About
Hidden along the mural-covered corridor of Black Cat Alley on Milwaukee’s East Side, Shanghai MKE is a tiny, reservation-only speakeasy that feels more like a secret discovery than a bar. The entrance is deliberately discreet, tucked behind an alley door where guests buzz in to gain entry, creating a sense that you’ve stumbled into a clandestine hideaway. Inside, the space is extremely intimate and dimly lit, with rich textures, exposed brick, and vintage details inspired by nearby landmarks like the historic Oriental Theatre.
What makes Shanghai particularly unusual is its focus on absinthe and experimental cocktails, many built with house tinctures, unusual infusions, and unexpected ingredients. The bar itself occupies what was once a cleaning closet before being transformed into a tiny lounge in 2019, giving the place an almost secret-passage feel. Despite its small footprint, it has gained national recognition (Shanghai MKE was named the No. 1 speakeasy in the United States in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards) making it a pilgrimage spot for cocktail enthusiasts and curiosity seekers who enjoy tracking down hidden and slightly mysterious places.
Photos
Shanghai MKE Speakeasy
Shanghai MKE Speakeasy
Shanghai MKE Speakeasy
