The northern part of Bay View is in full-on renaissance mode, with successful businesses like Lulu, Highbury Pub, Harry W. Schwartz, Hi-Fi and Stone Creek Coffee (among others) anchoring the neighborhood. A little farther south and east, though, it's been more slow-going. You've got your Palm Tavern, Lee's Lounge and The Groove quietly going about their business -- and now the Anodyne Café, 2920 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., can throw its hat into the ring. For under-caffeinated Bay Viewers, that's a good thing.

It's only been open for a few weeks, and Tuesday morning I stopped in for the first time. It still feels really new -- a little spartan and maybe even a bit cavernous. It lacks the hominess of its Brady Street counterpart, though I have faith it'll get there.

Fortunately, the coffee was good and strong, and the staff was friendly and inviting. It has a small but tasty menu, and you can tell that regulars are slowing starting to flock to the simple but clean corner storefront.

At the very least, it offered a nice, change of pace from the Starbucks on the corner of KK and Oklahoma. As it comes into its own, I'm confident that the café will become a welcome part of the neighborhood. And to Anodyne, I say just that: welcome -- here's another former East Sider who's glad you're here.

2 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by OMCreader on Nov. 6, 2006 at 9:01 p.m. (report)

Brian said: I also want to welcome Anodyne and thanks for coming to Bay View. I am slightly disappointed that the menu will be too small to bring friends there for lunch or a light dinner. Please reconsider!!!

Posted by OMCreader on Nov. 4, 2006 at 3:56 p.m. (report)

Mike said: I love the Bay View Anodyne, but my only complaint is how loud it gets in there. On a recent Saturday morning, it was packed, and you could barely hear the person next to you due to how loud it was. Also, I know they're not planning on having a full kitchen there, but I'd love to see the chili!

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