In these times of renovation at Lawrence University, the newly opened il Bar Coffeehouse & Bistro at 324 E College Ave. is poised to be a favorite spot for Lawrence University students. il Bar is nestled between Heid Music and the History Museum at the Castle, offering an atmosphere for those looking to relax with a warm drink and some food.
The founders of il Bar, Monica and Kell Bales, launched their first location in Kimberly, Wis. in March 2021. Their next location was il Bar Café in the Heart of the Valley YMCA. Their latest venture opened in July 2024, allowing some time before students would arrive on campus.
Monica’s connection to coffee runs blood-deep, tracing back to her childhood in Yauco, Puerto Rico. Her nostalgia brings her to a time of growing up “watching my grandma roast coffee,” she says. Monica adds, “Coffee was such an integral part of how we socialize.” Amusingly, she reminisces, “I think my grandma was sneaking coffee in my drink at the age of four.”
The café’s name, il Bar, draws inspiration from her travels in Italy, where she spent three months exploring cities like Florence, Milan and Rome. “We aim to awaken your international senses,” she explains. Through her husband, a veteran, the two have traveled all around. “The inspiration comes from that,” she states. Monica says that she hopes that some can “find a taste of home, or something to remind them of home.”
Monica is committed to conscientious coffee sourcing, partnering with Burning Bush Coffee, which supports women and girls in Guatemala and internationally.
Her dedication to local farmers extends to Gusto’s Coffee Co. in Puerto Rico and Operation Coffee, owned by local veteran roaster Sam Floyd. Monica adds that it was important for her “to bring coffee from Puerto Rico,” emphasizing her need to give back and invest in a company that would keep it fixed “to the island.” Her passion, along with her husband’s, also extends to veterans, with a strong support for veterans shown throughout the café. Namely, the veteran’s crisis line is provided below blends of Operation Coffee, which gives a percentage of its proceeds to organizations that focus on veteran suicide prevention.
Throughout il Bar, art is prevalent as you notice the foliage and coffee cup in the logo. “The logo was actually created by a former employee, Alexandra,” Monica notes. For Monica, “small businesses are what keep the economy going; it’s what keeps the local community going.” The ambiance and design implemented within the café invite creativity, even allowing for opportunities to play instruments. “We have a piano and guitar; come play!”
The local and student community is something that interests Monica, as she hopes to have small venues at il Bar soon. “It would be an outlet for kids to play a song for the first time.” Monica adds that music has been a big part of life for her and her husband, stating that her husband grew up in the Appleton area and would sing in local choirs in his youth. Monica adds that she also drew inspiration from a café located next to the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, drawing her own parallel to il Bar’s proximity to Lawrence’s Conservatory of Music.
Monica encourages a fostering of community within the café as she feels it to be a “family.”
Reflecting on her own college experience, Monica laments, “the nearest coffee house at my college was a drive away. I would’ve loved a quick walk to a coffee shop that offered something different.” She hopes that even in the winter months il Bar can be a place of solace. Whether it’s for a warm cortado or as a place to share music, il Bar’s atmosphere aims to be full of comfort.