Experimental Coffee Shop Adds New Location

Discourse, the experimental coffee purveyor, added a second location. It’s now operating within the Milwaukee Art Museum.

The company was founded in Sister Bay, WI in 2017, but made the move from Door County to Milwaukee in 2021. It operated as a pop-up at various locations, before opening a permanent location in February at Crossroads Collective, 2338 N. Farwell Ave.

Now, as part of “a five-month residency,” you’ll also be able to find the self-described liquid workshop at Cafe Calatrava, 700 N. Art Museum Dr.

“We’re incredibly honored to be working with such a legendary establishment in the community,” said Ryan Castelaz, Discourse founder and creative director, in a statement. “The Discourse team and I pride ourselves on the craftsmanship behind our drinks, and we’re beyond excited to open up shop alongside an organization that shares our dedication to creativity.”

Discourse will offer a menu of coffee and tea options at the cafe. It will offer coffeeshop-staples like vanilla lattes, while also offering new drinks like “‘In Bloom’ Crenn.”

The “In Bloom” drink is a jasmine tea that includes lemon juice, wildflower honey, lavender, yuzu kosho, honey roasted pistachio and cured sumac. “Beetnik,” a sous vide coffee, includes candied pistachio milk, silk chili honey, orange oleo saccharum, bitters blend, apple-beet powder and edible flowers.

The cafe’s food menu will continue to be led by the museum’s executive chef Jamie Nelson.

“The Milwaukee Art Museum is excited to welcome Discourse: Coffee Workshop into the Museum Café to bring coffee to life in new ways for our visitors,” said Robert Stein, Milwaukee Art Museum deputy director and Chief Experience Officer. “Paired with lakefront views and freshly made food, Discourse’s artisanal creations provide the perfect moment to recharge during the workday or after touring the galleries.”

Discourse operates during the same hours the cafe is open, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cafe and coffee shop are open until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The cafe, located on the lower level of the art museum, is open for dine-in or takeout service.

Castelaz jointly operates Discourse with Olivia Molter, director of design, and Sean Liu, director of operations.

Discourse is scheduled to operate at the museum until Sept. 4, when its five month residency will end.