Central Wisconsin Day Trip: Kavarna Coffeehouse Serves Up Green Bay Flavor

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Popular Green Bay Coffeehouse Offers Wisconsin Coffee, Vegetarian-Friendly Fare

Located in the heart of Downtown’s Broadway District, Kavarna is a great place to stop and feel Green Bay on its non-Packer pulse.

The vegetarian-friendly coffeehouse is a leisurely spot for catching up or getting work done with the free wi-fi. Sounds of chatter and cream-topped coffee mugs thudding on the wooden tables create a lulling soundtrack by which to pass an afternoon. Brick walls decorated with large paintings extend into a lofty ceiling. Order at the counter and then grab a seat by the sunny front window or from the many tables located near the back and in the lower level, where the children’s play area is located.

Kavarna cooks their meals from scratch with some ingredients sourced from Wisconsin producers. They also make all of the baked goods that tempt customers at the front counter, from pie slices to cookie bars, to quick breakfast items. Dairy-free items are marked on the menu, and certain menu items can be made gluten-free.

Kavarna-Insert-ECWTo start, try a bottomless cup of Milwaukee-roasted coffee or choose from the variety of teas, cocoas, steamers, and blended drinks like the espresso shake or fruit smoothie. Daily drink specials are written on the chalkboard behind the front counter. Also check out the beer options in the cooler and the bottles of wine.

Some of the breakfast options include stuffed French toast with real maple syrup, avocado toast, and oatmeal with chocolate chips and cherries. Get scrambled eggs in a herbed tortilla with fruit on the side, or try the daily special strata. Breakfast is served from 7-11 a.m. and all day on the weekend.

For an afternoon snack, try the homemade hummus made fresh daily, the selection of pasta and grain salads, and baked yam fries. The herbed mac & cheese is baked with a tomato and a slice of fontina cheese.

The deli sandwiches are made with artisan meats and cheeses. Smoked turkey pairs with Nueske bacon on pumpernickel, and Black Forest ham with baby Swiss and honey Dijon mustard on a pretzel bun. Vegetarian burgers include the black bean patty with smoked pepperjack and the walnut patty with grilled zucchini and herbed mayo on wheat.

There’s a wider selection of vegetarian wraps and pitas, although there is a chicken wrap. Try the flavorful feta portabella mushroom wrap with garlic cream cheese and spinach, or the Mediterranean burrito made with hummus and veggies.

For those cold Wisconsin winters, warm up with the hearty gypsy vegetable soup or the special soup. Pair it with half-portion of green salad like the house salad with Kavarna’s grapeseed oil vinaigrette or the nutty spinach with dried cranberries and pomegranate vinaigrette.

Kavarna hosts the occasional concert and community event (including book festival Untitledtown in Spring), and it also hosts pop-up opportunities in a side room called the Leap Room. Check out their Facebook page for times and dates and the latest happenings.

Parking is available on the street or in the parking lot behind the coffeehouse and is free in the Downtown area on weekends.

Looking for something else to do nearby? The Farmers Market on Broadway runs Wednesdays from late May to Late September from 3-8:00 p.m with live music.

Kavarna Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
143 N. Broadway St.