Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood recently welcomed a new multi-hyphenated gathering space: Station 1846 (215 W. Bruce St.; 414-209-4808). The coffee shop, bar, co-working and event space celebrated its grand opening the first weekend of August. The event featured a full coffee and drink menu, pizza from Flourchild Pizza, and a very special performance by Golden Gals MKE.
Station 1846 is the brainchild of Meghan Miles, founder of City Tours MKE, a local company that offers specialized tours of Milwaukee including brewery tours, karaoke tours, and wine and chocolate tasting tours. The new venue will serve as a central hub for the tours, providing a spot where participants can meet, grab a drink before the tour, or hang out for a bite afterward. It will also house the fleet of tour vehicles used to take visitors across the city.
Station 1846 was once used as an auto repair shop. Architects Galbraith Carnahan Architects, interior designers Design Theory 19, and construction team Midwest Construction Group collaborated on the renovations that have completely transformed the 134-year-old building. They preserved one key feature: the glass garage doors that lead to the front patio, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor dining experience—great for these last weeks of summer.
Inside, Cream City brick, dark painted walls, hanging plants, tuxedo sofas, and leather details create the look of a cozy private library. The space is just as suited for sipping cocktails as it is to getting some work done. A framed sign that reads “Schaefer Auto Services” pays tribute to the building’s former owners.
During opening weekend, visitors came in and out of the space, sitting on the patio, scooting up to the bar, or relaxing on the sofa. The bartenders stayed busy serving up a mix of specialty coffee drinks, mocktails and cocktails, as well as some specialty drinks. In addition to a small selection of Flourchild pizzas, Station 1846 serves giant soft pretzels with a mustard dipping sauce.
Saturday afternoon, the Golden Gals MKE, a senior dance group, shimmied through the station. They danced to an eclectic mix of songs including “Lil Boo Thang” by Paul Russell, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by the Andrew Sisters, and the iconic Golden Girls theme song, “Thank You For Being A Friend,” performed by Cynthia Fee. Following their performance, Milwaukee artist Curtis Miller, a.k.a American Illusion, did a live painting on the patio.
Station 1846 joins Milwaukee’s growing roster of multi-use venues. Spaces like Anodyne (just across the street), Vendetta Coffee Bar, Wantable Cafe, and MARN blend coffee shop, bar, event venue, and co-working functionalities. Station 1846 is the latest example of the city’s shift toward multifunctional spaces that cater to both work and leisure.
Station 1846 is open Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays-Thursdays from 9:30 a.m to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to midnight, and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for updates and events.
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