The National Cafe
| Address: | 839 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA |
| Phone: | +1 414-431-6551 |
| Site: | nationaleats.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | Closed 7:30AM–3:30PM 7:30AM–3:30PM 7:30AM–3:30PM 7:30AM–3:30PM 7:30AM–3:30PM 7:30AM–3:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 19
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A Private User
I really loved this place. We booked them to cater our wedding (about 50 people) and were delighted. About 4 1/2 months before the wedding I called to drop off my payment, well before the date it was due. I left 2 messages and sent 2 e-mails. Six weeks later, I receive a response saying that "due to unforseen circumstances" they could not cater our wedding. I called the National and spoke to the owner, who had no idea why they couldnt cater the wedding. He said he would call back and never did. When I called, a week later, for the second time and spoke to the person we had been working with, she offered no apology and said it was a "personel" issue. I am still confused. They left us without a caterer 3 months before our wedding with no real reason. I dont want this to happen to anyone else. DO NOT COUNT ON THEM FOR YOUR EVENT!!!!
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James Jegers
The day we went the place was really busy. Had to wait to get a table. Food took a while, but it was fine as we sat and talked. Keep in mind that it is a small place with an even smaller kitchen. So you probably dont want to go there with a large group of people on a weekend. Plan on a more relaxed experience. Overall the food was different than the normal cafe fare, different in a good way. It had a lot of flavor and just wasnt the usual stuff. Definitely a place to go back to.
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Rob Mohr
If I did not go as often as I do and I wrote this after the first visit I may have given it a 4. Food is good. ... there is better for the same price but there are many little things they pay attention to that many will not notice. Staff is great and the people that eat there are even better. Just neat group that goes to The National. The little patio makes all the difference. One comment wold be the oil they use. I really do not like the taste an it is on everything.
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Dustin Poth
Food is great. They have great vegan options and are very conscious of food allergies which is good for our family which has multiple. However, service is extremely slow. They have a very small kitchen. We were just told that there would be a 35 minute wait for food. A long time to sit with a six year old. The restaurant does have a message on one of their boards that states to allow extra time for food because they have a small kitchen and everything is made from scratch.
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Elizabeth Kellom
Delicious food, yummy baked goods, tasty coffee. The National has a great atmosphere and a charming $100 back-story to go with it. A favorite lunchtime stop of myself and coworkers. The owner and staff are wonderful and friendly. Our organization has received donations from the National for community volunteer events. Service can be a little slow during rush hour but only because the food is so good and the cafe so popular. My favorite lunch item is the black bean wrap!
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Nithin Ramachandran
Took an hour to make my food. I get it that you take a while to make my food but an hour is too long to make a sandwich irrespective of which restaurant it is. And when I asked the lady how much more longer it would take, she shooed me away rudely with the statement that " they might be making your order now. I dont know how long it will take". Good food but go only if you have nothing better to do for a couple of hours.
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David Wright
Was looking for a locally owned coffee shop. Picked the national based on the awesomeness of their website. Was not disappointed. Prices were fair. Food was delicious and organic. Patio was a cute little shady garden. Coffee was scrumptious. Ive cubes looked like eyeballs... Service/owners were very kind. Next trip to Milwaukee will definitely warrant another visit to the national.
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Corin Endter
Amazing food and service! Great vegetarian and vegan options for lunch or breakfast. Huge menu with lots of options for all taste buds. A must stop for anyone visiting Milwaukee and wants a local eatery with unforgettable food! Not for large groups. Walking distance to local shops in historic 5th ward and located immediately off i94 national exit!
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Carter m
A small, quaint cafe that provided my lady and I some exquisite croque madame (Grilled ham and cheese with egg). Enjoyed the Mexican mocha! Very artistic interior. A little crowded, due to not enough seating, but at least I now know why it was the booming place to be. I would highly recommend for a weekend breakfast.
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Edmond Bedjeti
I really love the food. Be ready to claim your table when it is busy. Last time I went I had the ramen soup. It was awesome. The takes a little time to prep, but it is worth the wait. Finding a table is what knocks off a star. I mean when it is busy you just have people hovering around with no order.
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Adam Brissman
This place simply rocks! Everything on the menu is good, and many options to choose from sandwich-wise whether its a Tuna Steak sandwich with dijon-braised mushrooms on a roll or pork belly Ramen, this place has you covered from breakfast or lunch! Great coffee too and atmosphere is perfect too.
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Jim Rice
We had breakfast because we were staying at the airbrb upstairs and its great. The food is made from scratch and all the ingredients are bought local. The staff are great and there is patio ouside for the those who prefer to sit around nature. I, my wife and son loved their coffee cake.
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Wendy Benavides
The ambiance and service is very nice and relaxing in here. It tends to get full during the lunch rush and weekends. The food is on the expensive side but its delicious, the vegan options are great! Their zucchini muffin and White Mocha coffee are my favorite options there. Do recommend.
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Zenia T
Cons: Slow kitchen (on a slow morning) so not good if you are on a schedule and food is good/normal but not great (IMO, but I cook a lot at home) so I ended up not liking the price point. Pros: Staff is GREAT. Ambience relaxed and good for long conversations. Delicious coffee.
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Gina Ruane
The National is a delicious place to eat. The food was so good, and the atmosphere was fantastic. This place is a gem that I wouldnt want to share because of its authenticity. It isnt very big and doesnt have a lot of seating but I would not change that.
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Abigail Pranghofer
The wait for food is longer, but thats because its a popular place! Great place to go for coffee or tea and or brunch. Theres gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, so theres something for everyone. Let me tell ya, the food is worth the wait!
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Nathan Turner
Thriving neighborhood hotspot: Pros 1) Food tastes good 2) Fruit was fresh 3) Funky hipster interior 4) Window seating (if you can snag it) 5) Coffee good Cons 1) No waiters, you order cafeteria style 2) The room was chilly 3) No mimosas
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Rachel Shaw
I ordered my 2 year old a half order of the pumpkin French toast. She loved it, but I ate most of it. It was one of the best things I had ever eaten! Oh, and the ramen is amazing, too. Best ramen in Milwaukee, in my opinion.
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A Private User
Theres a new owner now (as of November 2011). The cafe does excellent catering - delicious and reasonable, and its a great place to go for breakfast or lunch. Baked goods and soups are especially good. AND they buy local!
