It’s been quite the journey. But Midwest Sad is finally ready to welcome the public to its new Walker’s Point location this weekend, offering fans a first taste of the bakery and cafe’s beloved treats and a cozy evening bar space.
Founded by Samantha Sandrin in May 2024 at 770 N. Jefferson St., Midwest Sad quickly became known for baked goods that lift spirits. After building a small wholesale business and delighting locals with cookies, cinnamon rolls, bars, puddings and savory breads, the team set out to open a brick-and-mortar location. [Read more about the vision here]
The new venue at 601 S. 6th St., in the former Schlitz tied house, occupies 2,600 square feet, including a ground-floor cafe and bar, a basement kitchen and an outdoor green space Sandrin hopes to (eventually) use as a patio. While delays have tested the team, months of hard work and community support have brought Midwest Sad to its soft opening.
A bit of what to expect
Sandrin’s vision for the space goes beyond the typical bakery or cafe. Guests can expect coffee and pastries in the morning, deli-inspired sandwiches and salads for lunch and a bar serving snacks and drinks after 5 p.m.
During the soft opening, as Midwest Sad tests things out, guests can expect a smaller menu with a smattering of items from classic bakery items to new creations, coffee and drinks.
Meanwhile, guests can expect a space that embraces a playful, eclectic and welcoming vibe that Sandrin has previously described as “Midwest grandma meets ’70s retro meets Millennial cat lady.” Original hardwood floors and brick walls set the stage for a pink-and-green bar, retro tile and a mix of table and soft seating.
It’s a soft opening, so stop by, tip generously and give the team a warm welcome.
Soft opening hours are Saturday, Sept. 27 from 12 to 6 p.m.; Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. and Monday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Keep your eyes on OnMilwaukee for more details (and maybe even a sneak peak) as they develop.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
