Like the neon sign in the window boasts, Mocais, 111 E. Wisconsin Ave., is definitely "an uncommon café."
Walk into Mocais, located in the Bank One building at Water and Wisconsin, and you're instantly greeted with a friendly smile from the hostess, and while most of the suit and tie customers are talking business on their lunch breaks, someone wearing jeans won't feel out of place.
Music plays softly overhead and a low murmur of laughter can be heard from the kitchen. Mocais is just the place for a relaxing lunch or mid-afternoon work break to enjoy a bite to eat or a cup of fair-trade coffee.
"We're Milwaukee's newest upscale wireless Internet café," says owner, Roz Thurner. "That's what sets us apart from other downtown cafes."
Thurner opened her café in January 2003. With the help of an agent, she was able to find the perfect spot for her full breakfast, full lunch and full bar menu -- in the Bank One Plaza.
"We wanted a restaurant downtown because of the hours," says Thurner. Being closed on the weekend gives her more family time. Mocais Café is open Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
{INSERT_RELATED}Fridays are an exception to the hours and the menu. The bar stays open until the last person decides to head home or meet up with some friends elsewhere and the café offers a Friday night fish fry.
The menu has a full breakfast selection and is served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. The lunch menu offers the traditional soup, salad and sandwich combinations along with a few vegetarian choices. The grill closes at 6 p.m., but cocktails are served from 11a.m. until closing. The bar not only offers a large variety of beers, liquor and cocktails but espresso drinks, too.
Mocais Café also does catering and you can call or fax ahead for carry-out. Thurner says she's also considering a delivery service, along with a few other ideas.
It may not stand out from the street, from which it is hidden by darkened windows, but Mocais is definitely worth checking out.
For more information call Mocais Café at (414) 271-6622.
