The National Cafe

Delicious food and coffee. Its one of those niche places that you often wouldn't know of if you weren't in the area or told by someone, and that makes it feel all the more special. Easily one of my favorite cafe places

As an out-of-towner, I am trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, and hoping I came on an off day.

Things I wish I knew beforehand:
There are no menus or service. Even for dine-in, you must order entirely from your phone and bus your own table. If you have any dietary restrictions or concerns, the online menu will not have enough information to guide you. You will have to find a way to approach the waitstaff, and even polite questions or requests will be met with disdain. Unless you place a single online order, for the full table, food will be served at vastly different times. You will have to make the decision whether to let your food go cold, or be done eating long before the rest of your table is served. Even if the restaurant seating is at half capacity, you may have to wait upwards of 45 minutes for very simple food.

As for the meal. I ordered the chorrizo sandwhich. It didn't taste bad, but it wasn't what I was expecting either. It was basically a sloppy joe, with the strongest notes being catsup and sugar. I've had deeper and richer flavor profiles over a boy scout's campfire. I hope other items on the menu bring more to the table.

Pros:
The coffee was good. It's the perfect atmosphere if you're craving a dine-in experience, but hate the idea of service or basic human interaction.

Cons:
You may have to wait an inexplicably long time for food that feels like it was tossed together in five minutes.

Great vegan options at reasonable prices! Not in the prettiest area but otherwise we really loved it!

The food was fantastic. Lots of vegan options. You order at the counter and then find a table. Self service for water and coffee.

Pork chorizo burrito is delicious, coffee is top notch as well. Cozy little place!

Enjoyed a great late breakfast early lunch here. I got the vegan deluxe breakfast sandwich while my girlfriend got the vegan breakfast sandwich. Both were delicious. Would definitely come back and enjoy some more food here.

Amazing food and amazing service. Alyssa at the front was so unbelievably kind and patient with my elderly and hard of hearing mother. Most people get frustrated with her easily but Alyssa took her time and read through the menu and bakery options with her. We aren’t used to patience like this and I felt like she deserved an extra shout out. Thank you Alyssa and eveyone at the National. We will be back! Also, get the huevos rancheros. Delicious.

Best breakfast in MKE. For sure.

When it comes to brunch The National is a great place to bring family or friends. All the food is great and while it might a little time to get your food made from scratch it will be worth it!

Food was alright nothing to write home about, location is cool - plenty of street parking. Place is chaotic, crammed and little underwhelming. Service was great and food was just okay. Definitely go on a week day.