"A hidden and mysterious world . . . a uniquely secretive nightclub...
hidden entrances as unique as the club's location... a riddle
of secret passageways . . . a veritable spy palace."
Secret Passages (ten-minute feature on the Safe House)
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The History Channel |
"You have to check it out when you're in town!"
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Rachel Ray |
"Too much to pass up."
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Best of -- Food Network |
"There's a mysterious place in Milwaukee U.S.A.
called The Safe House...intrigue and beer go well."
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Journey to the World's Finest
Japan TV: SkyLand Pla-net Productions |
 "Safe House - The ultimate hidden lair..."
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Travel Channel - Extreme Restaurants |
"... a place so secretive even the directions are written in disappearing ink..."
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WealthTV - WOW Milwaukee |
"The Safe House has pulled out all the stops to mislead and intrigue it's customers, since 1966."
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Travel Channel - Extreme Bathrooms |
"Safe House - Be sure to check it out. If you can find it."
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WMVT - Milwaukee Nightlife |
"Do Before You Die." |
|
"The members of the White House Communications Agency wish to
express our sincere appreciation for the outstanding manner in
which you provided support to President George W. Bush during
his visit to Milwaukee, WI. Your unique abilities, coupled with
your superb attitude and professionalism enabled our Agency to
provide critical communications for the President, the White House
staff and the United States Secret Service." [Certificate] |
White House Communications
Agency |
"Irresistible to the inexhaustible supply
of secret-agent fans. . ." |
| Time Magazine |
"One of the most unusual spots in Milwaukee." |
| Conde Nast |
"It's America's first discotheque for spies." |
| London Daily
Express |
"No better place to get one's martini made
just the way James Bond fancies them -- shaken, not stirred." |
| People Magazine |
|
The Safe-House, 779 N. Front Street, is often featured in the media as one of the most imaginative and exciting places in the city and every word is true.
This spy-themed cocktail lounge is wonderful from the moment you set out to find it ...
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| The Philadelphia Sunday Sun |
There may not be a more durable example of the ilk [theme restaurants] than the Safe House in Milwaukee. It opened in 1966 and remains as lively-goofy and enjoyable as ever. It's all about spies and espionage and its theme is pleasantly hammered home, from the décor (check your coat in the Cloak and Dagger Room) to the menu (try the Spy Burger and, for dessert, Bond's Bomb)... New diversions are always being created or added... we admire the sense of history.
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| Chicago Tribune |
"The Safe House is perhaps the most amusing, and certainly the most discreet. It hides behind a front door stamped "International Exports Ltd". You must whisper in the doorwoman's ear to gain entry. Get the password wrong and she'll make you hop like a monkey or frisk your friend before going in, all of which is secretly filmed and relayed live inside the bar on CCTV. I'd never received a round of applause for entering a bar before. The walls inside are full of spyholes and secret passages and feature chunks of Checkpoint Charlie."
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| The Independent (U.K.) |
False doors, props from spy movies and books, and a mazelike layout provide amusement for whodunit fans.
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| Fodors |
An element of secrecy ...gives guests a sense of pride when they enter. You feel privileged to be there. The Safe House's location is hard to find ...yet since the 1960’s, the Safe House has been the city’s go-to place to bring visitors. If you don’t know the password, don’t worry...
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| Forbes Traveler.com: America's Most Bizarre Restaurants |
Part of the fun in traveling is discovering unusual eating spots. But this is certainly one of the most unique I have ever visited. Without telling too much or giving away too many secrets, let me whisper a few tidbits about the Safe House. . . It's the kind of place where you can be confused and amused, where you are invited to live and let laugh... So turn up the collar of your trench coat, don your dark glasses and slip into the Safe House, where they have a license to thrill.
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| Jackie Sheckler Finch on Examiner.com |
YOU MUST SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT! It is a little difficult to find parking but please I beg of you make the effort...I know it sounds silly but trust me it is a blast when you are there and in the spirit... 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...It has been reviewed by Time magazine, Food Network, People Magazine even The History Channel and all very favorably. Even the restrooms are a trip, the posters on the walls are so funny. If you happen to take a trip to Milwaukee, which is a nice place anyway PLEASE STOP AT SAFE HOUSE.
[Full Text]
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| Chicamom85 Hubpages.com |
007 would be so pleased. The password-protected bar and restaurant (yes, we all know the password, but we still don't speak of it), is a spy aficionado's dream come true. A secret passage for gaining access to the Milwaukee Press Club next door and covert main entrance add to the Bond-esque appeal.
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25 things every Milwaukeean must do:
Gain Entry to the Safe House
M magazine |
The man behind the restaurant is David Baldwin. Inspired by the world's fascination with espionage, he created this spy retreat in 1966 and has continued to add new spy devices ever since. This restaurant is so covert, even its location is kept secret! ......enough gadgets and gimmicks to keep spies entertained for hours ... While fueling the city's imagination, Baldwin satisfies its appetite as well ... Brush up on your spy vernacular and bring your fellow operatives to the Safe House for some relaxing fun and delicious dining. And keep this hidden hot spot a secret -- if you can!
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| American Lifestyle magazine |
The Safe House, 779 N. Front St., serves American cuisine in an espionage-themed interior. You need to decipher the password to get in.
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Arkansas Democrat Gazette
St. Paul Pioneer Press Newspaper
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Philadelphia Inquirer
TradingMarkets.com
Catholic Online |
Knock three times on the alleyway door at International Exports Ltd. Then, like at all good spy joints, you'll need a secret password for admission. Once in, head to the bar for dynamite drinks guaranteed to take out any James Bond villain.
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The Ultimate Milwaukee Bar Crawl -- Milwaukee Exotica
M Magazine |
Double Bonding: For four decades, the Safe House (779 N. Front St., (414) 271-2007) has been Milwaukee's hot spot for spy aficionados wanting to come in from the cold. Guests need a password to enter but once securely ensconced, the world's geopolitical travails take second place. Attempt to find the secret passages to enter the neighboring Milwaukee Press Club bar to ogle historic signatures of the famous and infamous while rubbing elbows with Milwaukee's off-duty media. Launched in the late 1800s, the Press Club is the nation's longest-in-business hangout for scribes and scribners.
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| GMToday.com - 13 Great Nights Out |
Even the bars in Milwaukee provide entertainment, particularly the infamous Safe House (www.safe-house.com). Part bar, part spy museum, the Safe House has no markings on its doors (just "International Exports, Ltd." to throw bad guys off your trail), and requires a password to enter. (And I'll never tell what it is. You'll have to pass the test first.) Once inside, the place is packed top to bottom with authentic spy memorabila from organizations like the KGB, and also from fictitous heros like James Bond. Hallways twist and turn, bathroom doors lead to dead ends, and the phone booth plays pre-recorded alibis should your cover get blown. And if anyone asks you were never there.
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| Hooters Magazine |
Best theme bar, 2009: Safe House: Once again, OnMilwaukee.com readers picked the spy-themed Safe House as Milwaukee's top theme bar. The 43-year-old bar and restaurant features a trick entrance requiring a password, a cloak-and-dagger room and a menu featuring clandestine cuisine like the spy burger and a Bond's Bomb dessert. The bar features concoctions like the Spy's Demise, served in a Safe House pint glass.
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| OnMilwaukee.com |
Big Fun for Clandestine Kids: The Safe House's food is consistently good ...Also, the menu also has a variety of desserts, including the Top Secret SPYcial Dessert that's so covert they don't print the ingredients and suggest you quietly ask your server for the details...The Safe House's drink menu includes a collection of spy-themed concoctions, some of which can be made into non-alcoholic, kiddie cocktails. We ordered a short version of the Spies' Demise -- sans the booze -- and still got a glass Safe House tumbler to take home...My kid asked multiple times if we can return, and we will, because the Safe House is more than just an eatery with a unique gimmick. It's an iconic Brew City establishment with history and mystique. If you can find it, that is.
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| OnMilwaukee.com |
The opener, "Today" set the tone for the set, as it's a relationship-based ballad similar in style to many of Joshua Radin's songs. He took it up a notch next by rocking out on "Lovely Tonight," before easing back into love-loss songs and talking up The Pabst Theater staff and green room, Milwaukee and the bar that he called "his favorite in the world," the Safe House.
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| Reported by Jeff Sherman, OnMilwaukee.com |
"Cue in the music from the 1960s James Bond series of movies, "Secret AGENT Man! Secret AGENT Man!" The Safe House, owned by a friend of a friend of ours, whom we can't disclose or else we'll have to kill you, is a very fun place - especially after a martini that is shaken - not stirred - and sent flying around the building in a tube before it's delivered to you."
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| Colorado Post Independent |
"I've been dragged into niteclubs from Istanbul to Hong Kong.
. . only one spot remains in my memory. . . the Safe House in
Milwaukee." |
| Fort Worth Star-Telegram |
Best in Chicago:
Best Really Suburban Hangout. Okay, it's in Milwaukee, as in Wisconsin. But the spy-themed Safe House features cheap martinis and requires a secret password to enter.
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You will have to get to Milwaukee to experience it yourself. It is truly an amazing place and different from any other place I have been to. . .The atmosphere of the Safe House is amazing and the food is awesome. They serve everything like soups, salads, sandwiches, ribs, shrimp, steak and so much more! They are open for lunch and dinner. You can also book a private party there or seat a large group. Trust me it is worth it to try this place out.
Make sure you explore around a little bit too! It is said to have a few secret passage ways to get in to and to get out of the place. But if I told you where I would have to kill you! That is top secret information and only for a super spy to find out themselves. As they would say at the Safe House this message will self destruct in 15 seconds.
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Associated Content |
"Espionage-themed club is a hidden Treasure in Milwaukee. . .A good word among spies travels far, deep within the dark and murky world of international intrigue. "
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Wisconsin State Journal |
"Milwaukee’s Safe House has given “spies” of all descriptions – a legion of James Bond and Mata Hari wannabees – the chance to enter a fantasy world of espionage and intrigue ... From a disguised entrance to museum-quality memorabilia (an actual East German prison door) to clocks synched to exotic locations, you’ll find surprises around every corner ... And, with the addition of a new executive chef and a revised menu, there’s a “thumbs up” buzz that has crowds heading to the Safe House for the cuisine as well as the one-of-a-kind atmosphere...Visitors will note an emphasis on lighter, heart-healthy fare and impressive attention to the details that count. From homemade dressings to freshly made soups, ingenuity and the “best of what’s fresh” rule in the kitchen. "
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Key Magazine |
"Forty years after Time magazine called it "irresistible and inexhaustible," this spy sanctuary -- jam-packed with spy-related paraphernalia, gimmicks and gadgets -- annually entices about 125,000 operatives from all over the globe into its impenetrable quarters and grants them diplomatic immunity....For more information released on a need-to-know basis, dial 414-271-2007 or spy at www.safe-house.com. [Full Text]
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Daily Citizen, WI |
"What, you don't think that half our Event Team has lifetime memberships
at the Safe House? ...I even lobbied Event Staff to try and convince
the Safe House to move to Indy. The Event Staff had already talked
to them about it. Yes, please read that again. It can't be more
surprising to you than it was to me -- convention management had
talked to the owner of a nightspot about relocating or starting
a new franchise, just because he knew it would please the attendees.
Unfortunately the answer was no -- the owner is happy where he
is . . . but hey, they tried. Does this mean we hate Milwaukee?
No. There's plenty to like about this city. We'll miss the Safe
House..." [Full text] |
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A good street map is not going to help you find one of the most interesting restaurants in Milwaukee. Neither will a good sense of direction. What you need is a sense of intrigue, a flair for the dangerous, a license to kill. Well, maybe not so much a real license to kill, but it might help if your name were Bond, James Bond. . . Everyone gets into the act, turning images of the Cold War into nothing more than lighthearted memories. . . . The Safe House is a little like Disneyland might be at Checkpoint Charlie. Energetic music, fun exhibits and colorful imagery celebrate the elements we all love in characters such as James Bond, Emma Peale, Jim Phelps and Agent 99.
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The name's House. Safe House. I could tell you where the Milwaukee's secret bar the Safe House is but then I'd have to kill you. Actually, if Scooter Libby can divulge national secrets, why can't I? The Safe House is located in downtown Milkwaukee near City Hall (presumably for more convenient sabotage). Safe House, spy jargon for a safe haven for covert agents, is a bar devoted to the art, the subterfuge and the civilized side of spying. Themed bars can sometimes go terribly wrong but this one is authentic enough that the spy theme doesn't feel forced. It's been around for nearly 40 years and started as a labor of love by owner and spymaster David Baldwin. After walking through the door of a front store (International Export Ltd.) you'll have to provide a password or be subtly humiliated by performing stupid human tricks broadcast on closed circuit t.v.'s (pictured above). Once inside, pneumatic tubes whiz shakers full of martinis, spy posters line the wall, bookcase doors line the floor and a specially brewed beer's on draft. There are a ton of gadgets to entertain you and thankfully, in case of fire, the way out isn't as hard as the way in.
[Article] |
National Geographic's Gridskipper.com July 14, 2006 |
"Started almost 40 years ago, the Safe House is one of Milwaukee's worst-kept secrets. It's popular with hometowners and out-of-towners. It's the kind of place where you can be confused and amused, where you are invited to liveand let laugh."
"It's all in good fun. So turn up the collar of your trench coat, don your dark glasses and slip into the Safe House, where they have a license to thrill. " [Article]
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The Hoosier Times |
Spies can find sanctuary at the Safe House, a place with a distinctive air of espionage. Tip: look for the door to "International Exports Ltd.," in an alley, across from the historic Pabst Theater, which is near the tower of city hall. (See this classified photo for a clue.) |
| December.com |
Essential Milwaukee: Number 12 of 25 essentials every Milwaukeean
who really knows the city experiences and that even visitors seeking
a true tast of Milwaukee life must sample. For years, The Safe
House has been the local refuge for international spies, covert
operations and restaurant and bar patrons willing to play along.
. . it's hidden at...but be careful. Even the address is deceptive.
If you don't already know it, you'll have to perform some silly
antic...but hey, that's only the beginning! If we told you the
rest, we'd be shot! If you've entered the Safe House: 1 point.
Phone home using the handy background sounds for cover and get
1 point. Solve the giant wall puzzle and chalk up another. |
Milwaukee Magazine City Guide |
One of the best known nightspots in Milwaukee...also one of the
most secret...it might be a bit tricky but a good spy, like a
good Postmaster, should be able to handle all situations...A cross
between Planet Hollywood and the bar scene from Star Wars...Provides
eat and drink for all secret agents, even those disguised as mild-mannered
Postmasters...great food and drinks... |
Postmaster's Gazette |
"There is something very entertaining about knowing something
the others don't, and in that is one of the secrets of the Safe
House."
[Article] |
North Shore Lifestyle |
"Thirty-five years after Time magazine called it "irresistible
and inexhaustible," this three-story sanctuary-jam-packed
with spy-related paraphernalia, gimmicks and gadgets-annually
entices approximately 125,000 operatives from all over the globe
into its impenetrable quarters and grants them diplomatic immunity..." |
The Shepherd Express |
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The Safe House is ". . . one of the most
unusual niteclubs in America." |
| Chicago Tribune |
"Safe House. . . the likes of which Milwaukee
has never seen before. . . not just a bar, an adventure!" |
| Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel |
"A game of I Spy." |
| The Detroit
Free Press |
". . . a remarkable establishment. . . always
take out-of-town guests to see this place." |
| Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel |
"Turn up the collar on your trench coat
and prepare to live and let laugh at the Safe House. . ." |
| Janesville Gazette |
"The most well-known Milwaukee restaurant/night
spot is the Safe House, which is unlike any place else you ever
have seen. It will confuse and amuse you." [Full
Text] |
| The Herald Bulletin,
Indiana |
|
"Dear Agent, your mission, should you decide to accept
it, is to infiltrate this hottest of all Gen Con hotspots. A
valid membership will enable you to enter via a new secret passage.
Otherwise, access the cover entrance on Front Street (see picture)
and give the password* to control. Mingle freely with fellow
operatives and investigate thoroughly the various espionage
concoctions once inside. This message may self destruct in five
seconds."
*deleted for security reasons |
Games Unplugged |
|
"Gen Con's new owners say they love Milwaukee as much as
Milwaukee loves the game-masters. "There's the tradition
here, the sense of history about coming from this state. Now
people come here and know to put on their navigators and head
for Goolsby's or the Safe House..." says Susan Scheid,
director of event marketing for Wizards of the Coast. " |
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |
|
"For a dining experience that will make their eyes pop,
why not take them to the Safehouse? Set up like a secret spy
hideout, the place itself is entertainment enough...Accessed
by an alley off Front Street...The walls are covered with spy
memorabilia and photos of famous people who have eaten there.
Quirky and inventive decorations provide for endless games of
"I Spy" while you wait for your burgers and fries.
When you're ready to leave, good luck finding one of the "secret"
exits...prices are very reasonable. The Safehouse lets you keep
the glass if you order special house drinks.Just make sure you
have a reservation,
because even though the place is hard to find, it has been discovered by many
others." |
"Internationally recognized for its spy-cial drinks and
food, set in the midst of a James Bond funhouse, is Milwaukee's
own Safe House. Experiencing it is so intriguing, the mission
begins before you even step inside"..."There's only
so much we can say about the Safe House without giving away
all the fun. Let's just say that if you haven't already been
to this Milwaukee landmark, it's time to go. If you're looking
for the perfect place to take out-of-town guests or are just
searching for a unique dining experience that mixes entertainment
and intrigue, the Safe House is for you. Featured in Time, Newsweek,
People, Chicago Tribune and "Major League," the Safe
House is a fun place to eat, drink and meet." |
|
Top Ten Trivia for Foodies: What are the most unusual restaurants?
1. Most unusual restaurant: There's a spy theme in Milwaukee's Safe House [Full
Text] |
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Shhh...the Safe House is Milwaukee's most intriguing nightspot.
The Safe House is one of the most intriguing bars in this city that has no shortage of watering holes...professional and amateur spies alike will find gadgets and gizmos around every turn in the bar. Be careful, things aren’t always what they seem… If you're looking for a good time in Milwaukee, look no farther than the Safe House. [Full
Text] |
Phoenix International Travel Examiner |
Since 1966 when the Safe House opened, “Secret Agents” - as patrons are called - are supposed to find this place exactly the way I did: by word of mouth and then doing a little espionage. Now that I have found the Safe House, I am sworn as a Secret Agent that I cannot reveal its whereabouts. You have to find it just like I did. But look for the lady at the desk, and then you will know that "this is it." [Full
Text] |
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We’d heard about it many times — you need a password to get in.. ..Believe us: we’ve been far more embarrassed than that. The bar itself is full of interesting nooks and gimmicks. The best part, though, is the Magic Bar, where a bartender performs fabulous tricks. Seriously: Michael Cuddyer needs to know about this place, and fast. The bartender ...turned our queen of diamonds into a nine of diamonds. He pulled our $20 bill out of a lemon. We will say no more. [Full
Text] |
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The target customer is a fun-loving, alcohol-consuming adult. Sure, bring the kids here for lunch or early dinner; they’ll love the place...And throwing a party here can mean the guest of honor is kidnapped, only to reappear ceremoniously through a trap door. Isn’t public humiliation grand? We think so—and all too rare...Come on, this place has an over-the-top dedication to its spy theme, souvenirs to buy, and a long list of celebrities who’ve visited. Plus, that whole “we’re so hard to find” thing just begs tourists to take on the challenge and wander blindly through downtown alleys. [Full
Text] |
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"...what made me fall in love with Milwaukee so quickly from the beginning were all the little things that are exclusive to our city. Only in good old MKE can you find the Bronze Fonz, the Safe House.."
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"...go to Safe House... to take an out-of-towner and have
them balk when they don't know the password at the door. It's
half the fun! This spy-themed restaurant/bar has TOURIST written
all over it, but at least the "covert operation" thing
doesn't exist just to sell T-shirts."
"...that rarest of things, a theme restaurant worth its salt." |
Customers rated Safe House #1 in Digital City's
Top Clicks.
More than 80 customer ratings gave Safe House 4.5 stars out of
5. |
AOL City Guide |
Proclamation: Henry Meier, Mayor
of Milwaukee (1960 - 1988)
Proclamation: John Norquist, Mayor of Milwaukee (1988 - 2003)
Proclamation: Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee (2004 - present)
Resolution: City of Milwaukee Common Council
Award: 2002 Mayors Design Award
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