Entry No. 12 — the Milwaukee file — filed under: speakeasy

Shanghai

Hidden inside Black Cat Alley behind the historic Oriental Theatre, this intimate cocktail lounge—once a restaurant cleaning closet—is accessed by ringing a call box at a discreet metal gate.

The move: Navigate through the mural-covered alley, ring the call box at the metal gate, and order traditional absinthe service at the candlelit bar.

• 📍 Lower East Side
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 2238 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Official site · urbanmilwaukee.com

last checked: 2026-07-21