Discover Wauwatosa Visitors Guide

Follow the fireflies

WELCOME!

We welcome all, so no matter who you are or why you’re here, we welcome you to explore the city we call home. From arts and cuisine to parks and shopping, we are pretty proud of our community and what we have for you to discover. So please bring your sense of adventure and make your way through our wonderful city.

Speaking of proud, we’re also proud neighbors of Milwaukee. That means you’re just a five-minute drive from the Milwaukee County Zoo, less than ten from American Family Field (Go Brewers!), and fifteen from the Milwaukee Art Museum.

THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO EXPLORE

Welcome to Wauwatosa – a walkable, welcoming destination comprised of five dynamic districts each packed with their own treasures to uncover.

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MAYFAIR & THE MAYFAIR COLLECTION

Stop by the only place in Southeast Wisconsin to find name brands like Nordstrom, Crate & Barrel, and LEGO and fuel up at one-of-a-kind restaurants like Eldr+Rime. Then head up the road to The Mayfair Collection where deals are waiting for you to find them at Ulta, T.J. Maxx, and more.

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MIDTOWN WAUWATOSA

Unwind like a local at Midtown Wauwatosa’s many shops and stops. Without a chain in sight, you’ll discover resident favorites like Joy Ice Cream Social, Thai-namite, Lion's Tail Brewing, and lots of coffee shop options to choose from.

EAST TOSA

Down the road from Midtown, you’ll find local bakeries, cantinas, and a comfortable pedestrian plaza to rest up for more exploration. While you’re bopping around, keep an eye out for our larger-than-life murals at North Avenue Mural Arts District, also known as the NoMAD district.

THE VILLAGE

Explore where downtown meets European charm with an area packed full of boutiques and one-of-a-kind dining experiences like Le Rêve Patisserie & Café, Ristorante Bartolotta, Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club, and more. It’s easily walkable, perfectly quaint, and home to many of the city’s events throughout the year.

68 TH & WELLS

This intersection brings a neighborhood feel and long-time visitor favorites together in one spot. Mornings are fun and flavorful in this beautiful corner with Colectivo Coffee, Simma’s Bakery, and the kid-favorite Ruckus & Glee toy store.

ART IS IN EVERYTHING

WE DO

In Wauwatosa, art is everywhere—in our streets, parks, restaurants, and festivals. We celebrate creativity in every corner, inviting visitors to explore, connect, and experience the heart of our community through art and expression.

ART BENCHES

Firefly Grove Park is also home to five whimsical benches created by various artists. Each artist brings a unique approach to seating in the park, inviting you to sit down and immerse yourself in the art that makes Firefly Grove Park so special.

MAMA ROSA

Created by world-renowned artist, Thomas Dambo, Mama Rosa lights up Firefly Grove Park. This 24-foot troll is created with wood from Wauwatosa’s urban forest and is the only Dambo troll to feature electricity. See the “flowers” she picked and get to know her yourself –you may just become a troll hunter after meeting her.

FEELING FESTIVE?

Join us every June for ART 64®, The Nation’s Largest Live Bracket-Style Painting Tournament where 64 artists compete for your votes and a $20,000 prize. Then shop over 65 artists’ works on the grounds of the historic Kneeland-Walker house at August’s Firefly Art Fair.

NORTH AVENUE MURAL ARTS DISTRICT (N o MAD)

Discover this series of larger-than-life art installations featuring local, regional, and international muralists. Nine murals are located in the walkable East Tosa district making it the perfect excuse to grab a cup of coffee and take an afternoon stroll.

WHAT’S WITH THE FIREFLIES?

It’s believed that the name Wauwatosa is derived from native languages’ word for “firefly.”

EAT UP OUR FOOD SCENE

From boozy brunches and gluten-free lunches to cheesy appetizers and high-end entrées, Wauwatosa will bring out your inner foodie no matter what you’re craving. Our five districts are packed with diverse offerings like locally owned establishments, award-winning chefs, family favorites, time-tested restaurants, and so much more. So, bring your appetite and sense of adventure when dining in Wauwatosa.

KICK IT UP A NOTCH

Get your caffeine fix at more than 20 coffee spots. You’ll find worldfamous crullers at Cranky Al’s, a space for parents and kids to wake up and play at The Little Village Play Café, and welcoming spaces to relax and unwind at Stone Creek Coffee, Anodyne Coffee, Cafe Blue, Fiddleheads Coffee, and Colectivo. And don’t skip the authentic Italian coffees at Vendetta Coffee Bar in The Village.

SAY CHEESE

It wouldn’t be Wisconsin without cheese. Enjoy delicious cheese trays and a side of wine at both The Village Cheese Shop and Ruby Tap.

DID SOMEONE SAY DESSERT?

There is no shortage of places to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try ice cream that’s sure to put a smile on your face at Joy Ice Cream Social, vegan specialty treats at Tabal Chocolate, and places that combine artistry and flavor like Ultimate Confections and Le Rêve Patisserie & Café.

BREW UP SOME FUN

Wauwatosa is home to plenty of breweries, beer gardens, and tasting rooms where you can get your fill of local flavors.

Every March, Wauwatosa hosts ten days of dining deals where you can explore the city, sample new flavors, and support local businesses.

THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE

Calling all families, pets, shoppers, foodies, runners, bikers … actually, calling anyone who loves to explore. Come see how you can fill your days with fun, flavor, and festivities in Wauwatosa.

We pack a lot of fun into our parks. With trails, creeks, skate parks, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, pickleball courts, fields, beer gardens, and even a stage, we’re sure you’ll find something to love in one of our parks.

9 PARKS

TONS OF EVENTS

What can we say? We like to celebrate. Don’t miss Tosa Restaurant Week, The Tosa Tonight Concert Series, Farmers Market, Tosa Village Classic, ART 64 Firefly Art Fair, Tosa Fest and so much more.

Wauwatosa’s mouth-watering food and beverage scene offers a dynamic variety of buzzed-about eateries, local watering holes, and emerging international flavors.

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RESTAURANTS

2 GOLF COURSES

Get out on the green at Currie Park Golf Course or Hansen Park Golf Course.

8 HOTELS

Rest up at one of our eight hotels for another day of exploration.

DINE, STAY, AND PLAY

Go big in Mayfair Mall’s 160+ shops and in The Mayfair Collection.

Or, shop small in our locally owned businesses, there are over 100 of them in The Village and dozens more in Midtown Tosa and near 68th and Wells.

100S OF

SHOPS

Wauwatosa welcomes all –especially families. Not to boast, but we’ve got a great community.

CHECK OUT OUR HISTORY

See the places that have stood the test of time and help bring the historic charm we’re known for in Wauwatosa.

THE VILLAGE OF WAUWATOSA

Not only is it home to great shopping and dining, but The Village of Wauwatosa also tells the story of the area’s first settlers with buildings dating back to the 1830s.

LITTLE RED STORE

This little building has a big history and has reinvented itself time and time again since its construction in the 1850s.

WAUWATOSA CURLING CLUB

For over 100 years, the Wauwatosa Curling Club has brought the sport to our area with memberships, adaptive curling and some of the best bonspiels you’ll ever come across.

@niemannscandies

NIEMANN’S

Since 1919, Niemann’s has been making Village goers happy with homemade candy and ice cream. Try the recipes that have been passed down for generations.

KNEELAND-WALKER HOUSE

Built in 1890, this house is the largest remaining residential lot in Wauwatosa and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also home to the Wauwatosa Historical Society and vibrant Victorian gardens that host many events throughout the year.