Beth Gleesing
Tourism Specialist
Mayfair & Mayfair Collection: Look no further than Mayfair Mall and The Mayfair Collection to satisfy all shopping needs – Wauwatosa’s ultimate retail, dining, and entertainment destination.
Destinations: 1st and Bowl, Good City Brewing, Eldr+Rime
MidTown Tosa: With a friendly mix of local hangouts and whimsical dining spots, MidTown Tosa has a spirit that glows boldly. If you’re in town during wintertime, don’t miss the annual holiday window contest.
Destinations: Midtown Grill, Ray’s Growler Gallery® & Wine Bar,
Thai-namite Tosa
East Tosa: You can’t go wrong in East Tosa, where a rich variety of eateries clustered around 69th Street Plaza makes get-togethers a cinch and bright murals add pops of color.
Destinations: BelAir Cantina, Cranky Al’s, Camp Bar, Rocket Baby Bakery
The Village: A walkable, European-esque destination with small businesses and boutiques, as well as fine and casual dining available, The Village is a hub of activity year-round — especially with expansive Hart Park nearby.
Destinations: Le Reve Pâtisserie & Café, Ruby Tap, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, Cafe Hollander, The Village Cheese Shop
68th and Wells: For one-of-a-kind finds and specialty shops, 68th and Wells has you covered — here, you can find the best of what Wauwatosa has to offer, from coffee to cakes.
Destinations: Hyde Park, La Tarte, Ruckus and Glee, Ultimate Confections
Tosa Heritage: Known as the “city of homes,” Wauwatosa features many 19th and 20th century Victorian-style buildings due to the explosive growth it experienced in the mid-19th century as a result of transportation links to Milwaukee. What began with two mills along the river in 1835 would eventually grow into the vibrant, multifaceted city we know as Wauwatosa today.
Follow the Fireflies: We have this thing with fireflies — not only are they part of our namesake, but they also embody the kind of magic that happens in Wauwatosa every day. From outdoor adventures to easygoing dining destinations, every Tosa experience is intended to spark stories to share and memories to cherish. Plus, nothing is better than when Tosa’s fireflies come out at dusk and the bonfire starts crackling.
The Great Outdoors: Tosa’s where we have fun and do our own thing. Between Menomonee River path and Hoyt Park, there are endless opportunities for recreation, and Wauwatosa’s bike share Bublr Bikes will get you there.
Murals Galore: Wauwatosa’s vibrant art scene takes center stage in the North Avenue Mural Arts District, where a series of art installations featuring local, regional, and international muralists stretches from Wauwatosa to Lake Michigan.
Milwaukee’s Backyard: We’re pretty proud to be neighbors with Milwaukee — it means we’re conveniently less than a fifteen-minute drive from the Milwaukee County Zoo and Milwaukee Art Museum, and less than a ten-minute drive from Miller Park.
Quality Brews: Wauwatosa is proudly home to a variety of breweries and beer gardens — each with its own personality and distinctive offering. From live music to tasting rooms, we have plenty to brag about.
Catch the Tosa Village Classic in June — the final stop of the largest competitive multi-day road cycling event in the US, America’s Dairyland. This 11-day race winds through several Wisconsin cities before ending in Tosa Village, where thousands of residents and visitors fill the streets to enjoy this free, family-friendly event featuring food, beverages, local vendors, and neighborhood parties.
Don’t miss Wauwatosa’s annual live art competition ART 64, where 64 artists compete in a bracket-style painting competition right in Tosa Village. With a tournament approach similar to March Madness, the public votes for which artists advance and ultimately win the grand prize of $25,000.
When August rolls around, locals know that it’s time for the Firefly Art Fair. Visitors from all around Milwaukee stroll through the lawns and gardens of the picturesque Kneeland-Walker Grounds to reconnect with cherished artists and engage with accomplished artisans and craftspeople.