By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Apr 09, 2009 at 2:37 PM Photography: Whitney Teska

Singer-songwriter Lisa Germano croons a song that goes, "Coffee in the morning and wine in the evening and everything else is boring, boring."

Based on that sentiment, Germano would love Javino.

Javino -- a wine and coffee bar that will open in May at 303 E. Menomonee St. -- is the latest venture of husband-and-wife duo Lee Barczak and Jane Schilz. The couple owns Sheridan's in Cudahy and the Avalon Theater building in Bay View.

Barczak says he plans to open a second Javino in Bay View -- possibly inside the Avalon Theater building -- before the end of 2009.

The new Third Ward cafe, bar and wine shop will feature coffee, craft beers, wine (by the glass, bottle or case), beverage accessories and a light menu featuring salads, cheese plates, paninis and desserts.

"We'll also serve interesting and unusual sandwiches," says Barczak.

Javino -- which is a combination of the words "java" and "vino" --  will serve Milwaukee coffee roasted by Anodyne, Alterra and Cedarburg Coffee. Other coffee from around the world will be available, too.

The wine bar will serve a rotating selection of 30 wines, however Barczak says Javino will open any bottle of wine in the shop for a two-glass minimum pour.

"Our staff will be very well educated on both craft beers and wine," says Barczak.

According to Barczak, the construction process is on target, and Javino's will open in early-to-mid May. The indoor space provides seating for about 15 people, and the patio accommodates another 20 customers.

"Our target audience is anyone between the ages of 21 and 71 who loves wine and coffee," says Barczak. "Javino is going to be very warm and inviting, as well as elegant."

Javino will be completely non-smoking. Charlies, a bar opening next door in a couple of weeks, will permit smoking.

The state of the economy is not a deterrent for Barczak. He says his other businesses are still  doing well because of his commitment to affordability and quality.

"People are looking for value right now. Although they realize they can't afford a big vacation, they still want to be out and about and enjoy the city, so I think places like Javino will be of great value," says Barczak.

Barczak says he has been a wine enthusiast sine 1973 and visited wine-making regions in many parts of the world.

"I am passionate about wine," he says. "For me, there is nothing more fun than introducing people to a new bottle of wine and giving wine parties. Wine is taking its rightful place as the beverage of choice."


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.