The spy-themed SafeHouse (779 N. Front St., 414-271-2007) is one of those Milwaukee institutions that’s easy to take for granted. “Oh, I’ve already been to the SafeHouse,” you might sniff when turning down an opportunity to go there. “You know what? This place is pretty great!” you’ll definitely exclaim when you do go there. Only in Milwaukee! (There’s also one in Chicago.)
Anyway, after cooling its heels for the past pandemic year, the SafeHouse is back! The zany downtown bar/restaurant/experience will reopen to the public on June 9. “Nothing says Milwaukee is reopen like SafeHouse reopening,” says general manager Nick Dillion in a press release. “Since 1966, this Milwaukee icon has offered refuge to all spies, international and national, as a secure hideout during their food and drink missions. We are excited to once again invite all spies back to explore SafeHouse and discover the spy secrets it holds.” DON’T FORGET THE PASSWORD.
SafeHouse’s hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays 3 – 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; and Sundays 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Also reopening (albeit on June 7): the adjoining Newsroom Pub, where we once attended a local media networking thing and totally bought a drink for Kathy Mykleby. And yes, we went to the SafeHouse after that. It was great! Here’s the full press release:
After over a year closed due to the pandemic, a new mission will begin for SafeHouse on June 9 as it officially reopens to spies everywhere.
Control has initiated Operation Reopen as the Milwaukee icon reemerges as the place of refuge for spies who want to quench their thirst and satisfy their hunger. After finding the red door down Front Street alley near the river, spies will need to provide Agent Moneypenny with the secret password (do you still remember it?!) to be granted immediate access to SafeHouse. Don’t worry if you can’t remember the password, you will be asked to complete a clearance test to prove you’re a safe spy, granting you entrance to SafeHouse.
Once inside, spies and junior spies can investigate authentic espionage artifacts, like Austin Powers’ spy guitar, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and a machine gun from John Wayne. You can even experience the best shaken drink in all of Milwaukee, which is shaken as it travels throughout SafeHouse, or order from the longest running magic bar in the world. There are plenty of other tricks and secrets throughout SafeHouse to explore.
For spies looking to stay undercover, visit the neighborhood bar – The Newsroom Pub – opening June 7 for some of the best refreshments, sandwiches, salads and entrees, including weekend brunch. Guests can also see a collection of autographs and memorabilia dating all the way back to 1885, including every President’s signature displayed for all to see.
“Nothing says Milwaukee is reopen like SafeHouse reopening,” said Agent Change – Nick Dillion, general manager of SafeHouse Milwaukee. “Since 1966, this Milwaukee icon has offered refuge to all spies, international and national, as a secure hideout during their food and drink missions. We are excited to once again invite all spies back to explore SafeHouse and discover the spy secrets it holds.”
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