me to truly say this place is a must go. Decent food for a higher price tag. Would go back to the coffee shop portion again for that hot chocolate though, that was totally worth getting. read more

Meh. After tip it was over $14 for a very average chicken sandwich. Service was so so. No major complaints but didn't get a reason to come back. Urban Joe's a few miles away is the same concept but much better. read more

I really love this wonderful hidden gem. And there's never a wait -- for better or for worse. I really do hope they're able to stay in business. The food is awesome and the staff is friendly. And the coffee is wonderful! read more

The coffee is fantastic and the atmosphere is great. They have a pretty good menu - I personally get the chili when they are making it and I've always found it to be really good. read more

I enjoy the Valentine drip and a Simmas muffin in the morning! The sit down food is good. It's just missing a really good brunch/breakfast menu. I wish they had basic dish options to add with some of the complicated dishes. read more

I just stopped in for a coffee, which only stood out for it's lid (which was over the top). The coffee was made with Alterra beans, and they did a fine job with them. I watched them make a sandwich while I was there, and it looked pretty good, I will have to stop by for lunch sometime. read more

I've always loved Highlands Cafe (the bruchetta chicken sandwich is my favorite) but today I had the experience of having Sam as my server and let me tell you, she was awesome!! She knew her stuff and was so incredibly personable, I couldn't help but smile. Next time you're there, look for her, you won't regret it read more

The menu offerings are good, our service was not. It was Father's Day & I think they may have been understaffed. This however is no excuse for our unfriendly waitress & her poor attitude. She was in general not a pleasant person & was very slow with taking our orders & getting our drinks. She messed up my husbands order & instead of apologizing & taking care of it she claimed he didn't order what we all heard him order! We won't be back, in a time when our money is hard earned I'll spend it where I feel welcomed. I prefer to support local businesses but in this case I just can't. read more

I think out of all the cafes in Milwaukee this is my favorite. The atmosphere is just right. Service is good. Owners friendly. Food is unique. Very accommodating. read more

Absolutely amazing food! The steak and pancetta hash is a most! Great service and friendly customers as well!