Saluting 76th Street as a vital route with unique stops across southeast Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A key north-south artery in southeast Wisconsin, 76th Street, spans 37 miles through 10 municipalities, connecting rural scenery, cityscapes and suburban neighborhoods. The route runs through Mequon, Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, West Allis, Greenfield, Greendale, Franklin and ends in the Village of Raymond.

One business, Brew Town Trading Company, expanded to its Greenfield location at 76th and Cold Spring after opening in 2016. Manager Ryan Brown said "bigger space, in general" became vital as the card market surged during the COVID-19 peak. "Honestly, if we weren’t in this space, if we were in the old spot, we wouldn’t have had enough space for everything."

Gilles Frozen Custard at 76th and Bluemound remains open year-round, unlike seasonal fair treats. Marilyn Newton, a customer, said Gilles is "the" place for custard. "I always get the peanut butter one. It’s my favorite."

Mexiboricua at 76th and Bradley operates inside a gas station on Milwaukee’s northwest side. Orlando Cartagena, a native of Puerto Rico, opened the restaurant with his Mexican wife three years ago. "I have my kids, Mexican and Puerto Rican, a combination of both," Cartagena said when explaining how the name of the eatery compares to that of his family.

In Mequon, Ilan Hang, owner of Pin High Golf Center, added five indoor simulation bays last December, allowing golf practice regardless of weather. Hang’s son, Waylan, uses the facility as well.

Starting at the Town Hall in Cedarburg and ending in Raymond, 76th Street connects communities, nostalgia and generations on a single road.