4. Restaurants

Safe House

779 N Front St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
  • (414) 271-2007
  • Store is closed

Safe House Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.

Auntie Anne’s ( 2500 N Mayfair Rd )

Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.

Auntie Anne’s ( 2500 N Mayfair Rd )

  • Leah B.

    Wonderfully fun place! Great to take visiting friends to... Very interesting decor and secrets! Will always be a Milwaukee staple in the "first time for everything" nightlife scene.

    (4)

  • Anna W.

    I hate to do this, but I was really disappointed with the Safe House the other night. I met up with 4 people who had never been with Milwaukee before and was absolutely embarrassed I had recommended we go here. The service was beyond terrible. They weren't busy and we were treated as if we didn't exist. The food was decent- NOT a great selection if you're trying to eat meat free on a Friday. I originally wanted the fish fry, but really wasn't in the mood for fried fish + french fries and the waitress gave me an attitude about substitutions so I got the pasta nostalgia. It was good, not great, small portion. The bartender, hostess, and server were all just plain rude. My sister even commented that being mean seems to be the only requirement to work there. I probably won't recommend here again.

    (2)

  • Tim H.

    Safe House is unique. Tucked away in an ally, this "spy hang out" is part of the Milwaukee experience. Whether you live here or are a tourist, you need to check it out at least once!

    (4)

  • Jen Y.

    This is one of those places that if you're in Milwaukee long enough you just have to go and check it out. It's worth the trip to see what the craziness is all about, but do you need to go back again? Probally not. Although, I did break my Spies Demise glass so I've been wanting to go back to get another one of those souveniers! It's a fun place to go for a birthday if you want to embarass someone (thanks everyone for not sharing the password on my 21st birthday)... how did everyone know this except me? The decor and experience is interesting, but it is a bit cramped/crowded and old. I'd recommend it if you haven't ever been or want to take some people from out of town somplace interesting and a bit off the wall.

    (3)

  • Jean S.

    Meh. If you have children, they'll love it. Also, expensive. Lastly, hardly any booze in the cocktails.

    (2)

  • Anna B.

    This is a place for the experience and fun, not necessarily the food. The place is really interactive, from the time you go in through the duration of your visit. The staff ask you for a password upon entering, and if you don't have one, they make you do a silly dance to gain access to the inside. Once inside, you will be seated in one of a few rooms. The nice thing is that you never feel like you are in a huge restaurant, it feels really cozy and welcoming. The best part, you can watch new arrivals on tv as THEY do their silly little dance! The food is okay, but again, you're going for the experience not the food. The place becomes a dance club after dinner and they play top 40. Have fun, and bring your spy gear!

    (4)

  • Rob D.

    Visiting the Safe House is a unique and fun experience. The place has tons of spy memorabilia themed from James Bond to actual spy related artifacts. The entrance is located in an alley and a lever releases the bookcase into the restaurant. There is plenty to see inside this spy museum and a varied menu is sure to please anyone for lunch or dinner. They include healthy options, which is always a plus in my book. I ordered the Reuben sandwich and I was very pleased. The party I was with was delightfully pleased with their lunch plates. They prefer reservations but my visit just after lunch hour in the middle of the week indicated very little patrons. I assume it gets busy during the weekends and evenings. For special occasions, they offer unique dining experience, such as "Hail to the Chief" and "Her Majesty's Secret Service." However, when I asked for it, they did not offer it during the day. Leaving the restaurant through the rear "secret" exit left me with a fun memorable experience. Although catered towards the tourist, it is a fun place to take your out of town guests and get some respectable good food.

    (4)

  • Steve M.

    This place is one of those places that if you have someone in your group that's never been you definitely have to make the effort to stop in. We stopped in with a group and 2 of us knew the password while the other 4 were forced to line dance while the two of us watched and laughed. It was pretty crowded which didn't allow for you to really walk around and explore all the decor but it's pretty interesting. Secret exits, sinking chairs, and the rising throne which you must make sure someone in your party is subject to. Overall a good time by all and some place I recommend if you have never been or there's someone knew in your party.

    (4)

  • Rachel H.

    I'd been here before as a kid and loved it, and then went for New Year's Eve last year. The awesome part about New Yrs other than the specials and free champagne toast was that we could sort of just wander around and explore all the different rooms without feeling weird like you might on a regular night. The food is decent but not amazing, but are you really here for the food? I'm not. I can't give away too many secrets or it would ruin the surprise. All I have to say is that Burt Reynolds lives in the ladies room.

    (4)

  • Joe G.

    This is definitely the most interesting bar that I've ever visited. I really recommend going there during off-hours, though. It's just too full to really explore if you go there at night. It's a very fun place to take visitors, though.

    (3)

  • Craig L.

    The food was significantly less memorable than the experience. This is one of those rare dining experiences that changes the way you look at restaurants. I will forever remember this place and would strongly recommend it to anyone and everyone!

    (5)

  • John G.

    Epic Flail. That's about the best way to describe The Safe House, especially the first time you go there. I'm sure there's hundreds of reviews on this establishment which all say a lot of the same, but all of that praise is true. Allow me to take you on a journey of what to expect, because that's the only way you can give proper credo to this great attraction. When you first go about finding the Safe House, hopefully you'll hear about it from a friend rather than this review, because the best way to approach it is via word of mouth. And by that I mean you first have to find where it is and go in through one of its two crazy entrances. The first, and most proper way, is to go in through the Alley door where you wait until it is your party's turn to enter. Upon entering, you see a room with different mechanical devices, older furnishings, and some technical operations. You're asked for a password, which hopefully wasn't given out in some review on yelp or by a silly friend, and if you can't provide it it's time for you to get embarrassed on closed-circuit TV. There are several TVs in the bar and restaurant, and people can watch you from there. I've seen a whole range of things happen, from forcing someone to hula-hoop to making someone get down on all fours and bark, etc etc. Some of it's cheese, but it's mostly all fun. When you enter, your greeted to one of the most unique bars you'll see. If your a James Bond fan, you'll be ecstatic over all the collector's items they have on display and all the trap-door shenanigans. If your a guy, be sure to go to each of the bathrooms, because you'll be in for a surprise heh. Also make sure to sit on a couple of the first few stools at the bar; again more treats are in order. Some of the drinks you order will also have cool surprises, so make sure to try a lot of them. Hail to the Chief is a nice birthday drink that comes with a little "ride" as well. Speaking of drinks, almost all the drinks you order at the Safe House come with a Bond-Themed glass that you get to keep afterwards, and some of the shot glasses as well. They have other souvenirs too, so if you really like the place there's no lack of stuff to pick-up. Make sure you walk around everywhere in the bar and restaurant, there's no shortage of things to see either. The one thing you don't want to go to the Safe House for is a night out on the town. The dance floor is a joke, with middle-aged adults in strange clothing who think it's still a different era as they dance to music from that era. They have tables which are somewhat ok for a small group of friends, but it depends on which one you're seated at and how big your party is. There's some that are stowed away behind iron gates, others that are nice and open, and others that can barely fit 2 people. All that aside, this bar is a must visit if you come to Milwaukee or even if you just live there and have never been. I won't tell you where the other entrance is :D .

    (5)

  • Patrick B.

    For a first timer the place has the goofy appeal of being a silly mock safe house bar. Kids will definitely have a blast here, but not only is the food terrible - but extremely over priced. Always a good time watching the rookies try to get in on the tvs around the bar.

    (1)

  • Sharon H.

    Let me make this clear...the food is only worth 3 stars at the most but as far as the fun factor I would give it 4 stars. We have a 9 year old Bond fan and he loved it. It was great as it was in walking distance of our hotel even in the 18 deg weather. We cheated and found the secret password on Yahoo answers...bad bad bad....I did not want to cluck like a chicken. We did have fun seeing the people on the TV. The food was decent ,the usual run of the mill food you get at a chain...nothing amazing. The waitress was warm and friendly and we had great service. Our son loved walking around checking out all of the wacky items. I loved the BURT in the bathroom...I was to nervous to lift the heart. We missed the secret exit and left through the pub....we will have to go back there for sure. A super fun place to take a spy and secret agent fan

    (4)

  • Meagan S.

    This was my first experience going "out" in Milwaukee and the Safe House was the perfect place to entertain our group for the night. The restaurant/bar/club is just plain fun and a sense of humor is a must to visit! Upon walking into the restaurant a password is requested. If you don't know the password you are asked to stand and do a specific dance or act like an animal for 15 seconds. There is a video camera in the corner which broadcasts your stellar dancing on every TV in the bar. I found this to be hilarious, especially once I was in the bar and could watch everyone else make fools of themselves. My sister-in-law and I had to do the robot and my husband and his friend friend had to dance like ballerinas. Watching people enter the restaurant on the TVs never gets old! We were celebrating my sister-in-law's birthday the night we went to the Safe House and they make birthday celebrations extra special. After we were seated and had a drink one of the waitresses asked the birthday girl to follow her on a tour of the restaurant. She ended up in the basement and was asked to sit on a throne. You have to see what happens to understand how funny it really is, but the next time we saw the birthday girl was when the throne popped out from a trap door in the floor. She also received a 28oz glass filled with her favorite drink and a 5 minute movie for the entire bar to watch. It costs around $25, but is worth every penny. The service was outstanding!! Our waitress, Hollie, really outdid herself! She was extra friendly, funny, and very attentive to our table. As everyone else already said, the bar/restaurant's motif is unique and makes everyone want to explore. The Spy House is large and can accommodate lots of people. On weekends they set-up a blackjack table for customers to win drinks and sometimes have a DJ or band playing. The reason I have to give the Safe House 4 stars instead of 5 is b/c the food is just ok. It is good bar food, but nothing special. Our table shared the spinach dip which was delicious, but small. We visited the restaurant on a Friday and apparently a Friday in Wisconsin = fish fry. The fried perch and fries was pretty good. You should all visit the Safe House at least once!!

    (4)

  • Shane W.

    SO much fun and definitely worth going if you have never been! My wife and I ate up the spy theme and really enjoyed walking around this funky, eclectic old-school spy's haunt. Go here for a drink (we've heard the food isn't worth it)-- you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Norton L.

    The Safe House is just another bar, but with a cool concept and cool features. No more needs to be said than what's already been written, so perhaps you'll enjoy this little story instead: When you walk through the nondescript entrance, someone from Her Majesty's secret service will ask you for the password to gain entrance to the location that's for your eye's only. You give it to them with a wink of your golden eye and they open the secret entrance. You walk in and survey what appears to be just a bar. You see the man with the golden gun sitting next to a gorgeous woman. She looks familiar. "Ah, yes. The spy who loved me," you recall. You tried to give her the world, but in her goodbye letter to you, she said the world is not enough. You were devastated and wished tomorrow would never come, but tomorrow never dies. You shake yourself out of the past, order a drink, and sit for a while until you feel someone brush against your arm with a gold finger. You start to feel woozy as you realize you've just been poisoned. Do you need a Dr? No. The first time this happened, it scared the living daylights out of you because you almost died. But this time you are prepared. You stumble to the bathroom, get into a stall, and administer a universal antidote that you always carry with you. The pain starts to subside as an indication you survived. You peak through the secret window in the men's room to see if you can figure out who it was. They're gone. Eventually they'll get you. After all, you only live twice. You know that only diamonds are forever. You'll die another day.

    (5)

  • Amanda Z.

    I came here with some pals after one of my friends got married at the Milwaukee Athletic Club in the fall. My friend's bf at the time, who's from the Milwaukee-area led us down an alley and brought us in here. He told us that there was a password, he was going to go in and get it, then we'd get in. We waited....and waited. Then we realized...he LEFT us! So we had to go in, not knowing the password, do some sort of monkey dance to get in. Nice guy he was, he'd paid our cover, just wanted us to have to act like elephants or whatever for the whole bar to see;) What a fun concept for a bar! In a world of cookie-cutter sports bars and dance clubs, this place is something novel and fun and different. We had a blast! (And no, I won't tell the password--monkey your OWN way in!)

    (4)

  • Meghan B.

    We came. We didn't have the password. We didn't have the $2 cover. We tried to leave. They stopped us. We danced like chickens (a la Job and Lindsey on Arrested Development, I might add). We entered. We drank their home brew. We got to keep the mugs. We watched people act silly on the screen. We thought it was fun enough. We've been to Safe House.

    (4)

  • Dan B.

    An amazing experience that I won't forget. I highly suggest this place.

    (5)

  • J B.

    From reciting a password to get in to the place to two-way mirrors, rotating booths, and a special "escape exit" no matter how many times you've been to the Safe House, there's always something new to discover. Admittedly it's a more of a themed experience than a bar you would regularly visit, but it's still a great Milwaukee novelty, a place to bring someone new or break out of the norm from the high end and low end bars.

    (4)

  • Anthony R.

    The Safe House is some wacky stuff. One part bar and one part theme park, it's the kind of thing you'd expect to see in Disneyland, if the designers of Disneyland were seriously drunk. The novelty extends from the entrance, with the mandatory dance required for not knowing the password, to the drink list with cutesy names and drinks shaken in a pneumatic tube, to the decor, which the Safe House is almost comically full of. My favorite gag: the men's room door next to the women's room door is a joke door that leads to a brick wall. Hilarious stuff, Safe House. ("Go around the corner," a couple of seasoned veterans seated across from the false bathroom told me.) Other highlights - the DJ played basically whatever songs we asked for on a Saturday night, there was a waitress walking around constantly offering shots for a dollar, and another guy walking around offering very mediocre-looking shrink-wrapped sandwiches while reminding us that they serve other food that isn't mediocre-looking shrink-wrapped sandwiches. I doubt it'd make a great regular destination, but it is a fun place to visit.

    (4)

  • Deanna C.

    Definitely a fun(ny) experience. I'd heard a lot about this place from my friends so I really wanted to check it out while in Milwaukee. Well, more like Milwaukee happened because I wanted to check this place out... but mehhh, same difference =P You'd probably have to make a reservation if you plan on going during the weekend, and they already started asking for the password around at around 7:30 (I knew it, my friend did not ^^). The food was mediocre at best and the drinks were all pretty weak so they lose a star for that, but I still had a good time. They have numerous souvenir glasses that come with some of their themed drinks (I tried the Spies Demise which is really nothing more than a glorified weak jungle juice) and have pipes all throughout the building that drinks go shooting through. It was neat exploring the building for all the secret nooks and cranny's and they had a hilarious bartender/magician/comedian Mike (a.k.a. "That Guy"). Damn those little kids that were running around and shouted out the password right in front of my friend. Now I don't get to see him embarrass himself from the safety of the bar again the next time we visit Milwaukee. Also, while we were exploring the establishment, we apparently had found the secret exit since a passing waitress told us "thanks for coming out" as we opened one of the doors. A great find for 007 fanatics and is something worth checking out if you're ever in Milwaukee. The waitresses are very friendly and stay in character all night, the bartenders are great, aaand there's a DJ and dancing after all the kiddies go home.

    (4)

  • Tim D.

    And now some words for our friends fighting in the resistance: John has a long mustache. ... I repeat, John has a long mustache. .... You might find this place kitschy, but try and have a good time. ... It's at least worth a look-see, although the food should be more Bond-worthy. ... Maybe try dinner somewhere else and drinks here. ... Wounds my heart with a monotonous languor. ... Repeat: Wounds my heart with a monotonous languor.

    (3)

  • Colin D.

    Odd. Crappy food.

    (3)

  • Jules M.

    Worth a stop in at least once. Plus they support Geocachers!

    (4)

  • Melissa F.

    The food is not its strong suit. I had a tasty burger here. Can't complain. But I'm not raving about the food. The atmosphere more than makes up for the OK food. It's a spy restaurant! How cool is that? (Answer: Very.) This restaurant takes a theme and commits to it. Walk in through a sketchy side entrance and you have to say the password. Little do you know that when you're waiting to go in/figure out the password, you're being recorded and the entire restaurant can see you. Thank goodness for having a mom from Milwaukee when it comes to knowing the password! When you're eating, walk around and check out the place. It's got lots of interesting things - sections of the Berlin Wall and even a one-way mirror in the ladies' room so you can see if your date is talking to someone else (I went with friends, but this feature is pretty cool!). You can even marvel at the awkwardness of a 1970s Burt Reynolds centerfold with a strategically placed button that alters the restaurant that, well, you were curious. Downtown Milwaukee could be built up a little bit more, but the Safe House is a good start. If you want a four-star dining experience, go somewhere else. If you want education, go to the beautiful art museum. But if you want to have fun with friends or a significant other? Go already!

    (4)

  • Miss R.

    Well, it only gets 3 stars this time around because I forgot one word of the password, had to do the hula to get in, the person I was with was from Norway and didn't understand the hula dance, and we got booed upon entering. Ouch man! I'm trying to show a foreign visitor a fun, whacky time in Old Milwaukee and we get booed. Not very friendly. All the stars this time are for the lovely bartender Mike and the fabulous funny waitresses. We all shared horror stories of the service industry, they bought us beers, we laughed. I honestly just wanted a place to park my can for the evening, so I didn't introduce my visitor to all the secrets of the joint. I did buy a touristy "Code" mug. Sadly, when I got home I noticed that the correct password is written on there. I guess I'll never forget it now.

    (3)

  • Robert F.

    Well worth the experience. It was completely empty when we went so we had time to explore the place. Very entertaining. Went for lunch so didn't sample the bar. Service was good and the food came SUPER fast. Not a very in depth menu but you're not here for the food. It's WELL worth paying the 25 cents to talk into a phone booth for the secret exit which was very cool. We had a great time. If you're in Milwaukee it's a must see!

    (4)

  • Jim D.

    If you don't know the password to bad.

    (5)

  • John F.

    The place kind of blew my mind the first time I was here. But since learning the password the joint is a must-stop while in Milwaukee.

    (5)

  • Ashley E.

    I'm giving the Safe House three stars only because all I'm compelled to eat there is beer. And food is very important to me. Not vegan friendly in the least, but don't go there for the food. Go for the fun. There are secrets at every turn. The ladies' restrooms have some of the coolest secrets. Like if you touch a certain someone's heart-covered crotch lights and alarms go off in the bar so that everyone knows you did. If they know the deal. There is also a two-way mirror in one restroom, with an on and off light. Light goes off, looks like a mirror from the other side. Light goes on, mirror is now glass that can be seen through. So have someone stand and look in the mirror, then suddenly turn the light on while you're in the little dark room with a scary face and scare the living shit out of the other person. Oh yeah, and if you don't have the password to get in you have to do crazy stunts for the doorman that the people inside can view onscreen. One of a kind sorta place. A must-stop. But have dinner somewhere else first.

    (3)

  • Manda H.

    Ive gone here plenty of times. Food is so-so. I don't expect much from a bar though but I don't complain when I do get a burger or reuben. Prices aren't too bad. I like that you can bring back a glass to pay less for a drink. You can also buy any of the glasses without getting the drink . Blackjack with John on Fridays and Saturday nights are fun. Get there early (starts at 9pm) in order to get in before everyone else. There is a magician bartender I hear but have never seen him more than 2 seconds when walking by. Fun secret passage ways to enter and exit. It's a fun place to hang out with friends, especially after seeing a show in downtown Milwaukee. You never know who you might bump into after a show or baseball game. All in all I will still visit the safehouse when I'm in town. I also think its 21 and up after 9pm so if you go with young-ins make sure to get there before then.

    (5)

  • Ben F.

    Haha I kinda love this place, me and a friend had to try to get a hula hoop over our head no handed it was quite the test then we find out everyone was watching on tue TVs in the dining room, the atmosphere is really cool spy and espionage themed. The food is really quite good as well but nothing crazy. Always a great place for a interesting bite to eat!

    (3)

  • Richie D.

    Looking for a unique dining experience, for both kids (especially if they want to be a spy when they grow up) and adults (who still dream they could leave their day job to be an undercover agent) ...Check out the Safe House. It is one of Milwaukee's charms, if you ask me. You must find the entrance in the tiny alley, then figure out the password or object to open the main door, while those inside are entertained watching TV featuring Stumped Old YOU. Once you find the key, or are desperate to have to do stupid acts for someone to let you in, you can search around the bar/restaurant for other neat gadgets, secret hallways and other forms of weirdness. The food is a bit pricey and greasy, but it's worth a visit and always remains something different from the rest.

    (4)

  • Sarah V.

    Being from Chicago, we thought this would be a fabulous time. We had the address, but somehow walking down the alley, we didn't find it on the first try. Since the establishment is really by "word of mouth", it isn't on a main street and is quite difficult to find--centered in the middle of a dark alley. Finally we stumbled upon a door that read "International Exports, Inc".... so we entered. Two women in costume asked us if we were spys and if we knew the password. Still confused, we said no. She instructed us to mimic the childhood game of "ring around the rosey". Instantly, the bookcase behind us opened up and we entered into the hidden bar area-- we had now entered The Safe House. (After entering we realized that our ring around the rosey was witnessed by the entire bar via surveillance cameras displayed around the entire restaurant) Come to find out, a safe house was a secret place for spies to plan covert operations. In Milwaukee, the Safe House is a secret place for wannabe spies to plan covort operations. The restaurant was full of trap doors, puzzles, Agent themed fun activities located around the entire establishment. The food was pretty good and relatively inexpensive. My only negative comment is: when I told the waitress that we had never been here and what should we be looking for to get the entire Safe House experience, she said "just hurry and order... eat.... THEN go look around." She was pretty grumpy and conveyed the "I wish I wasn't here waiting tables on a Saturday night" look. All and all: Definitely worth the 2 hour drive from Chicago!

    (5)

  • Tara S.

    LOVED IT! Never been anywhere else like it. I don't even know how to begin describing this place. I visited on a Monday night as I was visiting Milwaukee. Reviewers have already described all the tricks and treats of this place, so I'll simply add that your first visit is likely the most fun. You learn all the secrets this place has to offer. Consecutive visits would likely consist of bringing your friends and reveling in their delight as they discover the wonders. All service staff was super friendly, hung out with the magician and he did several tricks for us, front bartender was great in describing the local brews, didn't have any food. Don't get hung up about not knowing the password or how to get in. You'll figure it out. I think this place is a must-see.

    (5)

  • Paul S.

    Great place. And to the two recent "vegan/veggie" gripers.... Dudes... this is a bar, in MILWAUKEE. Did you not see the walking hamburgers along the highway as you drove in? Oi vey. I recommend the Code Beer. Good brew, good price. They also serve Sprecher Beer, which is top notch. Enjoy the atmosphere and play a little blackjack for bar dollars. Yeah, and that was the place from Major League. "Wild Thing, you make my heart sing."

    (5)

  • Collin B.

    The place itself was really cool and the food was good. The service was ok as well, but they didn't seem like they were in a hurry to get you in and out of there so if you go, make sure you have about an hour on your hands. The parking situation is really bad, so good luck with that! All in all, the restaurant itself is really cool!

    (4)

  • Tom B.

    Update from first review. Like I said in my original review, I thought it would be a fun place to take the kids, so this summer we did just that. My wife I abandoned the kids at the front door, using our knowledge of the password to get in so we could watch them on the inside monitor. We even videotaped them making fools of themselves. I guess since this time we were there during the traditional dinner time, there was no $10 cover. The place was busy and service was a bit slow but not so much it became tedious. The slow initial service gave the kids time to explore a bit. Our server and all the staff were exceptionally friendly and were quite attentive despite, like I said, being pretty swamped. I really wish I could have pushed my rating to 4 stars, but honestly, it just doesn't warrant it. The food is mediocre and the pricing, while not high, is a bit much for what you get. Like many have said before me, you're paying for the experience and atmosphere. Well that is all well and good, but now that my family has done it, we have no desire to go back. When you can say that about a restaurant, then it's pretty hard to justify 4 stars. By all means, take some friends, take the kids, spend a few extra bucks for the fun you'll have, just understand what you're getting before you go in. My bet is the first thing you'll say after leaving is "That was fun" and the first thing you'll say the next time some suggests going back is "been there done that".

    (3)

  • Debbie S.

    What a cool place, and the food is good too!. We loved the whole atmosphere. We had lunch before our flight out and it was well worth it. You really have to know it is there as we really had a time finding it, but that was part of the magic. Service was good, they were not too busy and food was also good, though not memorable. I've recommended to friends going to the Milwaukee area.

    (4)

  • page j.

    So- we went here on the recommendation of a friend and yelp reviews. We were in town and had time to kill. This is a bar/grill--- but this was a tourist novelty. Families mainly pouring through for amusement. I was hoping for something a little more legit based on reviews--- it's just this side of a tourist trap. They do serve drinks- lots of them. Bright colored over sugared themed with keepsake glass. My drink was barely drinkable glowing fake red with coloring and syrup ---which was not in the disruption and overpriced. We had 2 drinks and left. We were there on a Friday night just after dinner. The place had some people (again mainly families and they went to order food which we didn't do) but no one wanted to interact we got bored and left. I don't know if a magician would have helped or hurt my opinion. This was cheesy but I want to love the concept... Maybe if the people there had been cooler? I dunno- I didn't hate it-- but I don't recommend it beyond a novelty amusement.

    (3)

  • Sarah W.

    Psst! Top secret restaurant mission, but you cannot know all the details. 1) Stop in to the Safe House some evening fairly early to avoid the crowds (and any cover charges that might pop up later on) 2) Wait for a table and order a beer on tap. 3) EXPLORE. 4) Eat. Some may consider this mission cheesy, but I personally eat up every spying moment of it. To explain, I was obsessed with Nancy Drew novels when I was little and I even dressed up as Natasha the spy from Rocky and Bullwinkle one year for Halloween. Get ready to sleuth! Sadly, don't expect your food to be anything special- They lose a star for making food that is mediocre to the core. But, you still should go here at least once for a fun night... maybe just stick to the drinks and dessert! This message will self-destruct in 5.... 4.... 3.... 2....... ;-)

    (4)

  • Nick J.

    Worst steaks in Milwaukee! Such a pity that a place that's been trading on its unique proposition, serves sub-standard food. Stale bread rolls and tasteless burgers and steaks. Service was average.

    (1)

  • Billy E.

    Of course this place is gimmicky, but that is the fun. I'm not really a martini guy, but the spytini definitely did a number on my memory. From what I gather I had a really great time, and if you're in Milwaukee and you haven't been here, put it on the list and don't do a lot of research. If you like surprises, you won't want to ruin the experience!

    (4)

  • Bruce K.

    The Safe House is a Milwaukee institution. Loaded with spy featured stuff, like "The Man From Havana" (Reuben sandwich) and a special "missions list" of things to do while you wait or your food. But if you're just here for the food, then you're missing out. I am not someone who likes to do silly things. I'm a serious guy. Don't ask me to hula hoop to get into your restaurant. I'm not going to sing the Birthday Song to enter. And I'm not going to perform any other dumb tricks. So when my colleague offered to bring me here, I did my research as any good spy would do. I went to Google and wandered around for the secret password (which I won't reveal here). And Google Street View, but that doesn't actually give you the "secret entrance". You have to figure that out for yourself too. Neat, clever and fun. I don't know if I'd be back but it's certainly a good first time sort of place.

    (4)

  • Ron S.

    This place is a blast. The food is so-so but you're not coming here for a culinary experience. It's all about the fun. Don't fret if they tell you it will be an hour+ wait. Plenty to see and do.

    (4)

  • Teresa P.

    I love this place. I come here every so often while on tour and it's been a pleasure every time. The staff is cheerful and friendly and I got to see a terrific magic show tonight. I love the idea and the execution of this place, I feel like a kid who can blow bubbles in their chocolate milk and drink it too.

    (5)

  • Sara M.

    You go to the Safe House for the experience. It's a great place to bring tourists (especially if they don't know anything about it in advance) or people who might enjoy the artifacts on the history of espionage. The food is just mediocre pub food with fun names. It's super fun, just don't go here expecting good food. We like to play a drinking game where you have to drink every time a server calls you "Agent."

    (3)

  • Kristen L.

    Was too drunk to drink when we arrived, to be honest, but it was a silly kitschy place. Lots of things to look at. A bit hard to navigate whilst plastered ;)

    (4)

  • Ashley A.

    Want a mysterious, kinda kooky bar experience? Come to SafeHouse! Here is what our experience included: a magic show a secret escape/exit route watching people who don't know the password make fools of themselves a tube system that runs throughout the entire bar that shakes the signature martini a free beer mug with a Code Beer purchase a literal whole in the wall with a funny little surprise a retro sexy man photo in the ladies' washroom that scared the heck out of me (touch the heart) I have never experienced a bar like this. It is so fun! There is so much to see and I'm not just talking about the random photos & posters on the wall. Don't expect to get in without having to perform some Broadway performance that is recorded and broadcasted on a tv above the bar unless you know the password (it is indeed written in several places throughout the bar and it's not just one word, by the way). I heard that even if you do know the password, but are with people who do not know it, the girl at the front door might still make you do something funny to get in. Oh, and don't try to exit the bar the way you came in. I think that may have been my favorite part. I accidentally fell upon the exit when my friend and I were wandering around, checking out the place, but it would have been more exciting if we were ready to leave and had to go on a scavenger hunt to find the exit. This bar has been featured on several television programs, which is where I first heard about it. I completely forgot about the place until one of our friends mentioned going when we made a trip to Milwaukee for a Yelp Elite event. So glad he reminded me about it! There is a really cute private booth straight ahead when you first walk in. It is sort of hidden and a great seating area for a date. There are also a couple tables surrounded by hanging beads, which is cute. Make sure to explore if and when you decide to check this place out. So much to see and experience! The guy who gave us a magic show mentioned this bar is the oldest magic bar in the country, I believe. Just ask for a show if they don't mention it. While we were exploring, we asked him where the password was written and this led to a discussion that led to the magic show, so I'm not sure if they regularly give them. I only had the Code Beer, which was decent. I didn't try any food, but would like to. It's not often I visit Milwaukee and like to try new places, so I'm not sure I'll return, but I definitely recommend this place to anyone who has never been! Have fun!

    (5)

  • Ross R.

    I'm a fan. This place is fun and interesting and quite charming. However, the food is horrible. I read the other reviews mentioning how bad it was and thought they must be exaggerating. They're not. It's the worst. Go for the drinks and the cool place. Have fun. But don't eat.

    (4)

  • Taylor S.

    The entire place is spy themed and is a great time. However, you are paying for the experience, the food is mildly overpriced for the quality. Not bad food in the least, and still a great place to visit if coming from out of town. Int'l Exports offers a wonderful experience overall

    (3)

  • Jelly R.

    Basically, the concept is that it's a safe house. You enter off of an alley near Old World Third Street (parking us not easy to come by in the weekends), and cameras are trained on you as you are asked by a staff member if you know the safe word. The safe word (er, phrase, really) hasn't changed in years, if ever. It was the same when my parents went there in the mid to late seventies, as when I went there during college ('03-'04-ish), as when I took my husband there a couple of years ago. If you don't know the password, you will be told to act out something or do something that the patrons inside will see on the screen and hopefully find amusing. Once you've given the safe word or completed your task, a set of book-laden bookshelves turns and you are admitted into the "safehouse" behind it. There are various gimmicky vignettes, like a spy phone, etc. There is a functional ejection seat in the bar area. In the past, magicians would sometimes perform. A few years ago, I found out a high school classmate sometimes DJ's there (something I would have made an effort to go see if I still lived in the area) . Their custom drinks have spy-themed names. The ladies bathroom has a poster with a red button on the man's genitalia and a written admonishment not to push it. If you push it, all the other patrons will be alerted so they can shame you when you come out. Safehouse is a Milwaukee institution, and is worth going to at least once just for the experience.

    (3)

  • Sam D.

    Fun atmosphere. The magician was fun and the decor was great. Drinks were a bit weak but we still had a great time. Make sure you know the secrete password.

    (4)

  • Chris R.

    OMG I Love This Place! If you're looking for kitschy cold-war fun. Or even if you're not looking for it but just want to have fun, then the Safe House is great time out. All load s of spy paraphernalia adorn the place. Ways to get in an out that a pure spy heaven. And ways to mask the fact you are at the Safe House from people who may want to be contact All in good spy fun. There are take home items as well if you want to relive your memories at home. Enjoyment tips. + When going the first time I suggest to NOT learn the password to get in. Sure you may have to do something silly for entrance (or maybe not). But it is always in good fun, and always great first memory to start off the rest of your visit. + If you want to explore then go early. Take a lunch or early dinner! Otherwise be prepared for what at times can be a pretty crowded place. + Make the Safe House your birthday outing ONLY if you AND your friends have a driver. Their drinks can be generous and no one wants to celebrate the end of their birthday in an un-safe jailhouse. :-) + As Taj P. stated "bring lot's of quarters" There are some cool things to do with that change and sometimes the bar runs out of change. The food itself is not a gastronomic experience extraordinaire. Overall I liked every time I have eaten there. Typical nice pub food a little heavy on meats and cheeses. But then think about what part are of the country you are in. Like any other night out I am sure you will find something for your veggie friends to eat. If you are concerned give the staff a call. They'll do their best to accommodate. Whether you are a first-time local, or a visitor the Safe House is really one of the things to do first. Especially for people looking for that little offbeat experience that will stick with you in the ways a visit to a regular museum never will.

    (5)

  • Jen F.

    This is a super tourist trap of a place, but fun nonetheless!! After my initial late night venture that consisted of little more than having a few cocktails, I returned with a tourist for happy hour one day. This was a much more satisfying experience!! For one, I was now armed with the password (no, I'm not telling!) and got to watch my little sis fight off imaginary ninjas to prove her spyworthiness from the closed-caption TV in the bar. Second, the hostess offered us a secret mission (basically a page printed with all of the gimmicks to check out around the place). This place is huge! And there's a lot going on - it's a real museum aside from the ejector chair, the alibi booth, Mata Hari's lookout, etc etc. (A bunch of stuff was out of order, but still enough to entertain.) It's a kid-friendly place with a full menu and mocktails even. I wouldn't bother with the food (how do you know an enemy agent hasn't slipped in some Polonium?!! I can't bring my Geiger counter with me everywhere!); but if you appreciate a spectacular show, order a martini, shaken. The shaking involves sending your drink on a journey throughout the entire place via a series of pneumatic tubes (like the ones at banks!). You can see them whip by every now and then! Make sure you leave by the secret exit! No good spy enters and leaves by the same door.

    (3)

  • Elissa B.

    It's not as touristy as others have led me to believe. It's super fun when you get in; I wish I had explored a bit more but it was crowded. The dancing was great, the whole crowd was friendly and we all befriended each other for the evening. Drinks were strong and not ridiculously priced. Seating can be a little tough on a weekend night, but we managed. I don't want to say more because you really should come.

    (4)

  • Sean G.

    Very fun I highly recommend ... Fun spy themed cocktails and food names. Only complaint at an empty restaurant due to the time... We were seated at an uncomfy table in the corner. Lots of secret tunnels exits etc. make it fun. And scenes from major league filmed here. Convenient to river walk

    (4)

  • Evan K.

    The environment is pretty awesome. Winding through the place is interesting and cool. But the food is fairly meh.

    (3)

  • Kimberly S.

    After Summerfest we were still looking for somewhere to get our drink on and decided to check out "that spy bar". Using our trusty google maps we were lead right to it and lucky for us we knew the secret password. I say lucky, because I really don't know if our group could have passed the tasks as a couple of them had overindulged at the fest. The bar was dead for a Friday night and the only people there were a couple of pockets of tourists. The drinks are reasonably priced and the theme is done well. I just couldn't get over the fact there were so few people and of course most seemed to be tourists. I figured this out when I noticed all the ladies wandering around looking for the bathroom. Overall, I think it's something to check out while in town. I think if you see it once, it might be enough.

    (3)

  • DeeAnne L.

    Alright, so I came here today with my sister for her bachelorette party. There was 5 of us. When we walked in, there was a pretty big group of baseball players waiting to be seated. No one had acknowledged us to at least put our name down on a list. The hostess told us that "it is first come, first serve basis". The rest of their group wasn't even there yet. The hostess then told us to "be patient" when we asked to put our name on a list. Now I personally don't think that is fair. Normally, your large group isn't seated until they're all there. But the most upsetting part of our experience, was seeing the hostess, with the major attitude problem, walk around the place wearing a skirt that was entirely too short for her. Not even kidding, her hoo-haa was hanging out. She bent over at one time and our table saw her nether regions. Now, our waitress, she was very nice BUT it took her 15 minutes to get our water. One of the girls with us, she ordered Pico de Gallo and cheese on her burger, she received 9 diced tomatoes and half a piece of cheese. She also ordered guacamole and received avacado. The food was okay. The drinks were delicious and so were the cheese curds. The slice of cheesecake and key lime pie were half the normal size and twice the price. The only saving grace of this was experience was the naked But Reynolds with the heart covering his junk. I would highly recommend management take care of the hostess with the bad attitude and her clam hanging out. Also, $.25 to leave the place is a little cheesy.

    (2)

  • Tamar S.

    Palamino's....we went there on a 90 degree day for the refreshing Moscow Mule! Great! My friend had the PBLT with a side (extra $) hush puppies which I don't like but he does. I tried half of one but didn't really like the dipping sauce anyway. I had the fried chicken THIGH sandwich...GOOD JOB...nice to have thigh instead of a breast...no pun intended!!! The fries had great flavor but were so limp I thought of fried eggplant. Bartender was great...and attentive...I'd go back...but not right away and yes I've been to their other restaurants as well as my friend....

    (3)

  • Dan M.

    We went after 9 so no food. This place is great for being entertained. They have all different kinds of weird/fun things all around the place. The bartenders were great. This was especially true of the magician bartender. I could have stayed and watched the entire night. The drinks were pretty good although some were on the pricey side.

    (4)

  • Kelly O.

    I would like to give this place no stars. It was the worst experience I've ever had in Milwaukee, and I love Milwaukee! I would not recommend this place to anyone, mostly because the place is a total dive, but more or less because of the poor attitudes of the people who work there...if you would even call that a job. I have worked in and out of the service business in the Chicagoland area for 14+ years, and have never been treated so badly, even at Ed Debevics! I will never come back. Not even if I was as wasted as the people they let in there (I was sober). The only reason I would ever return would be to get my $5 back that I had to give to some 'whorribly' looking woman, just so I could get in to tell my friends I wanted to leave immediately. This place is a total joke. Rudeness is not a concept I ever want to experience at any establishment. This place is the exact opposite of hospitable. I'll tell you what the password is: grow up.

    (1)

  • Joe P.

    Descriptive phrase: I'm just here to export things... The International Export Ltd aka The Safe House is a Milwaukee experience, to be sure. I won't divulge much of anything regarding the place itself because I think everyone should come and experience it in person. However, I will make a few notes from my most recent visit. I came on a Saturday night around 8PM for dinner and there was a $5 cover. There was no mention of this being waived if you had dinner, and we had to specifically ask our waitress about it. She took the $5 off the bill as long as we weren't staying for whatever clubbing happened later. The service was nice and the waitress was in character. The food came out immediately, scary fast. I had a bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup ($5) and the Isle of Capri Delite salad ($8). While I appreciate the speedy service, I wish I had had time to eat the soup before the salad (my meal) came. It all came together and it was just too much at once. The soup was giant, I would get a cup next time. It had a number of ingrediants I couldn't place but it all kind of mushed together. Not bad, but not great. The salad was a bed of lettuce absolutely covered in giant slices of tomoato, red onion, and mozzarella. I'm normally a mozz guy, but this batch just wasn't fresh. The garlic bread served alongside was toasty but much too garlic-y. Maybe my taste buds were off that night because it looked fantastic and I love all the ingrediants normally, but this dish did not agree with me. I only ate about a quarter. I tried a companion's chicken fingers ($10) and they were fantastic. Others liked the To Your Health ($8) and the Bourne Identity ($12). My meal won't dissuade me from coming again, I just wouldn't recommened what I ordered.

    (3)

  • Tammy L.

    Yuck If you like Magic Time Machine, you'll love this place. Food & drinks are horrible. Bartender ignores you. Waitress disappears after your food arrives & the food is mediocre at best. I will never return to this place. I enjoy GOOD food and at the very least decent service. This place has neither. It's all built on a "spy theme." Disneyland for food.

    (1)

  • Travis W.

    Like most people say if you are visiting Milwaukee this is must see place. It has such a cool vibe to it. Seriously this place is one of the coolest bars I have been to. Pair that with the history behind the place and you got yourself a winning combo. I only came here and had a few drinks, but the laughs that came along with the eye candy made me a fan immediately. The bartender was really cool, she made some people that didn't know the password run around like zombies in the waiting room. I was amazing at how much stuff there was too look at. Secret doors, walls that move and spy decor EVERYWHERE. I sipped on some brews while my wife grabbed the spy-tini. They sent that martini through a vacuum tube that goes around the whole restaurant/bar. Plus you get a cool souvenir cause you get the keep the shaker and the glass. They also filmed one of my favorite sports movies here Major League!! Make sure when you come you go out the back door, but be careful there could be spies in the ally. CHEERS!!

    (4)

  • Maria B.

    I was disappointed today, otherwise this would be a 5 star rating. I discovered the Safe House a few months ago when I started a new job downtown. Such a unique place! I started taking all of my out-of-town clients here for lunch. I've been coming in, probably about once every 2 weeks for lunch. Today, went for lunch with an important client. They were closed. Don't know why they changed, but it looks like they now don't serve lunch any more. It's too bad, the food and service are always really good, and I've yet to have a client who didn't have a great time. It put me in an awkward spot, especially since we couldn't get to my backup plan (Rock Bottom) because the bridge is out. I'm still rating 4 stars, because it's such a fun place. But I'm not happy about this change. Guess I have to come up with a new "go-to" place.

    (4)

  • Paul N.

    we went for lunch and ordered an appetizer and drinks. We got the nachos which were good except that we had to mix everything together ourselves. We ordered the code beer which was awful. I'm pretty sure it's just mickeys. I would like to come back in the evening and get the whole experience.

    (3)

  • Faith G.

    A very cool place to go to at least once in your life. This will be an experience you'll not soon forget. I won't spill the beans on what you may encounter while there, but know that it is full of fun surprises and mysteries. The fun is in exploring it all in between mouthfuls of satisfying food.

    (5)

  • Harris K.

    Pros: - Fun decor - Great service - Decent beer selection - Positive overall experience (fun activities, entrance/exit) Cons: - Food is solidly good, not great Wish I Knew: - Entrance is in the alley - Bring quarters!

    (4)

  • Erin R.

    I loved Safe House. I'm from Los Angeles and a friend of mine recommended I stop by this place while I was in town. I'm really glad I did. From the moment you walk in you're transported into a fun and interesting experience. I didn't eat there but the spy environment and drinks made for a memorable and entertainment evening. I'll definitely be back here on my next stop in Milwaukee. Don't read too many reviews before you go, otherwise you'll spoil the experience. Enjoy your visit!!

    (5)

  • Michelle F.

    What an incredibly fun concept for a bar! They had a lot of drink selections to choose from as well as some fun "girlie" drinks, which I like. My husband was impressed w/ their beer selection, so that kept him happy! The TVs to spy are fun. We didn't try any of the food since we were still stuffed from lunch, but it smelled pretty good! I would definitely return!

    (4)

  • Natasha K.

    Amazing place, I had a blast! Being a Russkie, I did feel like a spy :) The bar is huge and looks like an awesome museum inside, with extra lounge space upstairs. Very cool.

    (5)

  • Gabe M.

    Safe House is a definite visit when heading into Milwaukee. The food is ok but the experience is a must. Just a fun time for a group of people. We had the fried cheese curds and the microchips and dip.

    (4)

  • Chris G.

    How often do you get to go on a mystery hunt trying to find the location of a restaurant? It's almost as if this place goes out there way to make it hard to find. Once we found it, we where clueless on how to enter the restaurant. Once I thought we found the secret passage, a voice came over the loud speaker and said "that's not it". We were asked to supply the password to gain entrance. We did not know the "secret password". Because we did not know it, we were asked to sing "Ring Around The Rosie" to gain entrance. At first we scoffed at singing this song, but since were from out of town, what did we have to lose? After singing, we were permitted entrance. We walked in to a room full of patrons laughing and clapping. Little did we know we were on video camera the whole time. We toured the restaurant and enjoyed seeing all the spy memorabilia. This place is like a spy museum. The food was okay and I got a drink that came in a nice glass as a souvenir. If I'm ever back in Milwaukee, I will stop by, especially if I'm with someone who has never been before.

    (4)

  • Angela P.

    A good place for a bachelorette party dinner if you aren't a bunch of rowdy skanks. We were a pretty tame group. My friend made an 8:00 p.m. reservation on a Saturday night, but I don't think we got seated until 9:00 p.m. I asked for a ginger ale, and what I received was flat soda. I asked for a sprite instead, and the waitress said, "oh I'll get you another ginger ale." She came back with a Coke mixed with Sprite. This is NOT ginger ale. Everyone was happy with their menu and food they ordered. Nothing stood out in particular other than the blood orange martini that my underage (yep, underage) cousin ordered. They don't card too hard here. There was a DJ as we were leaving, so it could be a fun spot to stay a little later. The kitschy spy decor is fun if you have the time to take a look around.

    (3)

  • Jennifer H.

    From the other Yelp reviews, I see people are actually eating here. Quite honestly. I never even knew they served food. It's just too fun to sit down for dinner. Now serious drinking ... That's a whole other story. Not sure what I could possibly add to most of the reviews. This place is definitely cheesy and fun and can be a blast as long as you don't take yourself or this place seriously. Only fun people who want to explore the place and just laugh at how crazy The Safe House is are welcome. Party poopers and other boring people who would rather sit in front of the TV can stay home.

    (4)

  • Meagan N.

    The Safehouse is a must stop on my guide to Milwaukee. It's quirky but fun and although the drinks aren't Milwaukee priced, you are really going for the experience which is worth a few extra bucks.

    (4)

  • Kelly B.

    I have been to the Safe House several times, both for lunch, dinner and drinks. Overall it's a really gimicky place, really fun to bring people who have never been there or to Milwaukee before, but not such a place for Milwaukee regulars. This place needs two seperate reviews: First - the atmosphere: 4/5 Finding the place is half the job, as they go by "International Exports Ltd", instead of the safehouse, and nowhere are they advertised on the outside of the building. The entrance is down the alley on Front St, and you must choose between two doors. Once in the correct door, you enter a small library, and are asked for a password. If you do not know, you must preform a task to get through. The wall opens up and you go through a secret passage to the restaurant. Little do your guests know that their task was being televised to the entire restaurant. Once inside it seems like you stepped onto a movie set -everything is spy themed. Down to the servers approaching your table and greeting you "welcome spies", everyone is in character. There are several rooms and passageways, and the table centerpiece gives you a cleverly worded scavenger hunt of all the cool things in the restaurant - ranging from a naked Burt Reynolds, to a 'disappearing' barstool, to a rotating dinner booth. There are some really cool features that you only discover by going with someone who has explored - or taking the time to explore yourself. Downside, is that the place has clearly not been updated in a while. It's run down and dirty, and needs a new coat of paint. Now for the quality of the dining experience: The fact that the appearance is dirty is the first problem I have with this place. The booths are full of crumbs and dirt, the carpet is barely there, the paint is chipping and missing, and the bar is overrun with knick knacks. Maybe that adds to the allure of a 'safe house', but not to the allure of the restaurant. All the servers I've had have been great, really in character and fun. The prices are much to expensive for the quality. They have been changing the menu around, which frustrates me because they are taking the good things I like, and mixing them with others. Appetizer wise, the control spread of dips is the way to go. Like I said, way to expensive for what you get, but it is a hummus, a garlic spread and a spinach artichoke dip. I want to say its more than $15, which is insane, but the garlic spread alone is ALMOST worth it. The sanwiches, salads and burgers are good, but I still have a hard time justifying the prices. The drinks are another story. I've tried most. They rack up the prices insanely, and let you take the glass you get it in home with you. The Code Beer is the drink to get if you like beer. It is compareable to a Fat Tire, that it's more of an amber ale. It comes in a mason jar with a handle on it, and my cupboard at home is full of them. If you bring your Code Cup in, you get the beer for only $2.50. We also tried the Silencer shot, which contrary to what the server said, was literally just a shot of Blue UV....for $9.00. The Spies Demise is good, like an alcoholic kiddie cocktail. My wrap-up recommendation for this place, go around 4:30, and bring people who have never been here. Get a couple apps and some drinks, take your cups home, and enjoy dinner somewhere else.

    (3)

  • Ryan S.

    Ok, I had heard this is a "must-do" for Milwaukee. I brought my family (6 years old was the youngest) and went decently early to try out the dinner. When we arrived, none of us knew the password so we did as we were instructed to enter. Cool entryway to introduce you to their theming. You are now addressed as "spies" or "agents." Very cool exhibits of the Spy Museum and they even send you on a "secret mission" to find things around the museum. Be sure to check out the magician if he is in. One of the magicians was actually voted "Best of Milwaukee." Probably two of the coolest things were the "worlds biggest puzzle" that you can move and the piece of the Berlin Wall. This is the second time I've seen a piece of the Berlin Wall and this was just as cool. The food was ok, at best--- but was they say, don't go there for the food. We probably should have ended up just going elsewhere for food, but we were already there and were hungry. The secret exit is neat, but will cost you a quarter! I've heard there's a secret entrance in the pub next door, too. Supposedly there are other hidden passages that we couldn't find. ( they were hidden, after all!!!) So, experience and novelty, as well as seeing all the signatures of famous people that had visited, too, was 4-5 stars, but the food knocked it way down for us. We won't eat there again, but may just visit again for the fun of it. JUST DONT GO FOR THE FOOD! Lol the experience is the great thing about it!

    (3)

  • Brian H.

    This is not a place to go if you want to relax. This is a place you go for a fun experience. The food was decent, the service was decent, the drinks were good, but the environment was amazing! Passwords, secret passageways, hidden messages, hidden cameras etc. the fun continues on & on. It was an absolute blast! This type of place may not be for everyone, but I highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Jesse H.

    I take every guest that comes to the Milwaukee area here, it's a hoot! Watch them dance their way in while you sip on a great cocktail, or host your next dinner here while taking in the unique ambiance. A must-go at least once!

    (4)

  • Danielle M.

    Absolutely loved this place. Came here for geo caching spot, and it did not disappoint. The entrance was clever, you will have fun. The place is well decorated, the little riddles they have you searching for is fun and a time killer while you're waiting for your food to arrive. The food was pretty good. Didn't take long at all to get to us. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting the area.

    (5)

  • Mary P.

    We hosted a large fundraiser here with over 100 guests. What we liked most was the attention given to our event by the staff. They had good ideas, encouraged and were open to special needs. The sit down dinner turned out great. The waitstaff was super attentive and friendly! It gave our event a unique and fun atmosphere - not just another same old dinner and auction. The theme opens you up to dress up or casual. We went all out with the James Bond atmosphere - gentleman wore tuxes and ladies formal evening gowns. Everyone had a wonderful time!

    (5)

  • ALFREDO M.

    At 5:30 on a Saturday, the wait was more than 1.5 hours - that was kind-of bogus, but it hardly mattered. It's fun. You know, for kids!

    (4)

  • Samantha L.

    This place has kitsch written all over it. When you walk in - if you can find the door in the alley, that is, you enter into a small room, that is housed with antique furniture, and you are asked if you know the password. If you do not, then you are required to do something slightly embarrassing for the onlookers upstairs. I wish we could have explored a little more of the memorabilia. We only had drinks while we were there, and I love how they have New Glarus' Spotted Cow on tap there - which is no where on the menu. Our waittress was very nice, but we couldn't stop giggling whenever she kept on calling us spies. "Oh, take your time Spies!" or "I'll be back soon Spies!" "Here are your drinks, Spies!" I think you get the idea... It's a little divey, and could use a good scrubbing, but the lighting helps to hide all of that. I don't really know what I was expecting, honestly. This would be a great place to bring either kids or spy-nerds - guys that are into spy movies would probably get a kick out of it. I probably won't be back, but it is a very cool idea.

    (3)

  • Ben S.

    Read about this place online and decided to head up to see what the fuss was about. Well it was a night of disappointment. When you enter you will get to a fake door which you have to pull a lever and the bookcase will open. We ordered our appetizers which we had cheese curds and they were pretty good and everyone at the table seemed to enjoy. We then went on to order our meals a few of us ordered burgers and the rest got the "chef speciality", well the burgers were barely cooked but they seemed satisfied with it. The other meal was terrible, bad tasting gravy and burnt cornbread were the highlights the chicken was about the only thing edible here. But if I was rating on food this place would get a 1 star review. The atmosphere was pretty cool with a spy theme. Even though it appeared old it provided with a cool surrounding while eating. There was a magician also but he was very awkward and tried to be funny. All in all the atmosphere was cool but the food was terrible, if you want to go here come for the theme not the food.

    (2)

  • Brad H.

    This is a very cool bar with all sorts of hidden rooms and interesting decor. Only had drinks at the multiple bars inside, but other than the food I can't imagine why this bar would get any less than 5 stars. It's one of a kind!

    (5)

  • Pamm A.

    Noisy, fun and funky! Food was very good, service excellent! Beware you enter thru an alley, but go for it!

    (4)

  • Kyle K.

    There's an hour I will never get back. No, drunken bachelorette partier, I do not want to buy you a drink. I do not care that your name tag is shaped like man junk. I do not dig this place. More than anything, I am not a fan of gimmicks. This place is full of them. Buy this rotgut drink and keep the cup! Watch as your cocktail whizzes around the room before you enjoy it a little! Better know this password or you'll get probed or something. Baaaarf. Bad music. Horrifically bad music about some girl that wants me to call her, maybe. I will no doubt end up back here against my will sometime and will proceed to brain myself against the wall.

    (2)

  • Merete M.

    This is a great place to bring visitors if you're just not sure what they'd like to do. Here's my scenario: "Here's a list of things we can do while you're here!" "Okay, whatever would be fine with me!" "Sure! Is there anything on that list you'd like to do?" "I don't know~ I'm fine with whatever" "Pick something." "Ummm... whatever!" "Why are we friends." "I'm still coming to visit!" I love that even finding this place is a bit of a mystery. Which damn door is it?? Then you have to know the password. (I know it now. No, I won't tell you.) Once inside, there are distractions galore. Find the neat hidden gems from the list, or just wander around observing on your own. The food was surprisingly good. (I didn't expect much because restaurants that rely on gimmicks usually ignore the importance of good food) I had the french dip sandwich done Philadelphia style. It was messy and delicious, and filled me up to food coma status. Get here early if you're visiting on a weekend. There's a cover charge after 7, I think. They take reservations. We didn't have one, but enjoyed a drink while we waited for our table to be ready.

    (4)

  • Miranda J.

    My family and I came here for my sister's 19th birthday. My mother had wanted to go because she had heard good things about it. When we got into the restaurant, they ask for a pass-code to get into the restaurant. My mother knew the pass-code and got into the restaurant while my sister and I and a couple had to dosie-doe(sp?) and sing "Jack & Jill". When we finally got into the restaurant we realized that everyone was watching us from the TV screens. There were cameras in the room!! It was embarrassing but at least we got some applause out of it! Unfortunately as soon as we got in, we had an hour wait, but hey, there was a bar in the waiting area. I had a "Jaws" martini, which was delicious and strooonnngggg. The two stars missing on my rating come from the food. Though the restaurant was a lot of fun, the food was not at all worth the money we paid on it. Though it was still delicious, my black bean chipotle burger had not much spice to it, and was falling apart. I had to end up using my fork to eat my burger :(. My fries tasted like fries from McDonald's, which was upsetting. Other waiters around us were acting, as if everything was a part of a mission, they would call their customers spies. Our waitress, though she was very kind, was not playing the part. This was disappointing but we still tipped her well. Maybe she was new? Maybe she is shy? Who knows, she was nice and helpful, and that is all that matters in the end. Overall, this is definitely a restaurant to try if you are in Milwaukee! The fun is endless here. Maybe I just had bad luck with my food, plus I'm sort of a picky eater... haha.

    (3)

  • Lawrence Y.

    This is a MUST-DO if ever you are in Milwaukee! We were cracking up the entire time! We went in the middle of the day, and I almost gave up on trying to find the entrance to the place when I found the passageway (no password was required upon entry). We were seated in a booth decked out in Asian fanfare (intentionally or unintentionally?!). We had a few drinks (not strong at all) and I had a custom spyburger which was decent. This place is definitely about the experience rather than the food, in my opinion. The neat part is being able to get up and walk around and find things. Couldn't find the phone booth to exit though (so we had to exit through the loser door haha). I pretty much died laughing here. So much I got our server to call me NINJA. GO-GO-GADGET-HOLLAARRRR!

    (5)

  • Kate T.

    I can now give this place a great review because I've been here for lunch, dinner and drinks!! To start out I love this place. I think its more fun to drink and eat when you have to give a password. And no I will not tell you what the password is. Be careful though if you do want to have a meal here make sure you have a reservation because it apparently gets packed for dinner. Also make sure you arrive atleast 10 minutes before your reservation to make sure you have time to get through the secret passage way. Also if you do come at night on the weekend just know they do have a cover and you need to bring cash. Cons -No parking -Low Lighting -Kind of Dirty -Always need reservations for meals -Takes awhile to get in Pros -Awesome Theme -Awesome Staff members who are nice -Fun stuff to do during dinner -Delicious drinks that come with a free glass1 -Decent food -Bartenders are freaking awesome -The martinis get shaken in a tube! To be completely honest I can't put how awesome this place is in words. There are so many cool things for you to do while your waiting for your food. Your food will be yummy and the drinks are awesome too. Make sure while your here look for burt reynolds and the berlin wall.

    (4)

  • Randall N.

    This place may be touristy and a little gimmicky but it's really fun. We explored the whole place but I'm sure there were still nooks and crannies we missed. We came in for one drink since they do get spendy. I loved the atmosphere in here. It was laid back but energetic to. I didn't know the password so me and two of my friends had to do an irish jig to get in and were promptly greeted to cheers when we walked in the bar. I loved that you walk through a bookcase into a tiny hallway before getting into the actual bar. That right there sets the mood for the place. WE had a blast. Two complaints: why try and turn this place into a club at 10 on the weekends? This place should be playing the Rat Pack and Etta James at all times. The clubby music and mini laser lights just felt really out of place and weird. It kind of killed the atmosphere. Second, I really wanted a mini martini shaker but they don't sell them individually. I would have had to order the pure vodka martini to get it. I am not physically capable of drinking a martini just made of vodka. And what sense does it make to not sell them by themselves? I found that weird.

    (4)

  • Katerina R.

    I love the atmosphere here and they have friendly waiters/tresses. The food is good but just a little pricey. This place is good for birthday outings or just something different to do with the family!

    (4)

  • Emily S.

    Tried this place one more time. Still didn't like it - I liked it less than I did the other time I came here. We didn't have to wait long this time because we came here during the week, but it's just nothing special. I get that the staff here need to stay "in character," but sometimes they're downright rude, and not in a funny way. I don't like being physically touched or moved by staff, or being talked down to, even if it's to stay in character. It's just annoying. It also always smells like barbecue sauce in there, and the place just never feels clean. Things feels sticky and dirty. No thank you.

    (1)

  • Tony B.

    Great Place but I can't tell you the password.

    (5)

  • Heather L.

    Such fun! So I saw this on a show ("Drinking Made Easy"), but didn't really pay attention to it. When the girls rolled into town, one of them mentioned the place and instantly I remembered it! They had done some research so before our show we went for some drinks. It was pretty easy to find and according to the website if you go before 8 p.m. you usually won't be challenged, but that's not true. We all got the password wrong, so we ended up playing "Ring Around the Roses". The awesome thing is when they grant you access and you get to go through the "secret" doors. Everyone greets you with, "Welcome Agents." The walls are covered in spy memorabilia and they have memorabilia you can take home with you. Some of the drinks come in glasses that you can take home and you can purchase mustaches for your next disguise. We didn't realize that the place was a restaurant too, but if you are going to eat, you may want to make a reservation. The place gets pretty busy. We lucked out and snatched up this little booth-like table. Note: To save yourself from being birthed from the seat as other patrons watch, the table lifts up so the person sitting in the seat at the back can get in an out. Ask Cara, my fellow Yelper. I thought I was going to die from laughter. The thing is... when we sat down, someone came over and said, "Oh, let me clear this for you." However, no one ever came back to take our drink orders. They took orders for everyone around us and we tried to get a waitresses attention, but it just wasn't happening. So I offered to go up to the bar and get us drinks. The drink menu is fun too... with names like Miss Moneypenny and Oddjob. The staff at the bar were very nice and even told us for some of the drinks we ordered with souvenir glasses, if we brought them back to the bar, they would wipe them up and but them in a bag for us. Lovely! The drinks were good and the atmosphere is fun. The thing that kind of put a damper on things were the children that were running around. Quite a lot of them, bumping into things, yelling... one staff member even told them off, but that lasted all of a minute. If you are looking for something different from the usual bars, definitely try this place out.

    (3)

  • Alice S.

    I hate to use this expression, because it's a bit of a cop-out, but Safe House is what it is. It's a clever shtick and lots of fun, but don't go there hungry. The food is cafeteria-quality. The service is good to very good and always fun, and it's definitely worth a trip, especially with the kids.

    (3)

  • Lorika H.

    I have been to many countries, bars and places and have never been to a place more unique than The Safe House, not even the ice bar in Dubai or the Cave House in Jordan or the desert of the Egypt (just kidding) but its truly a fun bar to visit. It's a James Bond theme or sort of spy theme, at the entrance you have to know the password to get in or the hostess will make you do .&&@:)...... (don't want to ruin the surprise) which will be transmitted to the bar TV for the bar audience to see (which it's hilarious when your drunk). Also there are many hidden doors make sure to try to open all the them, hidden pas ways etc. Good luck finding the exit. Also please visit when in Milwaukee

    (5)

  • Hana C.

    Five stars if it was just for service. Food is as everyone says, decent but nothing to write home about. I was here with a group of six girls, which could be hard to seat in a lot of other restaurants. Safe House sat us immediately and comfortably in the dining area. It was a friend's birthday so they had us get down on one knee at the entrance and sing happy birthday with our hands held out to her. We each gave her a kiss on the cheek and we were on our way in. We split a sampler appetizer that came with buffalo wings, gouda bites, and cheese curds with two dipping sauces: one creamy and one marinara. They were what you would expect to find at a local bar, tasty enough but nothing special. They have a long list of beers on tap, which the waitress impressively listed out from memory (twice, mind you). I had the fish fry, the cod, and it was decent. Just your run of the mill coleslaw, cold bread, fried fish... It wasn't the best fish fry I've had but not the worst either. I think you'd be better off ordering a burger or a sandwich. The whole ambiance of the place is what really made it special. The server was all smiles and very efficient. Each server has his or her own personality and the one we got was apparently just super happy and awesome all the time. There were kids running around (and I swear what looked like a fraternity or a sports team... weird) pushing buttons and reading text on walls. The entirety of the place feels like a maze, which is a cool feeling if you are an explorer type. Overall, it's a fun place to take friends or a loved one for an interactive experience. Kids especially, would have a blast.

    (4)

  • Sean P.

    This place is a Milwaukee gem. I have been here more times than I can remember and certainly look forward to the next time I go. The first visit was very random as a visiting friend had heard rumor of some semi-hidden bar and we decided to seek it out. When we got there, we were not entirely sure of the password and had to prove our allegiance. That was a fun surprise. Once inside we were impressed by just how thoroughly the theme is applied and the amount of detail throughout the bar. Now that I know the password, it is a great place to bring people new to town, tell them the wrong password, and get to watch them on the monitors at the bar while they have to do as they are told. Each visit also brings new details to light and bares other quasi-secrets. The house drinks are varied and all stay close to the overall theme. If you are a collector of glassware, they offer multiple drinks with corresponding glasses that also, if you can keep them in one piece (they are not immune to tripping on stairs), will allow you a discount on future drinks. That said, the food is not the focus nor forte here, but will satisfy your hunger if that is your aim. If you haven't been, go. If you have, go again and take someone new. And every once in a while, use the wrong password.

    (4)

  • Will D.

    The Safe House is a spy-themed restaurant in a small alley in Milwaukee. The ambiance runs from hokey to serious. The walls are adorned with autographed posters and pictures from actors in spy movies and TV programs, cold war paraphernalia and the like. For sheer fun, I give the place 5 stars, but admit that I could only visit here occasionally before the magic would begin to wear off (I was only visiting Milwaukee). As a restaurant, our group found the food pretty good, though it varied. Two of our meals were very good, while the third was not bad. For the food and service, I give the place 4 stars.

    (4)

  • Jamie M.

    This is our favorite spot in Milwaukee! We visit several times a year. As others say, "don't go for the food". It's not bad, but not that good & way over priced. So go there for some awesome drinks (you get to keep your glass!) & enjoy the atmosphere and fun of the place. Tips: *bring a quarter if you want to go out the secret spy exit. (it's worth it) *be ready to do a song & dance to get in if you don't know the password. *if you're with friends, order the "mission impossible" to share. It's a huge bowl of yummy alcohol lol *if you're out with someone for their birthday, ask the staff if they can ride in the chair that goes through the floor *if you're from out of town, this is a must see place!!

    (4)

  • Tiffany L.

    It's a fun novelty, worth visiting at least once. Lots of hidden secrets for you to uncover. We came for a late lunch on a Saturday and no password or ridiculous human tricks needed. The food is priced too high and is quality is probably at a level you'd expect for a place like this.

    (3)

  • Dean D.

    Somewhat touristy but a pretty cool place nonetheless. We had to do a little dance to get in because we didn't know the password. I read the reviews prior to going there so we knew we'd be entertaining the bar with our dance and did get some applause once we were aloud to enter via their "secret door". The interior is larger than expected with a "007" theme throughout the bar. I didn't have a chance to try any of their food but did look at the menu and it looked pretty good...typical bar food, nothing special. Overall a fun, interesting place.

    (4)

  • Jessica O.

    The Safe House is fun - but honestly, I'm usually bored after an hour. The initial giggles to be had obtaining entrance are pretty priceless - once two of my friends had to do a full body pat down on each other - and another time a friend from a foreign country had to do the Chicken Dance (but didn't know what that was...hilarity ensued...) However, once you've sipped your overpriced drink, perused the spy decor, and touched the Burt Reynolds photo in the bathroom, there's really not a whole lot to do besides escape out the phone booth.

    (3)

  • Scott D.

    What a fun and unique dinner we had with our kids! We enjoyed every bit of the Safe House's decor, subterfuge, intrigue and covert comedy! Ms. Moneypenny was a delight- and all of the staff were friendly and tolerant of our rambunctious boys, who had a ball! They were encouraged to spy for clues, and given hints to find hidden passages and other icons of the spy trade! Our boys talked about the Safe House for days after! The food was not bad, maybe a bit pricey for what you get- but it's the ambience you're there for- and it was well worth the trip! I was surprised to hear this place hadn't changed much since it started in 1966! Very cool! We highly recommend you try and find it yourselves! Where is it??? Mum's the word!

    (4)

  • Evelina L.

    We were here from Chicago for a bachelorette party and absolutely fell in love with the place! Between the bachelorette and a birthday girl that we had with, we had to sing, slap, bow and hula hoop in order to get in. One of our friends was a little intoxicated and enjoyed it so much that she keep re-entering every 30 minutes...she was too drunk to realize that we were watching her on the TV every time :) Drinks were just ok, but the people and the music was fantastic. We were dancing together with practically everyone at the place towards the end of the night. The DJ takes requests and places them almost instantly. Even found and downloaded an old school Russian song for all of us. Although it cleared the dance floor, we certainly enjoyed it. Definitely a must when you go to Milwaukee to have some fun. See you soon!

    (5)

  • Cheol K.

    Came with a group of friends. This is a must visit location if you are in the Milwaukee area. First off, finding the building is a puzzle in itself. If you do some internet research, you will find that the entrance is off an alleyway with an alias name placard "International Exports". I love how they make you do some type of goofy punishment if you don't know the password. Low and behold, everyone in the bar area watched us doing the "Staying Alive" disco dance to get in. It's great that people will cheer you in after watching your various performances to gain entry. Loved being called a "spy" by every staff member. Definitely need to spend time goon through the entire building. So many mysteries to reveal. The answer to the secret password for entry is located inside the building. You have to do the work and it is a fun challenge. The secret exit is amazing! We came back for a second visit to figure out that one. Well worth the visit. I'd give this place 6 Stars if I could!

    (5)

  • Chase R.

    Tourist here, and yes, it's worth a stop at the Safe House. I've never seen a bar quite like it, with multiple rooms and a different atmosphere in each. That was the most enjoyable part, just exploring each room. We saw the magician at the bar (awesome), watched some karaoke, and played some blackjack to try and win chips for a free drink. On a Wednesday night. So there ya go.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth M.

    What a strange place. Not in a charming, quirky way, but in a "let's please leave NOW" way. My roommates and I went while visiting Milwaukee for the first time because people told us to check it out as a fun, unique bar. What we found was an incredibly outdated, run down bar with weak, unremarkable drinks. It was so kitschy I felt embarrassed for them. The specialty cocktails were basically a concoction you might make in college at a house party. Another bizarre aspect of the bar was that in some parts people were eating dinner in rooms with no music, and then another part people were humping on a dance floor with disco balls, and then another part were groups of families celebrating 21st birthdays. Didn't help we were hit on by two middle aged men wearing pirate costumes talking about recent divorces. I think the spy theme was cool when it first opened, but they seem to have done nothing to update and of the features, so it just seemed sad. It isn't even one of those places that you should go to once just to have been there. I would skip it altogether. Still makes me uncomfortable to think about.

    (1)

  • Jessica D.

    We love this place! So much fun. Good food, good drinks, such a great atmosphere. You notice a little more every time you go there. Wonderful place for a night out. An even better place to take unsuspecting friends/visitors.

    (4)

  • Lindsey C.

    Maybe this is having been there dozens of times, but.. overall ehh. The food is overpriced for what they offer so I wouldn't go there to eat. However, going there for drinks as well as to watch the magician bartender can be a lot of fun. Chris Ivanovich is a lot of fun and a really nice guy, so he's the magician I'd go see. I don't know if Scott Xavier is still turning tricks (har har) there, but just about every time I've been there in the past he sexually harassed me during his act and the last time I saw him there he basically called me a whore for still having the same boyfriend. Makes sense, right? If you've never been there definitely go at least once to experience all of the fun hidden secrets the building itself has to offer. Have a few drinks and watch Ivanovich's show after getting dinner elsewhere. Safehouse, I *want* to love you, I really do. It just doesn't seem like you're trying anymore. And maybe you don't have to. maybe there are plenty of middle American folks who think a night out at the Olive Garden is just fine. But you could be so much more than that! Food- 2 stars Drinks- 3-4 stars (depending on what you get) Atmosphere- 4 without Scott Xavier.

    (3)

  • Michelle D.

    I have been to the Safehouse a few times over the past 20 years. I recently returned with our nephews to introduce them to them fun. Sure it is kinda old and run down, but hey that is the fun. They had a blast. I think this place in today's world is more for kids than adults. But this place needs a new chef. I am no food snob but I was served extremely old wilted lettuce and not so great Portobello sandwih. I have had better at Panera Bread. The staff was really fun being in character which the kids loved, but the food is not very good. The menu is fine, but the food is subpar. This place needs a real chef who can run a kitchen. If not, it won't make it. Cut your menu in half and hire a decent chef for your kitchen.

    (2)

  • Adam H.

    What can I even say about the Safe House without spoiling any secrets and blowing any covers? This place is guaranteed a uniquely fun time. From the moment you enter to the time you leave there are surprises around every corner. My first time here I had an awesome burger, then hailed as a chief, and humiliated (not necessarily in that order). During my second time I had a better grasp on things, but I was with a group of friends with no clue and were ultimately good company to see their reactions. One thing to remember is to bring your sense of adventure. I always keep mine in my back pocket, but just be sure you have yours. I would also suggest dressing up to play the part as well; I was wearing a suit during my second visit and I completely felt like a spy. You can judge me all you'd like, but I loved every minute of it. Keeping this review short and sweet, the Safe House is a must visit spot in Milwaukee and something to write home about for sure. Good luck. This review will self destruct in ten seconds. (not really

    (4)

  • Tanya M.

    this place is one of those "have to visit" spots when in milwaukee. a bit chachi. food isn't the best and the beer is overpriced, but i suppose you're going for the espionage/theme part of it.

    (3)

  • Stephen R.

    boring. Not my kind of fun.

    (2)

  • Jenni P.

    I LOVE the Safe House! Such a fun space, and I love taking out-of-towners here for a unique, one-of-a-kind Milwaukee experience! The food is always good, and the drinks are GREAT. I love the "Spy's Demise", super tasty & you get to keep the glass, how fun is that? It's also fun when people order a martini and it goes zipping around the tubes over head throughout the restaurant. I love that you have to "know the password" to get in, or you have to do something crazy like hula-hoop or do a line dance before they let you in (while everyone inside watches!). There's so much fun stuff to see and interact with once you're inside too! Definitely worth sticking around and 'investigating' after your meal! It's a great (hidden) Milwaukee gem!

    (5)

  • Rachel F.

    What can you say about the Safe House? Kitschy. Kitsch-tastic. Really kitschy. Burt Reynolds. Good for out-of-towners (if they dig kitsch).

    (3)

  • Kelsey S.

    Mehhhh... The Safe House is such a love-hate place. The decor is fun -- legendary, you might even say. Tourists love this place, and it is fun to show off. But the food just seems to have gone downhill since I first started going here. The last time I was here, it took nearly two hours for so-so burgers and an appetizer. It was just slow and painful. I'd still go here to entertain out-of-towners, but beyond that, I'll go somewhere more consistent.

    (2)

  • Taj P.

    I went for a friend's Birthday, and I loved how it's spy themed. It has a lot of cool decorations and memorabilia and lot's of things that are not what they appear to be. If you don't know the passcode, they will make up do something crazy to get inside and it is displayed on cctv throughout the bar. I will say bring lot's of quarters because there are many different things to try. My only complaint is that the bar seemed sticky and needed to be cleaned and the menu seemed kinda expensive drinks and for pub food. Overall, it's worth checking out at least once and if anything, you will love the memorabilia.

    (3)

  • Tanya M.

    This place is so neat. When a friend had asked me to go with her to Milwaukee for the weekend, I was less than thrilled. She told me we were going to a "spy themed restaurant" , and I was ready to get back in the car and drive home to Chicago. Needless to say I was not warned prior to entering this mad house. There is a password to get in, and they pretty much humiliate you on a live TV that's playing in the bar. But once you realize what's going on and get to watch others make a fool of themselves, it's worth it. The rest of the experience is just a crazy twist of mazes and secret rooms. I suggest you also check out the bathroom. You'll figure out why once your in there. If you happen to be in Milwaukee for whatever reason, this is a must visit.

    (4)

  • Frappy F.

    If you aren't charmed by this silly old place, you have no soul, or at least I don't want to know you. The Safe House, as I learned from my research, is the brainchild of David Baldwin, a man obsessed with pop-culture spy stuff, and he really poured his heart into it. It's like a mini House on the Rock devoted to James Bond and the like. And it's much more than memorabilia. There are moving parts, including a pneumatic tube running through the restaurant that mixes the martinis, a booth that rotates, a telephone box with a secret passage that (for a quarter) leads you through a corridor that... well, I won't tell. I admit I would like this less if it opened in 2006 or 1996, but being from 1966 gives the place good age and an intimate connection to the very first wave of spy pop that you can feel. It's slightly shabby--please, please NEVER remodel. Without the age, it would lose nearly everything. As for the food, it seems things have improved. I learned (again from post-visit research) that a new owner took over in early 2013 and recognized that the food was a problem. Our family had about as basic as you could get: four burgers. But they were more than respectable. I ordered mine medium rare and medium rare it was, not cafeteria gray. Very juicy and appetizing and the fries were good too. So you can go there at least hoping for improvement with the other dishes. One thing to note: we were on a crazy traveling schedule, arrived at around 8:30 on a Thursday night, and were each charged a $5 cover, including for our 8-year-olds, who aren't exactly heavy into the club scene. But then again, we had no wait for a table and didn't have to deal with any touristy crowds. We got to explore the place (there's plenty to explore) at leisure. I really hope this place never goes away.

    (5)

  • Michael E.

    What boy, as he was growing up, didn't want to be a spy or secret agent?!? I know I did, hell I have almost all the 007 movies.......oops, I wasn't suppose to admit that now was I?!?!?! Anywho......I'd heard about Safe House from a good friend last year, but never thought I'd get to see it unless for some special reason for being up in Milwaukee. Well I got my chance this weekend. Located deep in the city of Milwaukee, The Safe House has changed little since it open in 1966. From the moment you walk in the door..........IF you can find the place.....there is little to announce its presence from the street.....the covert activities of a spy take hold. The entrance is a small room surrounded with all manner of items, but no door? Having heard stories about hidden TV cameras that allow all the patrons in the restaurant watch new patrons do silly things to gain entrance I started to quickly look around and found the "thing you need to do to get in the place"...................sorry, you'll just have to suffer like the rest of us *evil grin*. The secret hidden door opened and away we went. The walls are lined with a huge amount of spy memorabilia with event more you cannot see. There is a "Hail to the Chief" throne that you can, for $25, have yourself rise up out of the floor while the song plays. Walk around the place and you'll see all manner of famous person who has visited this establishment over the years. The menu is not unique, though the titles for the dishes are very much so. I'd recommend you eat first, then explore later. I was here for lunch and the place was packed, though I hear dinner is just as, if not more, fun. Finally, there is the secret exit through one of the phone booths which completes the overall experience. Once out on the street you are back in the land of the common citizen and free to go back to your ordinary life.

    (5)

  • Shaun V.

    The must stop bar in Milwaukee when you swing through. From alarms in the bathrooms to secret passageways, this place is a total riot when you've been drinking. Tip your spot I had down and order the mission impossible the largest drink you'll come across in a bar. Make sure you ask how much the drinks are in case you have a light wallet, spies don't worry about how much things cost.

    (5)

  • Bob S.

    A must-see in Milwaukee. If you don't know the password, they WILL make you look like a dingus.

    (5)

  • Matthew F.

    Very fun place, but the speed of service needs to be improved. The location and the actual atmosphere are the reasons for the high rating. It is a sight to see, so much detail, just make sure you have the password.

    (4)

  • Veronica S.

    This place is fun. It's a bit gimicky but I found it entertaining with friends. The dessert is so good!

    (3)

  • Mzz. Julia X.

    This is a Milwaukee must-see. A spy bar and restaurant, complete with secret entry and password... psst, I recommend the deep-fried Brie and a Martini made in a way you have never seen before.

    (4)

  • Keith W.

    Great decor and cool theme. I found the password online, but had to do jumping jacks AND push-ups because I said it too loud. I had a good time. The food wasn't the best, but it was decent.

    (4)

  • Rachel S.

    I do so love the Safe House. I will say, the drinks are a little overpriced for Wisco, and the food is pretty middle of the road, but the real reason you come to the Safe House is for the experience. I won't ruin too much for you, because hey - that's half the fun! The Safe House is exactly what the name suggests, a spy safe house with the theme carried throughout the restaurant. It's kitschy, fun, and unlike any other place I've ever been. I really wanted to have our rehearsal dinner here, but the prices were a little outrageous. Still, how cool would that have been?

    (4)

  • Nicole M.

    On my most recent venture to this fine establishment I was deemed "Agent Interlude"; I have a certificate to prove it. After standing in the 19 degree 'heat' (I employ positive thinking), whispering the password, huddling around a table and ordering 1 Spy's Demise... the fun began! No one was dancing so I swiftly requested the Cha Cha Slide/Cuban Shuffle, much to the bouncers dismay. I pleaded and told the DJ the whole place would start dancing and I would teach it to the less-schooled and...BOOM... like that... we were dancing the night away. I made my rounds and checked out all of the 'secrets' of the joint and ordered another Spy's Demise and drank some more, danced some more, drank some more and when it was ready to head out was presented with a certificate deeming me "Agent Interlude"... I'm not sure why I was given this title, but it sounds great so I'll take it; add THAT to the resume!!!! Gosh, I love this place so much I wish I could fit it in my suitcase.

    (5)

  • Troy J.

    Only come to this place for drinks. period. Two decades ago, The Safe House was a target destination. The spy decor hasn't been updated since then -- so the whole place feels as dated as the cold war itself. If you haven't been, I recommend going ONCE. You'll need a password to get in, but half the fun is getting through the door and exploring the dated, spy-themed decor. NEVER GO HERE FOR DINNER - EVER. The food isn't high quality and they routinely stable visitors in the bar for 60-90 minutes so they'll purchase additional drinks (which are good) and appetizer (which aren't). We ordered the Nacho plate while waiting. For $8, it was a single serving of stale, bagged chips and processed cheese sauce. Even our middle schooler wouldn't go near it. The quality of the food is as low as the price is high. The Reuben sandwich I ordered came on soggy bread. I had to send it back. It came back barely edible. The steak sandwich we ordered was bland. The wrap was forgettable. The best bargain in the house? Pay a quarter to leave. The journey out starts in a phone booth.

    (1)

  • Tony K.

    Never had a good experience here... A dirty place.. bad food... overrated. Think of it as a novelty Applebees. In fact I think I'd rather go to Applebees.

    (2)

  • Emily H.

    Just finding the place was a bit of an adventure. Our GPS kept us circling the block, so we ended up parking and walking around the block, looking for the Safe House. Down a seedy alley, we found the door and were made to flap our arms and tweet like birdies when we couldn't produce the password. The sliding doors were a surprise and the decor kept me peering around and leaving my seat to fiddle with things during the whole meal. Even the bathrooms were entertaining and contained surprises. The food was pretty darn good, better than we expected for a novelty restaurant. The chicken was surprisingly fresh and tender on the Cobb Salad, and the Friday fish fry had a nice yellow perch option instead of the basic cod and fries most places had. What is a visit to Wisconsin without an overdose of cheese curds? The Safe House curds were DIVINE and complemented well by a savory marinara sauce. The spy-themed mixed drinks came with a novelty glass and were well-mixed. We took home a pair of glasses and left via the creepy secret exit. Worth visiting again and taking new people to.

    (4)

  • Travis B.

    This is a fun place, but don't expect good food. In fact, you should plan to eat somewhere else. Come here for a few drinks and for the fun. I love the idea of this place, and they do a great job of pulling it off. I can't imagine there being many locals that eat here, though. If they improved the food I could see coming here more than once. Great fun, though.

    (4)

  • michael w.

    Super cool fun factor here. Just getting in the joint can be challenging, but not because of the wait ;-) (no give aways) I want to come back with the kids because I think they would love it. Even without the kids, mom and dad had fun. We grabbed an early dinner on a Thursday night and they were pretty much dead despite a private party. We heard the food was so so, so we decided to play it "safe" (pun intended) we both opted for burgers. Just about everything regarding the burger is an up charge (not cool). Burger wasn't bad, but not great and definitely not worth ten plus bucks. The code beer is so so as well. So you are here for the atmosphere and the fun factor period. I am lead to believe from discussions with others and what I witnessed from other tables that there is more 'charades' to be had here, but we did not experience this upon our visit. Maybe it was us, maybe it was our waitress, or maybe we missed a time window or something, but we did not experience any passwords or quarters etc. I do encourage you to get up and walk around and explore, lots to be checked out. I think there is a game of this nature on one of the menus. If you are a Get Smart or Bond fan you will appreciate this place. Extra Cheesy Landmark Proximity Tip - When you exit the establishment and are back on the main street, go left toward the river and the bronze fonze (happy days show) will be to your left as you reach the river overpass. If you cross the bridge at night, the view south is a pretty one with all the city lights.

    (4)

  • Eric S.

    One of those kitschy password at the door type of places with a hidden door in an alley. I guess ok if you go for that type of thing. Food was equivalent to Applebee's and service was slower than average. I would not go back.

    (2)

  • Tristan K.

    It's fun the first time you go, and after that, it's fun when you go with someone who has never been before. Not necessarily my favorite place to go, but the atmosphere is fun and it's good for bucket lists. Things to note: the martini shaker that travels through the building in a pneumatic tube, the magic bar (if it's even still there, it wasn't there last time I went) and the phone booth. Also, it's easy to get turned around in this place, especially when you're looking for the bathrooms, as there are decoy bathrooms.

    (3)

  • Lory C.

    This is always a fun place to go and has decent food and good drinks. If you're in milwaukee for a trip, I highly recommend stopping here.

    (3)

  • Layla A.

    Boring and touristy. My drink was weak as hell, we were told there was an hour wait for dinner service when over half of the restaurant was empty (pro-tip, if you're going to let people walk through the restaurant, don't tell them you're "booked full"). The phone booth exit was out of order? Only redeeming thing was the bartender was kind of hot. Maybe? I mean he was a magician, so I don't know. I wouldn't come here again were I in the area, unless maybe I was actually eating.

    (2)

  • DeeMarie W.

    Had the worst watered down drink I have ever encountered! My friends all said the same about theirs too! So sad!!

    (1)

  • Kyna Z.

    Oh, I wish I could be a first timer here again! It's a fun place to explore, see if you can find every little trick and enjoy the memorabilia on the walls. (Burt Reynolds alarm! Two way mirror! Where's the men's room?) Yes, dive-y and kitschy but amazingly fun if you go with the right mindset and a group of people. I have been to the Safe House at least a half dozen times because all of my out-of-town visitors get a kick out of it. It's good to try this place at different times of day, because earlier there is no cover and the News Room is part of the Safe House, but later a wall closes between them and people start having to give a password to come in or hamming it up for the closed circuit television. The food is so-so but I usually come for the drinks and dancing. They have a few unique drinks, like one that they put in a shaker and send flying around the ceiling of the establishment in 600' of plastic tubing to shake it up. Usually there's a bachlorette party dancing, but otherwise the dance floor is empty, making it a good place to dance with your friends without someone bothering you. Most recently I brought my boyfriend here for his 30th birthday, where I bought him the "Hail to the Chief" experience. An employee randomly escorted him away without an explanation. I don't want to tell you what happened next because it's a fun surprise, but let's say it involved a chair, a shower, some moving parts that made everyone near the bar cheer, and a video. Sadly, this time the telephone for the escape route was missing (torn off the wall), so I hope it gets replaced soon. That definitely adds to the lore that makes the Safe House a memorable visit.

    (4)

  • Mary S.

    Absolutely one of my favorite places! You have to know a secret code to get in or else you have to perform a mission... There are surprises around every corner, you won't want to stay seated. The bartenders are great, the drink choices are awesome & you get to keep your glass which is a fun bonus. You might even find a bartender who does magic on the side! I can't wait to return!

    (5)

  • Larry B.

    This concept bar is truly amazing! Think Jack Rabbit Slims in Pulp Fiction. If you don't like this place I would love to know what you do for a good time. I'm from Chicago and didn't know what this place was but was told to go looking for a safe house in an alley somewhere near the Pabst Theatre. The locals seem to enjoy the quirkiness of this place as much as the staff do. We drank 3 (or 4?) drinks inside as we explored all the fun things to do. I'm convinced we didn't get through all the mazes and puzzles so I can't wait to go back! This place really puts MKE on the map as there is nothing else like it in the world. Definitely nothing like it in Chicago.

    (5)

  • June V.

    Flying squirrel Pilates. Jaime is a great instructor. She pushes you just hard enough but not to hard.

    (5)

  • Brandon V.

    Without a doubt, the most unique dining and/or drinks experience you will ever have. There isn't a lot I can say here that a ton of others haven't already covered, so I'll leave it brief and to-the-point: This place does not disappoint. Make a reservation, especially on weekends, or you'll probably be out of luck. Reservations accepted any day after 5pm.

    (5)

  • Stephanie O.

    This is a place you should go to once just to experience. Whoever came up with the idea was brilliant! It's so clever. From the fake from door, to the entrance way, to the secret code word to get it, its fun by the time you even sit down! And the decor is great too, all kinds of spy memorabilia on the walls, fun rooms to explore and check out and the staff gets in on it too. We were called spies at least 15 times. Yes, I counted. The food was ok, not bad, not amazing. My boyfriend had a beer at the bar after eating which was good and the bartender was friendly and helpful pointing us in the direction of other activities nearby. Go once for the fun, but I won't see going back again for the food if I lived there. Be sure to have a quarter for the secret escape phone booth! Also, be sure to make a reservation as it gets busy on the weekends!

    (4)

  • Stephanie M.

    "You have to go to Safe House" "You're going to Milwaukee? Oh my god you have to check out Safe House" These words were said not once, not twice, but countless times by friends and acquaintances when they found out we would be passing through Milwaukee in October. I looked it up and read reviews here on Yelp and figured, why not? This bar is tucked into an alley way with not markings on the outside that say "HERE WE ARE!!" and you have to know a password to get in... Because of Google it was not hard to get the password so when we walked in and were greeted by a woman in a scantily clad police uniform (it was the Saturday before Halloween) we whispered the password into her ear, showed her our IDs, and watched the walls behind her open up. This place, while cheesy and extremely outdated, was fun. On a normal night when patrons arrive in normal clothes its probably not as funny. We were there for a Halloween party so everyone had on something silly and cheesy. We were the only two normal looking folks in the whole building. When we got there the bar was full except for one loan seat at the end. I should have known better but I sat in it anyway and acted confused as the seat lowered to the ground. I jumped up and was convinced I did something wrong so as it raised itself back up, I sat back down again and of course it lowered itself again. I looked around and saw multiple people staring at me laughing.. I did it, I fell for one of their stupid tricks! All in good fun though, right? I ordered a crappy cocktail and Chris ordered a crappy beer and we took a seat near the entrance. We watched the closed circuit TV as bar hoppers dressed as Beeker, slutty nurses, and more piled into the bar for their share of the awkward action. If you do not know the password the woman at the front will make you dance like an idiot, cluck like a chicken, or maybe turn you away. You are not a customer... you will be called a spy. Good evening, spies! It was an interesting evening. After we felt that we received our fill of the strange, we made our way to the phone booth exit we read about online. Put in a quarter, dialed the "code" and watched as the wall opened up revealing a basement like exit out the back. My experience with Safehouse was definitely not negative. It was interesting and I have enjoyed telling the story of this strange place to anyone that asks about my time in Milwaukee. Would I go again? Maybe. If I find myself in town with friends who have never been, sure. Would I go out of my way to go there for it? No. But if I happen to hear someone is heading to Milwaukee, I will throw it out as my list of places to checkout...

    (3)

  • Nichole F.

    I was a first timer here and had not heard of this place. My husband had been there years ago and suggested that we check it out. I was confused when we first walked in but quickly realized that this place was a little different. Yes it was touristy but I didn't mind it as I was a tourist so I was a big fan. This place has so much character. The food was good. We had cheese curds and a portobello mushroom sandwich which was delish! Our waiter was good and we had a good time and suggest this place to others.

    (5)

  • Michael O.

    I hosted a birthday party for 25 people recently. They do not seem to have a plan for accomodating this many people. We were sat at 3 individual tables, all with seperate servers. This caused the food to come out at different times, and one entire table was done well before the rest. Our server all but kicked us out as soon as we were done eating, and she completely ignored the fact that we had cake. She didn't even offer any serving plates, forks, etc. We actually got those on our own. The food is average. The onion rings were really good. Ribs were dry, and price was high for a lot of basic items. I am okay paying more, when you consider the atmosphere. It is a great place to go with people that have never been there. Fun around every corner.

    (3)

  • Noah C.

    I came here with my wife, daughter, and father for dinner after a day trip to Milwaukee. It was a great little hidden spot for dinner. The entrance is hidden in an alley and the entrance is an experience itself. The cool hidden treas continue throughout the night, I don't want to ruin any surprises. If you bring children get there before 7, I don't think they let kids in after 7. The food is average, the beer selection is great but you go for the fun. We ate in a jail cell and my daughter was really thrilled by the experience. The service is average. Not great by any stretch but they took the time to include my daughter and get her involved with the environment. Make sure you use the secret exit when leaving. It is worth the 25 cents. This place is worth a visit and maybe a return but the novelty would wear off by a third visit.

    (4)

  • Danielle M.

    The Safe House is an absolute riot! If you are looking for a laugh and light hearted dinner, this is the place for you! Your journey started by locating the Safe House in an alley way! Once you find your way inside, you either have to give the attendant a password or do some sort of funny skit which is taped for the whole restaurant to see! My partner and I did not know then password so we had to prevent we were zumo wrestlers! The atmosphere inside the restaurant is fun! You are given a list of things to find while you are waiting for your meal. There is even a piece of the original Berlin Wall on display! The waitresses were a lot of fun and never broke character! Finding your way out of the restaurant was also fun! If you are looking for a gourmet dinner though with endless menu options, this is not the place for you. The food there is your typically bar food - nothing over the top but very acceptable. My only critique would be that the place was a bit dated but that may just coincide with the restaurant's vintage theme.

    (4)

  • T D.

    This place is a museum which serves drinks. It is a Milwaukee icon and if they ever change it I will be heartbroken. Don't go for the food. The food is for either people who aren't picky or for people who forgot to eat before they went out partying. It is my mission to take my husband before they remodel.

    (4)

  • Cheryl L.

    A fun and intriguing place to come...once. Or twice, when you want to bring in a guest from out of town. Oh, and make sure you go on the weekends (unlike me), when the otherwise dull-ish atmosphere can be saved by increased numbers of drunk people and their revelry. Like others have pointed out - it's pricey. Keep in mind that you're paying a premium not to have that drink or those buffalo wings, but to explore the place in all its spy glory and secret hideaways. So don't expect out-of-this-world food, but do expect there to be plenty of knickknacks you can peruse, touch, play with and stare at during your time here. Speaking of food - do try those buffalo wings. I must have been really hungry, but something about their (slightly over-priced) wings tipped me over edge (in a good way!) Delicious. But other than those wings, I really can't vouch for much else food-wise. Remember, premium price = access to spy gadgets, NOT uber-awesome food. Since I went on a (dull-ish) Wednesday night, there weren't that many people around, and thus, not much of a louder, exciting atmosphere. The gentlemen friend and I explored, read, touched, and admired as much as we could - but guess what? Other than the secret entrance (including all its fun surprises) and the secret getaway exit (oops - not so secret anymore), there wasn't that much else that made me jump with "Oh WOW, this is so. freakin. cool!" feelings. But hey - there's only so much gadgetry and secret whatchamacallits you can put in one place, right? Moral: Safehouse can be a fantastic place for a weekend evening of silliness and drunkenness with a party of 4+ (preferably out-of-towners) and a wallet full of $$$. Do go if this is the case; try somewhere else if it's not.

    (3)

  • Angie O.

    I've always been a fan of the Safe House, and recently spend New Year's Eve enjoying the spy-themed establishment. Yes, drinks are initially pricy but you can bring back the souvenir glasses and refills are significantly cheaper (for example, the Mission Impossible - a delicious and huge fish bowl - is $30, but a refill is around $17 with tax; the Code Beer refill is $2.50!). I love the signature drinks, the music, the fun décor and all the little rooms and memoribila. I highly recommend Safe House to anyone visiting Milwaukee looking for a fun night out and to people who have never been there. They have a DJ Friday and Saturday nights, and they do take song requests :) Safe House is also connected to the News Room Pub, and you can normally migrate between both bars. I had steak dinner here once, long ago, and as I recall it was pretty good; however, I feel that most of what you pay for is the atmosphere. NYE reminded me why this place is so much fun and I look forward to going back soon!

    (5)

  • Allan M.

    *Review for the nighttime bar experience when its 21+, not daytime when food served & open to all ages* Penciled in going here once Broken Lizard ended, and IT REALLY IS a Milwaukee must-visit place. The BEST themed bar of any sort by I've ever been to! Spy-themed decor all over, password and/or doing whatever the doorperson asks of you before you're allowed in, plus a lot of other intriguing quirks that I think disclosing would spoil some of the fun you'll discover coming here. And the employees even play along with the theme too, such as a blackjack lady, and bartenders that may not answer certain questions. Finally, this is a rare bar that will let you keep the drink glass, how many other bars in the damn world will let you do that, sans having to be sneaky? :) Tip: for quicker drink service, keep going straight past the first bar area you see, and make a right up the stairs to another bar(this one doesn't have bar stools in front, but just know it closes early before last call). If you're in a group, try to snag one of the 2-3(?) semi-enclosed booths near the dance floor, I knew right away those were great for people-watching. Spy #007 out, and needing to go back for more training and exploring of Safe House!

    (5)

  • Nessie V.

    What a crazy place. Went here on a rainy weeknight, and there were not a lot of people here, but the way it is set up inside is like some cozy den of thieves so it was ok. We got to talk to the barkeep and he was nice. Oh, remember to whisper the passphrase, because the people at the door like to have their fun. There are screens everywhere inside to watch the hijinks at the door. There is a lot to look at here, and it is a bit of a maze. I imagine there are hundreds of people here sometimes. There is a motorized optical illusion that takes up an entire wall, and at one point I saw a throne pop out from the floor with someone on it. There was supposed to be a magician, but he was waylaid or something and so we missed that. I thought this place would be just a hokey thing with the theme being no more than decor, but the people here are really into it, which was pretty cool. Definitely worth a trip here, even if you don;t drink. You can get a virgin mango margarita and watch the action, or sit in a booth in the corner and look ominous.

    (5)

  • Ashley S.

    The Safe House has something for everyone. We arrived around 8 P.M. and people were still dining but most of the dinner rush was clearing out. We ordered the safe house beer that initially was $7 for a draft in their souvenir mason jars with 2.50 refills for the whole night. Then we approached the hostess to obtain our mission sheet that had several objectives to complete during our time at the bar. We wondered around for a good while trying to complete all of the objectives, very fun and unique. Later into the night the tables are moved and the dance floor takes over. There was a good variety of dance music and a great energy from the staff and the patrons. I would recommend this bar to anyone visiting the Milwaukee area.

    (5)

  • H C.

    Wow! I went to the Safe House this past weekend for the first time in about 15 years. And, surprisingly (or not so surprisingly) nothing has changed. Luckily I still remembered the password. It is a cool pace to take visitors from out of town, or better yet just suggest they go. The food was OK. Nothing to write home about, but not horrible. Not sure anyone actually goes to the Safe House for their menu. If you have never been, check it out. If you have been before, you know the drill.

    (3)

  • Becky S.

    I think Safe House is overrated but it's a place to try at least once if you live in or are visiting Milwaukee. I first visited Safe House before I lived in Milwaukee and found it fun and entertaining. Now that I live in Milwaukee, I've been back 3-4 times but only because friends or family have wanted to go. I've had dinner here once and the food is nothing special. I wouldn't recommend eating here. While the Safe House isn't my favorite place, it's still a unique place that most people enjoy.

    (3)

  • Angela M.

    Went here for the end of the night of the bachelorette party, for all the out-of-town girls who wanted to go to a fun cheesy place. I like the kitschy decor, but it was getting a little worn... the picture of Burt Reynolds in the ladies room is worn out, and apparently, it doesn't even set off the siren anymore...also, this place was not that safe - I'm still sore from being pushed to the floor during a all out bar brawl! The bouncer didn't even break it up - he just sort of pushed the two guys out the door. Still I would recommend it for the tourists - the music selection was good, and it wasn't that crowded.

    (3)

  • Monica C.

    I really enjoyed the full experience of walking through and finding all of the hidden treasures to discover -- especially the giant mechanical puzzle and the secret exit.

    (5)

  • Darrin S.

    I went with friends and while getting in was fun, having the bartenders ignore you was not so fun. They would take your glass away without asking if you would like another, the would flat out look at you and when you tried to order, they would walk away. The tip I gave certaily reflected the poor service.

    (2)

  • Liz W.

    I actually had my Christmas Eve dinner here. My friend has been here before and she told me I must check it out, but she wouldn't tell me the password. I decided not to look it up since I wanted to know what happens if you don't know the password. It turned out to be something funny, but I can't say what happened. You will have to find out for yourself. Now onto the dinner. We tried the wings, chicken with mashed potatoes, and a burger. The food was tasty, but it wasn't out of this world. I ordered a drink, but it seemed kind of weak to me. I got to keep the cup though! Apparently they have a dj of Fridays and Saturdays. We asked the waitress what the pw was and she made us look for it. We gave up after a few minutes though. If you're in Milwaukee you have to come here atleast once. Goodbye spies.

    (4)

  • MahaKali S.

    What can I really say, that hasn't already been said? There's a reason this place has been featured on the Travel Channel, and the Food Channel so much.... It's freakin' awesome. It's an experience, and I believe everyone should live it, at least once in their life. Now.... I've never eaten here, and I noticed that most of the bad reviews were about food quality. Understandable, but I have noting to compare or contrast. Obviously, this place isn't really famous for their food, and the way I always look at it is..... if you go to a burger joint, and order a taco and it turns out being terrible..... what did you really expect!?!?!??! If you go to a really sweet spy-bar with tasty drinks and adventures (such as the "Mission Impossible," and the telephone booth..... why the hell are you eating to food? Order a martini. Girls- get friendly with Burt Reynolds. Try the Code Beer Enjoy the awesome. There's a piece of the freakin' Berlin wall in there, not to mention, tons of other photos of fans all around the world. So go, my friends. Go to Safe House. Live, love, drink, and SPY.

    (5)

  • Scotty Z.

    My best analogy: The Safe House is akin to your average carnival game; the charm quickly wears off, leaving you with nothing, plus the feeling they took your money and ran. In short: the people (we encountered) aren't very friendly, the drinks aren't that great -- most are overpriced, and the vast number of people crammed inside turned a place that's relatively cozy into what seemed like an overpacked circus Volkswagen. And, they definitely get an "A" for effort, but the place comes off a little hokey. More info? It tries to be "difficult to find", but the smokers and bouncers gathered around the door sort of let that cat out of the bag. The very first people you meet were rather rude, especially the girl that took the $5 cover charge we weren't expecting. Expect to do a little song-and-dance if you don't know the phrase "i'm looking for a safe house". And yes, you're on a CC TV for the folks inside to enjoy at your expense. Once inside, we finally managed to find a table, though I'm not sure how. It just seems like kind of a mess. I will say: the place is creative, but almost a little overboard. If you're a James Bond fan, or just a lover of all things "spy", it might be worth a visit. It basically feels like a comic book store exploded inside a bar. Our server wasn't very nice. I ordered a Code Beer; she wouldn't tell me who brewed it. I've certainly had worse beers, but I only asked so I could avoid it in the future. My girlfriend's first drink had hardly any booze, her second seemed to have nothing but; neither were very tasty. I had used our trusty Yelp to do some quick scanning. Good thing too -- most don't have anything special to say about their food. Fortunately, we had eaten elsewhere before arriving. Finally, we found our way out the "secret exit" -- a phone booth, but not the one you think. Don't worry, you can still put a quarter in the wrong one and get nothing for it (oh, was that "quarter return" button supposed to work?). Admittedly, the "secret" exit is kinda cool -- try the enclosed phone booth across from the one with windows. I think at this point, I was so ready to leave that I welcomed anything that promised and delivered a departure. All in all, try this place at your own risk, but blame a crappy experience on no one except yourself. Milwaukee has some *really* great restaurants and bars, most of which try a little harder to earn your time and money -- I'd give them a shot instead.

    (2)

  • Mary H.

    I usually don't really care either way when it comes to bars, but I love this place... Totally unique with the James Bond / spy decor. My husband doesn't love it. I didn't tell him the password when we went here (before we got engaged), and he ended up having to hula-hoop to get in - not knowing he was on closed-circuit TV for those inside the bar, who were quite entertained. It was kind of funny when the door slid open and everyone in the bar was laughing it up... "Great hips!" The food is good but not great, like Bennigan's food. But there are so many fun things to do, who cares? When you're leaving, don't go through a normal door. Check out the "secret" escape tunnel, which you get into with about 50 cents in the phone booth. (Not the phone booth in the ladies' room, although that's worth seeing, too.) It's worth it!

    (4)

  • Carlos S.

    Ventured over to the Safe House on a recent stop over on my way up to Green Bay what an awesome place for an out of towner...I stayed at the Intercontential Hotel which has an exit that places you across the street from the Safe House. One of my co-workers recommended that I check it and mentioned that there is a Password. Now part of the fun is not knowing the password and those of us who knows it will not tell. After some exstensive searching on the internet I found the Secert. Proceed it watch the others in my party do there thing on the big screen by the bar. Once inside an electic mixture of people patronize this place (I actually sat next to State Treasures from California). Make sure you make your "Getaway" through the secret exit....

    (5)

  • Arin C.

    Amazingly fun place with awesome décor. It's hard to believe that a restaurant that doesn't really advertise, is hard to find, and needs a password to get into could be there so long. Thankfully it's worth the trouble.

    (5)

  • Jess L.

    This is one of those places, that if you're visiting Milwaukee, you HAVE to go there. I technically live in Milwaukee - I'm just in Madison for school right now, and I ADORE this place. A few things- don't tell people the password! Come on!! If you had to do the hula-hoop dance, they have to do the hula-hoop dance. That being said, if you come before like 4 - 5 pm, usually you can skip that whole thing, and if you search around on the inside of the restaurant, you can find out what the password is. Check out all the rooms. Mothers, don't let your young boys into the ladies bathroom to look out the one-way glass w/o escorting them ((I got peeping-tommed by an obnoxious 11 year old, then his drunken mother proceeded to blame ME and call ME a perv! That's certain out-of-state people for you!)) If you're NOT with kids and you're NOT driving - get the Mission Impossible :) HUGE drink and you get to keep the glass. You'll be tanked after just one, so maybe you should share. They actually make you have 2 people in your party to order one. All their specialty drinks (Spies' Demise, 007 martini) you get to keep the glass & the shaker for martinis. They are a GREAT place for lunch - food is excellent even if a tiny bit overpriced. The waitstaff & bartenders are friendly & funny & sneaky - they'll play goodnatured tricks on you if you're not careful! - and there are some shows & a comedian at night. I *love* this place! *sigh* I miss it! Great place for a first date, too - lots of places to sneak off to! ((*wink wink nudge nudge**))

    (5)

  • Julee M.

    LOOOOVE Safe House!!!! It's probably the one restaurant/bar that I would drive an hour and half just to visit. I've been there a few times when I have been visiting Milwaukee and I have always had a good time. It's just a different atmosphere and fun! I wish we had something like it closer to Chicago. The food is good and the drinks...OOOOH the drinks. Spies Demise baby! They are all pretty good and you don't even realize there is al-kee-hall in them until you stand up. Then you better hope you have a designated driver. You get to keep the cool glass with each drink you order too. And who doesn't love watching their martini zip around the bar ceiling before it's served! Now that is shaken not stirred! Ok, I'm so overdue for a visit! What a neat place this is!

    (5)

  • Ed G.

    Really cool place and something you should do when you're here. The food isn't anything to get too excited about, but the ambiance, sliding walls, secret phone booths and whatnot well make up for it.

    (4)

  • Steve M.

    This place is really fun!! We were in Milwaukee for the weekend, and really enjoyed checking out all the nooks and crannies of the Safe House. I know it was overpriced, and didn't have the food (which I would imagine to be subpar), but definitely amusing! We had to robot dance to get in the place. :)

    (4)

  • Karim B.

    I thought this was a fun little place. One of the spots that you have to go if your downtown for a couple days. It's a lot larger than it looks from the outside. They have a little bit of everything from a DJ in one room, to Karaoke in another, and a couple different bars to chill out. They got an extra point for the theme, because it's something you don't see much of.

    (4)

  • J. B.

    Super fun place. Just trying to get to this place is little adventure. Once you are in the joint then you feel like a kid running around in it. The food is good but it is the experience of being in this place that sells it. I had the french dip which was good but nothing to write home about (maybe write to yelp though). The drinks aren't half bad either plus you get to keep the glass. I dare any true drinker to go with 2 mission impossible drinks then go out for "regular drinking" afterword's.

    (5)

  • Bill C.

    What a fun place to go and take out-of-towners. Nothing is funnier than trying to guess the secret password to get in (assuming you can find the main entrance), and walking around looking for secret compartments is entertaining, especially after a few Spies Demise's. I love this place, it's definitely worth the visit.

    (5)

  • Justin W.

    My friends and I love this place. You get a great spy themed restaurant, full of fun little oddities, a secret password needed to get in (or they make you do embarrassing things, unknowingly on TVs inside the bar), and a secret exit using an old pay-phone (if I remember correctly). Good times!

    (5)

  • Dee B.

    I celebrated part of my 21st birthday here, so this place will always have a special place in my heart. However, since my 21st was, umm, a few years ago, I don't know if the Safe House has changed. Personally, I liked the souvenir glass you got with the specialty drinks. I still have mine.

    (4)

  • T. M.

    If you have not been, go. And go when it is busy, say after 10:30. The bar scene is as others have described it. Spy themed, password to get in and then some cool stuff to see inside. Check out the magicians, quite entertaining after a few. Be sure to check out the bar next door, literally.

    (4)

  • Carl S.

    International Exports is a great place for spies to come in from the cold. Make sure you remember the passcode to get in.

    (4)

  • Danielle M.

    Meh, it's okay. Kinda cool the first time you're here, after you've finally found the place - but after that, the fun kinda wears away, and you are left wondering where the next great bar to go to is.

    (2)

  • Justin H.

    As everyone else has said before this place is a unique place that must be visited at least once. I brought some friends from out of town and they loved it. Make sure to find the butt camera and sit at the first stool at the bar. trust me this is a fun place, with normal bar food!

    (5)

  • Tonya C.

    I went here for lunch for my inaugural trip a few months back with a colleague and thoroughly enjoyed myself. In fact, I found an old piece of the Berlin Wall from a corner of the wall where a friend of mine once lived: Steinstuecken... Really made my day. Plus, their lunch-time music hit on all my old 80s favorites. And don't neglect the $.25 back door exit to really freak yourself out... In any case they've really made it enjoyable to explore, and their salads are nicely fresh. So I'm likely to return.

    (5)

  • O B.

    very poor food, enjoyed the novelty of the restaurant but i havent had such a bad steak since i moved to america. saw this place on food network and the travel channel and was very disappointed with the quality of the food.

    (2)

  • Michelle C.

    What happens at the Safe House, stays at the Safe House.

    (4)

  • Carrie S.

    The Safehouse is a fun bar experience. I like going here to find and rediscover all of the tricks around the place. The food isn't great, but I'm usually there for the experience not food. The drinks are pricey, stick to beer to make it a little more affordable.

    (4)

  • Random C.

    Stumbled across this place in 1986 and enjoyed it very much. Interesting bar with a spy theme. Secret passage to enter and depart. Mixed drinks and the food is so so. Beers are cold and you can keep the mug. When I am in Milwaukee with someone who has not been there I take them for the experience. When alone I pass on going here.

    (3)

  • Alison M.

    I don't understand the complaints about this place... I'm not coming for the food-- I'm coming for the wacky atmosphere, the pure escapism, the amazing kitch factor. And also, I'm coming for Burt Reynolds.

    (4)

  • Ashe D.

    It's fun if you are going with a group of friends who have never been. The food and service are meh and it tends to be smokey.

    (3)

  • Robin S.

    I first came here 13 years ago when I first moved to Milwaukee and my husband told me about it, I love the idea of it, so kitschy. I later went to a 50th birthday party here and it was a great time. Another one of those cool/strange Milwaukee institutions.

    (5)

  • Brad C.

    I have heard great things from friends about the Safe House. This was the main reason for going to Milwaukee for the weekend. We went just for drinks, but they do have a large to eat in area. Go with a friend and hope they share the password with you. Otherwise they will make you do some stupid and everyone will get you watch on the monitors. All the small rooms are great to hang out in and have a drink. Make sure to move around and check out the entire place there are a lot of fun things to see. The place can get crowded but if you are in your private room you may never notice. The service is usually pretty quick when you order a drink. I would go back for sure.

    (5)

  • Kim B.

    I really enjoyed the Safe House! If you are in Milwaukee, you should definitely check it out. My boyfriend & I went for dinner, and I think the people going just for drinks had the better idea. The food wasn't anything to write home about, but the atmosphere was awesome! There is plenty of "surprises" in the restaurant and I loved the house red beer. I definitely plan on going back with a larger group of friends for cocktails. Be prepared for a good time & make sure you leave through the secret exit!

    (4)

  • Keyia B.

    great comedy shows

    (4)

  • Richard O.

    I give this place two stars for meaning well. As a vegetarian I had french fries and some overpriced martinis or something. Cute but not my thing. I'd recommend it to tourists though because most people aren't so uptight as I am and would think it was fun instead of gimmicky.

    (2)

  • Laura I.

    I have purposely driven up to Milwaukee solely for a visit to my dear safe house. Unable to speak about my real spy dealings here, I will instead only speak about how upon entering with the correct password, you'll be garnered through a secret corridor into an area where all your other fellow spies gather for safety and mingling. I do recommend making the most of your safe getaway by staying for dinner, for the food is delicious and the atmosphere impeccable. Watch out to not get foiled trying to enter a non-existent restroom and be sure to retrace your steps in order to find your correct exit before continuing on the rest of your spy existence amongst the streets of Milwaukee and elsewhere.

    (5)

  • Hk K.

    what an awesome place!!!! They made us do the Hula to enter cuz we coud not figure the password which was fine untill we realised everyone in the bar saw us do the hula...LOL! The signature drinks are awesome..the food is Ok..i had the fish burger , friends had lasagna (OK) and steak (luved it). Just wander around the place to find tiny nooks with loads of character and humor!

    (4)

  • Dave C.

    alright. clearly, one comes here for the gimmick of a spy themed restaurant. and yeah, it's fun. there's all sorts of crazy crap to play with and discover and there's a mostly naked Burt Reynolds in the ladies' restroom. but in terms of food, i say 'meh.' particularly as a vegetarian, the food options are very limited and i wouldn't be surprised if even the meat options are mediocre. come for the espionage, stay for the magician (seriously, there's a magician person in there).

    (3)

  • Adam P.

    The safe house is great! If you are in town you have to stop by for a few drinks... It is waaaay too unique to pass up and waaay toooo cool not to! good story, I was working in Milwaukee for a few months and my two brothers came up from knoxville to party in milwaukee for the weekend and I took them here..... We had a great time, but the best part of the story was when our parents saw the shot glasses we brought back and said to the three of us "that is where we got engaged 29 years ago"... WTF!!!

    (5)

  • Shaun B.

    A really fun place to go to with friends. I can't comment on the food, but the drinks are satisfactory enough, and the spy theme clinches it for me. Maybe it's just a "gimmick," but it's effectively played to the hilt.

    (4)

  • Samantha L.

    I loved the feel of this place. The decor was fun, and they had some good local beer. BUT, the bar was quite smoky, so that's why a star is knocked off. : / I hate smoke.

    (4)

  • Erika B.

    Like most theme restaurants, the food here is sub-par. Of course everyone new to the city or hosting a guest from our of town should hit up The Safe House. It's fun, it's kitchy...drinks are generally weak (I'm talking mixers from the bar and not their specialty drinks) and it's overpriced. But that's the tao of theme bars and restaurants that rely on a gimmick. Honestly, if you've gone once, you never have to go again.

    (2)

  • Neil A.

    This place is probably the most unique pub you'll find in Milwaukee. For a drink, I would recommend the Spy's Demise, a tall original mixed drink which comes with a free take-home glass. The last time went here was on New Year's Eve day. They counted down New Years in every country in the world and played music from that country every hour. It was catered and they had spy trivia the whole day. The place has a lot of history. It used to be a jazz club YEARS ago and the design is such that you'll find something new with every visit; a perfect venue for a spy-themed restaurant and pub!

    (5)

  • Jo T.

    I love this place!!! It's a great place to take out-of-town visitors and there's always something new to discover each time you go there. The Safe House is a spy-themed restaurant and bar. If you go earlier it's more of a family restaurant with a good bar and if you go later transforms into a full-on bar. Don't go there if you're looking for a boring evening! When you get there, you are asked for a password. I can't tell you what they'll do to you if you don't know the password because that ruins the fun! Go there for dinner or go there for drinks, I promise you'll like it. They also have fun/rowdy surprises for things like birthdays or anniversaries so ask about those before you go. On certain nights they have a magician, a blackjack dealer, and other entertainment but I can't remember which nights offer which things. If you order one of their signature drinks or beers you get to keep the glass. The only downside is this place is a little hard to find (it's connected to the Newsroom).

    (5)

  • Brian G.

    it's fun in a kitchy sort of way; I doubt if someone were to try and pull this off these days they would be allowed. The place kind of seems like a fire-hazard. Cool for a bit of nostalgia though.

    (4)

  • Allison P.

    We saw this place on some Travel Channel special, and kept it in mind for the next time we went up to Wisconsin. After checking out the menu online, we decided to eat dinner elsewhere, and I think we made the right choice. It was a fun bar to hang out at for a couple of hours. The drink prices were pretty reasonable. We went between 8 and 9 pm and it was a strange atmosphere - some people were there with kids eating dinner, and some where adults getting hammered/using the awkward dance floor. The decor is the ultimate in kitsch - mostly spy theme but heavy on the fun house. We'd probably go back next time we were in town.

    (4)

  • Benjamin H.

    Maybe we picked a bad day, but the service was just flat out terrible. We stopped in at 1 for a afternoon lunch. Didn't know the password, yadadada, came in. Had to wait, then wait some more. We waited so long we were minutes away from leaving, then she told us our seats would be ready soon. And so we waited, and waited. Finally someone cleared a table and we sat down. The place is cool with all the antique spy gear and all, but its not that attractive when thousands of people are running around, and it seems like a crowded mess. Food was decent, but they're whole menu is a little fishy when you have to charge extra for cheese and toppings on your burger... Seems like a place that's pushing for money, and can't match it up with quality. Even the cool exit was temporarily out of order. Meh.

    (3)

  • Steve F.

    Come here at least once when visiting the city. The decor is great, with countless bits of spy swag. Additionally, there's all kinds of fun trick doors, one way mirrors, secret passages, etc. Additionally there are a few fun collectable glasses etc. Overall it's a fun, quirky theme bar. Not somewhere I'd go every night, but worth a try.

    (4)

  • Erin B.

    I have always had a fun time in this bar. It's great because if you know the password, you get in before your friends and get to watch them (along with others) make fools out of themselves! The inside is all decked out with cool "spy" tools, and has a large spy theme. Makes me wish I was friends with James Bond, or even better--JACK FRICKEN BAUER!

    (4)

  • Racer X.

    Lousy food, marginal drinks, but the atmosphere is really unique--in a good way. If you're downtown.. I think it's around the corner from the Pabst theater, you must visit. I'd recommend going for drinks only.. sit at the bar, and people-watch. You may not understand now, but you will once you go. Def a cool experience. And if the food was decent this would be a rockin place.

    (3)

  • Anne H.

    The food is so-so, but that is not why you come! You have to bring everyone who visits from out of town. It is a great experience. Is fun to just chill at the bar with a bunch of friends and watch the monitors too! Good fun! Shhh, don't tell the secret password!

    (4)

  • Virginia L.

    Unique family fun type place with a full service bar. Seems like it would be fun with a big crowd or when there was something special going on (music, games, etc).

    (3)

  • Michelle M.

    I wish I had a good story like some of these reviews. But just a great place in Milwaukee that ALL locals and visitors need to visit. Yes it is expensive but how many places do you get to keep the glasses? I think I have 3 somewhere. It is a place you go to because you miss the fun or have someone new that need to be shown the fun! Just go at least once! And like someone else said, no idea why it is called Nightclub, except isn't there a dance area somewhere? It is more a theme bar with ok food.

    (5)

  • Amy S.

    The SafeHouse is a fun atmosphere if you are looking for a bar atmosphere only. I was NOT a fan of their food

    (4)

  • Stephen S.

    An interesting place to take the out-of-towner...but a bit cheesy. A hoot for parties...a little childish though. Food is standard and the drinks really just so-so. Honestly, I don't get this place...seems like something that should've gone out of style in 1992. I mean, does anyone remember the Wells Street Station that use to be a couple doors west of here? Why couldn't that have survived? Anyway...FUN place, yes...great food, no...INTERESTING (first time), yes...classy, no. To each his own.

    (1)

  • Adam D.

    The Safe House is billed as Milwaukee's Worst Kept Secret, and that's a good thing. For once a bar that strives to be different succeeds on many levels. This bar is the kind of place someone takes you for a night on the town, and immediately you begin to search for a group of friends to return the favor to. It's secrets best kept as just that. I was told going that I'd have a great time, but don't ask too many questions about the place. The bar is right out of a James Bond movie, and any espionage movie fan will surely appreciate the decor and vintage memorabilia covering the walls. My guide was right, it was more fun not knowing what was around every corner - it made the night more of an adventure than your average night at the bar. Getting in is only half the fun - once inside secret passage ways, specialty drinks (order your martini's shaken not stirred), puzzles, and other amenities make you feel truly like you have just entered into a world that outsiders don't know exists. In fact during your first visit you'll be too busy taking in the sights to realize that there is no clear exit... another secret of the Safe House. My advice is to make sure you have a quarter with you if you want to continue your espionage mission all the way until you reach the streets of Milwaukee once again. Parking isn't the easiest to find on the streets, especially with all the construction invariably happening in WI, but nearby garages are a great/safe place to leave your car. I've never eaten at the Safe House due to their somewhat pricey bar food, but others have said that the food is pretty good. Drinks are also a bit pricey, but with most you get a souvenir glass to remind you of your visit. Also this is one of the only bars that I rarely order a beer at. While they have their own brew on tap, the mixed drinks are a definite draw and are normally quite strong. (The kind where you don't know they're strong until you stand up and try to find which doorway actually leads to a bathroom strong...) A DJ keeps the party moving on the weekends, and those who are not careful with the amount of Spy drinks they consume will liter and flail about the dance floor with college students mixed in. (But that's a big part of the fun of the bar!) Overall this is one of my favorite bars to visit when I'm in Milwaukee, but it's the type of place where eventually the novelty wears off. Return visits become fun only when with you are with a group of new people. One visit to the Safe House and you'll definitely understand why this is the "worst kept secret" in Milwaukee. Mark it down on your itinerary for a late night if everyone is 21+. If you have kids I'd say lunch and dinner are safe bets, and the kids will find the place almost as memorable as the adults in the group.

    (4)

  • Angela F.

    For some reason I've always thought of this bar as sort-of lame. Nothing has changed my mind about it yet, and I've lived here for 10 years. I've been there a number of times (usually not by my choice). I think it's a musty atmosphere and VERY cramped. They could do some things to clean it up a little. I think it is an exciting place to new visitors though, and fun if you're part of a bachelor or bachelorette party... though not mine!! I have had lunch there once and was unimpressed because the food was not good for the price. Sorry I don't have much good to say! It is fine if you're from out of town, but never my first choice for a place to hang out with my friends.

    (2)

  • Jolene D.

    Hostess at front was incredibly rude. First time in Milwaukee and just stopped in for dinner. No open tables for an hour, so asked to make a reservation for 8. Was with my 10 year old so so she had to ask permission from management. They said yes, told us to come back at 8:30. We came back, she said "just so you know, it is 21 plus, but since u made a reservation we will let u in" well, hmmm. We were just there 90 minutes ago and now you give me the "warning". Went in and they were behind 20 minutes, finally seated at 8:40. Poor service, good food and atmosphere! Horrible staff that are too young to manage a restaurant and the front hostess needs to be fired. She is rude, acts like she is too good to work there, and has no clue how to treat customers. I live in LA and have been to way trendier restaurants with much "classier" service. Get a clue "Safe House" and hire a hostess that can actually do her job correctly.

    (1)

  • Douglas R.

    The food sucked, but we had a lot of laughs. This is a very unique spot, one who's parallel may be hard to locate.

    (4)

  • D J.

    After all the time spent in Milwaukee, a final bash at Safehouse was probably quite befitting -afterall I've heard a million times that this is one of those must-see spots in the city. The snob in me thinks - what's all the fuss about anyway - sure, all the cosy corners and secret compartments are unique, and yeah, it is fun watching folks who aren't privy to the password try to get in, but the atmosphere is average at best. Top reasons for a memorable night - fun company I hung out with and Karoake - what a blast, despite some questionable selections. And ... to the guy in the Newsroom Pub that found my lost winterwear amidst a heap of coats, cigarette butts, drinks and trashed souls - you're my hero - a star for the bar!

    (3)

  • Dave S.

    I've been obliged to take friends from out of town to the Safe House several times. It's always a moderately fun experience, but for me what has always killed the atmosphere is the music. You enter the place by providing a secret password (I would venture that every single one of Milwaukee's 602,000 residents knows what it is.... but we're not telling!), you walk into what looks and feels like a secret underground hangout for 1960s secret agents. This is all well and good, but when you're bombarded with Top 40 blaring through the speakers it really kills the experience. They should be playing spy themed music rather than "Party Like a Rock Star."

    (3)

  • Dani U.

    I went there on Saturday night for my bachelorette party and had reservations. We checked in with the hostess and after an hour and a half of waiting we finally left without dinner. The Safehouse was a bad start to my night. I called on a Monday night and the manager said "Oh, we looked at the sheet at the end of the night and it looked fine" followed by "stop in and talk to me again on these specific nights that I work..." Absolutely the worst customer service I've ever had and I will be telling everyone I know

    (1)

  • Stacy L.

    Wow, now they've tacked "Nightclub" onto the name? Hopefully things haven't changed. This was an awesome place to go in college, with lots of little rooms to explore and cool memorabilia to admire. It attracts more groups and out-of-towners than your typical bar because of that, but it's a great place to sit around drinking beers for hours and laughing with friends. The food's fine and the beer's good, and they'll make signature fruity cocktails in specialty glasses that you get to take home!

    (5)

  • Erin K.

    LOVE this place. the food is excelent, the service is excelent, the drinks are the best. the best part about the drinks are you keep the collectable glasses they come in. I took my husband here for his 32nd bday and they did the "hail to the cheif" thing. He loved it. A definite must while in Milwaukee.

    (5)

  • Carolyn E.

    One does not go here for a food. It's your basic burgers, salads, and American restaurant fare. I loved this place as a young one and I enjoy showing a group of people the Safe House if they have never been there or have no idea what it is about. The interior is quite interesting (which is why I looooved this place when I was younger and have a soft spot for it even now). There is an immensely entertaining birthday surprise to pull on one of your nearest and dearest-- ask your server about it. (when the birthday boy/girl is not there-- probably more for adults than kids.)

    (3)

  • Dawn B.

    Very cool place to check out if you're in Milwaukee. The drink prices are reasonable and the selection is good. We had dinner reservations for later so we didn't eat, but the menu looked pretty decent. The place does seem to be kid friendly, so if that's not your thing I'd suggest going later in the evening.

    (4)

  • Brian H.

    If you've never been here before, you should definitely go. Don't bother with the food here, it's hit or miss, and there's far better dining options nearby. If you have been here before; unless you have a birthday, bachelor/ette party, or some other reason to embarrass the hell out of someone and force them to drink insanely large (and tasty) drinks, there's nothing new to see here.

    (4)

  • Esther H.

    Like everyone else says, you can't really say anything about this place without revealing the surprises that make it so special. However, i will say that they boast pneumatic tubes. You know that a bar that has pneumatic tubes has got to be rad. Think: Willy Wonka.

    (5)

  • Sarah B.

    This might be my favorite bar period. I won't give too much away but it has an awesome spy theme and is just all around fun. It has almost a whimsical yet cheesy quality to it that is just so easy to fall in love with. The drinks are fabulous and the people watching is incredible. There's no better place in Milwaukee for entertainment. It's the place I find myself recommending most in Milwaukee for sure.

    (5)

  • Jim K.

    Indulge your fantasy of being a secret agent looking for a place to unwind, where your true identity is safe. If your mission is complete, then pick up your next assignment from Control here. Password-protected, the Safe House hides within the walls of International Exports, Ltd., an Import/Export front business, and is sure to entertain with all its spy memorabilia, nooks and crannies, and surprising twists and turns - like the world's largest puzzle, which takes up an entire wall. You'll certainly feel like a martini (shaken, not stirred of course) as you wander through the Safe House. Need an alibi for why you'll be coming home late? Just use the Instant Alibi creator phone booth to add the sound of a crazed mob or a nuclear explosion behind you while you tell your loved one why you'll be late. They'll never suspect the real reason - that blonde bombshell at the bar that keeps giving you the eyes. And when it does come time to leave (either with the blonde, of if your enemies have gotten past the goons at the door), then use the other phone booth for the secret exit out the back.

    (5)

  • Mark S.

    Can't say too much without giving too much away, but this is THE place people like me from out of town are taken to when visiting- and it's awesome!!! On the plus side, some real creative energy went into making this place- the theme is great. On the minus side, the food's only so-so, and if you show up just after a tour bus, the entrance experience can be kind of tainted. On the neural side- the place is a little worn and dated, but based on the theme, that's OK to me. This is a great place to spend an evening on the lamb!

    (4)

  • Leigh K.

    This bar is fantastic. The entrance is in an alley and there is no sign outside. You are supposed to say the secret pass to get in (though when we were here, you didn't). We went here last night before we headed to the Pabst to see Rufus Wainwright. Once you're inside the door, the door is hidden and you have to look for the way to get in. I know it's totally a tourist trap, but it is a lot of fun. Ladies, in one of the bathrooms, touch Burt Reynold's package and get a surprise! They can accommodate parties of up to 200 people, but small birthday parties would be great here. There was a birthday last night and everyone stopped what they were doing and actually sang along and wished a happy birthday to "Pink Shirt". Were it not a Monday night, my friends and I may have tackled the Mission Impossible drink, but since it was a school night, I stuck with The Spy's Demise, which is delicious and pink but if I told you what I think the ingredients are, I'd have to kill you.

    (4)

  • Dave S.

    This place is a blast! I can't divulge too much information about this place as it will ruin the experience. This entire bar is rather large but it is divided up into several different smaller "rooms" In one "room" they have a dance club and they have many different other lounge "rooms'" All of these rooms are connected by staircases and long hallways. Beware you should try to find out the password to enter this place or else. I could tell you what it is but I'd have to kill you. This is a great change of pace from your typical bar or club.

    (4)

  • Ana B.

    The safe house gets 4 stars for being so entertaining, my co-worker and I had a great time, lots of memorabilia and phone booth exit was pretty cool, very fun ambiance but, on the downside the food is lousy I had a Caesar salad because I figure, it is almost impossible to mess up but, the lettuce wasn't fresh, no croutons and just didn't seem fresh;however, the server and manager were very attentive and did everything they could to ensure that I had an overall good experience. My salad was taken off the check and my co-worker and I had dessert on the house which was delicious! I had a carrot cake and he had a chocolate cake. We will definitely be back for the friendly staff and entertainment.

    (4)

  • Shayn L.

    Good fun and is definitely a must stop kind of place when visiting Milwaukee with children one time only. The spy games and silly antics that take place is the only reason for the.two stars. Kids loved it. Mom and I not so much. Dont bother even eating here. We had a bad experience with our waitress and thier food. We asked her what her favorite thing on the appitizer menu was and she told us the nachos were awesome. Great, we'll take that who doesnt love a easy and usually super plate of nachos.. We even took her recommendation of beef over shredded chicken. Beef has no flavor or seasoning. Try using some taco seasoning and boiling ur hamburger meat in it. FOOD FOR THOUGHT! So here's what happend. Our nachos came with chips , beef, and shredded cheese that was not even melted. After she dropped them off and never returned for about 10 minutes i asked her where the sour cream was, the guacamole, Pico 'de gallo, lettuce and the cilantro. These are things that all came on the nachos according to the menu we orderd off that night. Written right on the menu plain as day. So when i asked her about this she had the nerve to tell me that the menu has not properly been changed to say no lettace. OK....... Well what about the other 5 missing ingredients. So she looked at our plates as if i was lying about the missing items. Really lady...... The freaking nachos are $15.00. If i wanted chips and salsa i would have asked for that. Our other food was lousy too. You think you would have said I'm sorry. let me remake it or sorry they made a mistake. Or we screwed up..... Maybe even just not make us feel like we did something wrong. Instead she continued to stand by the statement that there were made properly. Alot of excellant resturants around this beautiful downtown area. This is a cool one time stop. Otherwise old, and sort of corny. Dirty as hell. The secret exit by the phone booth smells of urine. Like people have been peeing on the floors and they wont spend the money to shampoo the carpets. Very poor...... This place is a huge let down.....

    (1)

  • Justin E.

    This is the "James Bond" 1970s themed bar and restaurant. It is definitely a tourist dive. Its a fun place where you have to do some song and dance to get in because you do not know the password. BTW everyone at the bar can see you because there is a camera watching the entrance. It is very family friendly and has lots of spy themed items and devices from the movies and TV shows. While you are waiting for your table or food you can walk around and try to solve the riddles of the restaurant (find all the items). The food is OK nothing spectacular but tasty, I had the chicken (big portion). Drinks are good as well. This is a place you bring your friends and family if they are visiting from out of town. Good atmosphere, wait staff and food. A fun time for everyone.

    (4)

  • McKenzie S.

    Safe House is a must if visiting Milwaukee. Why? Because it's good old-fashioned fun (just add vodka!). Safe House is cheesy to the max. First, you'll have to find the door. Second you'll have to figure out the pass-code, or perform something really ridiculous to be let in. Inside it may seem like an average bar at first glance, but no. This place is a maze of espionage related items. Tucked into every corner is something spy related. You know how Disneyland is Disney through and through, right down to the bathrooms? The Safe House is exactly that way. The food is nothing to write home about, so dont come here expecting pub grub. Grab a drink, and tour the area. Don't forget to inquire about the geocache! Once you're done exploring the waitress will provide you with a "mission". Of course, they're all the same and your mission is to escape. Safe House is silly fun. Entertaining and a great novelty to entertain out of town guests and your fun-loving friends. I suggest it to all MKE visitors as something to do at least once!

    (4)

  • Gregory C.

    For Yelp's eyes only. The Safe House a/k/a International Exports LTD a/k/a The Newsroom Pub. Located at 779 N Front Street or/and 137 E Wells St Milwaukee, WI 53202. You can gain entry by knowing the code word, getting "punched in", or through the hidden door in the "kitchen" of the Newsroom Pub. Food is for sustenance only. Drinks are what you are there for, to ease the tension of being a clandestine operative. And remember, a good operative always carries a quarter to make that call that will ease their escape through a subterranean tunnel............

    (3)

  • Y.D. K.

    Very interesting place full of fun and mystery. If you get through the entrance, its filled with spy and war propaganda, of which you should see and eventually get the ... Well, you will figure it out. Waitresses are a bit slow but still happy to serve - not sure why since when I was there, it wasn't particularly busy. Music was pumping, making things rolling a bit well, a bit loud but hey, its a bar/club. I don't think the DJ takes requests. A small area is set for dancing, and some patrons did make use of it. My female friend wanted to dance, but my feet hurt ;-) To exit, you have to find a way out, but you need to pay for the easy way out to an...you'll see. Would and need to go again to drink, be merry and explore. To be continued...

    (3)

  • Amy W.

    My fiance and I dropped by during a quick evening passing through Milwaukee. This place mostly seems like a novelty or tourist trap -- everything is spy-themed, and all customers are referred to as "agents." Upstairs, we were able to watch a surly magician perform magic tricks. It was amusing, but the food was mediocre and the drinks were too sugary (although you get to keep the glass). I might bring some spy/magic enthusiasts or children here, keep your expectations low for food and drink, and you'll have yourself a great time!

    (3)

  • Ben B.

    I bet this place was great 20 years ago when management might have given a damn. The premise is promising: A badass spy-themed bar. The reality is disappointing. When you arrive, you are forced to complete a silly task if you don't know the password to enter. My girlfriend and I had to "pat down" each other for weapons, then do five jumping jacks. Then, a bookcase opened and we were able to enter the bar. I'd read about puzzles at the table or games available to play. I saw nothing of the sort. Just a dimly lit bar with tons of James Bond posters on the wall. It looked like it hadn't been cleaned in years. We sat at the bar and the bartender made us some martinis that tasted more like Kool-Aid. Mine wasn't properly strained, so it had ice in it. You'd think a bartender at a place like this would play along with the spy theme, but he just seemed like a regular bartender. They had a playoff baseball game playing on a very old projection-style screen. Because it was set up for non-HD, the sides of the image were cut off by the projector. It's 2014. Get a plasma/LCD already. I read so much cool stuff about Safe House, but this place reeks of an abandoned amusement park eatery. So sad.

    (2)

  • Sarah S.

    Espionage and fun to be had at Safe House! This place is not your typical dining & bar experience, there is a good amount of fun stuff to see in the restaurant. I'm a gal that's easily amused and I was on sensory overload inside Safe House. I don't want to take the fun out of your own trip to Safe House but probably the most fun thing about going to Safe House is getting in the door. I'm very thankful my friend and I went right before they started manning the entrance o we snuck in sans password. If you don't have the password, you'll have to do something silly to get in - quite possibly many things - and it will all be broadcast on surveillance cameras inside for all diners to laugh at you performing said tasks. Muhaha (ebil laugh). Once inside, the whole experience is entertaining! The menu is like a spy informational packet with food & drinks having special names furthering the adventure. While you wait for your food, you get to explore the restaurant and there is something to see around every corner. We had a merry time checking everything out, leaving no stone unturned. We were happy with service, it was timely, no wait for a table at 5pm on a Saturday though the place was littered with kids on scavenger hunts. I started my meal with a good ol' local Wisconsin brew - Milwaukee Hop Happy - on draft for just $4. They don't list prices on the menu which nearly deterred me from ordering a beer - but the prices are not bad. They should put them on the menu! My friend and I shared the deep fried cheese curds. They were tasty and when I asked my friend if he liked them, he responded - can cheese curds really be messed up? Well I think so! These were yummy, though not the most amazing I would die for. 'Tis a solid appetizer option. For my main dish, I pretended to be somewhat healthy getting the grilled chicken on ciabata with quinoa & our server was kind enough to include a little tub of mayo for me to continue my fit lifestyle. I really enjoyed all of my food. This place is kind of like medieval times in that it's about the experience not so much the food except the food truly is good here, the drinks are wonderful, everything about Safe House is head & shoulders above any similar show type of dining spot. I truly enjoyed Safe House and would love to take my little nephews here - I think they would flip over it!

    (5)

  • Shradha A.

    Was such a cool experience and absolutely amusing in all the good ways! You've got to get over there to really experience it, I can't do it justice in a few words and honestly, I shouldn't even try to give it away. Do get their cheese grits!

    (4)

  • Jessica J.

    Redeemed:) I tried it out again and the service was wonderful. Jes our waitress was a delight. I had the spy burger. We also had onion rings, fries, wings, tortilla soup and all was delicious! We will definitely be coming again. I hope to do my fiance's bday here. I hear there is a special service for a special guest. Everyone was very friendly and once again the kids had a blast. I'm on my way to solve some missions :)

    (5)

  • Lorraine N.

    Very cool to experience once just to say you've been there. This is a novelty dive-type bar and I enjoyed it. They are experienced at making cocktails so you will have a decent drink there which is of top importance to me. There is a lot for you eye to look at if you have time. It is on the dark and cozy side and I found the bartender to be personable and pleasant. The other patrons are friendly and everybody in the place is really just up for a good time. If you are in the area you should stop in for certain.

    (4)

  • Jennifer N.

    Since I was in Milwaukee for summerfest and I had heard about this place on a tv show I just had to check it out. First of all I do not repeat do not know the secret password. Okay with that said.. I had heard others say it was outdated but to be honest I don't think so at all!! I honestly think it adds part of the charm!! I loved the retro phone and the retro spy gear which was very cool. The bartenders and waitstaff call you spies which I thought was neat. I didn't get to try the food but I did get to have some drinks. I will definitely come back to this place if I am ever back in the Milwaukee area. I loved it!!

    (4)

  • Jenna O.

    I've been here many times and the safe house is a super fun Milwaukee attraction that you should definitely check out if you haven't yet! That being said, I love the theme but the food here really isn't anything too special. I wish they'd amp up their food quality and menu originality.

    (3)

  • david s.

    2 stars for the cocktails, but two extra stars for the uniqueness of the bar. In fact, while I was in there I actually met a ex FBI agent and had some real interesting conversations with him. Definitely spend some time and watch the monitors to see what special ways those without the password can get into this bar. They have a good beer menu, but I was not a fan of any of the cocktails that I got.

    (4)

  • Ben S.

    Coolest bar I've ever been to. Visiting Milwaukee and had a blast here. A great place to go with a group and get drinks. Other than the magic show bartender the service did suck, but that's why you just come here for a drink. Must see.

    (5)

  • Connie V.

    I'm a out-of-towner and was recommended this place by a friend. So we decided to try it on our one night in Milwaukee. What a waste of time. You need a password to get in, otherwise, they'll make you do something funny in the foyer. That was the only fun thing about restaurant. Environment - Upon entrance it is a completely dark environment. Just think of what the name of the restaurant is.. "safe house". Haha there are many posters and interesting things to look at on the walls around the restaurant. You can roam around as much as you want around the restaurant and it will be completely normal. In fact, it is expected that you do. Service - Upon entrance there is a hostess sitting in the foyer and she will escort you inside. The overall service of the meal was not spectacular. I had read on previous reviews that attentiveness and service was not a strong point of the restaurant and I completely agree. LIke in all of my other posts, I like to put emphasis on customer service because it can make or break a restaurant experience. In this case tonight, it did not make my experience wonderful. It was difficult to flag down the waitress and she kept forgetting to get us things we requested. Looking around the servers' faces, they did not seem excited to be working there. Food - I came here for dinner but by reading the reviews, many just come for the drinks. I would recommend coming for drinks if you had to come here at all. There's nothing spectacular about the food at all. Very plain and simple... I'll list the foods I got but I don't recommend them at all because there's nothing great about them and they are overpriced for the quality and quantity.... Also, because I looked at the prices before ordering, and from previous reviews, my party only ordered appetizers and I, a salad. - Boneless wings - The three dips - Fried Cheese curds - Bourne Identity salad. Nothing great about these foods. The only thing "interesting" about this restaurant is that it's themed. I would not recommend this place.

    (1)

  • Mike P.

    I've been to the Safe House twice now. Once by accident while at the Press Club and the other on purpose with an out of town guest. It's a "crap on the walls" restaurant that's fun. I've never watched a James Bond movie. Don't give two shits about spies. It's fun to explore. My wife was quite persistent about checking out Burt Reynold's "smokey and bandits" if ya know what I mean. ORDERED: Code Beer, red ale $6.61, Wisconsin Cheese plate & honey $14.00. A code beer gets you a "free" glass mug, the beer tasted flat. The Wisconsin Cheese plate was a crime. Hunks of processed commodity cheese, no explanation of where they were from, some stale ass Pick 'n Save variety crackers and a large jar of warm honey. Just wrong. You know how one pint of oil can contaminate a million gallons of water? ONE DROP OF HONEY CAN CONTAMINATE EVERY GAWD DAMM FINGER ON YOUR HANDS.

    (3)

  • Sarah M.

    If you are looking for a truly original dining experience, this is the place. It is an institution in Milwaukee and filled with celeb's signed photographs to prove it. An added the perk is the food has gotten much better since it changed ownership. However, food is just a perk. You go for the experience. Magic, special effects, tricks...you will not know where to look first. It's a blast.

    (5)

  • Jake N.

    Ambience. I feel like that's all this place has. Sure, it's a Milwaukee institution. Sure, the house drinks are pretty cool especially when they send it around the bank style tubing. Sure, I've seen the Burt Reynolds poster in the ladies room....don't ask. But the food? Meh. Not so great. There is no doubt the place is cool with all kinds of neat things like the secret phone booth exit and the secret entrance. But without great food what is it really? Hopefully the new owners will revamp the menu and bring the food up to a level that would compliment the decor.

    (2)

  • Jennifer P.

    I'm addicted to kitsch, so of course I love the Safe House. I'll admit, the drinks are on the pricey side & aren't the best I've ever had - but you get to keep the glass! A multitude of sins will be forgiven if you offer me collectible glassware, I'll admit. I haven't partaken of the food. But the experience can't be beat. From your first interaction with Ms. Moneypenny to when the time has come to hunt down the secret exit, I'd encourage everyone who goes to take a few minutes to pick up your drink and just wander, take in all the great memorabilia that lines the walls of this place. It's a treasure trove of espionage kitsch, and if you're someone who loves a theme, you won't regret visiting.

    (4)

  • Melanie B.

    This is a interesting place to go to but I feel you pay for the atmosphere; the food was alright and our waitress was not a friendly and didn't smile.

    (3)

  • Nancy G.

    Is this a place that a native Milwaukeean would go to on a regular basis? No. Is it a fun place to bring out of town guests for a cocktail? Of course! The food is nothing special and the place is a little outdated, but for someone who has never experienced a place like this before? It's interesting and should be tried at least once. 8/2014/11

    (3)

  • Derek R.

    4stars for a cool and unordinary place. The decor and theme is really neat-itsJames Bond. The drinks are above average in flavor and selection, prices are decent as you get to keep the glasses of most of them. The food is why it isn't 5stars. It's just plain average at best. I say come hang out, check out the items on the walls and the themed passages, etc, and have some drinks as a pre or post dinner(somewhere else) event.

    (4)

  • Kathy V.

    Kitschy and fun. The food was decidedly "meh". But that isn't why you are going there. You're going for the themed fun and the drinks. And the drinks ARE good! And you get to keep the glasses to remember your secret, spy-ful time there. It's an experience, for sure.

    (3)

  • Gary D.

    Not sure I can add anything that hasn't been said here already other than go if you've never gone. And DONT tell anyone the password. It's the most fun you can subject someone to.... The place is a tradition and has been there since the 60's for a reason! We didn't eat here, had a couple of drinks and a dessert which was really good. The ambiance is great for the "SAFE" House that it is. Take the time to find it and you'll be glad you did. My brother visited this place in 1982 and heard I was going to Milwaukee and said if it's still around you gotta go and was glad we did. Try it, you'll like it. ?Very unique in a world of sameness!

    (4)

  • Cori S.

    Neat place Definitely more fun in a group or with kids so you can explore the rooms and find stuff. I actually got a little surprise and had to do the lovely majesty's royal chair and that was interesting (also it costs extra) but the souvenir glass was worth the embarassment lol The ribs were good but the sandwich I ordered I wasn't fond of and I wouldn't order it again. Oh well It was a fun experience

    (4)

  • Mel S.

    Is this place a but "gimmicky"? Perhaps. Is it unique and fun? Oh yeah. In my drunken stupor I forgot the safe word my partner passed to me while we were in line. As a consequence, I had to do a traditional Irish dance- which I don't mind doing, while I'm drunk of course. Want to know the magic phrase? Well if you don't feel like making a fool of yourself, tell the front person "you are looking for a safe house". And the fun does not stop there ladies and Gentleman. Fellas, bring your man here for a bachelors party or just find someone you wouldn't mind making fun of individually. Oh and bring them drunk. They also have pretty awesome drink specials- first drink is $7 and it comes with a glass. All Refills are $2.50- so go home, Come back with your glass and filleth thy cup. What a cute place. Would I come back? Hell yes- but I would need to be drunk..

    (5)

  • Ben K.

    Myself and all of my party got food poisoning from safe house. There are James Beard award winning chefs in MKE. Skip safe house and visit Sanford

    (1)

  • Jim K.

    I was really excited to go here... which may have added to my disappointment. The Good: The ambiance is a blast, in a 60's-70's Get Smart kind of way. It's fun to explore the rooms and look at the walls. Despite my general disdain for tchotchke-style theme restaurants, this place does it better than most (if not all). Going here was an experience, that I won't soon forget. The Bad: Maybe it was an off night, but the drinks here were just terrible. Everything tasted like sugar and sour mix. I sipped a few different people's cocktails, and it was all the same. That flavor is another thing I won't soon forget. If you're a fan of spy memorabilia, or want to know what its like to drink in a museum, give The Safe House a shot... otherwise, you're not missing much.

    (3)

  • Kim Z.

    I'll try not to repeat other reviews, if you've read them you get the premise of the place. I came here for drinks with the folks. We were in town for Summerfest. The staff is very knowledgable about the history of the place and the artifacts they have. And there are a ton of artifacts. They just switched owners and the waitress said so far the changes are good. There's already a new menu and they've started deep cleaning the place.

    (4)

  • Jv's M.

    lots of fun went here when we had family visiting from out of town a few months ago it was lots of fun

    (5)

  • Christina M.

    I was here about a year ago . Definitely an experience. The food was so-so the drinks were great! I was Definetly a fun place . You have to find the secret code to get in & a secret code to get out. I have a friend going to visit Wisconsin during the summer & I couldn't remember the name .

    (4)

  • Shelly A.

    It seemed like a very neat place at first. It was really fun for kids. There is lots of neat stuff to see. There were empty tables everywhere. The waitress said it would be a 20 minute wait. An hour later we were seated. It took another hour to get our food which wasn't good. It ended up being a two and a half hour experience. With 4 small kids that is way to long. I won't be back. I do hope they get it together. It is a cool place.

    (2)

  • Erin D.

    Oh Safe House. Still a great place after all these years. Still a cool, great place to take friends our out of towners who have never been there. Or any spy or Bond fans. I like going in when you know the password to get in and others in your party don't. Yeah, they might be ticked that everyone on the inside is watching them make an ass out of themselves to get in. But, after a cocktail they'll be fine. I haven't eaten here in a long time but just come here as a starter for drinks. After a drink or two, I finally had enough nerve to go touch Burt. :)

    (3)

  • Nate T.

    Fun place. Lots of little surprises. That's really what sells the place. Food was done well (usually I ask for med. Rare and it's over cooked) but it was cooked and seasoned well. Best part is watching the people who don't know the password try to enter on the CCTV. Lol!

    (4)

  • Nancy K.

    I love kitsch. I love spies and the Cold War. Codes and secret hiding spots and dark passageways work, too. An adorable idea that just barely hits the mark, The Safehouse is fun for a break from foodie Milwaukee. I was in town for work with some colleagues and selected it. We loved the beginning (no spoilers) and the end. The middle was just a regular experience and the food (we did snacks) was okay but I could have made better at home. I'm glad I went to see it and I loved getting in and getting out but I wouldn't have minded a little more excitement peppered throughout. Still: worth it if you've never been, are visiting or have friends in town. My advice? Go. Grab a drink at the bar. Then move on to another spot for dinner.

    (3)

  • Paulina E.

    As it was our first trip to Milwaukee we of course had to visit Safe House. The staff was fantastic, we didn't know the password so we had to do a group activity in order to get in. The inside was neat and very themey including fun mirrors, bathroom explosions and many levels. It was a little dingy/dirty but we only got drinks (however the martinis didn't come down the tubes which was disappointing). It wasn't overly crowded, we left around 11 just as the dance floor was heating up but it looked like it brings in a decent crowd after-hours

    (3)

  • Amy L.

    I love spy, cops & robbers stuff. So when I heard about this place I had to go! Came with some friends during a girls weekend. Getting in is fun, no seriously. Warning:If you are stuffy and can't laugh at yourself or Life in general, this place isn't for you. We had to do the bunny hop to get in and Your are on camera! Everyone on the Restaurant/Bar is watching you! The atmosphere is very cool. All spy. It's old spy though. Think old James Bond/get Smart. When you sit down your server will give you a scavenger hunt list of things to find. Warning, the phone booth is a secret exit! Wait till after your meal to go. Also, you'll need a quarter for a few things. The Service is terrible slow, and the food is not great. In fact, I was surprised with the lame boring menu. It's like McDonald's landed in a spy restaurant. So, ambience is cool. The activities Are fun. The food is terrible. Go, have fun and then plan on snacks afterwards elsewhere. It's worth one Trip, not sure about a revisit.

    (3)

  • Pamela B.

    Looking forward to going back with the kiddos. Food needs an update though. Fish wasn't that great and generally don't eat meat but will consume fish products. With a small menu to choose from, the food is overpriced for quality . A good chef could bring the food up a notch and this place would be off the charts amazing. This place is a good cheesy fun that brings lots of smiles. If you don't know the password you'll do something fun to get in. If it's not your thing, then either buck up and be a good sport or don't go. :) The atmosphere is a lot of fun and we got in conversations with other guests on trying to figure out clues. If you haven't been, then this needs to be a must go experience.

    (4)

  • Katie H.

    Fun cutesie place!

    (5)

  • Emily G.

    An interesting place, if you know the password then you are regular person and good for you. But for some of us who loves excitement this is a place to come to have a great time. Did I mention their interesting drinks and appetizer? Well I am not going to, you will just have to head on here and experience yourself but what I can tell you that you will not be disappointed. Staff are friendly and funny. Have a great time!!!

    (5)

  • Sarah A.

    Bring your friends who do not know the password. It's quite entertaining. Was there for dinner on New Years Eve. Very limited menu that I was not a fan off. The restaurant is family friendly. The staff is always nice and play their "parts" as spies and agents very well.Definitely a fun place to go if one has never been!

    (3)

  • Eric E.

    The idea of finding a secret latch to get in and a fake name above the door are pretty cool beginners to enter a restaurant. Even as you walk in the hostess welcomes you as spies. Okay..good so far. As you head for your table though, the stars start to fall. I'll break it down real nice and simple: Service - Our waitress was absent and absent minded. Let me preface this by saying that we arrived mid-afternoon when the place was maybe 20% full. It was also fully staffed so she didn't have an excuse to make table visits in increments longer than an episode of Happy Days. Drinks took more than 15 minutes, food longer and our check out even longer. I think the worst part was when she took our payment and kinda just walked away. Other waitresses in the area kindly told their patrons that there was a secret way out, or gave details about the spy stuff. Our waitress did none of the above. Kinda bummed us out. Food - Average, but we kinda figured this wasn't going to be the high point so we were okay with that. The menu is pretty shallow though, and my sons hot dog from the children's menu was larger than my chicken sandwich. No kidding.. Drinks - They have a decent selection of bottled beer and drafts, mostly territorial stuff which was nice to see. Ambiance - This is what you come to see and some of the spy decor and hidden objects are neat, but the thrill doesn't last long. If you're relying on decor ambiance the waiter/waitress needs to play their part. This place could be a hell of a lot cooler, but it limits itself.

    (2)

  • Jeff S.

    The food is ok. You come to this restaurant because you want the experience. It is totally worth it. Don't forget the code every good spy will know. I always need a safe house.

    (3)

  • Jason K.

    People seem to think its a tourist trap, kitschy, lame, played out, but we always have fun here. The closed circuit camera is great. The hidden entrance is fun. The food is decent for what it is. Don't expect much more than bar food. There are all kinds of fun little things hidden throughout the place. Put money in the phone booth to leave through a secret exit. And best of all.... we went one night and Hootie and the Blowfish were hanging out after a show! And they were laughing at dudes doing Hootie covers on karaoke. Its a bit cheesy, but its a theme bar. Its fun. Don't overthink it and have a laugh with your James Bond martini (shaken, not sitrred) that gets sent through a tube all the way around the bar and restaurant.

    (4)

  • Brent S.

    In the painful trudge to stay relevant, the Safe House has sadly overplayed its hand. Jello-shot girls and a video DJ stray far from the bar's espionage roots, and the only mystery left is how this place hasn't franchised nationwide into an Applebee's.

    (1)

  • Heidi F.

    Fun for something different, but food nothing to write home about.

    (3)

  • Mad I.

    Cool to do once I'd say. We were the out of towner friends that got brought here and it was neat to experience. Wish I knew more about the history of the place, if there is any. Was this a real speak easy? Fun nooks and crannies and a neat souvenir glass ($7 a beer, $2.50 refills).

    (4)

  • Erin L.

    When people come to visit this is number one on our list. I love the spy-tini where you get to keep the glass and shaker.

    (5)

  • Kat A.

    Such a neat idea. I don't want to give away too much and spoil your fun so I'll keep this review somewhat vague. My friends and I came here for our friend's bday. When we entered, we didn't have the password so we had to complete a mission before we were allowed to enter. Let's just say, it was entertaining. The whole place is covered in posters and pictures of spy movies/actors. The food was good. I highly recommend getting cheese curds! I had a passion fruit margarita. You can't taste the alcohol at all but it's definitely there. Yum! I also had the Agent Provacateur Steak sandwich. It was good...nothing unique though. This place is also fun for birthdays. We weren't able to stay long enough for our friend to do the birthday tour of the place. But I suggest that if you get a chance, have a birthday person go through the tour.

    (5)

  • Rick R.

    It's been a few years since I last visited the Safe House (before Yelp), but I had cousins in from out of town and one of them inquired about a "spy bar" as we were trying to figure out what to do after dinner. DONE! We'll go to the Safe House. "But don't we need to know the password. I'm not going to make a fool of myself to get into a bar." What's the difference, we'll make fools of ourselves when we're in the bar. I gave in, against my judgement, and told them the password, gave them a tour and we ordered drinks. On Sunday through Thursday nights, the bar I refer to as the "middle bar" has a bartender who also happens to be a magician. He keeps the show basic with mostly card tricks, but he is REALLY good at them. The show makes for great entertainment while you enjoy your beverage. Please keep in mind that he is a bartender and he is providing you with a free magic show that goes beyond balloon animals at a kid's birthday party. Your mind WILL be blown, so tip him well. My dining mates were light on their tipping at the restaurant despite the fact that the service was very good, so I made a point to suggest they at LEAST tip $5 per person. Then I threw $20 in figuring someone in my group would be a light again. Just don't hang out at the bar all night on that same tip. That's not cool. The guy's trying to make a living. Anyway, not much has changed at the Safe House, although I don't recall seeing a black jack table with a dealer the last time I visited nor a VJ (music Video Jockey for you youngsters who didn't watch VH-1 or MTV back when it was a music station). I don't think much should change. There will always be guests from out of town and special occasions. Safe House should be on the list of places to visit and things to do in Milwaukee. Stop in, order a spy cocktail or Code Beer and take the souvenir glass home with you. They'll even rinse and wrap the glass up for you when you're ready to go.

    (4)

  • Lara K.

    My husband got a serious kick out of this place, but I was suffering and felt miserable in there. First of all, the entire place is stuffy. There is no ventilation anywhere, and there were some customers who reeked very strongly of smoke and I am instantly nauseous at the smell of cigarettes. I cannot stand it and it makes me feel sick. This place had absolutely no air flow and I felt like I was dying in there. Also, the bathrooms were sticky and gross. The decorations and spy stuff seemed very dated and aged.

    (1)

  • Niki B.

    Definitely the coolest place I've visited in a while. I really love James Bond themes and the spy culture that surrounds the series, so this place was right up my alley. I heard about it from some friends, so it was time to check it out. The whole experience is pretty great if you're in a participating and playful mood. I would recommend checking it out with a friend or four, but I wont give away any of the process. Just make sure to plan on spending a lot of time here. The wait staff are helpful and fun, but they didn't seem to be the fastest. There was a party tonight, so that probably had to do with the delays, but it was not an issue. Also, I recommend getting a spycialty drink. You get to keep the glass. Also....don't tell the password.

    (5)

  • Tracy G.

    If you like themed restaurants go here. Mostly sandwiches. Their are only three actual meals. Fish for 12, ribs 28, and steak 32. I had the steak. Definitely not worth it . char burnt and tasteless. Baked potato was supposed to be loaded. 2 bits of bacon and a sprinkle of cheese does not mean loaded. It was also cold as in my butter didn't melt. By the time the waitress came back to replace it, I was done with my steak. So for $32 I got meat and a potato.

    (2)

  • Brandon A.

    I've been visiting the safe house since my college years. While I don't live in Milwaukee any more, I still encourage all my busting friends and family to take the plunge and swing by. Can't really say a lot... Other than this place is one of a kind.

    (4)

  • Shelby T.

    Amazing fun time! Ask for a sheet and explore the bar. When you go into the girls bathroom do yourself a favor and touch the heart :)

    (5)

  • Helene F.

    The restaurant is cool, but the bar staff leaves a lot to be desired. Not friendly at all. Sunday night and still waiting to be seated after waiting more than an hour.

    (2)

  • Sara F.

    Been frequenting this establishment since it was legal for me to consume cocktails. I have my favorite nooks and cranny's to sit in on a busy saturday night to people watch the dance floor. Always bring your friends from out of town there and don't tell them the password. If you are in a large group, order the fish bowls. The drinks are potent and come with souvenior glasses to take home. My favorite is the Spies Demise. One tip: I would get dinner somewhere else. The food is average so I would get your base elsewhere before your spy bender. Cheers Yo!.

    (5)

  • Rick T.

    I guess that we had to hit this place up so they could make fun of The Rick trying to get inside. I almost left but two little old ladies wanted in so I grabbed something on a book shelve I think and we were in. The building looked pretty cool but the drinks weren't that great. Kinda of touristic place you visit once or twice to say you've been there.

    (3)

  • Brett N.

    Why 4 stars? Because we just had to, right? --- --- --- I'll admit that I wouldn't have stopped in here if it wasn't for my travel buddy because I don't usually like to visit the over-the-top touristy spots. As we arrived, it was as silly as I originally anticipated, and I was feeling very confident with my original forecast. But as the night went on, I noticed my Safe House growing on me. We explored the venue and it felt like kind of a maze. It also felt enormous, and at one point, we wondered if we were even in the same bar anymore. It turned out that we had somehow made it into the bar next door. How? I have no idea. The Safe House really brings out the magical powers in people, I guess. We eventually figured out how to exit the secret way... which was fun considering that there was a crowd of people standing around the phone booth that couldn't figure it out. All this being said, it's a good place for one visit, and then probably never again. The beer selection is virtually non-existent, and I don't know that I'd want to hip hop dance every time I'd like to enter a bar. If you're visiting Milwaukee and need something unique to do to pass the time... it's not a bad option.

    (4)

  • Dan M.

    Ultra slick spy style bar. This owners of this did a great job of paying attention to every detail. Secret rooms, multi-level rooms, black jack table, music could be updated but great beer! Better know password lol

    (5)

  • Lawrence C.

    The environment is awesome! So much history is mixed in with the spy motif. The food is excellent, and the staff is fantastic. This is a must see place in downtown Milwaukee!

    (5)

  • Krista L.

    Went here recently for the first time as an adult. Still a fun place, but definitely way more fun when I was a kid/teenager. The food was surprisingly good and service was great. The little hideouts weren't as amazing as I remembered, but I would definitely bring out of town friends to see a weird Mke place.

    (3)

  • Shaina K.

    This place is great!! Secret passage ways, hidden exits, and lots of spy memorabilia...Safe House is a hidden gem in Milwaukee. Also go here to get a drink or two, they have some pretty impressive drinks (and take home drink glasses). There's the massive martini, and one that travels around the restaurant by tube to be shaken. The food was borderline okay, and nothing to write home about...but that's not the reason to go here. Go for the adventure. Solve the mysteries. Take lots of random pictures. Ladies, try and find Burt Reynolds in the bathroom (it's worth it!)

    (5)

  • Nick F.

    My review may be a little different, As i've only been here in the afternoon and day time. So entry isn't an issue, or alteast it wasn't for me the handful of time's i was their. The ambiance and the decor is awesome, the whole vibe of the place really is what makes this place what it is. The Food is DECENT at best, but no where near a favorite for food. I'm not a drinker so i can't comment on the drink selection or the bar. But i really feel this is a place you have to go to atleast once if you're in Milwaukee, and like the servers say, feel free to explore the place a little bit.

    (4)

  • Jason V.

    I used to come here all the time with my friends on Saturday nights, like once a month. Absolutely love this place. I've never actually had any of their food, because we always came late for drinks and fun. This place has it all! Amazing specialty drinks, which you get a souvenier glass with each one (and you can bring it back with you the next time and get your drink $1-$2 cheaper). There's 5 types of glasses you can get: The Spy's Demise glass, a shorty glass that has a target/scope on one side, a Code Beer glass (kind of a mason jar with a handle), a huge Mission Impossible glass (think fish bowl drink), and a Silencer shot glass. I forget if you get to keep the Martini glass when you order the Vodka Martini (shaken, nor stirred of couse ;) ). They have three bars in the place, a small dance floor with a live DJ (at least every saturday night), secret password to get in, otherwise you have to slightly embarass yourself (find out the password the fun way; it's hidden in the place, and not that easy to find). There's a secret exit, two-way mirrors, all sorts of spy and cold war memorabilia, a fake bathroom, and a black jack table on Saturday nights (you play for drinks and gift cards and the dealer, of it's the same one [John], is awesome! Card tricks, humor, overall great guy). There's more things I'm not mentioning, as you just have to find out when you come here! And a fun fact: This place WAS indeed a speak-easy during prohibition!

    (5)

  • Taylor M.

    This is going to be a super short review for two reasons. 1) I do not want to give too much away because it would ruin the experience for first timers. 2) I went with Ashley A and she had a pretty in depth review already :) When I got here I had to pretend to be Michael Phelps escaping sharks while Ashley A laughed at me as it was fed through on to the TV into the bar. I now know the password. Everyone here is really into their roles. We had a ton of fun here. One of my favorite things was the scratch and sniff in the ladies room... check it out for yourself. I also liked the magician bartender. I had a martini here which was good. They run about $10. If you buy the dirty martini it goes through a tube throughout the bar and you get to take home the shaker! I cannot wait to go back and explore this place further!

    (5)

  • Leslie L.

    A must see, every time I go to Milwaukee! I love the drinks (in collectible glasses), the food is ok but the atmosphere is awesome!!! I used to come here once a year when Gen-Con was held in this city. Booo to Indianapolis (the new city that hosts it). You come in through a side door in the alley that isn't marked as Safe House but all the letters on the plaque that spell Safe House are written in Red! If you know the password (I do) you walk in a little room and tell the gal and you walk right in. If you do not know the password she will give you a minor task/mission (should you choose to accept it) to get in. I'm not going to give away everything. The place is LOADED with "spy" memorabilia and there is a "secret" exit (you need a quarter) and a phone. There used to be a secret entrance for members but I don't know if it is still there as it has been some time since I was a member. If you have never been here it can be pricy but remember you get to keep the glasses and a refill on your booze is cheaper. After you are finished they wash and wrap your glasses which is nice! This is a spot that you need to visit at least once if you are here!!

    (5)

  • Kristine R.

    Unique and fun. In regards to the ambiance and atmosphere, 5/5 easily. Located in an alley disguised as a trading company, you have to do funny tricks to get the password... then a flipping bookcase opens and you walk into the restaurant/bar. The place is huge with lots of great decorations and fun atmosphere. Oh, that funny stuff you did to get the password? It was broadcasted to the bar to see haha. Very fun. Okay, so all that aside, drinks and food were average at best. We had "Wai Lins" eggrolls, and "Hong Kong" teriyaki boneless wings. The egrolls were meh. Too crispy with not much in the middle. The "teriyaki boneless wings" were literally deep fried chicken with soy sauce on the side. I wanted to ask for ketchup, they were basically chicken wings! I also had a bloody mary that was very heavy on the spice and only garnished with olives and lemons. For $6....meh. So come for the experience, not for drinks and food. Great for events, there was like 6 bachelorette parties and a birthday!

    (3)

  • Samantha G.

    Safehouse is such an awesome part of Milwaukee, if only the people that worked there treated as such. I really hope someone comes thru soon and buys it and just puts some love back into it. I had Louisiana Chicken which was pretty good but my husbands catfish poboy was just super fishy.

    (3)

  • Nicole P.

    A friend had been wanting to try this place for years, so four of us went together. We'd done some research online and were able to get in without incident (check out the website if you have no clue what I'm talking about). It is pretty cool, they really commit to the spy theme. The waitstaff seemed overworked (we got a hummus plate with some chips best described as shrapnel, it took at least 15 minutes to get some pita chips to take its place). The menu was okay; I had to really search for something to eat. I ended up with a perfectly fine reuben, and the hummus plate was tasty. We all had tap beer, so I have nothing to add cocktail-wise. If you have time to wander around and admire the place you probably should. I don't know if I'll ever visit this place again, but I'm glad I can say that I've done it.

    (3)

  • Ugur A.

    Password is "I'm looking for a safe house" but seriously look for a different place to go!! Food is bad, drinks are nothing special, place is a dump, cool wannabe... That's not even the full story though. Wish I could give this place zero stars. Horrible treatment. Apparently cover charge isn't typical but they mandated it. I knew the code and it had to be CASH. Then they had to escort me to the ATM even after I gave them my ID to keep it. I had to pay extra processing fee then what happens? They returned that cover charge back on the bill! WHY THE FUCK DID YOU CHARGE ME THEN?... And made me go through all that trouble and extra ATM fee. I could've paid it with my card with the bill! It didn't stop there... When I wanted to talk to the manager I basically got the hand... Seriously shit hole... This happened couple years ago but I'm still mad at that place. Getting back into Yelp so I figured I would I add this.

    (1)

  • Mélanouille F.

    Awesome theme restaurant! Our server, jessi was full of humor and nice. The restaurant is just great, a lot of hidden places, it is not too loud and everything is we'll thinking. It is not the best food I've ever tasted but I loved the concept!

    (5)

  • Jeff R.

    Been going to the safe house since the late 1970s. Has always had great drinks. But, as of late, we've taken our teenage daughters and their friends there to experience the theme. After three visits this year we've decided not to return again due to the mediocre food, snarky attitude and marginal service. I think, individually there might be a good servers. Perhaps it is a managerial issue; under resourced, or under kitchen staffed. I would also like to see what it looks like in the daylight given the lack of dusting etc. Fun to do with small kids. But certainly don't go for a dining experience. The magician at the back bar is always a highlight.

    (2)

  • Gary S.

    Sort of run down and not what it was in it's prime, but still a quirky cool place that everyone in Milwaukee, or visiting Milwaukee should probably check out. Also, they've had the same password for 25 years. Should probably change it... :-) And, when you leave, take the time to go out through the phone booth.

    (3)

  • Sara P.

    We decided to try the Safe House because the idea of needing a password to get in (as well as the promise of Burt Reynolds in the ladies room) was intriguing. We were less than impressed. The atmosphere was cool, but service was slow, and the food was less than "meh". It was the only night we had in Milwaukee so it was a major disappointment as we knew there were a ton of other good restaurants in town. We won't be back.

    (2)

  • Jeff C.

    This past summer a friend and I went on a road trip and this was one of our destinations. We stopped for lunch and apparently missed some of the theatrics of entering the building, but it was still entertaining to say the least. The whole theme was entertaining and it was fun to wander around while waiting on our food, to explore. I was satisfied with my food. It was nothing to write home about, but it certainly wasn't bad. Maybe if I lived closer and were able to go more often, I might not rate five stars....but the first time experience was really fun and worthy of a five star review.

    (5)

  • Jon D.

    This one of the best restaurants I've ever been to! You need this password to get in,## ####### ### # #### #####. If you get the password wrong,you may have to do something you may not necessarily want to. The food is really good. The appetizer was cheese curds(a Wisconsin favorite). I ordered the veggie burger and it was one of the best I've ever had. I loved the spy atmosphere and the secret exit!

    (5)

  • Glen G.

    The food is okay at best. The service is probably a bit under average. BUT, you don't come here for the food or service. The people watching and exploring is tremendous. So what if the decor hasn't been updated in 20 years? It is still way cool and way different than anything else you've ever visited. It is a true experience and the beer is cold and good. Bartenders are pretty cool too... Definitely take the time to explore and DO NOT LEAVE THE SAME WAY YOU CAME! I highly recommend this for a visitor - don't miss the experience.

    (3)

  • Alexa E.

    During a recent trip to Milwaukee with the boyfriend we decided to visit the 'Safe House' for the first time. After hearing several mixed reviews, we decided to check it out and come up with our own opinion. Neither one of us were impressed, so read on to hear why... The theme of the restaurant earns 1 star; it's creative and fun. The spy memorabilia throughout every inch of the restaurant is fun to look at, however, the groups of kids walking around seemed to enjoy it a bit more than the two of us. The staff stays in character the entire time by calling you 'spies' and serving you a 'top secret mission' while you wait for your food to come out. There's also a password needed to enter the restaurant, and if you don't know there's something silly you must do. (The boyfriend and I had to crab walk and crab fight) The menu/food; nothing special, to say the least. The food is overpriced, but I think it's because you're paying for "the experience" rather than the food. The menu isn't very expansive; it's your basic burger/sandwich joint. Each sandwich comes with potato chips, but upgrade for $2 and you get a tiny plate of cole slaw, pasta salad, french fries, etc. Not worth the $2 upgrade charge. Also, if you order a burger with various toppings (AKA international covers) there's a $4 charge for that as well. -My chicken sandwich was decent, but nothing to brag about. I could have made better on my own. The pasta salad was good, homemade too which was a nice surprise. -The boyfriend ordered a steak sandwich. His first bite sounded like a bite into a rubber band sandwich. He was crunching and crunching, but pulled the sandwich apart to find his first bite was into a huge piece of fat and tendon! Being the "manly man" he is, he tore off the nasty-ness and continued to eat. Personally, I would have thrown up. Needless to say, his sandwich was good, but again, nothing to write home about. We both ordered a beer, but after walking around and being less than pleased with the place... we left to drink it up elsewhere. To conclude; over-priced, low quality food, more geared towards children, great service, cool theme/decor. Would I go back? No. Would I recommend it? No, unless you have kids that are totally into spy stuff.

    (2)

  • Gary T.

    Food was terrible. Waitress ignore my table. Only saving grace was bartender.

    (2)

  • Bill M.

    Talk about over-hyped and cheesey. Upon our first "approach", there was a line of 10+ at the door. Everyone turned away at the $5.00 cover. When I asked the hostess about the cover she replied, "there's a DJ, a magician and blackjack". I didn't get it and we couldn't see paying ANYTHING to enter. We decided to grab food at Rock Bottom, where our waitress suggested we visit Safehouse. After some triple-gut-guessing, we returned. Sure, its gimicky but that's ALL it is. It was a sauna inside, barely anywhere to sit or hang out (without staff & patrons) asking you to move. We had one beer and left. Its also worth nothing that our observation of the food was pretty bad too. Skip this place altogether.

    (1)

  • Carol K.

    "There's a man who leads a life of danger . . .to everyone he meets he stays a stranger . . . ." so goes the old Johnny Rivers song. The Safe House for "spies" has been making me laugh for years. When I lived in Milwaukee- I was friends with the bartender here so we got special VIO (Very Important Operative) treatment. But coming back all these years later- and seeing it through the eyes of a "regular" spy, I still got a chuckle out of the zaniness. First the entrance. Know before you go that if you don't know the password (nope- you won't get it from me!) or can figure out how to let yourself in- you have to do a silly dance that the entire bar can see. Back in the day, when I was a VIO- I had a special VIO pass (still available today but this secret agent misplaced hers) that let me in another secret entrance complete with a fake elevator and secret door that allowed you access without all the shenanigans. For me- it was a little trip down memory lane as my last visit there had to be 15 years ago so things weren't exactly how I remembered them but the gags were all there- the "hail to the chief throne", the "spy on your boyfriend" mirror, the Burt Reynolds pic with his privates creating a stir (I have it on good authority from our friendly server that there is an update coming ladies!) the secret exit through the phone booth and other funny things for you to discover. The food is okay- regular bar food. Stick to the basics like the patty melt or the fish and chips and you will be fine. Order an operative martini and you will get to watch your drink "swoosh" through the tubing along the ceiling of the bar to get "shaken" not stirred. And then when you are done with your food- go exploring, for there is plenty to see. During the day you'll see agents big and small but at night- leave the little agents at home as the place definitely turns into a nightclub "spy style". The thing I find the funniest is that Milwaukee has so many great things to offer- the symphony, the Art Museum, the parks system, etc. Yet all many people seem to know about a city I once called "home" is that there is a spy bar there. I 'm not sure whether to laugh or cry. But if it will get people to Milwaukee so they can discover all the other great things- then I'm a fan! Go play spy for the day (or night) "Secret Agent man, Secret Agent man. They've given you a number and taken away your name"

    (4)

  • Mark K.

    Don't ask me how a New Yorker ever arrived to Milwaukee, but after checking out the Safe House, I realized we need one of these bad boys in the Big Apple! When you say New York and "theme bar" you'll think ESPN zone and Planet Hollywood. What the Safe House is can not really be described in words. Safe House is not a place, it's an experience. I manage to arrive during that special time where lunch has stopped being served and dinner is just not quite ready, "but you're more than welcome to look around". I really wish that I was here for a nightlife experience, but if that means going back to WI, I think I'll pass. This is definitely a great spot to check out, and if it's entertaining for someone like me who lives in NYC and doesn't use the word "WOW" often, then I'm sure you'll be in my shoes when you put in that quarter to find out you'll not making a phone call, you're making a getaway!

    (4)

  • Barbara S.

    It is a fun place for group parties! Cool drink specials! Awesome atmosphere! (If you like old school type of bars). It has a dance floor! Awesome place to take people from out of town! They serve food, but I couldn't tell you what's good there!

    (4)

  • Carol N.

    When I think of Milwaukee, I think of the Safe House.. I loved this place, yes, for kitschy theme value, but damn.. my Reuben sandwich was good... I will always make a stop here when I visit Milwaukee..

    (4)

  • Patty V.

    Yeah, yeah.It is a touristy place,but..if you spend some time looking at all the spy memorabillia they have all over the place, you will see some pretty cool stuff! Old pictures from movies depicting Mata Hari type dames with smoldering glances.Trench coated men looking sharp and mysterious. Old spy toys and a bunch of other stuff. The food is decent.Nothing fancy,but, they do have a little something for everyone. Some fun drinks and service was good. Go early on a weekend and you won't be waiting.Go later....you were warned. A cool place to spend some time. Wander around,but,be careful...you can get lost in the maze like place! Don't be so uber cool and above it all....have a little fun..it will do you good!

    (4)

  • Ahris K.

    Being quirky, the Safe House is definitely a Milwaukee experience. I've been there a few times, and I can say that each visit was unique... Yes, you need to know a password- and there is a cover after 9pm(?) but it's under $5 so nothing that won't get you in. I went for dinner once, and the menu items were decent however the prices were on a tad bit higher end... LOVE that you get to take your cocktail glasses as a souvenir, thanks to them I now own a couple of cocktail mugs and a fishbowl :) The Safe House is a nice place for a family dinner, birthday celebrations, or even as a late night spot after a few drinks elsewhere!

    (4)

  • Janet T.

    This is a unique place to take the kiddos. Lots of secret rooms, cool nooks to hide in, lots to explore. Go here for the unique factor and drinks, not for amazing food...which is just ok bar options.

    (4)

  • Russ D.

    I gave it four stars because it was great fun! Food was fine but nothing special. The gimmick is the reason to go.

    (4)

  • Allen L.

    Highly recommended. It's a great bar. It's kitsch. It's fun. Whether or not you like or care about the kitsch it has an undeniable atmosphere. It's not glitzy. If you grew up during the cold war or spent your life in intelligence, you'll especially like it. Went there one night to meet a colleague for a drink in the main bar. Went the next night with a group and they had opened up some other door that doubled the size of the place - they had karaoke in one of these rooms. It's connected to another bar (at least at certain times) accessible from another street.

    (4)

  • Jax B.

    I've always wanted to try this place and I finally was able to. (I shouldn't have - I should have left it to the imagination and never went, because this place is lame.) After finally finding it, we entered and were faced with a bouncer who wanted our IDs and $5 each. $5?! For what? Do you have a band or DJ? Nope. Apparently it costs $5 to visit this bar. Really? (I should have turned around then.) Oh, my friends didn't tell me the password - so they all entered without me - and I had to pretend to fight ghosts before I could enter. That was probably the excitement of my night. I walked through the bookcase (relatively cool) to the bar. The bartender was NOT friendly and barely acknowledged that he had customers. (The place was dead at 10p on a Saturday.) I ordered a tap Guinness and I sent it back, because it tasted like soap. The replacement was not much better. Every drink that was served was mildly gross looking. Ah, the word of the night "gross". This place is gross. The decor is messy, dirty, and just plain yucky. I didn't want to touch a thing! This place has all the right ideas for a cool bar, but it needs help. I will not go back.

    (1)

  • Mikey R.

    Fun spy-themed bar & restaurant with great cocktails. As a lifelong Milwaukee resident, the Safe House for me is a place to take out of town guests or to celebrate something special like a birthday or New Year's Eve. They have a great menu of cocktails that come with their own custom glasses, which you get to take home with you. You also get a discount on refills of the same drink that night by using the same glass. I haven't eaten at the Safe House in so many years, it wouldn't be fair to review the restaurant/food portion, but from what I remember, the burger I had was giant and delicious and the french fries had a unique shape/cut to them. Sort of zig-zag looking (not crinkle-cut). Of course, with out of town guests, half the fun is getting into the place and not sharing the password with them so they have to do something ridiculous to gain entrance. Or, skipping that and using the revolving booth, which really makes an unexpected entrance to those already inside who haven't seen it before. Of course, most of the night is spent exploring the place over the multiple floors, looking at the spy decor, watching the martini's fly through the tube around the ceiling, deciding which drink to order next, and of course, hearing the women "buzz" about naked Burt Reynolds in the bathroom. On the weekends, Safe House becomes a lively nightclub with a DJ and extremely loud dance music. I mean REALLY loud. Like don't plan on talking to anyone the rest of the night because they will never hear you loud. While the Safe House is not a place I'd think to go for any old Friday or Saturday night, it definitely is one of those joints that's special to MKE and is worth going to if you haven't experienced it before.

    (3)

  • Ashley J.

    I lived in Milwaukee for about 3 years and had heard about the Safe House when I first moved there. I was told that I "HAD" to try it! I went with a group of friends for dinner one night- we could hardly find the place, as it's down a dark alley (i've said too much!) Once we got to the door, and nobody knew the password, so we all had to do an Irish jig. If that wasn't embarassing enough, it was being broadcast on the TVs throughout the restaurant! While walking around the Safe House, it's amazing what kind of cool decorations, secret doors, phone booths, etc. they have. They sure do a GREAT job sticking to their theme. FIRST VISIT: We were seated in a small room upstairs. Our waitress never came, so we asked another server where she was? After about 30 minutes of no water/food/attention... we decided to leave and walk to Water Street Brewery instead. I was actually pretty pissed off about this because I REALLY wanted to love this place.. I suppose it's more of a tourist attraction than a dining establishment. SECOND VISIT: I had to try the Safe House again when I had two friends in from out of town. I was really hoping for a better experience- again, forgot the password, did a jig, and walked on in. We had OK service- but it was a weekday night- so maybe they can't handle busy weekend crowds. I remember the food being good, nothing outstanding, but good. All in all- I'd go back to the Safe House purely for the experience- but if you're looking for great food, I'd suggest somewhere else.

    (3)

  • Amy B.

    LOVE the whole idea of this place. It is great that it is basically in a hidden location down an alley. I love that you need a secret password to get in, otherwise you are forced to do whatever is asked of you. I also love that there is a normal exit as well as a secret exit. The decoration is perfect, I love the little corner booths with the beaded curtains around them, as well as all of the knick nacks plastered all over the place. The food is pleasant, pretty simple, pretty generic, but it gets the job done. Like many other novelty places, it is more about the whole experience than simply the food.

    (4)

  • Katie H.

    Never got here while in college, but managed to go within my first 60 days back in Milwaukee. What a bummer I didn't go earlier. It was such a fun experience. If you go early on a weekday, 5:30pm, there is no one at the entrance to make you do ridiculous things to get in. Then again, there is no one to help you get in, so it took a little while for me to figure out where the entrance was. A friend and I sat at the bar. I ordered the signature beer, which comes with a complimentary glass. A few of the other SafeHouse-style drinks also have the free glass perk. Kinda fun! Getting out was even more difficult than getting in. We walked all through the restaurant a couple times, tried every door we could figure, pulled every level... and yet nothing led us to the outside world. After a couple random and unexplained twists and turns we walked out through the Newsroom Pub, which I don't think is the normal way to exit. Didn't order food but will have to plan another visit to give that a try.

    (3)

  • Jessica W.

    Sorry to go against the grain on this one, but man...this place didn't really do it for me. It seemed as though the waitstaff had long ago gotten bored with the whole spy concept and was just going through the motions. Unfortunately the food didn't make up for their lack of interest. My veggie burger and fries were mid-line mediocre. I finally took off the bun and doused the patty in hot sauce to try to make it palatable, and I abandoned the fries half way through. "Meh, I've experienced better" perfectly sums it up.

    (2)

  • Sivmui C.

    OH If I can give you more than 5 stars Safe house I would! I loved every minute there! :) Before my trip to Wisconsin last month, I looked up random websites to find the best places to visit in Milwaukee and Safe House kept showing up. I was pretty excited from reading the descriptions and when I asked the friend I was visiting she heard about it too! So Yay! In the freezing cold air of Milwaukee two girl friends and I decided to have dinner there. It was so much fun! Entering through a secret door and leaving too! Every nook and cranny was filled with something to look at or do! We spent half of dinner trying to figure out the biggest moving puzzle and the other half looking at the decor. We came just before dinner was over and the night life appeared so we were able to enjoy both dinner and dancing! :) The food was good the burgers are cooked JUST the way you like it! It was juicy and delicious! My friend's fish cod was delicious as well! :) The servers are nice and friendly! It really made my trip! I feel like we visited every room but didn't see every thing they have to offer! :) MUST VISIT IF YOU'RE IN MILWAUKEE!!

    (5)

  • Jennifer Q.

    Totally unique, hilarious bar where there are a bunch of "bells and whistles" to entertain you. Make sure you take your time and walk around, and touch and play with all the goofy stuff all over the walls. This is a great experience while in Milwaukee -a "must see". Plus, you need a password to get in -which no one ever knows -so the door person makes you do something silly like sing or dance to get in. Do a good job, as you will be on camera, being watched by the other customers inside. It's really hard to explain everything about this experience -plus, I don't want to ruin the fun. Just go -it's a great place to have a drink and enjoy all the craziness that is bound to happen!

    (4)

  • Matt E.

    This is hands-down one of the most notable places I have ever visited in my travels. I went in expecting another one-note theme bar with a gimmick and expensive drinks. What I got was great service and amazingly inexpensive cocktails served in a take-home keep sake that lowers the price of your next beverage. Rigmarole to gain entry will prove to be one of the most memorable experiences you will have. The help was warm and inviting and the history showcased on the wall will keep you entertained for hours. A Milwaukee must.

    (5)

  • Lisa A.

    Five stars...ok, this place isn't perfect but its classic Milwaukee and a must if ur visiting Milwaukee or have guests in town (imo) so for that reason alone, I gotta give it 5 stars. (And I also have nostalgia for being 20 and not being able to wait to turn 21 so I could come here. Lol, anyhow...) It gets a varied, somewhat older crowd. The tall rail drink I ordered was only $5.50, although u can spring for a spy drink or code beer ( ask to see the drink selection ) for not much more, and then u get a really cool collectible glass. Yes, there's a near naked burt Reynolds in the ladies restroom, lots of different nooks and crannies to explore, different rooms and secret passageways...there's a dj on the weekend playing actually a.pretty decent danceable tracks (with a small dance floor too.) apparently there's a magician from time to time. Things that could use improvement: the food. It's like really standard bar food and I can't say I'd recommend. Eat elsewhere and come here for early-to-mid evenin drinks. Also, wish they had a separate entrance for those of us who know that password, or as the girl freezing outside in line to me pointed out - had their hand stamped and were just waiting for reentry. But yea, if u don't no the password, u have to do a little dance (on camera) or something silly. All in good fun and all, so it makes a unique place to take people new to the city. Very kitsch-y.

    (5)

  • Amy H.

    The Safe House has been around for.ev.errrr. It super cheesy and, for some reason, the myth about the Safe House has become greater than the actual experience. It is something to try if you've never been and it can be fun with a big group of tourists, but overall it's not a place that I would go on a regular basis...and no, I won't tell you the password to get in.

    (3)

  • Tonia B.

    Damn I love Safe House. Every time I start to miss Milwaukee, one of the first things I miss is having the opportunity to take out of towners and newbies to this place. With an entrance way off the alley, you can totally pretend to be any spy you want in this joint. Just be sure to know the password else you'll be stuck in the entrance, wearing funny costumes and doing skits which are broadcast to everyone in the restaurant below, just like my uncle was forced to do some years back. And no... don't ruin it by finding the password. You have to make a fool of yourself at least one time. With secret hideouts, spy gear, telephone booths and all sorts of awesome stuff, it's a totally fun place to explore while you're hanging out. Like going for a drink in a playground in a museum. Or something like that. I miss you. And need a reason to get back to the MKE.

    (4)

  • Dani B.

    Its always a good time, fun theme and music. You wont just sit around and have a beer at this place. Too bad the food is boring and straight for Sam's Club. Service at the bar has always been a let down too.

    (3)

  • Jeff G.

    When in milw, go here for sure. Nuff said. go for the drinks, not for food. explore, walk all around

    (5)

  • Julie T.

    Stopped he for dinner while on a road trip. I had seen it featured on the Food Network or Travel Channel a while ago. This is a must go to place at least once. It is a super fun place that really carries out a theme. We had so much fun with the secret entrance and walking around checking it all out. It's a good thing that there's so much to check out because without reservations, you're going to have a wait. We didn't make reservations because we had no idea when we were going to arrive. We did get there right when they opened, but had to wait until 5:30 to be seated even though there seemed to be available tables. Also, be prepared to be run over at least once by excited (and typically unattended) children. I can understand why parents would bring their kids, but I will never understand why they don't require them to act respectfully. The food was ok. I can't imagine that too many people come here regularly for the eats. The one thing I really wanted was the cheese curds (how often do I get to Wisconsin? Not enough). Since this little treat is not available back in the Buckeye State, I was so excited to see it on the menu. Of course, it turned out to be the only menu item they were out of! My friend did enjoy her burger and fries. My mom and I also liked the piping hot chicken tortilla soup. The rest of our food (assorted app's) were pretty standard fare, nothing so great that I will remember it by the end of the road trip. All of that being said, it is still well worth it to check out the Safe House at least once, you've never been to a place like it. The creativity in decor is amazing.

    (3)

  • Anna I.

    Recommended by several friends and really enjoyed it. Taxi dropped us off at an unmarked door in a back alley, I knew the password so felt pretty cool with myself. Was able to snag a small beaded room for drinks, took the touristy route of getting code beer with a souvenir mug - not recommended. Music Saturday night was fun but all over the place as far as style and genre. Leaving was a nightmare. Spent $0.75 trying to leave through a phone booth per a guests instructions and a friends recommendation. Finally escaped through an actual door, still don't understand the phone booth... Kids / families were there - awkward. Can be difficult to get a drink, don't be afraid to seek out one of the three other bars hidden inside. Definitely worth checking out if you're in Milwaukee.

    (4)

  • Sadie T.

    Fun for the first time. The atmosphere is cool, definitely something you have to try once. Good place to take guests who have never been. However, it's not like your corner bar to hang out every week. I thought the food (several visits) is mediocre. Often greasy. Overpriced drinks. I do like their house red beer, but you have to buy a commemorative stein to get the beer. Don't bother paying for cover, total rip-off. I suggest going for dinner, not the night life.

    (3)

  • Reuben H.

    In a past life I was an International Business and Finance major at a local university in Milwaukee......... Or so everyone thought......... In reality, the IB program I was in was just a front for my true life's work- that of an international spy (for which country- you will never know!). I used to frequent this little spot a few times a year and always enjoyed my time there. The place went way out of their way to make it a total experience. Everything from their website, just finding the place (no signage for Safe House), to getting in, to watching others get in, to going to the bathrooms (although I have heard from, and "caught" multiple female friends having a more memorable time in their washroom compared to the men's room), to the drinks, decorations, staff, and even getting out of the place. Truly an experience all should try out if you are ever in good old Milwaukee. Also- if you are looking for something to do with someone who is celebrating their birthday- check this place out. They have this entire session called "Hail to the Chief" which is pretty damn funny. Nothing food or drink-wise is all that spectacular- but they do have some house drinks that while aren't all that different from anything you can find at a dive bar- they are prepared and served in some interesting ways. All-in-all- a fun experience, especially if you are looking for something different to do and don't mind laughing at yourself a bit. If you really don' t mind laughing at yourself- then just show up one night........ Without a password.......

    (4)

  • Katie F.

    Whoever is the mastermind behind The Safe House is a genius. This place is like a playground for adults. The theme inundates your entire experience, from entering the restaurant to your table and service to even the way you exit. Let's be honest, the food is not gourmet, but the experience is completely worth it. Be sure to take time walking around the entire restaurant, exploring all the memorabilia and fun quirks built in. Tip: know the password? If not, be prepared to earn entry to The Safe House!

    (4)

  • Will H.

    Here's the simple deal about the safe house. If you are from out of town and looking for someplace interesting to get a drink or two and hangout with really interesting stuff... check this place out. A few points of interest: 1) Lots, so much, a crap ton of spy history and trinkets and collectibles and posters and things to look at and read and see... just wander when you are here... everyone does. 2) In your wanderings, open every door and look in every cranny... its hilarious things you will find and see.... lots of trick doors etc. 3) if your group wants something crazy fun to see, order someone the President drink for $25.... that is an experience to see once for sure! ridiculous! Or if you don't want to drop $25, order the 007 martini that they shoot through the vacuum piping all over the bar! 4) On your way in, they ask if you know the password. The password is around on the walls once you are inside. But until you know, you will have to do something to prove you are a spy! Just have fun with it, it's only a few seconds and then they let you in anyways. 5) On your way out, there is a secret door in a phone booth. Grab a quarter and your 3 best friends and crowd in and follow the instructions. 6) Check out the bronze fonz just around the corner from here by the water!! Don't forget! Fonzi is a Milwaukee landmark! Overall just a really quirky fun place to go. It's definitely not the cheapest drink in the city, but you are paying for the experience. Totally worth it!

    (4)

  • Angie S.

    A must-visit for anyone in Milwaukee! The environment is filled with "secrets," so that alone makes the trip worthwhile. It *IS* a safe house, so you need a password to enter. If you don't know the password (and I won't tell you); you'll undergo interrogation by the door guard. (Don't worry, it's not TSA-style. It's comical and entertaining. I took my grandparents for lunch one time, and the guard made my grandpa shakedown my grandma to check her for secret documents. I was in tears from laughing so hard!) The restaurant has several entrances (all of them disguised), so have fun trying to find your way in! The spy-theme and eccentricities make the Safe House experience unforgettable. I guarantee you will have a memorable time exploring, regardless of whom else might be present. The food and drink options have creative names, and the menu is very entertaining to read. If you're there for dining hour I highly recommend the spicy chicken sandwich and waffle fries. (Most other food items are forgettable.) The Spy's Demise is a tasty drink, and like other cocktails, you get to keep the awesome glass! If you want to explore the "secrets" of the Safehouse, be sure to arrive before busy hour, or you'll have a hard time finding or seeing them. From secret rooms, to sinking bar stools, to the mysterious red light over the ladies bathroom door... the more time you spend here, the more cool things you'll find! TIP: Ladies, be sure to visit the restroom and take a peek! =)

    (5)

  • Lisa G.

    I was not at all happy with my recent experience at Safe House. We arrived around 4:45 and were quoted a 30 minute wait. We were finally seated around 6:15. Our thirty minutes had stretched to an hour and a half with no updated wait time from the hostess. When we asked about the wait, we were repeatedly told that it would be "a little longer." They told us at one point that there was a table ready but they would not seat us because the waitress and kitchen needed time to "catch up." I tried to explain that we just wanted to sit down since we'd been taking up space at the bar not drinking. We were refused the table until the waitress was ready. The manager came to my table at my request and apologized after I complained. Nothing else was done. I always took friends and family to Safe House when they came to visit me and my husband. Sadly, this will be my last visit. The server was nice and the food was good but not worth the wait and the lies. Sorry, Safe House. You've lost a loyal customer.

    (1)

  • Andrew K.

    Fun bar. Fun hazing ritual. Cheap drinks. Lots of levels. A little dancing. A Fun house mirror. Pretty cool! Cheap drinks.

    (4)

  • Bonnie M.

    Lets face it! We don't go there for the food. It's a good Burger and a lot of fun. A must for your out of town guests. A part of Milwaukee and a short walk to the River Walk and to visit the Fonz. Your night will be complete. Don't forget to order the traditional "Hail To The Chief" as a surprise for your adult guest.

    (3)

  • Rain F.

    I love this place! I'll come back if I'm ever around Milwaukee again. Entrance will deceive you. You need a password to enter. And if you don't want to do something embarrassing, you better know it. You can't just know it, you have to be able to tell that guy in the door to get your passport to get in. Having a short term memory didn't help me. Walking in, I thought I knew it but nope, it was either that or the person who told me the password lied? Haha But yeah, I got in after getting frisked against the wall O_O I don't drink much but I like how they had a Blueberry Martini. So the rating isn't really for the drinks they have but for the atmosphere. Really liked it here. So many interesting stuff to look at. Three exits but you'd be lucky to find even one.

    (5)

  • Lydia Effie C.

    Eh, this place was disappointing. I think at one time it was awesome, and unique, and a happening place, but now it's filled with cat-calling balding men with cell phones on their belt-loops and their eyes glued to anyone who walks in. Also, geriatric tourists and some foreign groups snapped pictures here and there. Moms and kids wandered in, tired people at the bar watched sports, and crumbs littered seats. There were only a handful of people, but we still had to wait for about 15 minutes. There were empty tables everywhere. I just think they didn't have enough servers. The ladies who seated us were distracted, texting and itching to go home. The old lingo everyone dished out seemed tired, the drinks were overpriced and mix-based, and the cheese plate we ordered did not have us wanting more. The decorations and tricks were dusty and tired...I just would have liked to have seen this place in its heyday, years ago! I bet it was cool. There are some other nice places, that aren't as touristy, that we saw around here. For all the hype, we wanted a bit more.

    (2)

  • Rachel F.

    My boyfriend loved it, apparently he loved spy stuff as a kid so thats why it get 3 stars... and some of the little trick exits/entrances make it worth it. But food was blah, drinks were blah, and the kitsch factor was pretty damn high. I guess come in and grab a drink, but I probably wouldn't come back.

    (3)

  • Jack P.

    This place is so safe, even some Milwaukee residents and/or former residents don't even know about it. While no culinary destination, this place deserves kudos for being so out-of-the-way located down an alley, and then quasi-inaccessible with its tricky entrance requiring a password, etc. Any place with such a unique gimmick (and how many spy-themed bar restaurants in the U.S. can you name?) and ambiance deserves at least one visit. They have even created unique private spaces where you can have spy-like conversations that won't be overheard. I found this place when a friend of mine called one day and suggested we "drive to Milwaukee" for lunch. We were directed here specifically by a very friendly lady at the information desk of the Cultural center downtown. The safe house has your standard pub fare. So if you are up in Milwaukee, check out the Milwaukee Art Museum, take a short walk west to downtown, hang out in the retro, friendly downtown, then ask a local how to find the safe house. Head there in the afternoon for a beer and and a sausage sandwich before you come back home (if you haven't booked a room at the Pfister, that is!)

    (4)

  • Thomas S.

    This place never fails to make me happy. It isn't nearly as amazing as the second time you visit. But there is always something fun going on to make a trip worth it. Spies, a secret password, hidden doors and peeping eyes. This place has everything a double agent needs. And fishbowl sized drinks if you are tired of waiting for your connection. The most amazing things for me, as a repeat customer, are the fantastic magicians. They work a small bar and are almost belly to belly with you - the skill at making their drinks look plausible at the close range just overwhelms me. Ivanovich is my favorite. A deprecating and wonderful showman. I am almost star struck watching his magic talent. Great place to bring visitors that do not normally leave the hotel on a long trip.

    (4)

  • Heidi L.

    We've taken the kids here a couple of times and they love the nonsense of it. Personally, the food is extremely mediocre, and the time-warp sense of the restaurant does not leave me inspired to find out what great new food they are serving up. We were in Milwaukee for a sporting event and the kids BEGGED us to take them there for lunch today before heading back to Chicago. My husband dropped us off at the door, because there is nowhere to park. But we were stranded because they weren't open (even though the hours posted said they were). There were several other people trying to get in as well. Finally a kitchen staff guy came out the service back door and said they weren't open for lunch on certain days. When pointed out that the sign on the door says they open every day for lunch at 11:30 the guy responded that the owners know it says that and they don't want to do anything about it. Most of us grumbled and he said "look, the owners are having financial problems". So, not sure it's going to be around much longer, and purposefully telling people you are open when you aren't isn't going to exactly help business. Now even my kids hate the place.

    (1)

  • Kevin B.

    I get here maybe once a year or so usually with visitors or those new to Milwaukee. The food is ok (maybe 3 stars) but the drinks and the overall athmosphere gives it the 4 stars. I've never had a bad meal here below 3 stars over the past 15 years Safe House is a time capsule of the 1960's as a "spy bar", sorta like Austin Powers with a diiferent type of campiness. It's always fun to find something new looking at the walls that I hadn't found before, like those childhood Highlights magazine "I Spy" or the "Dogs Playing Poker" pictures. If you want to play spy and do a "secret exit", try the phone booth in the back. One word of advice, even if you don't think you will need it, do a reservation even for an early dinner. Sports events in Milwaukee seem to bring out other "operatives". Go ahead, get some appetizers and drinks like the "Code Beer" and kick back.

    (4)

  • hayzee f.

    This place is located downtown Milwaukee in the alley. Don't be fooled because the entrance is pretty tricky! When you enter, you find yourself in a small room which has a shelf of books, paintings chair etc. You NEED to say the "SECRET" password or else you are tasked to do something. I went with my class and luckily someone figured out where the 'hidden door handle' is to get to the restaurant. When we entered, I thought I was going into a haunted/fun house because there are mirrors everywhere.. Then we get in by the bar....and talk about SPY THEME! It was awesome! All the decor, the layout, the setup & MENU itself was awesome! Going back to the entrance, you'll find in every area there is a 'surveillance tv' where ppl dining in get to watch you make a fool outta yourself! LOL our second half of our class came late and we saw them on the camera. They had to do the chicken dance and cluck going in circles! They didn't know they were being recorded..it was too funny! What I enjoyed most about this place was the 'tricks'. For example there is a door to the men's room. You open it and it's a brick wall.. or better yet, the women's restroom has an opening where you can spy into the restaurant at your table AND the mirror btw, is two-sided. The drinks and food were reasonable and delish. We took crazy shots and we all were able to take our cups/shotglasses home. =)

    (5)

  • Joya W.

    The food was average, I have had much better food. The service is average.The theme is fun and nice but the place needs a tune up. The decor is raggedy, rundown, out of date, and needs to be replaced. It was too dark inside the restaurant (in the room I was seated in), which was unappealing for me because I couldn't see my food. I wouldn't go again.

    (2)

  • Mel M.

    A great experience, an original take on a restaurant!!

    (4)

  • Julie M.

    A MUST if you are taking out of towners out! Their food isn't the best, but the cheesy, kitschy bar brings me in at least once a year! Just be fun and say you don't know the "password!" :)

    (4)

  • J C.

    Let me start off by saying I really don't like children. I know that they're important to preserve our species, but I would just as soon avoid them. So I dont go to playgrounds or preschools or places like that. This place is full of children. I dont know why I wasnt expecting that, because its a fun place, and children like secret passages. If you're into communist history and USSR stuff there are some really neat things on the wall to peruse. The atmosphere is fun, and the waitstaff is friendly. You'll want to wander around and look at stuff, but you may not be able to on account of the hordes of children. The food is one step above Applebees, just barely. Worth visiting if you have family from, say, Fargo, visiting Milwaukee - or if you need to entertain some ten year olds for a while.

    (3)

  • Les O.

    Cool set up and ambiance. Lousy food. Place was empty when we showed and was given the worst table.

    (2)

  • Barbara K.

    This place came highly recommended from a friend and it was mentioned in all the city guides, so I felt I should go as a first time visitor to Milwaukee. The spy theme is fun - the entrance is probably the best part. Was able to get a table pretty quickly w/o having a reservation - but it was also 5pm on a Tues. evening. Food is very average. I had a fried shrimp special, and he had the pasta. Our waitress was friendly and efficient. Good for kids. I'm glad I checked it out, but wouldn't be inclined to go back.

    (3)

  • Stephanie C.

    A fun place to grab a drink!

    (4)

  • Gina S.

    This is the ultimate theme bar. Everything from the drinks to the decor is spy/secret mission related. You need a password to get in. But don't worry you will get in even if you don't know, so long as you do as the bouncer says. Knowledge of the password is a secret you must take to the grave with you. If you have never been here, it's a great place for first-timers to explore. There are all sorts of secret things from a one-way spy mirror, to a hidden exit underground. All the drinks are good! I would recommend getting a drink that they send around in the pneumatic bank tubing. It gets shaken up as it travels around the bar area in this tube. I remember from my sister's bachelorette party, the fish bowls are HUGE and meant to be shared! I also recommend getting a commemorative glass with your drink...great way to remember your "secret mission" experience. They do serve food, it's fairly simple but a little better than basic bar food. Under 21 are not allowed after 9pm.

    (5)

  • Tiffany K.

    The best part about this place is that it's a theme restaurant. You need to know the secret password to get in, but it's okay if you don't - you'll have to do a silly dance or something else instead. The food was decent. Bruschetta was different but alright, and the Pasta Nostalgia with chicken was a little bland but pretty filling. Overall, not a bad experience. This place can get pretty crowded if you don't have reservations, so get in line early or call ahead first!

    (3)

  • Anthony L.

    Walking through a book case to enter the restaurant is pretty cool, and a lot of the gadgets and gimmicks hidden throughout the restaurant were entertaining, but...the food is probably of a lower quality than one would get at Chili's, Ruby Tuesday or Applebee's. The caprese salad that my friends and I shared, for example, was comprised of some tasteless mozzarella and sad-looking tomatoes. I was also somewhat disappointed by the fact that the surroundings look a bit tired. The whole place could use a bit of TLC -- you know, some new chairs, a bit of paint, speakers at the bar that actually play sound. Definitely worth a visit for a stiff drink, but probably not a place to go if you're craving good eats. The bartender did say the "club atmosphere" is fun on Saturdays so perhaps our Sunday night visit was not the best timing.

    (3)

  • Christine A.

    So I was in Wisconsin visiting some family that lives there. I was accompanied with immediate family, cousins, aunts, & uncles. We spent the day at the Milwaukee Zoo and was thinking for a place to go for dinner. One cousins knew of Safe House and pitched the idea to us and we thought it would be cool to try. He has been there before & he lead us to it down this alley which was cool because it was like a secret location. Of course he knew the 'password' but wouldn't tell us. So like everyone else who spoiled the surprise (I wouldn't of if other people didn't) this large group of people had to do something funny to get in. The set up is pretty cool and the little hidden secrets all over the place are cool too. We didn't have a reservation so we wouldn't of been able to order dinner 4 hrs from when we got there. Instead of waiting all that time we just had appetizers for dinner. They were delicious! I don't know how the dinner food is but I love all the appetizers they serve. They were so good and we were so hungry they were gone in minutes :-P (and we ordered a lot). The down side is waitress was pretty bad. She barely ever checked up on us and once we were all out of drinks and we were still eating and we were thirsty, usually your drink is refilled before you can actually finish it. Also in one of our appetizers someone got a nice twist tie to chew on. Yup a twist tie and we didn't even get comped for anything. Hello! he could of choked! My cousin told me that late at night they turn a section of the floor into a dancing section and it becomes like a club. As we were eating we would see people going out the normal boring way and we laughed because my cousin knew of the secret exit. So when we were all done he took us out the secret passage. Again, people who reviewed before me has spoiled it. All in all I had a great time and I would recommend it. I was with a bunch of awesome people which made it fun!

    (3)

  • Johnny B.

    Safe House is simply a must-do while in Milwaukee. I could see it getting annoying later in the night as they started to rock a dance club vibe as we left, and the crowd was up and down, but the novelty and wholly unique "secret" aspects far outweigh any issues it may have. It's pretty cool to see a martini shaker fly-by your head in one of those bank tubes that they have wrapped throughout the bar. And torturing your friends by not giving them the password is even better. My one regret is I didn't get to see everything. No one got the $25, only one an hour Hail to the Chief shot. There were also a couple other items of trickery that I missed out on. Oh well, just an unnecessary excuse to head back the next time I'm in town.

    (5)

  • Laura O.

    No! I will not give you the password, I don't care who you are! :) This is such a fun, gimmicky place to go and take out-of-towners to. The drinks are creative and you can easily spend a few hours checking out the decorations. It's not an all-night kind of bar but a definite must to check out on your stop in Milwaukee.

    (4)

  • Jason L.

    Fun spy-like atmosphere with crazy decor and drinks. Awesome for groups. Pricey drinks and food, but you're paying for the experience. Service isn't great. Best word of advice: Come here for drinks and eat elsewhere. Food isn't worth it.

    (3)

  • Jon A.

    I'm not sure what to think of the Safe House anymore. Back about 10 years ago when I was first exposed to it, it was a neat place to take people from out of town. Now, when someone wants to go there I feel like it's a chore. I come here maybe twice a year, usually when there are people from out of town visiting and everyone insists that they go here. Every time I go I end up thinking the place has gone downhill since my previous visit. First off, this place needs a serious scrubbing and an update to some of the décor. Yeah, the spy theme is cool and you might relate it to the classic retro 60s style, but the faded pictures you see on the wall are more like late 70s and early 80s. This makes things look out of date, and not in a kitschy way. The cool things about the Safe House are all the secrets and alcoves. There's the bathroom alarm, the phone booth, the two-way mirror, the moving puzzle wall, the secret exit, and the tube that runs throughout the restaurant in which they used to shoot the 007 martinis. The past few times I've been there, I haven't seen the martini shaker tube working and the phone booth was out of order. The upstairs alcove with the black light is really dank and they no longer have the TV where you can watch the people coming in. Even the daggers and spy pistols painted on the table are worn down to the point where they don't even glow under the black light. You know how you walk around a museum and you look at certain exhibits and think, "Geez...they really need to update this"? That's how the Safe House is right now. They still do the Hail to the Chief, which is fun to watch if you're there when it happens. The service and staffing has also degraded. I was there on Friday night around 10pm. They still have a cover charge after 9pm, which has gone up to $5. Our money was taken by a girl who was reading a book and couldn't have been less interested in helping out her counterpart who was taking the password and administering commands to those who didn't know it. We knew the password and were let in the door. I usually stay away from the main bar because it's always busy and it's difficult to squeeze in to order a drink. There's a bar near the middle of the place which is almost never open. I think I've seen it open maybe 3 times in 10 years. We went to the back area where we were able to order at the small bar in the dining room. At around 11pm, we went to get another round but the only bar in the whole place that was open was the main bar. So it was a Friday night and they had one bar open which had only one bartender. The poor guy was trying to take orders at the bar while also filling orders from the cocktail waitresses. Not a good system. I stood at the back bar hoping that someone would come by, but it was barren for about 10 minutes so I gave up and we left. So you still wanna visit here? If it's your first time, I would say it's a nice place to start out your night. You get to skip the crowds and the cover and see what's left of the place. If it's later in the night then it's best to just skip this place.

    (3)

  • Vandana M.

    "I'm a spy and I don't care who knows it." If you've ever longed for a hideout with secret exits, hidden cameras, passwords, alibis, and all the best parts about being a spy (plus alcohol), check out the Safehouse. I think I'm being watched, so I can't say much else. Shh....

    (5)

  • Renato P.

    I have to say this might be one of the cooler restaurants I've been to. It's theme is 60's spy movie kitsch. You start your visit in a nondescript room, and have to enter through a secret passage. Inside there is a variety of memorabilia of the Cold War spy era, and the movies that were spurned by it. From secret doors to false walls, you could easily explore this place while you wait for a table. As for the food, all said it was pretty good. I went fairly boring with chicken fingers, which were very good. The salmon was very good, but I wasn't as much of a fan of the vegetable medley included. My son did let me try the cheese burger, and I thought that was really good as well. This place is truly a destination if you happen to be In the Milwaukee area. It's both interesting, fun and the food was solid, can't ask for more than that.

    (4)

  • Augie R.

    I just visited the Safehouse for the first time in several years, and I was happy to see it well maintained, well staffed, and fun as ever. This tends to be a place more for visitors to MKE than for locals, but I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food. The place was bustling on a Wednesday night! And, of course, the spy theme is still fun, if a little dated. Well worth a visit! My only disappointment was that the clandestine exit was closed for repairs!

    (4)

  • Babs H.

    I'm kind of disappointed that so many people wrote lengthy detailed reviews about this place. Did you agents forget your code of secrecy? If you're in Milwaukee, just go. It's super fun. And get a souvenir glass.

    (5)

  • Lindsey K.

    Schmaltzy/kitschy/good-hearted fun. Not for stuck-up old farts but a good way to get hosed in Milwaukee. I have to admit, the details are a little hazy about how I ended up here. My friends/coworkers got here before me, and being the sneaky little brats they are, REFUSED to give me the password. By the way, this place doesn't have a real front entrance. You enter through a discreet back alley. I asked a nice lady standing in line, "Excuse me, is this The Safe House?" She looked at me politely and said, "Nope, I've heard of it. But this isn't it." Beeyatch LIED TO ME!!! It totally is. I'll give her props for keeping in touch with the overall "spy" theme, but help a sistah out? If you don't know the password (because your friends suck) you will probably have to do an embarrassing dance for the doorman, walk in through the secret bookcase entrance, and realize you were on camera the whole time. What better way to get over your embarrassment then by drinking heavily? I bought their beer mug for $5 (which you get to keep!) and then refills for $2. Oh snap! That is cheap for some decent beer. If you order a martini it gets "mixed" through these crazy tubes running throughout the building. Also, there are fish bowls with multiple straws filled with toxic poison which you can order for the steep price of $25. Secret rooms, jail cells, a palm reader...I have hazy memories of all of these. Granted, it was also Halloween night, so I don't know what this place is like on a Wednesday. But from what I remember....I had a damn good time.

    (4)

  • Francis D.

    Ok well, people make the party... I've known people to personally despise this place, and others who are never-endingly fasciniated by it. The password is "it's humid and there are falling rocks in my pants" or if you're like me, it's more fun to try and sneak through one of its backdoors (yeah, I'm spy like a 006). I once had a friend get asked to leave for using bad language at one of the card tables, and I just know that some people have a hard time lightening up, breaking character, or forgetting what their damn job is... In their defense, my friend is an idiot; but swearing in a bar either needs to be tolerated or subverted with a little bit of class and/or crazy (aka James Bond), of which, neither of those two could display simultaneously. It's been awhile since I needed to prove my drinking age, but I did have two documents seized here in the 20th century - make sure your papers are legitimate or find another clandestine route, charm will not work on Money Penny at the door... I recommend the Beluga Caviar and Dom Perignon '55

    (4)

  • Nancy R.

    Well I finally made it to the Safe House! It has been on my Bookmarks for a long time, but I needed a group of friends to make it fun. We were disappointed when they let us in without a password or funny request. A late arrival to our group did somewhat save the day because we were able to watch him make a fool of himself on the bar TV. The beer selection was good, but we didn't stay to eat. As much hype as this place gets, you would think they would play up the fun stuff a lot more. They should of met our group outside the door and come up with some sort of story to get us to split up and come in a one or two at a time. This would have made for a hilarious and fun night. We probably would of ended up staying for dinner. This place has potential to be a major tourist draw, but they are going to have to work at it quite a bit more and I agree, it needs some serious cleaning and sprucing up. The biggest thing however is paying attention to what made them famous to begin with...

    (3)

  • Kortney M.

    Super awesome! I had a blast here, probably the highlight of my whole trip to Milwaukee! Like everyone else says, you must know the password to get in, my guy and I had to act like a bull and matador to get in. We didn't eat there (it didn't smell too appetizing,) we had quite a few stiff drinks though! The spy guy, and their own beer are both worth trying! The prices for the first drinks are a little high, but the refills are decently priced! We got to sit in a super cute little hut with beaded curtain walls, which added to the mood and atmosphere. We he decided that we hate Milwaukee, but would return to come back here, come check it out!

    (4)

  • Tracey D.

    Must see while in Milwaukee. Really cool concept!

    (5)

  • MJ W.

    This is the coolest bar/restaurant I have ever been to. I love this place. I tell people about it all the time. Here are the details: 1) It's real hard to find. The entrance is in an alley, so you will want to bring someone who has been before. 2) It's like a speakeasy, you need to know the password to get in. Don't try to find out what it is, you will miss out on a lot of fun. 3) Go with a big group, the more people who have never been there before the better. The place lives and breaths, it's like it has it's own pulse. 4) Order a special drink and take home the glass, it will make you remember the good times you had there. 5) Order anything off the menu that has cheese, remember you are in Wisconsin 6) Again, don't tell people the password! Why ruin a cool experience? 7) You have to have a bachelor or bachelorette party there! The bow to queen and hail to the king are very memorable! 8) Order a martini, shaken, not stirred. 9) Find the picture from the film Major League. 10) Use the secret exit! I could go on and on, this place is sweet!

    (5)

  • Stephanie W.

    Just ok. The food is overpriced and service is crappy. The coolest part is entering through a bookcase to get into the restraunt. After that.....meh.

    (2)

  • Katie R.

    Not worth going, unless your dad is in town and you've run out of things to do.

    (2)

  • Kris P.

    This lil lass had to do an Irish Jig to get in, but the embarrassment was minimal. This place is kooky and fun. Lots of rooms to explore and lots of interesting knickknacks around. There's even a BJ table in the back where you can win free drink tickets. (BLACKJACK, people...don't think naughty.) The dance floor was the most interesting aspect of the place. Mostly b/c there was a girl dancing like a stripper with an older gentleman hanging on to every move. If you were there that fateful Friday night, you know exactly what I mean. Entertaining to say the least :) I'd definitely come again, and recommend it as a place to take out-of-towners. Btw the way...the password is not "foreskin" nor "penis." Just in case you'd want to try that. I found out the hard way.

    (4)

  • Kelli B.

    Tourist trap? Probably. But everyone should check out the Safe House at least once. This hard to find Milwaukee original is a must see for anyone visiting Milwaukee. You need a password to get in (yes, I know it..no I'm not telling you) and if you don't know it you'll have to do something stupid to get in. Think: Put on a sombrero and pretend like your riding a bull. Meanwhile the whole bar watches you on TV screens in the bar. Not many people know that there's another way to get in. It's not a password...it's something you DO. Not telling you that either. Make sure to check out the bar stool all the way at the end (at the front bar). The back room's moving wall. The bathrooms. The telephone booth. If you're lucky enough to be there when someone orders that "Special" drink (ie. a birthday or bachelor party) you're in for a treat. I've been told that the owners of The Safe House have been asked to make this place a chain. Their answer was no, they wanted to keep it only one...and only in Milwaukee. Personally, I think that's pretty cool.

    (5)

  • Emily C.

    Apparently you need a password to get in here. It's all spy themed & stuff, so that makes sense. If you know the password, they swing open a Scooby Doo style bookcase and you can enter the bar. If you don't know the password, I recommend not being like me. Password taker/door chick: What's the password? Me: Your FACE!!! I plead "drunk and cocky" on that one. I was properly put in my place by being told that I would have to waddle around like a penguin for awhile to earn my bar-entry rights, so I waddled and all was well. Karma, you know? Once inside, I realized that the Safe House is like a spy-themed Chuck-E-Cheez for drunk adults. They play blackjack games where winners get free drinks. There's fake doors, two way mirrors, and even a little peep whole you use where you think you're spying on someone but it's actually hooked up to a camera and/or series of mirrors and shows you your own hiney, bent over to look in the peep hole. Funny stuff! Not that you need anything better than the ability to scope out your own butt, but they also played a magnificent array of fun hip-hop and rap tunes while I was here. Solid.

    (4)

  • Mark R.

    We stopped at the Newsroom Pub for beers and went next door to the safe house for dinner. It was horrible. The "fresh" salmon was frozen. Garlic mashed potatoes were obviously from a box, and bland. I had the ribs, over cooked, dry. We were very disappointed. It's got a kitschy spy theme that some might find entertaining. The restaurant itself is cool, basement with twists, turns, and unique seats but, that's about it. Prices would be reasonable if the food was good.

    (1)

  • TimmAnnie I.

    The reviews on yelp were not universally positive, but a couple of us still wanted to check it out. I am really glad we went. I had friendly and engaged service, good beer, and one of the best Reuben sandwiches I have ever had. I actually enjoyed NOT knowing "the password" and having to do a top model runway show with a feather boa for all the other diners to see.

    (4)

  • Kim R.

    Everyone has to go to the Safe House at least once...I love it here! Get there early, so you can get a booth, or one of the other fun places to sit ( like by the one-way mirror ). Take your friends here for their Birthdays...I had my 30th B-Day party here, and got to be "Queen"( They take you down in the basement, put you in an interrogation room, all the while being filmed, then lifted up through the floor, with a drink in your hand! ). What a cool spy bar! The glasses are really neat too, and you get to take them home...Boy, do I have a collection!

    (5)

  • Matt B.

    The Safehouse is a schizophrenic's concept of an Applebee's, forged into the fabric of reality.

    (1)

  • Rebeca M.

    Everyone visiting Milwaukee & looking for fun should come here. The first couple times I went, I didn't know the password, but I didn't mind hamming it up for the (hidden) camera. Last time I went, I was looking forward to humiliating a friend, but it was non-peak hours, and so no one was there to interrogate us, and we just walked through normally. I understand they can't pay someone to sit out there all the time, but still...I was disappointed! The food is better than I'd expect for a place where the main feature is atmosphere. Plenty of veggie options, including non-deep fried options! If you get a salad, be sure to request dressing on the side, especially for the Caesar salad, or your greens will be swimming. This is a great place for kids--trust me, they will be talking about it for days.

    (5)

  • Kevin A.

    After years of hearing about this place, my wife and I finally tried it. Of course, given all the hype, we had a certain level of expectation. I should know by now never to do that. We went there on a Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. during what should've been a dinner rush and still our expectation was thrown out the window upon entry. We got there and the "secret passage" was standing open. Nobody checking to see if you had the secret password as this place is renowned for doing. We just entered. It was a little hole-in-the-wall place that apparently weaves to and fro through several rooms and passageways most of which we were unable to experience. The food was barely average with it being actually about a step below your everyday diner menu. My wife had the "spycial" friend shrimp basket with garlic mashed potatoes and I had Ze French Dip. Her shrimp was a little hard and the garlic mash left a lot to be desired. My French Dip was decent enough despite being salty and my fries almost tasted twice cooked, they were that hard (considering these and the shrimp, I think the deep fryer left them in a little too long). Our waitress stopped by a couple times and then was rarely heard from again. As for the theme, it's a spy joint with memorabilia from spy films and books and the like. Yet, the way I was built up for it, this place was supposed to be a gangster themed joint. I don't know where this perception came from, but I was expecting Al Capone and John Dillinger, not James Bond. And where we were sitting, the memorabilia consisted of signed photos of Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys and James Denton from Desperate Housewives along with one collage from Octopussy and another from a Connery era Bond flick. Some consistency there. To say we were bummed out by the experience is an understatement. This place has a reputation and you would think they would do everything in their power to maintain it. They didn't.

    (2)

  • Scott H.

    A milwaukee institution! Dont want to give their secrets away- but the entry and exit are as cool and as unique as you are ever going to find in the midwest!!. Great concept. I have been here numerous times, food and service were good and i and kids loved it! An unforgettable experience!

    (5)

  • Russell B.

    Went the other night for karaoke. The staff was unfriendly and the DJ hosting the karaoke was incredibly rude. On top of that the theme was a complete let down and drinks were expensive. Also, there is a cover charge. I will not be returning. There are much better bars a block or two away

    (1)

  • Nicholas B.

    Brilliant marketing strategy: make it seem as if you do not want your customer's business. Make them work for the right to partake of your product. Then, once they're inside, let them laugh at all those who are still outside. Some advice: 1. You can't find this place 2. If you do, when the lady asked you for the password, and you didn't even know there was a password, it helps when the one member of your party who does know the password whispers it loud enough so that everyone else can hear it and thus gain access without having to do the percolator 3. Sit in the barstool closest to the entrance, as it moves vertically against your will 4. Competing reviewers think less of this place on account of the victuals they serve; they forget three things: this is a bar, this is Milwaukee, and this is a bar in Milwaukee 5. There seems to be a blackjack table. Remember: never buy insurance! 6. There also seems to be a painting involving a fleet of spaceships that look like that art museum downtown. 7. You also can't find the exit It doesn't get 5 stars because the bartender doesn't do the 2/3 Guinness pour doesn't even know what a Black & Tan is, etc., but that's to be expected in a town where the supermarkets still sell Blatz

    (4)

  • David F.

    The experience is amazing. The drinks are great. There are some specialty drinks, in which you get to keep a mug, and are able to bring it back for refills at 1/2 price. Terrific deal. Go there after 8pm for the whole shebang. The only thing is that the food is not so great. Great place to bring a group of friends to hang. Although, you should call ahead for some reservations. It gets crowded fast.

    (5)

  • Kip K.

    This is my favorite bar EVER. I find new things to entertain me everytime I go in here. The bartenders are friendly and one is a recognized magician. Their specialty drinks are great, and the glasses are worth collecting. I come back from my travels to Milwaukee with stories from this place that always make my friends envious.

    (5)

  • Olga L.

    I absolutely loved this place. I live in Chicago so it was somewhat of a drive, and finding parking was a little bit of a hassle. The food was so good! My boyfriend and I both got the spy burger and we loved it. I actually don't really like beef or eat it often but something about their burger was delicious. It didn't taste like a burger at any other restaurant I've ever been to. The fries were the best part. Oh my god, they were delicious and I have no idea why. We also got some sort of cheese sticks as an appetizer that were delicious. My boyfriend got the Amber Red house brew and I liked that too. After eating, we went around and explored the place. The exit and the entrance are the best parts.

    (5)

  • Erika D.

    Went here on an overnight in Milwaukee and had an awesome time. The place was packed and everyone was having a good time. I *highly* recommend making reservations for dinner, especially on a Saturday night (we didn't, but were still accomodated in the bar area with ample appetizers/salads). To learn any more details, you have to go and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Craig R.

    I came here with no expectations and left inebriated and entertained. You need to know the password to get in, and I'm sure any local will give it to you. Once inside there are tons of speakeasy-esque props and gags. I won't give anything away, but if you have one bar to check out while in Milwaukee I'd choose this place. The drinks are a bit pricy but it's worth the extra change for the entertainment aspect. Bring a crowd of people and enjoy!

    (5)

  • Jason H.

    Yeah I don't know why everyone gives 5 stars for this place. Anyways...the ambiance is really weird which is cool at first. It seems like there are a lot of little gimmicks inside this place that are worn down and no longer work. Anyways, the service is slow. The quality of the food is just a touch above what you would find in a school cafeteria. And...YEP YOU GUESSED IT...the service is SLOOOOW AS BALLS. That being said, the surroundings within the place are interesting enough for a few minutes. Until you get pissed about the slow service. Then when you get the food, you breathe a sigh of relief--until you taste it that is. Our hot wings were not very meaty, and sort of over-cooked. While ordering the waitress had asked me how I wanted my burger cooked--I gleefully said MEDIUM. This burger was more like a well done pile of poo. It was juiceless and tough. The fries were ok. The only good part of this dinner was my two martinis. At least they got the shaken and not stirred part right. Will I be back? Certainly not for the service...and certainly NOT to pay city prices for DOG FOOD.

    (3)

  • Traci A.

    I LOVE this place! Then again, I'm a sucker for kitsch and theme-places. Can't say much that others haven't. I won't share the password because having to do the hokey things to get in is half the fun (as is watching the others via the video-cams). Be sure to get up from your table and wander around the place to check out every nook and cranny. Lots of fun. The food is nothing outstanding but not bad, either. Basic bar food/simple restaurant stuff. The drink selection is great with a lot of fun spy-themed cocktails (available in souvenir take-home glasses). This would be on the top of my list of places to hit again when I go back to Milwaukee.

    (5)

  • John L.

    This was my second visit there during my business trip. This place is definitely a gem. You have to go to this place when you are in Milwaukee. Food - Decent American Bar Food. Alcohol - Sprecher Beer.... really good local brew. Atmosphere - Need I say more? This place is one of the wonders of the world. Overall a great place to bring friends. Let them go in first though.

    (4)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Accepts Bitcoin : No
    Good For : Dinner, Late Night
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : No
    Wheelchair Accessible : No
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Touristy
    Noise Level : Average
    Music : DJ
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : Yes
    Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : No
    Dogs Allowed : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Safe House

Share with your social network

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

© 2024 Restaurant Listings. All rights reserved.