SafeHouse Chicago, launched in 2017 in River North, was the Windy City outpost of the iconic Milwaukee spy-themed restaurant established in 1966. Entry began with a cloak-and-dagger moment: discover the unmarked red door, give the password to a “Moneypenny”-style agent, or face a whimsical clearance test – a playful challenge projected for all to see. Inside, the sprawling space featured multiple zones: the Interpol Bar, Spybrary, Seduction Lounge, interrogation rooms, gadget stations, and even a “cone of silence” booth—complete with spy-plane flight deck sections and Berlin Wall fragments as decor. Walls were lined with vintage espionage artifacts, interactive puzzles, and hidden surprises—maker’s dream for curious agents of all ages. The menu married fun and flavor: pun-filled dishes like Fried C4 Cheese Curds, SMERSH Burgers, Prime Rib Timed-Drop Sandwich, pretzel “Stasi Twists,” and layered Spy salads. Cocktails included thematic names like Agent Chi and A Spy’s Demise, with happy hour specials 4–7 PM Wed–Fri at the Interpol Bar. SafeHouse was family-friendly until 9 PM on weekends, then 21+ afterward. It welcomed agents Wed–Thu 4–10 PM, Fri 4–2 AM, Sat 11 AM–2 AM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Despite its popularity, the Chicago location closed on March 6, 2023, completing its final mission after six adventurous years. Locals remember it as an immersive, theatrical dining experience blending kitschy Cold War nostalgia, interactive fun, and hearty bar fare.
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