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    Shanghai

    4.6 (63 reviews)
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    SHANGHAI ATMOSPHERE

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    A couple of our cocktails
    Ashley B.

    This place was really fun! I love walking through the artwork to find the entrance. Once we were in, the entire place felt like you were somewhere else. We tried 4 cocktails and all were delicious. The service was great as well. Definitely a fun spot to hit up on a night out!

    Chelsea C.

    The food, service and experience was a 10/10. If you're looking for something to do or you want to experience a cool date night this is the place. A dim lit space with excellent drinks and kind staff will make this a memorable experience. I still can't get over how this spot is located in an alley and you have to use a call box to get in. I thought, "Is this real life?" I was blown away by how intentional this space is. I cannot recommend enough!

    Amanda W.

    It's best to make reservations if you want to visit. If not, you're taking a gamble on availability in a very small space. There are a lot of fun drinks we tried. This is a great spot for a date night or going out with the girls. Looking forward to bringing others to this secret spot.

    Interior Vibe
    Amy K.

    Love this spot for a fun cocktail, and a great place to bring newbies to the Milwaukee cocktail scene! I've always found it better to make a reservation, I haven't had good luck getting a table without one. That said, I've typically gone towards the start of the night before dinner for a cocktail or two with friends. This hasn't been a spot for me where you go to hang out all night, more of a stop on the course of the night. Can be tricky to find the entrance for those who don't know where they are going, and a little intimidating for a single female who was meeting us and felt unsure about walking into an alley. Once you know, it's all part of the experience, but agree that it can be intimidating for some. Cocktail menu is always on point, so many options across any liquor and flavor preferences you have, mocktails included. Bartender greeted us at our table, asked if we had any questions, and promptly took orders, and checked in when we were ready for round 2. Ambiance can't be beat - it is indeed small, but it's cozy and the interiors and lighting makes it that much more memorable. Will continue to come back to Shanghai Speakeasy, and bring friends too!

    Pear cocktail
    Calvin Y.

    Initially got their espresso martini, but it was not good at all. It tasted like it was from a store bought premix and poured it into a glads without doing anything for $20. They let me swap it to one of their other drinks which was much much better. The pear cocktail is extremely good and what I expected from a speakeasy like bar.

    Sarah K.

    This was so cool to finally check out! I've heard about it for years but never made it in. First of all, finding this place is kind of fun. It is a hidden speakeasy, so do some research ahead of time on how to find it.... Or don't. I won't ruin your fun. The space itself is small and intimate, with a dark, candlelit-feel. It might be a little hard for those with less than stellar eyes to read the menu in that lighting, but smart phones easily fix that. The menu is creative and has something for everyone. Absinthe cocktails, seasonal, all different bases, AND mocktails. We each got a different seasonal drink and they were fantastic. Service did feel slow to us considering we were the only ones in the space at the time, but I do think it was a little bit due to the time and weather. We went during our first snow storm and I don't think they were expecting many visitors. That being said, the staff was super kind and helpful in figuring out what we wanted and I'd go back again!

    Michelle L.

    OBSESSED with my drink here it was everything i wanted - earl grey tea, bits of lavender, oat milk!!!!!!???? the menu has a bit of everything for everyone. and it's a fun speakeasy that you had to find. also so lowkey and was not crowded at all when we went on a saturday night. so affordable too!!! highly recommend checking this place out

    Iridessa (upper left), Texas Hold'em (upper right), Shanghai Fog (front)
    Brandon J.

    Pros: Creative menu and good drinks, the staff Cons: Need a reservation Details: This place is a really cool speakeasy that you can get to through black cat alley. Inside has some decor that reflects both the pharmacy and movie theater, which I felt was a nice touch. The space is basically a converted end of an alley behind Landmark. You should get a reservation as there are only a few seats. There was a time limit, but service was really fast, so we never felt rushed. The drinks had some strength to them. Our waitress helped with recommendations as well.

    Absinthe Blanc Drip
    Angela P.

    Really enjoyed our cocktails, very well crafted. The bartender was helpful in us choosing an absinthe to try ($10 on Wednesdays)- the blanc still has a VERY strong black licorice flavor! My friend and I shared that, don't know we could have done our own! Loves Like Drumming was a great gin cocktail and loved that it had lychee boba! Super cute space

    Wall decor with flare.
    LaShonda H.

    This was a good experience overall. Cocktail night was wonderful. Loved finding this quaint speakeasy in Milwaukee. Due to the size, please make a reservation. When you ring the bell they will ask if you have a reservation. Cocktails were good and the service was on point. Will definitely come back here again to try a few more cocktails.

    Mark G.

    Very hard to find which was fun! But after finding it it was delicious. I love cocktails. Always trying speakeasies in cities I travel to and really enjoy infusing liquors and creating cocktails and syrups. This place definitely hit the spot. Creative cocktails and probably more creative than I've seen in Milwaukee. Good priced too. Nice little bite sized snacks.

    Cocktail menu...+special menu for negroni week
    Ophelia M.

    For my 1000th review--why not review one of my favorite things in all the world? A speakeasy. I'm a sucker for a speakeasy and Shanghai did not disappoint. A speakeasy in the truest, hidden, and most secluded fashion, Shanghai serves up enchanting cocktails to be enjoyed by the flickering candlelight in their low lit bar. It's lovely. In order to stop by, you'll have to take a wander down Black Cat Alley. When you come to a chain link gate with an intercom next to it, press the button on the intercom and a voice will inquire as to the number in your party and if there's room, they'll buzz you through the gate (it's sticks a bit, so pull hard). Once you're through the gate, you'll walk straight ahead until you come to a red door at the end of the alleyway. And, voila--you've made it. The bar itself is intimate and lovely. Personally, I wouldn't go here with a group larger than say 3 or 4. The spot lends itself perfectly as a date night spot, which is what I was there for. They have a small but inventive cocktail menu. When I was there, it was Negroni Week, which Shanghai was participating in. I tried the Hug Your Friends cocktail from their Negroni menu, which was a sort of coffee forward version of a Boulevardier. Delicious! I also ordered their Sundowner Old Fashioned, which was one of the better Old Fashioneds I've had the pleasure of consuming in Milwaukee (or anywhere else for that matter). They also had a special Absinthe Cocktail menu for those who may be interested in that. The service was lovely in every way. Get (secretly) to it!

    Chronic
    Sam S.

    One of my go-to's in the city! Kat curates the menus perfectly, so a bad cocktail doesn't exist here. My personal favorite is the Shanghai Fog, followed by the 'Dealers Choice' option -- essentially create-your-own cocktail. Perfect for date night or just a conversational night out with friends. You won't be disappointed!

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    5 months ago

    Beautiful atmosphere, wonderful staff. Drinks were absolutely delicious. Great place and date night spot.

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    1 year ago

    Nothing about this place is a speakeasy! Just a bar hidden! No live music or anything ! It's cute but don't get your hopes up going

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Shanghai

    Review Highlights - Shanghai

    I live in one of the apartments you see in black cat alley so I went to check out Shanghai and it's super cool.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

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    Don's TV & Repair

    Don's TV & Repair

    4.0
    (371 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    While visiting Milwaukee, we thought we'd try Don's TV & Repair before heading out for the evening…read more The exterior of the building definitely indicates a repair shop and restaurant. Once inside, the friendly host staff will ask you for the password. Heck, if I can figure it out, anyone can. Then we were shown to the table. The ambiance is certainly 80's feeling with the music and the relics of the era. Even though the menu is limited, the restaurant still offers great options. Riley, server, had greet us shortly after arriving. My friend order an Old Fashion (when you're in WI...) and I had ordered the Shamrock Shake with a shot of whiskey (we visited Milwaukee near St. Paddy's Day). Both of us ordered the Fish Fry. The drinks were delivered within a few minutes. The Shamrock Shake was certainly well worth it. Then few more minutes, the entrees were delivered. The three pieces of fish were very meaty and great crust. The well seasoned fries were very tasty. Riley had checked in couple of times with us. Great service, great food and great 80's music. Enjoy!!

    Perhaps my expectations were too high. I saw this in a Weird Wisconsin book and it looked fun and…read moreright up our alley. I did see that you needed a reservation especially on the weekend. We got a 1pm time slot for lunch on Saturday. We waited in the small crowded lobby once we checked in. Once our time came up we gave the password (I must have missed this part but I googled it while we waited) and were led inside. The concept was fun as was the decor but I thought it would be even more kitschy than it was. Our waiter was enthusiastic. The food menu is small but the milkshake and the boozy milkshake menu is big and interesting. The salted caramel milkshake was very good. I got their smash burger basket with the fries. I don't order smash burgers often and this was a reminder why. It was overcooked and dry. The fries though were excellent. My wife got a breakfast meal and she thought it was solid. The prices were reasonable but be warned they automatically tack on a 20% service charge. I was not surprised since I saw this in reviews. If it was on the menu I missed it. Worth one visit.

    Photos
    Seating area
    Seating area
    Yoshi Cookie Dough Shake
    Yoshi Cookie Dough Shake
    I'd rather kiss a wookie cocktail

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    I'd rather kiss a wookie cocktail
    SafeHouse

    SafeHouse

    3.7
    (1.2k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    This is a truly hidden (like, literally) gem in Milwaukee. Entrance is so hidden away in a dark,…read morecreamy street, that I wonder hours I found it in the first place. Don't expect anything. Just go if you're wanting a fun experience with puzzles and games and card games... and experience the life of a spy. I have been at different times of the week, but do find it most fun on the weekends when there are more people. It's more a fun experience than a dinner place. Food is ok, but not for the foodie. It's for the inner spy in you. Mission impossible Burger with potato chips Burger was nicely flavored, nothing crazy to rave about but still yummy. Furtive Fish fry Bit salty, and breading completely detached from the fish. But still a good crunch and the fish was very well seasoned. Broccolini salad good, nice complement to the fish fry SpyPA Told this was an IPA from Lakefront, but didn't really have the kick of an IPA. Would not get it again. So food, pretty safe. Experience - something you won't find anywhere else.

    My sister loves SafeHouse, so I was excited to finally check it out with her. The staff do a great…read morejob staying in character, which makes the experience fun, and the cave-like atmosphere and decor are really unique. The fries were great and the thunderballs were simple but tasty. The tacos were okay, just a bit heavy on the guacamole for my taste. Overall, it's a place to go more for the experience.

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    SafeHouse
    SafeHouse
    SafeHouse

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    Swingin' Door Exchange

    Swingin' Door Exchange

    4.5
    (1.2k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    This place was hopping on a Wednesday at 2pm. Host greeted us promptly and took our name and we had…read moreabout a 15 minute wait to be seated. The walls had older pictures of what the place use to be and what it looked like along with older artifacts as decorations. Pretty neat to see "historically" items in a modern business. This place didn't seem super big but they did have some outdoor seating but it was raining the day we visited. They had some gambling machines if that is important to you. Our server was friendly and attentive as possible with all the busy happening. She answered our questions about the menu and the restaurant even though she was busy. She never made us feel rushed which I appreciated. We ordered a couple sandwiches...maple mustard glazed pork chop sandwich with fries and a blacken chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich with Garlicky Caesar salad. Also got crispy Brussels sprouts with candied pecans and sriracha aioli as an appetizer. The food was very very good! I highly recommend this place if you are looking for local fare!

    As visitors from out of state, this was the very first restaurant we visited and unfortunately it…read moreleft a terrible first impression. We quite literally came here straight from the airport. To make matters worse, we had not eaten anything substantial all day and had actually looked this restaurant up weeks before our trip while researching places to eat the infamous Wisconsin fish fry, so we were really looking forward to the experience. The experience started off poorly when our party was essentially scolded by the hostess for sitting at a table that apparently needed to be cleaned for the wait list. To make matters worse, the busser laughed and joked that we were "in trouble," to which I could only respond, "Sounds like it." Not exactly the welcoming atmosphere you'd hope for as a first time visitor. The fish fry was decent our tab came out to $150 for 5 people, but the service was absolutely subpar and our tip reflected that. We also had to send back two drink glasses because they were dirty one still had lipstick on it, and another had food stuck to the inside of the glass. Overall, this was a very disappointing dining experience. Between the unprofessional treatment, lackluster service, and cleanliness issues, I would not recommend stopping here. There are plenty of other restaurants worth trying instead.

    Photos
    Hometown old school bar and restaurant. Has a Cheers feel to it
    Hometown old school bar and restaurant. Has a Cheers feel to it
    Ahi Tuna Steak
    Ahi Tuna Steak
    Historic Mackie Building, once the site of the Grain Exchange. Swingin Door is bottom right

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    Historic Mackie Building, once the site of the Grain Exchange. Swingin Door is bottom right
    Boone and Crockett

    Boone and Crockett

    4.3
    (225 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    Still a big fan of Boone and Crocket…read more I love the masterful mix of taxidermy and chandeliers. I love that they do game nights in style with a big screen and lots of energy. I love that I can slip into a dimly lit booth with my date and enjoy a exquisitely mixed cocktail and maybe even a game of cribbage by candlelight. I truly love it all. I love that they've expanded the food truck offerings and have a small food truck park on their property. You can order from Taco Moto (and maybe others as well, we're just partial to Taco Moto) right from a QR code at your table or booth and they'll text you when your food is ready (which you're welcome to enjoy in Boone & Crocket). It's truly a magical bar on the lakefront with, have I mentioned? Plenty of parking to boot. Get to it!

    Just visited for the first time with a friend for a few drinks on a Friday night. We were there…read morerelatively early so it wasn't crowded yet. I can see the appeal of the place. There are plenty of little nooks and corners to hang out in small or larger groups. I'm sure it's extra good in the warmer months. They have a big patio area. The cocktails on tap were excellent - well balanced and tasty. I tried the Manhattan and the Negroni. They were also pretty reasonable. Service was good. I could really do without all the dead creatures hung everywhere though. It's just not that cool in 2026, even in Wisconsin. Maybe show some respect for animals.

    Photos
    Indoor bar
    Indoor bar
    Boone and Crockett
    Indoor bar

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    Indoor bar

    Shanghai - speakeasies - Updated June 2026

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