The Village, Wauwatosa

The Village has the best fine dining in the 'burbs, and there is no better place to experience that than Le Rêve Patisserie & Café! Make it official by voting for Le Reve in Milwaukee Magazine's readers choice contest—vote once a day through January 15 at https://vote.milwaukeemag.com/.

A great shot of the Village almost 80 years ago. Thank you, Wauwatosa Historical Society!

DID YOU KNOW? A blizzard in January 1947 shut down the city! PICTURED: snow covering the street and sidewalks at the corner of State Street and Harwood Avenue. The Jacobus Building (now Buckatobon Tavern & Supper Club) is on the right. On the left is the Lefeber Brothers Department Store, which was demolished by a fire in 1964. The site stood vacant until 2001, when the new Lefeber Building was constructed.
(WHS Photo)

For the best cocktails in the 'burbs, head to Lucky Joe's Tosa in the Village! And while you're at it, give them a vote as well—https://vote.milwaukeemag.com/ to vote daily in the Milwaukee Magazine readers choice contest, now through January 15!

The area's best Asian food is right here in the Village—let's be sure everybody knows it! Vote for Kin by Rice n Roll in Milwaukee Magazine's Best of the Burbs readers choice contest! Vote once a day through Jan. 15 at https://vote.milwaukeemag.com/ .

Best community festival in the Milwaukee area? You bet! Go vote for TosaFest in Milwaukee Magazine's Best of the Burbs readers' choice contest! You can vote once a day until January 15 at https://vote.milwaukeemag.com/!

It's time to vote for Milwaukee Magazine's Best of the Burbs—let's throw some love to Village nominee Draft & Vessel Tosa! They're up for "Best Any-Occasion Bar," and we can agree that there's no bad time to stop in to D&V for a craft brew. You can vote for them once a day at https://vote.milwaukeemag.com/!

New year, new you! Check out PowerCycle's January deals!

THE BIG SALE starts today! Get the best discounts of the year from Flannelfoxtosa, The Flower Lady, Mooi, Salamander, and more! https://www.facebook.com/events/3704856916411072

The Big Sale is coming! Shop Privy is offering huge discounts during their one-day annual sale—this Saturday ONLY! For more information on other shops' discounts, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3704856916411072

✨✨ GIVEAWAY BELOW! ✨✨

THIS SAT!!! Our annual clearance event is here! This Saturday we’re hosting our biggest sale of the year. Here are the details:

• Open 9-4 Saturday 12/30 for the one day sale
• $20, $10 and $5 apparel, accessories and gifts
• Additional racks of 50% off styles
• $10 gift cards to spend during the event for the first 25 shoppers
• Mimosas while you shop!

Also giving away $50 gift cards to two of you to spend during the event! To enter, simply like this comment, make sure you’re following us and tag friends below for extra entries! Winners will be chosen Saturday morning at 8am.

Who’s ready for the best deals of the year?!

Is Tosa the Best of the Burbs? 🥇 We might be biased, but we think so! The Village has 🚨14!!🚨 nominees for Milwaukee Magazine's "Best of the Burbs" readers' choice competition! Go vote for all of them right now at https://vote.milwaukeemag.com/! You can vote once a day!

Draft & Vessel Tosa - Any-Occasion Bar
Kin by Rice n Roll - Asian Food
Lucky Joe's Tosa - Cocktails
Tosa Farmers Market - Best Farmers Market
Le Rêve Patisserie & Café - Fine Dining
Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 - Italian
Buckatabon Tavern and Supper Club - Supper Club
Village Cheese Shop - Specialty Shop
Leff's Lucky Town - Sports Bar
The Flower Lady - Florist
Flannelfoxtosa - Men’s Clothing
Bentley's Pet Stuff - Wauwatosa - Pet Supplies
TosaFest - Community Festival
Wauwatosa Village - Best Downtown/Main Street

Fun new event coming at you in February of 2024! See more details at Flannelpalooza, presented by Flannelfoxtosa!

THANK YOU to the Wauwatosa Holiday Market for making the Village your home! What an amazing addition to holiday festivities in our community! We can't wait for next year! 🎄

Just like that, the tent is empty. Until next time!

Thank you to everyone who came out to visit Santa yesterday during our annual Santa Breakfast at Troquet! Santa is now very busy fulfilling all of the gift requests that came in during the event, but he sure enjoyed visiting with your kiddos. Thank you to Le Rêve Patisserie & Café and Troquet for hosting this fun family event in the Village!

This week's featured Village business is Front Runner Chiropractic, where Dr. Beth Ringwelski, DC, CCSP, is continuously at the forefront of innovation.

Dr. Beth makes sure to introduce the latest advancements in technology to Front Runner Chiropractic. One such advancement is Shockwave Therapy, a groundbreaking treatment method that expedites the healing process for both chronic and acute injuries. Additionally, she proudly became the first practitioner in Wisconsin to offer Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (commonly known as EMTT) to her patients. This cutting-edge therapy utilizes high-energy electro-magnetic radiation, similar to that of an MRI, to enhance cellular function in injured tissue, delivering immediate and remarkable results.

If you're looking for cutting-edge treatments for injuries or other conditions, give Front Runner Chiropractic a call!

It’s a great night to stroll the Village! Twinkling lights, cozy shops, and the Wauwatosa Holiday Market is in full swing … get your fill of holiday magic right here. Sip & Stroll tonight until 8 pm, and the Wauwatosa Holiday Market enters its final weekend!

Sip & Stroll, 5-8 pm tonight in the Village!
🎄 in-shop specials
🎄 beverages and treats at each stop
🎄 check out the Wauwatosa Holiday Market in the Harts Mills parking lot as well! (the Farmers Market lot)
🎄 holiday magic included at no extra charge 😊
Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/645941117680347 for details on what each Village business is offering. See you tonight!

This week our featured Village business is Front Runner Chiropractic! Dr. Beth Ringwelski, DC, CCSP, has earned a national reputation for working with high-caliber athletes, but she also has a passion for treating families, children, and athletes of every age and ability level right here in Tosa.

From Olympic Gold Medalists to Cy Young winning pitchers, Dr. Beth has had the privilege of working with a wide array of athletes, and she has done two rotations at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dr. Beth has worked with athletes from a diverse range of disciplines, including Para-Olympians—an experience that has only heightened her dedication to helping athletes achieve their peak performance and ultimate success.

Since 2018, Dr. Beth has been an integral part of the renowned US Speedskating team, accompanying their Junior squad to International World Championships. This opportunity has taken her across the globe, from the picturesque landscapes of Italy and Belarus to the vibrant cultures of Poland, Germany, and soon Japan in 2024. Beyond the world of speedskating, she has also journeyed to Romania to work closely with USA Triathlon.

"As we celebrate three incredible years in the Tosa community, Front Runner Chiropractic is overwhelmed with gratitude for the warm reception and support we've received," says Dr. Beth. "Being a part of Tosa Village has been an absolute joy."

Online ordering ends soon! Ready to warm meal kits, pastries, and gifts for the foodie in your life all available online at lerevecafe.com.

Have you noticed these cute little candy pieces hanging in shops and windows around the Village? Find them all and win some AMAZING PRIZES! Enter our Holiday Scavenger Hunt here: https://forms.gle/rgjX5S5J1Yr8JSJi8

Prizes include gift cards from Flannelfoxtosa, Yo Mama, Salamander, Shop Privy, Black Twig Bakery, Roots Salon, Draft & Vessel Tosa, Niemann's Candies and Ice Cream, Café Hollander, Buckatabon Tavern and Supper Club, and Tosa Farmers Market , plus hot chocolate from the Wauwatosa Holiday Market, a stuffed animal from Body Renovation Physical Therapy, S.C. and Connect Kidz Yoga, a Christmas ornament from Village Cheese Shop, a gift bag from Riedel Sports, Inc., a 1-month gift certificate from 9Round Fitness, and much more!

Frosty has her collectible Village of Wauwatosa Shopping Bag—have you gotten yours yet? Purchase online at https://www.wauwatosavillage.org/shop/p/village-of-wauwatosa-collectible-holiday-shopping-bag, then pick it up at any participating location in the Village! (Some locations are also accepting cash to purchase.) All proceeds raised will go towards additional holiday decorations in the Village in 2024.

Participating locations:
Black Twig Bakery
Body Renovation Physical Therapy, S.C.
Buckatabon Tavern and Supper Club
Café Hollander
Flannelfoxtosa
The Flower Lady
Homestead Realty, Inc.
The Little Read Book
Mooi
Salamander
Shop Privy
Tabal Chocolate
Village Cheese Shop
Tosa Bike Garage
Wauwatosa Holiday Market - at the City Tins Chalet (December 6-17 during Market hours only)

Like many of you, we were sad to learn that Firefly Tosa will be closing on Dec. 23 after 20 years in the Village. With its focus on being a community gathering spot and helping to celebrate occasions both big and small, Firefly is a special place, and it will be missed. Its menu of elevated everyday dining was unique in the Village and beloved by many.

Owners and sisters Marija and Vesna Madunic had hoped to continue Firefly for decades to come, but the property owner has alternate plans for the building and has denied the restaurant the option for a renewed long-term lease. There are no current plans for Firefly to reopen in a new location. Marija Madunic believes that what they built in Firefly can't be easily recreated. But this isn't an ending—the Firefly philosophy will live on in her and Vesna's other successful Tosa-based business, Gracious Events - Catering & Event Design.

"The number of celebrations that took place at Firefly were our greatest reward," Marija says. "That's at the heart of what our business is, and it will continue through Gracious."

For now, let's take a look at some of the things that made Firefly Tosa the Village gem that it was. Firefly's last seatings will be Dec. 23—make your reservation now!

The keg is tapped and the is officially open! Come to the Village now through December 17 for an authentic European market experience!
                     

The keg is tapped and the Wauwatosa Holiday Market is open! Come to the Village now through December 17 for an authentic European market experience right here in Milwaukee!

It’s a nice night in the Village and we’re just about ready to light the tree!

Some very sad news from a Village gem. Firefly will be so missed. 😢

A truly rough and sad announcement for us to have to make— Firefly will be closing at the end of this year, our 20th year of service in the Wauwatosa Village. Our last day of service will be Saturday, Dec 23.

Although we had hoped to continue Firefly for decades to come, unfortunately, the landlord has alternate plans for the building and denied us the option for a renewed long-term lease.

We have had the honor of many accolades since our opening in 2003 (then Bjonda!), but our greatest joy has been being host to so many celebrations in the space we built to do just that, to gather, laugh, love — and eat and drink of course!

To all our guests who chose Firefly for their special moments, big and small, and the support of the Wauwatosa community and beyond, we are so grateful.

To our dedicated staff, some of whom have been with us for over a decade, we thank you sincerely.

Cheers 🥂 and Gratitude for 20 Years —
Vesna and Marija Madunic
Firefly Restaurant & Lounge

Donate to Stella’s Toy Drive at Buckatabon Tavern and Supper Club today during the Holiday Train Stop, and receive free hot chocolate and a cookie! (Can’t make it to the Train Stop? Buckatabon’s toy drive runs through December 8.) Plus check out their menu of snacks outside the restaurant for things to nibble on while you view the train!

Mini donuts from Flips mini donuts llc, hot chocolate from Vendetta Coffee Bar, and plenty more treats are available at the CP Holiday Train Stop this afternoon!

Headed down to the Holiday Train Stop this afternoon? You can visit with Santa before the train arrives or after it leaves, at Homestead Realty, Inc., right next door to where the train stops! Visits begin a 3 p.m. The train arrives at 4 p.m., and visits with Santa will start back up after the train leaves, around 5 p.m. Please bring a food donation for Tosa Cares in order to visit with Santa.

Today's the day! The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train pulls in to the Village at 4 pm! Holiday lights, live music, hot chocolate, and Santa—it will all be here at the Tosa stop, presented by Homestead Realty, Inc. and benefiting Tosa Cares. The train will stop at the Harwood Avenue track crossing, near 7720 Harwood. Admission is free but please bring a food donation for Tosa Cares. For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1401640977051321

Get "front row" seats for the Holiday Train Stop on Monday, December 4! Enter the Historical Society's raffle!

All aboard at the Little Red Store for the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Stop in The Tosa Village on Dec. 4 @ 4PM 🚂! The Little Red Store will be open to welcome all to come in and enjoy warm beverages, cookies and popcorn, all available for sale, with proceeds supporting the Wauwatosa Historical Society! 🍿☕️

But... *drum roll please* 🥁

We are once again selling raffle tickets for the Holiday Train Porch Party! The porch party package includes dedicated inside seating to keep warm, hot chocolate, and cookies, plus standing room on the porch for 6. Two (2) packages will be raffled. Raffle tickets are $10 each.

Raffle tickets will be available for sale at the Kneeland Walker House during regular office hours, Monday-Thursday from 9am to 1pm, AND...

❄️ December 2nd (THIS WEEKEND) from 1pm-4pm at the Holiday Open House at the Kneeland Walker House.

TICKETS ARE NOW ALSO AVAILABLE AT:
O’Sullivans
The Wauwatosa Senior Center
The Little Village Play Café
Joy Ice Cream Social
Shop Privy

Raffle drawing is at 4pm on December 2nd at the Kneeland Walker House.

Introducing the first Village of Wauwatosa collectible holiday shopping bag! This reusable shopping bag features artwork of all your favorite Village landmarks by artist Allison Beilke. It's guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit AND carry lots of Village purchases—plus it raises funds for additional holiday decorations in the Village in 2024. Want one of your own? Visit the link to purchase, then pick up your bag at any participating Village location.

Bag pick-up locations:
Black Twig Bakery
Body Renovation Physical Therapy, S.C.
Buckatabon Tavern and Supper Club
Cafe Hollander-Tosa
Flannelfoxtosa
The Flower Lady
Homestead Realty, Inc.
The Little Read Book Store
Mooi
Salamander
Shop Privy
Tabal Chocolate
Village Cheese Shop
Tosa Bike Garage
Wauwatosa Holiday Market - at the City Tins Chalet (December 6-17 during Market hours only)

Village of Wauwatosa Collectible Holiday Shopping Bag — The Village of Wauwatosa Purchase our 2023 Village of Wauwatosa collectible, reusable holiday shopping bag! All proceeds will go toward additional holiday lights and decorations in the Village in 2024. Purchase now—supplies are limited! The bag is decorated with custom artwork by Allison Bielke featuring Village landmarks

One week from today, we'll be making things merry and bright in the Village with our Village Tree Lighting, presented by WaterStone Bank! Visit with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and mulled wine from Draft & Vessel Tosa, and watch as we light up the tree. After that, head to the Grand Opening of the Wauwatosa Holiday Market!
For more details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/296161253222932

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, presented by Homestead Realty, Inc., makes its stop in Tosa one week from today! Join us for train cars decked out in lights, live music, and holiday spirit, all to benefit Tosa Cares.
For more details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1401640977051321

If you’re an early riser, turn on CBS-58 Morning News tomorrow for live remotes from two of our Holiday Tour homes. Be the first kid on your block to see their beautiful holiday decorations.

Very well said! 😊

As we packed up and left the store last night, we were filled with such gratitude. Thank you to everyone who came by yesterday and continues to shows up every day for small businesses! When communities show up and support small businesses they are truly supporting individuals, their children and families. To all the small businesses out there, you are amazing and keep doing what you do best!

This Saturday! 🎉 Shop small!

Small Business Saturday Your Way Through Tosa - Wauwatosa With so many small businesses throughout Wauwatosa’s five districts, learn how you can support local shop owners on Small Business Saturday.