Retreat

"Retreat is a corner neighborhood nook to grab a macchiato and work when you need to be surrounded by activity. People are always coming in and out of here, and there’s also an outdoor patio overlooking Green Lake. Not to mention that you could also drink cocktails and eat upscale bar snacks like burrata or braised short ribs. Your go-to sidewalk espresso hut definitely doesn’t have that. The best part is that if you need a break, there’s a three-mile lakeside walk just outside the door." - aimee rizzo

"Retreat is a great place to grab some coffee and breakfast after a morning lap around the lake. They also serve wine and beer if Happy Hour is more appropriate for you post-workout. Come in here if you need a bright place to work alongside some avocado toast and a latte." - aimee rizzo

"If you’re trying to spend as much time outside as possible before the weather gets nasty, Green Lake is probably where you want to be. Thus, Retreat should be one of your most frequented coffee shops for hanging out at one of their handful of patio tables. From smoothies to cocktails, this cafe is great if you don’t necessarily want a cup of coffee. And if you do, their espresso drinks are terrific." - aimee rizzo

"This Green Lake cafe is focused on wellness, using locally sourced, often organic, ingredients. Retreat has an almost intimidating selection of superfoods and adaptogens to supercharge any smoothie, as well as six “wellness lattes” with ingredients like activated charcoal, mucuna pruriens (velvet bean), and ashwaganda, a medicinal herb. The smoothies and grain bowls are delicious, as are the breakfast sandwiches, served all day and loaded with eggs, bacon, tomatoes, aged cheddar, and avocado." - Sarah Engstrand

"Watching your friend Barbara push a stroller loaded with triplets around the 2.8 mile Green Lake loop sure is exhausting. Head to Retreat afterwards, where you and Babs can drink stiff cocktails and americanos in the same sitting. It’s the kind of spacious, relaxing spot that’s always buzzing with activity, but still provides a solid space nursing a couple glasses of Chardonnay with the triplets by your side." - Aimee Rizzo