Discover some Hidden Gems of Wauwatosa
Tosa’s Five Dynamic Districts: The Inside Scoop
When you explore Wauwatosa, you not only find the heart and soul of our city, but you will also discover our five dynamic districts, each with its own sense of character and charm.
Take a peek at why each neighborhood holds a special part of Tosa’s heart, and use this guide to step out and discover Tosa for yourself. We can’t wait to see you when you arrive.
The Village
The Village of Wauwatosa offers unique, local boutiques, a variety of dining options for any and all occasions, and a varied and vibrant nightlife. We have free parking, a seasonal farmer’s market, and beautiful public spaces and parks to visit.
From date night dinners at Firefly to sipping wine at The Ruby Tap on a Saturday afternoon, to dipping chips in Jose’s Blue Sombrero guacamole at Happy Hour with a Margarita in hand— you’ll find plenty at The Village to cure any craving.
Our unique stores and boutiques, most owned by Tosa locals, are perfect for shopping strolls with family or friends. Shop high-end boutiques like Salamander for the latest fashions, hunt for that vintage find at Studio Ric Rak, become a plant parent at The Flower Lady, purchase a classic hardback book at The Little Read Book Store, or design a custom leather piece at Heinsight.
We’re also home to multiple public parks: Hart Park, Pocket Park and Root Common Park. Each one is perfect for sitting quietly outdoors with a good book, or loads of outdoor activities like enjoying a round of tennis in the warmer months, a curling match in the winter months, or walking or jogging with friends.
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East Tosa
Aptly-named East Tosa is located on the East side and is a vibrant urban community with a classic Main Street feel. Much like anywhere in Wauwatosa, you’re bound to find good local brews—both coffee and beer. Gather around an authentically eclectic, industrial-chic taproom at East Tosa’s Gathering Place Brewing where they serve award-winning, community-centered craft beer.
Cranky Al’s is another spot for coffee and more. Their robust breakfast menu includes just about everything you could possibly consider for a breakfast item—think savory bacon tacos, a meat lovers burrito, or sweet peanut butter buttercream-filled doughnuts.
Rocket Baby Bakery landed in East Tosa in 2012, and bakes all of their goods from scratch daily, while using local Wisconsin ingredients as frequently as possible. Serving up an assortment of light, crispy breads, dozens of pastries, fresh sandwiches, and more, you’ll taste their attention to detail in every single bite.
There’s more to East Tosa than coffee and sweet treats, you’ll find colorful, eye-catching murals and delicious locally-owned eateries that we’re sure you will fall in love with.
MidTown
Nestled in the center of Wauwatosa between East Tosa and Mayfair, MidTown is a budding district with a lot to explore. Enjoy roughly 50 locally-owned businesses and shops, including Fiddleheads Coffee Roasters, Kwench Juice Cafe, Lion’s Tail Brewing, and Joy Ice Cream Social.
Spice up your trip with a visit to Thai-namite, a delicious Thai restaurant serving up some amazing hot curry options. If you can’t take the heat, walk across the street to Hui’s Cantonese and American for yummy Chop Suey and Chow Mein.
MidTown Grill serves up even another option just a few steps away! It’s a cozy, itty bitty diner, but the food will leave a large, lasting impression.
Need a pick-me-up? Grab your caffeine fix from Colectivo, then head over to Menomonee River Parkway to sip your coffee with serene, nature-filled views.
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Mayfair & Mayfair Collection
One of the newest additions to Wauwatosa is The Mayfair Collection. The mixed-use development features a Whole Foods, Nordstrom Rack, an eclectic mix of local restaurants, and luxury apartments.
When it comes to the restaurant mix at Mayfair— foodies have their pick.
Nestled into The Mayfair Collection, Golden Nest Pancakes & Cafe serves up savory and sweet breakfast and lunch favorites like Cinnamon Swirl French Toast and the Boom Boom Quinoa Shrimp Wrap. Top off your meal with their full drink and espresso bar!
Good City Brewing’s owners are passionate about a few things – one of them is beer. They offer over numerous beers on draft, so it’s the perfect place to grab a drink and watch a game. Head to the dog-friendly patio and challenge your friends to a game of cornhole—the classic Midwestern bean bag toss.
Shopping favorites include T.J. Maxx, Ulta, Home Goods, Nordstrom Rack, J.Crew Factory, Old Navy, and more.
68th & Wells
68th & Wells is a quaint little district with a larger-than-life personality. Decked out with specialty shops from coffee to cakes and plenty of open-air park spaces, the southeast corner of Tosa is a special place you just can’t miss.
If you ask us, we’ll say there’s no such thing as too much sugar, which makes 68th & Wells one of our favorite intersections in all of Tosa. If you have a sweet tooth like we do, stop by Simma’s Bakery, a family-owned operation, known for Milwaukee’s award-winning cheesecake.
If you’re craving more, you can find La Tarte right around the corner. This sweet bakery features a menu filled with seasonal and custom cookies, tortes, bars, and more made with secret family recipes.
While you’re there, you might as well take a stroll around the block to Ultimate Confections, a chocolate shop that has hand-dipped all types of chocolatey treats in Wauwatosa for more than 30 years.
This district also provides a breath of fresh air over at Jacobus Park. Spend the entire day wandering their mixed-use trails, admiring the lily pad covered pond, and playing catch on the athletic field.
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