Café at the Pfister

424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
(414) 390-3878

Recent Reviews

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Wilde beest

The waffle was very good as were the dishes my companions got. I think the prices are relatively fair -- the sides are the thing I would consider to be a bit overpriced. However you shouldn't need a side to enjoy the meal decently.

The atmosphere is traditional and comfortable. The chairs are very comfortable.

Service was attentive.

Katie Kraus

Had the deconstructed corned beef hash stack and would describe it as artisan.

Sam DeMaio

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Pfister Hotel is an absolute gem and hands down one of the best stays I’ve ever had. From the moment you walk in, the service and atmosphere make you feel like you’ve stepped into pure elegance and comfort. The dining experience here is exceptional — Chef Lucas truly takes breakfast to another level. His signature omelette with sausage and cheese curds is on a whole different planet — rich, flavorful, and something I’ll be craving long after I leave. It’s become my go-to every morning, and honestly, it’s a big reason I’ll keep coming back to the Pfister year after year. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, this place delivers class, comfort, and incredible food in every way.

Warren

Date of review: November 1, 2025 We had a gift card from a friend and were craving those amazing pancakes. We couldn't get a reservation until after 1 pm and by then, it was only lunch--the lunch menu has none of the charm of the breakfast menu! Despite having a 130 reservation, I received a text from the restaurant at 1239 that my table was ready... Then when we got there just before our actual reservation time, they had no record of the reservation, which is just all around odd. While the hostess was nice, our server Martina, was not. We have had her in the past and she was very nice, today someone ran over her cat on the way to work or something because she was clearly not in the mood to be at Cafe at the Pfister. Everything was slow, despite the restaurant being 15-20% full and she disappeared for long stretches at a time, never checking on us after the food was delivered. Speaking of the food delivery, I ordered sweet potato fries--I love these and am always excited when I see them--but my meal was delivered with regular fries. I mentioned it to the food runner who promptly snatched the plate away and returned several minutes later. So my husband had his food and I had...nothing. They couldn't have just brought me the sweet potato fries on another plate? When I did get my food, it was fair. The burger was cooked how I liked it but was nothing special in terms of the beef and bun. The aforementioned sweet potato fries were pretty good--though I wish they offered a sweet dipping sauce for them as one of the dipping sauces for the burger was pretty good. Had this been our first visit here, we would not have come back. As we were getting ready to leave we saw Greg Marcus in the Cafe; perhaps that explains why our service was so bad, everyone was waiting on him, maybe?

Lisa

The hotel lobby was gorgeous. Restaurant was nice. It took awhile for anyone to seat us even thou staff noticed us. Service was slow, but food was good. Wasn't offered a refill on my coffee. Had to stand up and put on coat to notice us and then come and give us our bill.

Ken MacKenzie

I will not lie, the service was excellent and the atmosphere elegant and unpretentious, yet the real reason I am here is to praise the chef who created the artichoke and goat cheese ravioli I enjoyed earlier this week. Everything about it was perfect, and, together with the highbrow beer cheese soup, they are the most delicious food I have ever eaten. I will not be back for a while, maybe I will postpone indefinitely...thank you for a wonderful experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

THOMAS

The Cafe at the Pfister is excellent!! Friendly service! Excellent food choices!! Great hot tea selection! Pastries are exceptional! Enjoyed our breakfast!

Mario

Historic, beautiful, and consistently excellent. The food never disappoints — the smoked salmon salad is always perfect, and everything tastes freshly prepared. Service is generally very good, though it's felt a little slower lately. Still, this remains one of my favorite places for both family and business meals — a timeless spot that always feels special.

John Scholle

We had Tyler as are waiter very informative with cocktail’s and
menu choices. Food was very
tasty for a table of 5.
Atmosphere very eloquent
and parking very close!

We meet the chef David he was
very informative on the choices of
all the menu choices.

Very happy with the service and
eloquent atmosphere!!! *****

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Opentable Diner

Worst experience I have had there in the over 30 years I have eaten there. No menu and the waitress acted as if we weren't even there. She paid all her attention to the ladies at the table next to us. When she asked what we wanted I told we can't say until we get a menu. Then my friend's French toast was black as if cooked too long. She never even got her eggs she ordered until we asked about it. Every time I tried to get her attention she just kept walking by as if she couldn't hear. The bill included 2 coffees even though I never had one. She said it was corrected but I'm not sure since I still show two pending charges. Hopefully we won't get her in the future because some of the other staff are very good.

Dan Lentsch

Clgreat spot for brunch, super tasty food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Noah

I had my grandparents in town and brought them to breakfast at the cafe before they had to head home. Food was great and came out in a very timely manner, Najmal as our server was just as good as the food and made breakfast for my family very enjoyable. We will be back

Cory Nowakowski

I come every day to get my coffee here. The service is phenomenal, and the pastry chef Travis is amazing! I tried his new cranberry stuffing croissant today and it was out of this world!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jeff

We stay at the Pfister regularly and dine at the Cafe each time. The hostess is always pleasant and takes us to our table promptly. Greeted by "Naj" who we love! He's personable, efficient and always checking on your satisfaction. Ford is hot, prompt and delicious. Thanks to the entire Cafe staff for al the work they do making each customer experience a delight. See you next time.

Martin J. Bowling

The best breakfast I’ve had in a very long time. Prepared by Chef Lucas who clearly cares about his craft, the food was fresh, expertly (and precisely) prepared, presented and served with equal care. I could not be more impressed. Chef Lucas and the team at this cafe are exceptional.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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