A New Operator for Courthouse Cafe

Antigua Cafe rendering. Image courtesy of Citlali Mendieta.

For all but frequent visitors, the Milwaukee County Courthouse can easily become a maze, with each fluorescent-lit hallway blending into the next. Yet one part of the imposing complex has always stood out—more for its quirky charm than its grandeur

Just past the secured entrance off N. 10th St., a bright green awning advertises the Courthouse Cafe. A Watling fortune teller scale and two coin-operated candy dispensers stand next to the cafe’s glass door, projecting the look and feel of a retro arcade more than a government building.

The cafeteria space, once home to Elliott’s Deli Group, has witnessed bleary breakfasts, lively lunches, election-night activity and everything in between. However, it went dark in October 2024 when its most recent operator, Illy Grocer & Cafe, LLC, closed up shop.

After a brief hiatus, the cafe is set to reopen under new ownership with a fresh look and menu, aiming for a full return to service this spring.

Citlali Mendieta and Nicolás Ramos of Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen in West Allis will lead the operation, offering standard grab-and-go items — oatmeal, salads, sandwiches — along with Antigua-style specials.

In addition to their brick-and-mortar restaurant, which will soon celebrate its 21st anniversary, the married couple also owns a catering company and a food truck. They previously operated a cafeteria in West Allis, but have since sold the business.

“We thought it would be really cool, given that the courthouse is such a busy building,” said Mendieta, who learned of the opportunity through her membership in Business Council Inc.

After visiting the three-building complex, which includes the courthouse, Milwaukee County Jail and the Safety Building, Mendieta felt her restaurant could fulfill a need. “[We have] the potential to serve all of these people that don’t really have anything accessible,” she said.

Prior to its official launch, Mendieta and Ramos plan to renovate the cafe space, incorporating additional lighting and bright colors for an inviting feel. They’re also completing a deep clean and replacing outdated equipment, with a target opening in May.

In the meantime, the cafe plans to serve grab-and-go meals through a walk-up window, with service beginning next week. A tentative menu features breakfast options like yogurt parfaits, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, overnight oats, bagels and protein boxes with hard-boiled eggs, cheese, almond and fruit. Lunch offerings could include quinoa salad, sandwiches and wraps, charcuterie and hummus and veggie plates.

Initially, those items will be prepared at the restaurant’s West Allis location, as the couple awaits licensing and inspection for the courthouse kitchen.

The cafe will also feature local and regional brands such as Rishi Tea, Big Shoulders Coffee and Carrie’s Crispies.

The previous operator, Elliott’s Deli Group, served the courthouse crowd for years until its closure in June 2024. Its subcontractor, Illy Grocer & Cafe, LLC, took over last summer and continued through October but decided against a one-year lease.

Following the departure, officials from the county’s Economic Development Division and Facilities Division were tasked with finding a new operator. After meeting with more than three dozen prospective operators, Antigua emerged as a favorite due to its “strong financial history” and ability to offer “balanced meal options for breakfast and lunch,” according to a report. The family-owned business is also a certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Business Enterprise.

Officials opted to forgo a Request for Proposals (RFP) in order to expedite the search process, citing “the value of café operations at the Courthouse for jurors, attorneys, judges, and Milwaukee County employees.”

The report identifies Antigua as a “temporary option,” noting that a future RFP is likely. For now, Milwaukee County and Antigua are entering a food service contract for 12 months with two, six-month renewal options, at Milwaukee County’s discretion to renew.

The cafe’s walk-up window could open as soon as later this week, Mendieta said. It will start with abbreviated hours, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but plans to adjust according to demand.

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