Café Hollander: Upscale and Belgian-themed

It only takes one ride past Café Hollander in Wauwatosa to see that it has become one of the anchor destinations in this thriving village.

On a summer night, patrons spill out onto the bridge that spans the Menomonee River, creating an idyllic scene that any restaurant would covet.

Opened in June of 2009, Café Hollander is part of the locally owned Lowlands Group that also owns several other restaurants in the Milwaukee area. It's a casual spot that attracts everyone from families with children to young professionals looking for a hip place to hang out for a few drinks.

"Café Hollander is a Belgium-themed café that focuses on Belgian beer and pub food," explains Tony Chiccarello, one of the managers. Some of the signature dishes include: The Grand Café Club sandwich ($11.95), Benelux meatloaf ($13.95) and the blackberry turkey sandwich ($10.95). They also offer salads and breakfast items and brunch on weekends.

In just a few short years, Café Hollander has become such a draw in the Wauwatosa village that they have truly become a business magnet in the community. So, it's not surprising that they are proud of their work giving back to several community organizations, such as nearby Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

But it's more than just food and philanthropy that makes a restaurant popular.

"It's in our mission statement," says Chiccarello. "The owners believe that people come back because of the staff and the relationships they form with customers."

Based on the popularity of the restaurant, it's clear that the staff at Café Hollander has successfully accomplished that mission.

LOOKING TO 'GRAB A BITE'?

"Grab a Bite" is an informal look at the food scene in the Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Elm Grove area by freelance writer Karen Waldkirch. Whether you're looking for a place for a date night or a casual spot for lunch, Waldkirch will be out and about scouting eateries for you. If you have a suggestion for a column, email her at kmwaldkirch@yahoo.com.

The Basics

NAME: Café Hollander

ADDRESS: 7677 W. State St.

PHONE: (414) 475-6771

WEBSITE: CafeHollander.com/TosaVillage

FARE: pub food

HOURS: 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

PRICE RANGE: $6.95 to $18.95 (approximate)

RESERVATIONS: parties of six or more

HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE: first floor only

GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: yes