Shanghai

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!

"That's the thing about a waitlist, I can't tell you how long the wait is going to be." So, apparently you can't make a reservation through Tock, and they certainly won't honor it. It'd be great if that got fixed, as well as the condescending ____ who was able to anonymously relay that the reservations made actually aren't valid (as of 2/21 you can still make them).We get that there's limited space and the system failed during a changeover, but honestly, that's not the guests problem while attempting to pay the troll toll at the not so secret entrance in the cold. I'd normally shrug this off, but after coming from an exceptionally friendly dinner service this felt like some artificially exclusive BS.Luckily there is no shortage of amazing bars to go to instead.Milwaukees's best kept secret? Keep it that way.

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!

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!

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.

Pros: Creative menu and good drinks, the staffCons: Need a reservationDetails: 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.

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.

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

Loved the concept and delivery of this place! Wish Milwaukee had more like it! Drinks were exceptional, service was great as well!

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