Shanghai MKE at Black Cat Alley | Speakeasy & Absinthe Bar

Great time

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Fascinating place, not my style but my friends wanted to go

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

New date night spot unlocked. Very intimate and eclectic atmosphere. We did not have a reservation and were able to walk in. However, I think we got lucky and suggest a reservation for the future. We indulged in a few drinks off the menu, but their version of the Espresso martini was tantalizing and absolutely divine. Ode to Jodie was another sensational option. I love that they have a seasonal menu as well as staple drinks. Great variety!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Definitely an experience. I really love the fact of the whole secret entrance through the alleyway. I think that's what really caught my attention but a nice cozy speakeasy spot. I would definitely make reservations. They get really busy.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 4

Super solid speakeasy. Great cocktails. Fun process. The location is super apt for the theme. One of the better absinthe bars I've been to outside NOLA. The snack options are a bit thin, but anything is generally better than nothing. Give it a go and experience the fun.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Great stop on a date night out. It is sure to impress.

Great spot, very chill and nice to just have a drink and converse

The vibes are immaculate! we did the new year's reservation they had going on where you get a pour of champagne plus a one drink off the menu and it was delightful! I personally got the Last Fairy drink and loved it, it was definitely the perfect date night spot. We ended up ordering the Shanghai fog off the menu along with our included drinks because everything on the menu sounded delicious.
(my photos do not do the location justice at all)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shanghai Fog

One of the top bars in the city. Highly recommend. Very knowledgeable & polite staff. Reservations are a must

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shanghai Fog

Pretty cool place

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 4

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

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Atmosphere was great. Service was great. Drinks were fantastic. Highly recommend to anyone with particular affections for absinthe. One of the “speakeasy-est” speakeasies in town. The whole buzz in/back alley door experience feels very prohibition era. I loved it.

Great place to come for a quiet date night or with a small group of friends. It’s a small (intimate? cozy?) space, so for the sake of other patrons I wouldn’t recommend coming if you’re planning a dive bar-esque night out with a big group. Definitely for more lowkey and classy nights.

Vegetarian options: Many drinks with dairy components can be made vegan

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

A very intimate place for a date. A fun way to enter, and tasty, creative cocktails! Now one of my favorite places in MKE!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Never had a bad cocktail.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a great speakeasy. Who would have thought that the experience would be so great for a speakeasy in Milwaukee. They have an extremely discreet entry in the alley. Please have a reservation and call via the call box to get in. It is a cosy space with great collection of cocktails. A must visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: House Ginger Tincture, Moon on the Water Sake