Milwaukee’s coffee culture is a blend of history, innovation and community. While known for its beer, coffee has quietly played a key role in the city’s story. Over the decades, roasters like Colectivo, Stone Creek and many more have shaped the coffee scene, focusing on quality and sustainability.
Today, smaller roasters like Isabella Rivera’s Isla Bella Coffee Roasters based at the BizStarts Community Market bring fresh energy and diversity to Milwaukee’s coffee culture. Drawing inspiration from their homeland of Puerto Rico, Rivera connects the rich stories of farmers to the people who enjoy their beans, emphasizing ethical sourcing and building relationships that go beyond the typical cup of coffee.
Isla Bella represents the growing movement to diversify the coffee industry and create spaces where coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a bridge to community and culture. Rivera and I went deep on that topic during a recent chat, which also included some love for the fantastic drinks coming out of their cafe (the Coquito Cookie is a personal favorite.
Listen to the full episode using the players on this page, and stop by Isla Bella on the corner of South 1st Street and Pittsburgh Avenue in Walker's Point.
