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SafeHouse is one of Milwaukee’s most unique restaurants, offering a spy-themed adventure filled with secret doors, quirky missions, and playful surprises around every corner. It’s family-friendly before 8:00 p.m., and kids get their very own Junior Spy experience—complete with scavenger hunts, code names, and interactive surprises.
If your kids love secret passageways, hidden clues, and a little silliness, SafeHouse is a must-try Milwaukee outing.
💡Looking for more places to eat with kids around the city? Check out our full guide to the best kid-friendly restaurants in Milwaukee, with fun themes, reliable menus, and spots that keep little ones entertained.
How to Enter SafeHouse (Yes, There’s a Password!)
To get inside, you’ll need to pass the “clearance test” at the hidden entrance. If you don’t know the password, you’ll be asked to complete a silly task to prove you’re not an informant.
When my family visited on a Saturday around 5:00 p.m., we had to jump as high as we could and yell loudly to earn access. The kids LOVED it.
Once you’re “approved,” a bookshelf and fireplace transform into a secret door – you enter through a passageway worthy of a classic spy movie.
Good to know:
- Weekend evenings may come with a wait.
- If you’re waiting, ask for the Junior Spy Scavenger Hunt – the kids will be busy immediately.
Kid-Friendly Spy Fun While You Wait
SafeHouse leans into kid fun, which is a lifesaver when you’re waiting for food.
Right after we sat down, our server brought:
- Crayons
- Spy-themed activity sheets
- Junior Spy name tags
- Color-changing kids cups
It kept everyone busy from the start.
Then, because the scavenger hunt encourages you to walk around, the staff even told us “Go explore! We’ll find you when your food is ready.”
It felt like the restaurant expected kids to be active, curious, and excited.
Junior Spy Scavenger Hunt: What You’ll See
This is the part kids will remember forever. The scavenger hunt leads you through whimsical, quirky, and surprising features throughout the restaurant, including:
- A funhouse mirror that shrinks you
- A giant red button that moves a wall
- A hallway of spy history illustrations
- A bathroom door that leads to nowhere
- A ceiling covered in playing cards
- A giant vault
- A phone booth covered in past visitors’ name tags
- A fingerprint-activated spy booth
Every corner reveals something new. Staff stay completely “in character,” greeting kids with lines like, “Pardon me, agent!” when they accidentally bump into someone.
It’s truly a kid-friendly environment, even when the restaurant is busy.
Kid’s Menu at SafeHouse
The themed kids’ menu is simple, recognizable, and fun. Options include:
- Jr. Spy Burger with Cheese
- Undercover Mac n’ Cheese
- Mini Golden Bullets
Our meals were solid, and the kids were happy..
Helpful Tips for Parents
Parking
There are multiple parking structures nearby, or you might be lucky and snag street parking. And if you’re getting around on The Hop, SafeHouse is one of the kid-friendly stops along the route. Here’s our guide to fun family stops along The Hop.
Wait Times
- Expect a wait on weekends.
- Ask for the Junior Spy Scavenger Hunt right away—perfect for passing the time.
Best Seating
Ask for the Disappearing Booth.
Your booth literally rotates into a different room (it’s unforgettable for kids).
Junior Scavenger Hunt Details
It starts near the moving puzzle wall and loops around the restaurant in a wide circle.
Birthdays
SafeHouse hosts Junior Spy birthday parties for kids of all ages.
Attached Newsroom Pub
Connected through the back, the Newsroom Pub is home to:
- Milwaukee Press Club memorabilia
- Autographs dating back to 1885
- An interactive Wall of Honor
It’s a fun little side stop for adults after the spy experience.
💡Fans of secret entrances and themed dining might also enjoy our full review of Don’s Speakeasy, another hidden Milwaukee gem with a playful twist.
Is SafeHouse Good for Kids?
Yes, at the right time of day.
SafeHouse is:
- Kid-friendly before 8:00 p.m.
- Loud, busy, and silly (perfect for curious kids)
- Filled with hands-on surprises
- Structured so kids can explore rather than sit still
If your kids enjoy themed restaurants or scavenger hunts, they’ll love this spot.
💡If you’re planning to explore the area before or after your meal, you’re just a short walk from the Milwaukee Riverwalk, where families can watch the bridges lift, visit the Bronze Fonz, and enjoy easy riverfront strolling.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
