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International Exports Ltd - Safe House
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (Traditional) Bars, American (Traditional) [Edit]
779 N Front StMilwaukee, WI 53202
Neighborhoods: East Town, Downtown
(414) 271-2007
- Hours:
Mon 5 pm - 10 pm
Tue-Wed 5 pm - 11:30 pm
Thu-Sun 11:30 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
203 reviews for International Exports Ltd - Safe House
Review Highlights
"The spy guy, and their own beer are both worth trying."
(in 59 reviews)
"Make sure you make your "Getaway" through the secret exit."
(in 17 reviews)
"And also, I'm coming for Burt Reynolds."
(in 11 reviews)
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203 reviews in English
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Review from Jenni R.
Muskego, WI
1/14/2012
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! -
Review from Jessica O.
Milwaukee, WI
1/8/2012
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. -
Review from Angie O.
1/3/2012
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! -
Review from Liz W.
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Olga L.
Wheeling, IL
1/30/2012
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. -
Review from Becky H.
1/12/2012
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.
Listed in: 100 Reviews in 2012!
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Review from Gary T.
Millington, TN
Updated - 1/17/2012 1 photo
Food was terrible. Waitress ignore my table. Only saving grace was bartender.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/7/2011
Steak was tasteless, rice lukewarm, skimpy on the salad dressing, had to ask for bread. Server never… Read more »
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Review from Emily S.
Milwaukee, WI
1/23/2012
Not a fan. Really pretentious staff. I think I like the idea of this place much more than the actual execution, which leaves much to be desired. We waited outside for quite some time, which is understandable, but once we got inside, it wasn't as great as many build it up to be. The drinks are terribly overpriced, and they allowed smokers to smoke right outside the door where everyone was waiting in line. Ew.
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Review from Jeff C.
Columbus, OH
11/23/2011
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. -
Review from carol s.
San Diego, CA
11/22/2011
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.. -
Review from Rachel S.
Los Angeles, CA
12/5/2011
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? -
Review from Anna M.
Waukesha, WI
1/27/2012
I've never had such a bad experience at a restaurant before. The manager was extremely rude and completely unprofessional when there was a mistake on our bill. I would never recommend this restaurant to anyone. There are plenty of nice restaurants, with polite and professional staff very close by.
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Review from Scotty Z.
10/16/2011
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. -
Review from Patrick B.
Milwaukee, WI
1/8/2012
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.
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Review from Katie R.
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not worth going, unless your dad is in town and you've run out of things to do.
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Review from Glen G.
Mason, OH
9/12/2011
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. -
Review from Sarah W.
8/26/2011
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....... ;-) -
Review from Rachel F.
7/13/2011
What can you say about the Safe House?
Kitschy.
Kitsch-tastic.
Really kitschy.
Burt Reynolds.
Good for out-of-towners (if they dig kitsch). -
Review from Ashley J.
8/11/2011
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. -
Review from Mikey R.
Milwaukee, WI
7/1/2011
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.Listed in: Where To Take People You Like…
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Review from Jon A.
10/17/2011
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. -
Review from Patty V.
6/12/2011
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! -
Review from Anna I.
Minneapolis, MN
8/16/2011
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. -
Review from Julie T.
Cleveland, OH
8/5/2011
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. -
Review from Thomas S.
Gilbert, AZ
9/7/2011
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. -
Review from Leah B.
Milwaukee, WI
11/26/2011
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.
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Review from Mark R.
Albany, WI
10/10/2011
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.
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Review from Kip K.
Bethel Park, PA
11/1/2011
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.
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Review from Katie F.
Austin, TX
7/6/2011
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! -
Review from Jax B.
Thiensville, WI
4/25/2011
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. -
Review from Emily H.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2011
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. -
Review from Tonia B.
4/29/2011
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. -
Review from Michael O.
Milwaukee, WI
6/30/2011
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. -
Review from Lisa A.
Milwaukee, WI
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Dani B.
Milwaukee, WI
3/29/2011
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. -
Review from Steve M.
10/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
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.
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Review from Sivmui C.
2/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
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!! -
Review from Amy B.
Madison, WI
2/1/2011
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. -
Review from Tony K.
1/8/2011
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. -
Review from Sally M.
2/18/2011
Disclaimer: I have only been here for work lunch farwell's when people decide to leave the organization I work for.
I feel that pretty much anything you can say about the physical space has been said already... so read below if you want to know about the cool spy theme. The only thing I have to add that I enjoy is that if you touch Burt Reynold's nether regions in the ladies bathroom an alarm goes off so you know who's doing it. Kinda funny.
I don't think it's fair to base this place on the food. Really? Is this place going to have THAT great of a menu? No. It really isn't. The chicken philly sandwich is pretty solid and I don't mind the steak tenderloin either.
Other than that, this place is pretty cheesy. The servers even call you 'spys' and 'captains' etc.
Oh, and because I'm lame and only come here during work farwell lunches, I've never had to use the password to get it. Haha. And if I had the password I would tell anyone who wanted to know because I don't care. :}
