RM
Ryan Mackman, MBA, MHA
Sep 29, 2025
I’ve been going to Café Hollander for years, and it just dawned on me that I’ve never left a review. Actually, let me rephrase that—I’ve been to almost all of their locations: Downtown, Mequon, Brookfield, and Wauwatosa.
Why? Because Café Hollander just works for almost everything. Need a spot to grab drinks after work with colleagues? Check. Date night? Check. Rooftop hangout with friends? Check. Family in town? Still check. I’ve even attended a graduation party/luncheon at one of their locations.
Somehow, Café Hollander has become one of those places everyone ends up at, which says a lot about the atmosphere and the food. I’ve run into friends there purely by coincidence—and even spotted a Milwaukee Bucks player once at the Mequon location.
They’re probably best known for their brunches, and for good reason—their Bloody Marys are excellent. I like a little spice, so I usually go with the Spicy Badger or the Milwaukeean (ask for hot sauce). Pair that with their Cheese & Bacon Omelette or the “Hot Mess,” and you can’t go wrong.
For lunch or dinner, I like almost all of their burgers, but the Big Smokey and the Sconnie are my favorites. You also can’t go wrong with the Grilled Cheese Beef Tosti or the Meatloaf. All of them go great with their house beers. I love Belgian styles, so I usually go with the Theresa Tripel Blonde. I only wish I could buy some of their beers at the grocery store—you have to visit the restaurant to get them.
As a parent, the kids’ menu is a must for us. Thankfully, the grilled cheese, meatloaf, and French toast are all popular choices with our little one. Milk or apple juice are the go-to drinks. And we rarely leave without dessert—the Big Fudge Brownie is a perfect family shareable treat. You’ll probably have it all over your face by the end, but that’s half the fun.
Of course, these are just my personal favorites. There are plenty of other menu items worth trying, and that’s probably why we keep coming back. It’s a great place to sit out on the patio when the weather is nice, and the service is consistently excellent.
In a time when customer service can be hit or miss, Café Hollander locations continue to stand out.
In summary: something for everyone, great food, great service, casual atmosphere, usually easy parking, and a welcoming vibe. What more do you really need?