5 Underrated Cafes in Downtown, Appleton WI Worth Trying
Updated 29 September 2026 · 17 cafes in Downtown, Appleton WI considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list covers five cafes around Downtown Appleton, WI that rate highly on Google but have fewer than 400 reviews each. All are rated 4.4 or higher, and the order comes from Google ratings weighted by review count, drawn from 17 qualifying businesses. It is meant for anyone looking beyond the most reviewed spots for coffee or a light meal, with hours, addresses and a summary of what reviewers mention.
#1
The Glassroom
★ 5 (21 Google reviews)Cafe
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Glassroom is a cafe at 1124 N Mason St, open Tuesday to Sunday with evening hours, closed Monday. It has wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance and toilet. Reviewers mention glass art decor, artwork for sale, classes and a garden patio. Drinks they name include a Stars Hollow Chai, iced vanilla latte, iced caramel chai and themed lattes, plus a banana pudding cinnamon roll.
Best for: Themed lattes among glass art
- Address
- 1124 N Mason St, Appleton, WI 54914, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 8 am–9 pm; Sun 8 am–7 pm; Thu 7 am–8 pm; Tue 7 am–8 pm; Wed 7 am–8 pm
#2
Dunkin'
★ 4.9 (280 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
This Dunkin' location is at N9695 County Rd N Suite A, open daily from 5 am to 8 pm, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers call it a convenient newer location and mention donuts, coffee, friendly staff and fast service. One reviewer describes rude service and a long wait for a single drink.
Best for: Early-morning coffee and donuts
- Address
- N9695 County Rd N Suite A, Appleton, WI 54915, United States
- Hours
- daily 5 am–8 pm
#3
Ro Caphe, LLC
★ 4.9 (247 Google reviews)Vietnamese restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Ro Caphe, LLC is a Vietnamese restaurant at 1350 W College Ave Ste D, open Thursday to Monday and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Reviewers mention rice plates, stir-fried macaroni beef, banh mi including a cheesesteak-style version, milk tea and coffee. They describe a warm welcome, relaxing decor and music, and a good stop for family lunches.
Best for: Banh mi and Vietnamese coffee
- Address
- 1350 W College Ave Ste D, Appleton, WI 54914, United States
- Hours
- Fri 10 am–8 pm; Mon 11 am–8 pm; Sat 10 am–8 pm; Sun 10 am–5 pm; Thu 11 am–8 pm; Tue Closed; Wed Closed
#4
Magnolia Coffee Co.
★ 4.9 (114 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Magnolia Coffee Co. is at N2894 WI-47, open 7 am to noon Tuesday to Saturday. Reviewers mention outdoor seating, cold brew with seasonal flavourings such as a nutty summer option, and a wide choice of drinks. They describe kind baristas willing to make off-menu drinks, and a small local shop suited to meeting a friend.
Best for: Morning cold brew outdoors
- Address
- N2894 WI-47, Appleton, WI 54913, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–12 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 7 am–12 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 7 am–12 pm; Tue 7 am–12 pm; Wed 7 am–12 pm
#5
Seth's Coffee Drive Thru
★ 4.8 (286 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Seth's Coffee Drive Thru is at 323 E Washington St, open 6:30 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 2 pm on weekends. Reviewers mention quick service, a peanut butter shaken espresso, a honey blueberry matcha, lavender scones, lattes and hummus with pita. They describe friendly staff and a laid-back feel.
Best for: Quick drive-thru specialty drinks
- Address
- 323 E Washington St, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 6:30 am–4 pm; Mon 6:30 am–4 pm; Sat 7 am–2 pm; Sun 7 am–2 pm; Thu 6:30 am–4 pm; Tue 6:30 am–4 pm; Wed 6:30 am–4 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 17 cafes in Downtown, Appleton WI with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Seth's Coffee Drive Thru opens at 6:30 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?
The Glassroom ranks first, with a Google rating of 5 from 21 reviews. Dunkin' is second at 4.9 from 280 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Appleton WI are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is The Glassroom, at 9 pm.
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