Discover some Hidden Gems of Wauwatosa
The Ultimate Guide to Tosa Village
At the heart of our charming city, you’ll find The Village – one of our five dynamic districts here in Wauwatosa. Twinkling day and night from string lights hanging overhead, The Village is a lively and charming district filled with magical moments. You’ll find historic European-inspired architecture, a stunning walking bridge, and plenty of quaint, local restaurants and businesses throughout.
What is The Village?
Originally known as Hart’s Mills in the 1800s, 17 settlers built a sawmill to turn hardwood trees into homes in Wauwatosa’s first permanent development. The village that was built by pioneers now remains the heart of the Tosa community and is called The Village (aka Tosa Village)!
The Village is now a thriving historic district that features parks, recreational facilities, historic architecture, as well as numerous food and beverage hangouts.
Local Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shops & Bakeries in Tosa Village
Home to countless delectable food and drink options, Tosa Village is a must-visit for any craving. Stop into Vendetta Coffee Bar for a quick espresso at their $1 stand-up espresso bar, or grab a full brunch from Buckatabon or Cafe Hollander.
For pastries, desserts, and chocolate delights, don’t miss Le Reve Patisserie & Cafe, Black Twig Bakery, and Tabal Chocolates.
Tosa Village is also complete with food from around the world, including Italian fare from Ristorante Bartolotta, Mexican cuisine from Jose’s Blue Sombrero, and Asian eats from R&R Poke and Kin by Rice N Roll.
If you’re looking for a quick bite, stop into Lucky Joe’s for small plates or Loup Soups for a flight of toasty deliciousness.
Small, Local Shops in Tosa Village
Supporting small, local businesses is what Wauwatosa is all about. Here in Tosa Village, there are countless shops where your purchases will go a long way in supporting our community.
Wander through women’s boutiques that carry the latest fashion trends, including Salamander and Shop Privy, or peruse unique shops with a little something for everyone, such as Flannel Fox.
Be sure to stop into Heinsight Leather — the oldest shop in Tosa Village — and shop handcrafted jewelry from Magpie Jewelry & Metal Studio.
You can also get lost in a good book at Little Read Bookstore, or become a plant parent when you stop into The Flower Lady.
Activities in Tosa Village
Discover the great outdoors of The Village with countless parks that are perfect for walking, running, and biking, including Hart Park, Oak Leaf Trail, and the Menomonee River Parkway.
Another way to get outside while exploring this charming district is by downloading Wauwatosa Historical Society’s Walking Tours Guide. They provide a complete guide of the historic destinations throughout The Village, so you can take yourself on a self-guided tour to learn about the history ingrained in the district.
If you like to flex your creative muscle while you travel, check out Arté Wine & Painting Studio for paint and sip classes fit for all ages and skill levels.
Learn more about where to stay, where to eat, and things to do while you’re here in Wauwatosa.
Header image courtesy of @mikemillerimages.
Make sure to discover all of Tosa’s great Districts: