Mocha Lisa in Racine
by Eric Wells on 9-12-2010 • Category: Coffee Houses • 0 comments
Before 2004 where could one find a well-brewed cup of coffee on the north side of Racine? The answer is nowhere. Mocha Lisa seems to have developed out of a pure need (or demand) for coffee enjoyment.
Not too far north of the Illinois border, Mocha Lisa is a place to stop for a solid cup of joe that is relaxing and as enjoyable as having a cup in your own home. I was recently asked how I found this place, and the reasoning toward writing about a Wisconsin coffeehouse. The reason is simple. People in Chicagoland love weekend traveling to all parts of Wisconsin. We visit the seemly thousands of camps, tourist traps, quant downtowns, and even the occasional guilted family function. In addition, the many boaters hitting Lake Michigan harbors up and down the coast routinely search out caffeine comfort. The one outstanding truth is that when getting to these grand places we need fuel for the car and fuel for the body.
Mocha Lisa is a combination of an arty atmosphere coincided with having great coffee; which is served by an energetic and passionate bunch of people. This unique coffeehouse environment was inspired by two Door County coffeehouses: Monticello and Java on Jefferson, both in Sturgeon Bay. And as a side note, I strongly suggest coffee lovers to visit them if you explore farther north. Both of these business inspirations function out of old homes like Mocha Lisa. Monticello is known for their gallery of fabulous gifts and craft items, and Java on Jefferson serves the best butterscotch scones found anywhere. Both locations have that unique type of atmosphere that makes a person want to go home and create something wonderful. And Mocha Lisa seems to have successfully followed in that direction as well.
The theme within the shop is to support the local area. Hence the coffee and bakery items being supplied by Milwaukee businesses. And the art hanging on the walls is sold through consignment by area artists and craftsman. This true community business attitude was the foremost motivator for writing about this location.
Service-wise, Mocha Lisa offers a full espresso bar drinks including: latte, cappuccino, mocha, Americano, red eye and a wide assortment of specialty drinks such as Cherry Bomb mocha, Crème brulee latte, and Caramel macchiato (and many, many others!) - which can be served hot or cold. Mocha Lisa also sports many non-coffee selections of blended drinks, teas and juices.
They proudly serve quality Alterra Coffee, from Milwaukee, which sources Fair Trade Certified single-origin coffee and is certified organic. Coffees come as whole bean 1# pound in a reusable vacuum packed bag, and is priced around $10 per pound for non-organic. And if you need the beans ground before you head out, they are more than happy to handle that as well. Just ask.
