I grew up in Wisconsin near to Milwaukee. When I turned 18 (that year the drinking age was 18 there), the place to go was a bar in Milwaukee on 779 Front Street called SAFE HOUSE. I am happy to say it is still the place to go.

Safe House opened in 1966 and has a international spy theme. Honestly you have to know it is there to even find it. There are no signs on the outside that say Safe House, there is only a sign that says "INTERNATIONAL EXPORTS LIMITED", the building is in an alley. It is a little difficult to find parking but please I beg of you make the effort. I hadn't been there in years and last summer my daughter and her boyfriend took a trip to Milwaukee to visit our relatives. My husband suggested they go there and they had so much fun that when we took a trip home later in the summer, we went back as well.

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 tv's all over so that the patrons can watch as you come in the building and are grilled by the hostess. We were seated and watched the tv while the hostess who let us in went on to make some customers do hula hoops and others jump on one foot. 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.