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In April, we told you to expect a new Vendetta Cafe in the former Interval Coffee, 2268 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. in Bay View by the end of July.
We're pleased to announce that the Italian-inspired coffee shop is hosting its soft opening ahead of schedule (and just in time to greet the onlookers for this year’s Bay View leg of the Kwik Trip Tour of America’s Dairyland).
That said, if you visit the new cafe over the next few days, be sure to give them a bit of grace as they adjust to their new environment and, inevitably, serve a host of excited new customers. Also note that their soft opening hours will be abbreviated, with hours: Thursday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed on Sunday and Monday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What to expect
It seems that owners Bill Haley and Tommy Orlando have once again created a casual-yet-classy neighborhood destination where folks can gather to work or study, take a meeting or socialize with friends.
Loosely modeled after Caffé V, an upscale cafe and restaurant that the owners visited last summer in Padua, the cafe presents a modern, upscale vibe with a deep charcoal and white color palette, tasteful black and white Italian-inspired art and shelving filled with books and chic tchotchkes.
As for what you’ll find on the menu, it will be similar to what Vendetta offers at their Walker’s Point location. That means a full complement of Italian-inspired coffee drinks (including espresso, macchiatones, lattes and shakeratos), available throughout the day.
It means an excellent selection of specialty cocktails (from Negronis to Espresso Martinis) and a food menu that includes Italian pastries, panini, specialty Pinza pizzas and Pinza sandwiches.
However, it also means a staff of friendly, knowledgeable employees who not only create delicious coffee drinks, but make customers feel as if they're welcome and appreciated.
Ultimately, the new cafe will provide Bay View residents and visitors another spot to grab their morning coffee, grab lunch or a casual dinner, or lean into the Italian tradition of aperitivo, socializing over drinks and lighter fare as a warm-up before dinner.
Moving forward, Haley says that they’re also looking forward to activating the unique corner patio that flanks Kinnickinnic Avenue and South Allis Street. Guests can expect to see patio furniture appear in the weeks ahead and the very likely potential for live music in the weeks ahead.
Beginning Monday, July 1, Vendetta Coffee Bay View’s hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Be sure to follow Vendetta Coffee on Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.
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.
