Trip Advisor Reviews
Reviewed February 2, 2013
We weren't even going to head out in
the cold for dinner...but we're oh so glad we did! We arrived
and were greeted by Tim. The atmosphere was warm and we felt right at home.
Finding a place like this so close to our new home is wonderful! The food is to
die for, and very reasonably priced. While waiting for our food, we chatted
with other customers who had nothing but great things to say. Our waitress,
Luisa was charming, and we thoroughly enjoyed the music entertainment. It won't
be long before we return!
Reviewed January 16, 2013
My wife and I stopped in to see the
restaurant that Tim and Connie had opened. It may have been one of the very
best meals I've ever had!!
The food is only half of the experience. Even if you don't know Connie and Tim,
by the time that you are done, you will. They are the most friendly eclectic
people you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting. They are artists, not just in
the kitchen but real artists. The restaurant serves as a gallary not only for
them but a lot of other world class artist. You'll never know who you'll meet
there.
If you are in the Northern part of Wisconsin, do yourself a favor and stop by.
You will not regret it.
“Great food in Wabeno”
Reviewed November 25, 2012
My mom has been going to the Big
Easel and Bistro for a few years and always tells me about their meals, music
and art. It's a great surprise to find a place like this in the Northwoods. The
menu changes and revolves around a theme. When I was there, the menu was
Argentinian food and everything was a taste treat! I had the vegan meal that
was served in a compartmentalized dish that made it fun, because it was like
sampling a variety of foods. Everything on my plate was tasty and I loved the
sangria! You have to try this place! While you're waiting for your food, you
can view the artwork of local artists and hear some great music! You can view
upcoming menus on the Wabeno Arts Consortium blog -
http://wabenoartsguild.blogspot.com/
The restaurant is just off Hwy. 32 - 1784 Maple Ave. It feels like you're
walking into the back door of someone's house, but you'll be in the right
place.
“What a nice suprise”
Reviewed October 3, 2012
Growing up in northeast WI, you
learn not to look too hard for gourmet meals. It was a great surprise to come
across The Art of Coffee a few miles from the family cabin. This is a great
place!! The atmosphere here is amazing. There is beautiful art all over the
place. The last time I was there we were treated to live music, a gentleman
playing guitar and singing folk tunes. He even took requests. The meals here
are incredible and suprisingly cheap. We had lunch which consisted of a main
dish and around four or five side dishes. The cost of the meal was around $9!
They also serve great coffee (as their name implies). They also have artisan
breads for sale, although last time we were there they were sold out. I would
highly recommend. The only minor problem is that it is a little difficult to
figure out how to get into the building (back door) and they have limited
hours.
A total gem in the Northwoods! Worth
a trip.”
Reviewed September 26, 2011
1
person found this review helpful
Amazing atmosphere with lots of
beautiful art and fantastic live music, incredible people, superb food &
wine. It's a gem in the Northwoods!
My family lives a few towns over, so I had previously been here for an art
showing and had a great time. The proprietors, Tim and Connie, have now opened
up their beautiful estate as not just an art gallery, but as a coffee/wine bar
and are serving the most wonderful food as well. I went this past weekend with
my mom and Aunt for dinner and we had the best time! I felt like I was back in
Europe with all of the amazing flavors, wonderful smells, artwork, and other
patrons who were friendly and well-traveled. I can't wait to go back to try
their coffees, pastries, artisan breads and Tim's famous pizzas! It is
definitely worth a visit.
A wonderful gallery of WI art and
coffee served by the most wonderful artists”
Reviewed June 13, 2011
Still awaiting their licensing to
serve food and wine, I couldn't really rate the food yet. The Art of Coffee is
open on Saturdays from 11-4 serving coffee with complementary snippets of food.
We can hardly wait for the full treatment. We found the gallery atmosphere
enthralling and the proprietors' service incredibly warm and welcoming. What a
wonderful addition to a beautiful area of our state. There will be an outdoor
art event called 'Picasso Week-end" at the end of July. We're hoping to
sample wine and food at that event if not before. Check it out.
·
All the splendor of stepping back in time
combined with the flair of art and international travel!”
·
Happening
upon the Art of Coffee - totally by accident - changed our whole weekend and
"up north" experience. Starting with the gorgeous old house, we went
in to discover amazing art, fresh bread & cafe mochas (seriously?!), and
the best part.... meeting Connie and Tim. They are world travelers, talented
artists, great conversationalists...and just salt of the earth folks. Their
hospitality and talent go hand-in-hand to create a unique experience for
visitors. I can't wait to visit the future wine bistro in the vintage trailer
and spend more time with Tim and Connie! Visit this place and soak it in! -
Rochelle
A New York Coffee & Gallery
Experience in the Wisconsin Northwoods”
Reviewed June 8, 2011
4
people found this review helpful
We embarked on a simple trip to a
resale shop and instead fell through what we now call a 'worm hole' to a
magical and peaceful place in the Big Easel Gallery & The Art of Coffee. A
powerful day... A peaceful experience... A remarkable special day with remarkable
special people!
The north woods of Wisconsin is rich in nature but nothing much to offer on the
cultural side, until now. On our regular Memorial Day weekend trip to Lakewood,
Wisconsin we set out to visit an antique shop in Wabeno. On the way we passed
the Art of Coffee and the Big Easel Gallery and decided to check it out.
Once seated inside we met the owners, Tim & Connie Friesen. Connie is the
"artist in residence" and Tim, we discovered, is not only a musician
but also an accomplished bread artisan of the highest order.
Our cafe mocha's came with a fresh artisan bread sidecar complete with sweet
cream butter and fruit jam.
The air smelled of spring as we sat at the window of the turn of the century
home and looked out onto the garden. Heavenly music filled the home.
The afternoon passed quickly as we enjoyed our java and chatted with the
Friesen's about Wabeno Arts Consortium, house concerts planned for over the
summer and the peace murals they have designed and painted all over the US.
What a treat, what a magical afternoon.
We are sure to return.
