Shanghai MKE at Black Cat Alley | Speakeasy & Absinthe Bar
2238 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee
(414) 316-9930
Recent Reviews
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Had the honor of visiting Shanghai last weekend, absolutely fantastic experience, the atmosphere was warm and relaxing, the drinks spot on, and the service (Calvin) very knowledgeable of the cocktails. Highly recommended!
Ryan, Brad, Quinn, & Calvin gave great service !
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Unfortunately it doesn't speak- so-easy. Getting rid of the pinesol smell might help.
Wind your way down Black Cat Alley and find the buzzer that lets you into Shanghai Speakeasy. As with all good speakeasies, if you don’t know it’s there, you won’t know it’s there.
It’s a small, quaint, candlelit space with old Milwaukee retro vibes and Shanghai-inspired decor. Excellent mixology with a wide range of flavors. Sweet? Bitter? Smoky? Are you a bourbon or gin aficionado? How about absinthe? They’ve got you covered.
My wife ordered the Bastille Market and the Firecracker; I had the Bazaar.
Fantastic service from our gracious host. It’s no surprise they’re regularly listed among the top speakeasies in the country.
They’re currently expanding, and with a restaurant being built behind them, it sounds like food options may be coming in the not-so-distant future.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Awesome place enhanced by Ryan who was incredible. 10/10 would recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great drinks, the Shanghai fog is especially wonderful
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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
Restaurantji Recommends
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
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