If you’re from Wauwatosa or have visited before, you can back us up when we say that we have some pretty spectacular local spots serving up the best food and drink options in Wisconsin — and Tosa’s holiday-inspired creations are no exception. Wauwatosa’s restaurants, bars and breweries know how to celebrate the season with flavors that bring you back to your grandmother’s kitchen and warm you up so you can embrace Wisconsin’s cold winters. This year, safely discover the magic of Tosa and get a taste of why the holiday season is the most wonderful time of year in our small town with a few of our favorite must-have holiday-inspired food and drink specials!
Santa Camp at Camp Bar
Decked out in bright lights and boasting holiday spirit, Camp Bar features a limited-time Santa Camp menu just in time for the holiday season. Their extensive drink list features warm and cold beverages with festive names like Naughtier Spice, White Christmas, The Grinch, Reindeer Games, and North Pole Nog. They’ve even added a seasonal twist on the classics: Old Fashioned Christmas, Santa-Hattan Manhattan, Gin & Tidings, Dirty Tinsle-Tini, and more.
December Dessert Menu at Black Twig Bakery
Whether you’re looking for a sweet or savory treat, Black Twig Bakery is the perfect spot for the best of both worlds. Each month, they create a new limited-time specialty menu with fresh flavors to highlight the taste of the season. This month, you can support their small business by pre-ordering tasty treats online. Dig into their gingerbread cake, holiday cupcakes, holiday cookie charcuterie board, hot cocoa bomb box, and more.
Hot Coffee from Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
If you ask us, caffeine is a must during the holidays, and Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. never lets us down with one of their hot, holiday-inspired cups of joe. From their caramel latte to their orange cardamom soy latte with house-made syrup, this local spot will put pep in your step and a smile on your face so you can tackle the holiday season with ease.
Sweet Treats from Rocket Baby Bakery
Another can’t-miss Wauwatosa bakery to check out during the holiday season, Rocket Baby Bakery brings seasonal flavors to the forefront of every bread and pastry in their shop. Safely open for both pick-up and delivery, order ahead to secure menu favorites like their cranberry raspberry sugar plum or mocha danishes, mini caramel toffee cheesecakes, six-pack holiday macaroon sampler, peppermint french silk pie, and more.
Chocolate Characters from Niemann’s Candies and Ice Cream
Yes, we were taught not to play with our food, but how adorable are these chocolate figurines? Niemann’s had us at “Solid Chocolate Vintage Santa” in both dark and milk chocolate, which are available to order on their website. Other delicious treats (available all year round), include their almond butter toffee box, non-pareils, almond bark, and Fairy Food — a Tosa favorite.
Sweater Weather Stout from The Fermentorium Barrel House
Tap into the flavors of the season with the Fermentorium’s lineup of ‘Sweater Weather’ brew. You know you’re in for some festive fun with stout names like Sweater Weather, “Car Bomb” Sweater Weather, Ugly Sweater Weather, and S’mores Sweater Weather. Stop into their Tosa barrel house to taste these imperial doubles on tap. If you do plan on supporting them in-person this season, please do so responsibly by wearing a face covering and keeping a safe distance from others. Discover Wauwatosa wants to ensure you have a safe and healthy travel experience. Learn more about where to stay, where to eat, and things to do while you’re here in Wauwatosa. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, please check the local hotel and travel restrictions and retail and restaurant hours/menus before you go. Header photo courtesy of @midwest_foodie