Vertical bike racks next to the open-air patio. (There's also a sheltered section).

Colorful chairs identical to those at other Alterra cafes.

The Bay View Cafe opened at 6:30 a.m. this morning.

Baked in Bay View: the new cafe is also the home of the Alterra Baking Co.

Coffee drinkers and diners watch the bakers.

The first skim vanilla lattes ever made at the Bay View Cafe.

First look at new Bay View Alterra

Alterra Coffee Roasters' Bay View Cafe opened to the public this morning at 6:30 a.m. A little before 9 a.m., I swung by to check it out.

The new cafe, located at the intersection of Kinnickinnic and Lincoln Avenues, is perhaps the largest of the Alterras (there are 12 locations, 10 free-standing cafes, one in the US Bank building and one at Mitchell International Airport).

The two-story building has an open view of the Alterra Baking Company on the ground floor and an upstairs sitting area that resembles a large living room with couches and stuffed chairs. There's also a massive patio, part of which is sheltered.

Other interesting features include vertical bike racks on two sides of the building, a green roof and an outdoor waterfall that's part of the building's water management system.

The spacious, light-filled cafe provides a cool view of a very busy intersection and the decor is in line with what has become the classic Alterra look.

"We are thrilled to be a part of the neighborhood," says Alterra's Ramie Camarena.

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captain | Aug. 14, 2012 at 12:54 p.m. (report)

Beautiful Building. I love how the bakery is open for viewing. It's like the neighborhood is completed with this building. Awesome. I'm an Alterra junkie and live a few blocks away so this has made my year! My new Home :)

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sandstorm | Aug. 13, 2012 at 3:02 p.m. (report)

Coffee is served in nearly every place with a doorway in this town.
this won't affect other businesses in the area at all.
well...maybe for the better with more foot traffic, but certainly not for the worse.

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mygreendoor | Aug. 13, 2012 at 8:34 a.m. (report)

Um,devidia, Bay View IS on the south side. The mall is in Greenfield.

I just hope this place doesn't drive away business from the amazing food places already at this intersection. Cafe Lulu, Cream City Coffee, and Cafe Centraal also serve coffee...

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devidia | Aug. 10, 2012 at 11:55 a.m. (report)

This is great and all, but I'll say it again.

Hey, Alterra, how about a SOUTH SIDE LOCATION????? Say around Southridge Mall somewhere???

We "souf siders" would love to give you more business.

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