
Milwaukee has embraced the food hall concept over the years, with varying degrees of success. Among these, Crossroads Collective on the East Side has consistently stood out. After a long break since our last visit, we returned to find a lineup of entirely new vendors (except for The Pharmacy Bar), which sparked our curiosity. Would the fresh offerings and service make it a go-to destination once again?

FOOD
Crossroads Collective features six vendors, five of which serve food. We sampled four of the five during our visit, saving room for a future trip to try Scratch Ice Cream and skipping The Pharmacy Bar this time. Here’s a breakdown of our culinary adventure:
1. Awi Sushi Â
Awi Sushi impressed us with its vast sushi rolls and Asian fusion dishes. We opted for the Philadelphia, Spicy Salmon, and California rolls, each made to order with noticeably high-quality ingredients. The portion sizes were satisfying and manageable. Awi Sushi’s extensive menu guarantees a return visit to explore more of their enticing creations.
2. Capybara Café Â
Specializing in Colombian street food, Capybara Café stole the show with its house-favorite cheese fingers. The combination of salty, sweet, and umami flavors, paired with garlic and pineapple dipping sauces, was simply delightful. And let’s not forget the satisfying cheese pull—a visual treat. With so many intriguing options on the menu, we’re excited to dive deeper into their offerings on our next visit.
3. Mex Avenue Â
Mex Avenue delivered bold and comforting flavors with every dish. The tortilla soup was rich and spicy, while the birria flautas served with rice provided hearty satisfaction. However, the Mex Fries stole the spotlight. This nacho-style dish swapped tortilla chips for crispy waffle fries, elevating the experience. We ended our tasting with mini churros, perfectly bite-sized and served with chocolate and vanilla dipping sauces. Mex Avenue has mastered the art of comfort food with a flavorful twist.
4. Temple Goddess & Adonis Burger Â
This vendor caters to vegetarians and vegans and offers a globally inspired menu. We sampled the Middle Eastern Platter, which features mushroom-based shawarma, basmati rice, hummus, flatbread, and dolma. While the seasoning wasn’t quite to our taste, the creativity of their dishes intrigued us, and we wanted to try more.
SERVICE

The service at Crossroads Collective exceeded our expectations. Each vendor was friendly, engaging, and eager to recommend their favorites. A standout feature was the thoughtful gesture of delivering our food directly to our table, even though pagers were provided. This added layer of hospitality made the experience feel personalized—an uncommon touch for food halls.
MEMORABILITY
Beyond the food, the vibrant atmosphere enhanced our visit. During our Thursday night outing, live music from the Elevator Jazz Trio filled the air, with patrons dancing along and contributing to the welcoming energy. Crossroads Collective is more than just a food hall; it’s a community hub with a lively event schedule worth checking out. Â
The only challenge is parking in the bustling East Side neighborhood, but the food hall mitigates this with curbside pickup and delivery options—incredibly convenient in colder months.
With its diverse offerings, excellent service, and lively ambiance, Crossroads Collective has rediscovered its groove. Whether you’re dining solo, planning a date night, or gathering with friends, there’s something for everyone—including options for various dietary preferences. We’re eager to return and continue our culinary exploration!
CROSSROADS COLLECTIVE FOOD HALL - OVERALL RATING: 4.5 / 5
Website: www.crossroadscollectivemke.com
Instagram:Â @crossroadsmke
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CrossroadsMKE
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