Colectivo Coffee used to be the only coffee shop that was easily accessible for the Pasadena and Swan Park neighborhoods in the city of Wauwatosa. A majority of coffee drinkers in Wauwatosa prefer to purchase coffee and treats from smaller scale businesses, but many of us, including me, have felt restricted for years on end by only having one option within the neighborhood. But those feelings quickly vanished when the newest location of Fiddleheads Coffee Roasters opened in March 2023, on North Avenue, just down the street from Colectivo. 
Fiddleheads is a small chain of coffee shops, with seven locations scattered throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. As a business, they roast their own coffee in small batches and have their own bakery where they make baked goods fresh, and deliver them daily to all seven locations. Since 1996 they have been committed to hand selecting green coffee beans from all around the world in order to make their different flavor profiles just right for customers.
When I stepped foot into Fiddleheads, I was instantly comforted by the aroma of freshly roasted coffee blended perfectly with the sugary smell of muffins and other baked goods… together making an enticing culinary perfume. The first thing to come into my field of view was the scaling display of ground and whole bean coffee packaged and ready to take home. They offered many options and levels of roasting to fit every coffee connoisseur’s needs. I enjoyed browsing their small but intriguing display of cards for different occasions and fiddleheads merchandise.
Once I stepped up to the counter, I did not notice anything out of the ordinary with their service. When I ordered my drink, the barista was generally pretty relaxed, and not overly enthusiastic when speaking to me, which I didn’t mind. However this did not correlate to the speedy service that followed. I ordered a peppermint mocha that was ready in around two minutes.
I paid six dollars for only a 12 ounce drink, which was shocking. A 20 ounce blended drink costs up to $7.25. A 20 ounce drip coffee costs $3.50. Breakfast and lunch sandwiches range between $12-$14.50. The prices of this business are really one of the only negative things about it. I’ve spoken with many friends and family members who have tried Fiddleheads, and they all say the same thing. They start with a generic, positive comment about the coffee, but then they move on to a bit of a rant about the extreme pricing. The peppermint mocha was a holiday special on the menu, and did not disappoint. Although it is a common concoction, the perfectly warm but not scalding, rich hot chocolate and coffee blend was pleasant to drink and warmed me up on a chilly December day in Wisconsin. Like Christmas in a drink, the peppermint cooled my taste buds as if I was catching snowflakes on my tongue. And to top it all off, whipped cream swirled on top like a heavenly mound of sweet, fluffy snow.
The architecture and interior design of this Fiddleheads location is really what sealed the deal for me. The two story building is much more modern than other buildings on North Ave. It is painted a charcoal color on the exterior, and stands out from neighboring businesses. They have two rows of parking right to the side of their building. As a 16 year old that has only been on the roads for a few months, I drive an 8 passenger minivan and I had no trouble navigating the lot. Also on the exterior, there is a large patio that has an electric fire pit that has flames roaring out of it every single time I drive by. Furniture is everywhere, and finding seating (inside or outside) is never a problem at Fiddleheads. Downstairs, simple chairs and tables are all around the seating area, perfect for meeting a friend for a bite to eat. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique color palette of the interior. Bright, lively pops of color are dispersed throughout both floors. The star of the show is the two story mural that is buzzing with bright pastels that together create an abstract face and florals. Upstairs is a seating area that would be better suited for quieter, focused studying, or meeting a larger group of colleagues to get work done together. Complete with modern couches and other comfortable furniture, you are sure to find a spot to focus on your work. Finally, on the second floor there is a large covered patio that busteles with energy during the warmer months of spring and summer.
Overall, Fiddleheads has been a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and it is truly a fantastic place for all ages and demographics to stop by for a couple minutes, or a couple of hours to enjoy delicious and high quality coffee, teas, sandwiches, and baked goods.
