72 Hours in Wauwatosa | Holiday Shopping Edition

Discover Wauwatosa

Just in time for the holidays, we’ve jam-packed a full weekend of where to shop, restaurants and breweries to enjoy, and places to stay in Wauwatosa so you can make the most out of your upcoming visit.

All you have to do is book the hotel, pack your bags, and be on your way — we’ll see you soon!

Day 1

First stop: your new home for the long weekend! Rest easy when you book a stay at any Wauwatosa-area hotel for a comfortable visit at a convenient location.

For your first adventure through Tosa, we’re sending you to the heart of our charming city — Tosa Village. Harwood Ave is the perfect destination to start your shopping spree.

Venture down the street to shop small (and local!) at numerous boutiques, including Mooi for home decor and accessories, Flannel Fox for clothing and home goods, Shop Privy for women’s clothing and accessories, Magpie Jewelry & Metal Studio for artisan jewelry, and Heinsight Leather for stunning leather purses and clothing.

Can’t get enough of the Tosa Village shops? Enjoy The Flower Lady for plants and gifts, Little Read Book Store for the perfect vacation read, Studio Rik Rak for vintage treasures, and Salamander for women’s clothing and accessories.

After truly getting your steps in by shopping through Tosa Village, fuel up at Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club or Café Hollander. This winter, both restaurants currently offer heated outdoor dining experiences (reservations required in advance) that you won’t want to miss.

For a quick and easy place to grab a warm, cozy bite to eat, Loup Soups is just the place to visit.

As if your first 24 hours in Wauwatosa weren’t jam-packed with enough activities, a visit to East Tosa’s murals is always one of the top places we recommend people visit. Wander through this charming district and try to spot all seven murals (and tag us in your photos!).

For a pre-dinner treat or a festive happy hour, stop into Santa Camp at Camp Bar. The bar is decked out in bright lights and features a limited-time holiday-inspired menu that includes fun twists on the classics, such as a Merrier Margarita, Gin & Tidings, and White Christmas.

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll need dinner plans! While in East Tosa, we recommend Ca’Lucchenzo for handcrafted pasta that’s made right in front of you, Crafty Cow for burgers that guarantee the ultimate cheese pull, or Il Mito Trattoria E Enoteca for delectable Italian cuisine and wine pairings.

Day 2

Wake up for another jam-packed day of shopping ahead — but first, brunch!

Grab a table at Blue’s Egg for a modern American menu that’s often recognized as Milwaukee’s best breakfast and best brunch. They also strive to preserve the EGG (Everyone’s Good Graces) through charitable initiatives.

Now that you’ve had a big brunch, it’s time to shop big. Mayfair Mall is your one-stop shopping destination that’s complete with big-name retailers for entertainment — including Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Lululemon. There are ample options for a self-proclaimed techy or bookworm (and just about anyone on your holiday shopping list!).

Make your way over to our 68th & Wells district to continue checking things off your holiday shopping list — or finding things for yourself! Ruckus & Glee is a local, husband-and-wife-owned toy shop that features everything from cat’s cradle to lava lamps.

Looking for women’s clothing and accessories? Stop into Hyde Park MKE, a women-owned business that was originally a tailor and dry clean-only business since 1960.

At this point in your day, you’ll surely need a pick-me-up. For a sweet treat, make your way over to 68th & Wells’ La Tarte or Simma’s Bakery. If you need to take the caffeinated route, Colectivo Coffee on the corner of N 68th Street and W Wells Street is your place.

If you’re ready for an early dinner instead, visit Eldr + Rime in the Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel for innovative and elevated cuisine and craft cocktails, or Good City Brewing in The Mayfair Collection for craft beer on draft paired with delicious bites.

Day 3

For the third day of your visit to our charming city, discover our third shopping experience, The Mayfair Collection. The Mayfair Collection is an outdoor, walkable destination that’s perfect for those days when you need some fresh air and great eats, but also have a shopping agenda.

For California-inspired breakfast, lunch, or brunch dishes, Golden Nest Pancakes & Café in The Mayfair Collection will not disappoint. Order an assortment of favorites from savory to sweet.

While you’re visiting The Mayfair Collection, shop around! Explore fashion-forward stores for both men and women, like DSW, Nordstrom Rack, and TJ Maxx.

As a bonus to your trip, discover Lion’s Tail Brewing in MidTown to try any of their 15 Lion’s Tail brews on tap.

Learn more about where to stay, where to eat, and things to do while you’re here in Wauwatosa.