Secret Mission Milwaukee (Safe House)

Milwaukee,
779 North Front Street (google maps)

Safe House opened in 1966 and has a international spy theme. The North Front Street location of Safe House is as hidden as you might imagine a spy den would be. For those not aware of its mission you would likely pass by the bar’s unmarked entrance without seeing any sign of what lies within. There are no signs on the outside that say Safe House, there is only a sign that reads "INTERNATIONAL EXPORTS LIMITED", the building is even located in an alley.

 

Those fortunate enough to enter this are greeted with an ambiguous sign: “We import and export between the following hours,” followed by the establishment’s hours of business.

 

When you visit their website, there is no note of a bar or anything for that matter. Getting in to this pleasure den is no easy feat: If you aren't privy to the password, prepare to be verbally accosted, albeit in a spirit of fun, by the guys at the door and probably forced to do something completely degrading to get in. If you do know the password, you’ll enter the bar to a resounding “booooo!” Why? Because there are CCTVs capturing the humiliation of those not privy to the password outside, this is in fact the experience and the center of entertainment for patrons.

 

When you walk in you will think you are in the wrong place, because it is like walking into an office. There is a greeter and especially if you come in after 8 at night the first thing she/he will ask for is I.D., it doesn't matter how old or young you look. She/he will then question you as if you are a spy wanting to know things on your I.D. Sometimes that is enough and then she asks you what do you need. The response is "I am looking for a safe house". She will then push a button and a bookcase opens and you walk through into a large bar and restaurant. There are plasma screens all over so that the patrons can watch as you come in the building and are grilled by the hostess, even made to do very silly things in order to gain entry... see the YouTube video below for one example of how low folks will go.

 

The inside is a series of rooms up and down with secret passages. The food is very good and they have wonderful unusual drinks, with and without alcohol. Families do come in here, its not a real bar atmosphere. It is so unique, please go to the link and check it out. Words can't do it justice.  Oh and a little secret, be sure to check out the bathrooms!

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