Downer Avenue: Starbucks, Boswell, Movie Theater and more, Oh My!
Downer Avenue alone is a great place with many shops and restaurants. It’s just a short walk from campus, or a very short bus ride on the 30 line. A few highlights include Starbucks, Boswell Book Company and Downer Theatre.
The nice thing about Starbucks is that it shares an inside door with Boswell. So, once you’re done studying and have refilled your drink, you can take a walk around the bookstore to see if a book speaks to you.
The historic Downer Theatre is another favorite spot, especially when they show older movies. It’s a smaller, intimate theater, so that is another perk. The UWM community can expect to see renovations coming to what is one of Wisconsin’s longest continuously running movie theaters.
Colectivo on North Prospect or the Lakefront
If you live on south campus (Cambridge, Riverview and Kenilworth), down the road is Colectivo, which is a local coffee shop and the vibes are amazing.
Along with the amazing food and drink options, students tend to spend a lot of time here to get a break from their room. If the weather is not in your favor, catch the 21 bus line from Cambridge or Riverview. If you’re coming from campus, catch the 21 as well. The 30 will get you there but you’ll have a bit of a farther walk.
You can also grab the shuttle from any of the stops, and make sure to hop off at the Kenilworth stop. On nicer days, it’s worth the extra walking to get to their coastal vibes location on the Lakefront.
Fusion Poke
Down the road from Cambridge and Riverview, and very near Kenilworth, is Fusion Poke, which has amazing rice bowl and sushi options.
Students tend to stop here every other week for a bento box and a boba drink. It does take dining dollars, so make sure to add them to the list of places to try. If you’re coming from campus, grab either the shuttle or the 30/21 lines.
Taichi Bubble Tea and Ramen
Similar to Fusion Poke, Taichi offers rice bowls and bubble tea. It has delicious ramen and a cool atmosphere with a second-floor balcony seating option.
UWM students find that it is nice to order food and drink for a long study afternoon session. The restaurant stays calm and chill, making it perfect for studying.
Often you’ll find that they have a small, very accommodating and kind staff serving drinks and food. Taichi always has the best homemade and authentic boba shop vibes. It’s located across from Ian’s Pizza and close to Whole Foods on North Avenue. Its bubble tea statue is a signature landmark to get a picture with.
Oriental Theatre & Ian’s Pizza
It’s a late-night staple, and YOU HAVE to go! Ian’s Pizza has many different options, and you can pay by the slice, so go crazy with the combos. It stays open later than other places, and it’s a short ride by bus or shuttle.
Students tend to swing by here after seeing a late movie at the Oriental Theatre, an iconic Milwaukee movie palace, with friends before heading home for the night. Keep an eye out for their specials as they tend to get creative, like having an apple pie pizza. Ian’s Pizza also takes dining dollars.
Rochambo Coffee and Tea House (Ro)
This is the ultimate community spot in Milwaukee and serves great drink options. At Rochambo, you can expect a lived-in experience and eclectic, quirky vibes with graffiti lining the walls of its second floor. Its furniture is mixed and matched with a second-hand feeling.
There is no coffee shop cooler and more niche than this landmark Brady Street shop. Everyone who enters Rochambo’s doors should understand that no one is a stranger and you will quickly meet some great people, as everyone is quite friendly.
It’s a must that every UWM student plans a hangout with friends or a solo/group study session at Rochambo. Consider showing up to any of Ro’s clubs, which include art and writing clubs. There’s a good chance you’ll see the UWM Post meeting or hanging out in a corner on the second floor.
The 30 bus line can get you here, or the B.O.S.S. can get you within walking distance. So, we’ll be meeting you at Ro.
Milwaukee Public Museum: One Bus Ride Away
The Milwaukee Public Museum is a 30-minute ride via the 30 line. This is the last year in the old building, so exhibits are slowly closing down. One must-see exhibit is the Old World and Streets of Milwaukee, as that will not be moved to the new building.
There is student pricing for admission and free days.
Third Street Market Hall
If you are a foodie, then you need to check this place out. Take the 30 line to be dropped off right in front of the entrance of the market hall. There are many different selections of food to please everyone.
Some favorites are Craft Boba, Kawa and Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ. Check out its website and then swing by to try your favorites. There are also games to play, games to watch and you might catch a movie playing too.
Anything at Henry Maier Festival Park
Most of the festivals and concerts happen on these grounds, including Summerfest. It has many different food options and shops open. You can spend the whole day on the grounds enjoying everything that it has to offer. Check the event calendar to see which festival speaks to you.
This was included in MKZine!
“MKZine: Student Lifestyle Guide” – Volume 1, Issue 1 – September 2026
“MKZine: Student Lifestyle Guide” is available for viewing online here: https://uwmpost.com/special-projects/mkzine-uwm-student-lifestyle-guide
