Shaker’s Cigar Bar
422 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI, 53204
Shaker’s Cigar Bar Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
422 S 2nd St
Milwaukee, WI, 53204 - Phone (414) 272-4222
- Website https://www.shakerscigarbar.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 1:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Street
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Yes
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Bartleby F.
Okay, I've spent a fair amount of time here. Yes, the prices are high (15$ for a tiny dirty vodka martini, 12$ for an Old Fashioned). The food is good but again, the prices are almost ridiculous. What really bothers me is the service. We were seated at a table and half the time I had to go to the bar to order because my waitress was MIA. There were maybe four tables of people and there were two waitresses but ours was nearly impossible to track down.
(3)Erin M.
Classic Milwaukee right here, folks. My boyfriend occasionally come here for a nghtcap. He enjoys a cigar here and there, and I love the ambiance of this place. We've even brought cribbage here to play and relax. Great beer selection. Sprecher brews some specific beers for them, so just ask what type of beer and you'll know which sprecher beer it's imitating. I always go with a chimay here. You don't see chimay often on tap, and I always like the monk brews. I've heard great things about the food, but have never had. I also (can't believe) haven't been on one of their ghost tours yet. It's got such history, you gotta love it. One thing I'll warn ya though, be careful with what you wear. I guarantee the next day you'll enter you closet thinking "did someone just smoke a cigarette in here?" It might make you queasy.
(4)Arianna S.
When are you arrived at shakers, I learned that my Groupon that I purchased was for a tumor that was not at that particular location. However, the staff was extremely accommodating and they deducted the amount that I paid for my Groupon so that we could participate in the ghost to her that took place right at Shakers. We had dinner at Shakers, and ended up ordering a chicken pizza with a variety of cheeses. The food was excellent, the customer service was excellent, and we greatly enjoyed the tour also! We definitely would recommend this to anyone looking to experience something new in Milwaukee.
(5)Tony K.
It really does feel like you enter back in time when you enter Shaker's. Holy SMOKE. Yes. Cigar Bar. I figured there'd be smoke... but whoa. I won't let it affect my review though. The drinks were OK. They have their special cocktails, and while I appreciate a craft cocktail - there's just tasted pretty basic and we're pretty overpriced. Vodka options: SKOL or Russian Standard. You've been warned. The tour itself was great. I wish I could remember the tour guides name. Sara? I think It was Sara. She was great. She gave a great deal of historic information which was pretty fascinating. You also get to see a creepy basement, the old brothel rooms upstairs, and hear about the various paranormal activity that has happened. No, I didn't not personally experience any myself. I'd suggest it to any out of towner into the paranormal and looking to learn a little piece of MKE history.
(4)CJ P.
Great food every time I have been in? James has always cooked for me and made me feel welcomed and took care of me. Had pizza in past and this time his Tuesday special burger! Another hit as expected. Love the Sprecher selection of house beers for shakers and their top shelf liquored is as good as any around. I love the vibe and charm of this place and the staff is always friendly and enjoyable. Only criticism would be not enough staff. Can take a while to put in an order for food or in this case close out my tab because they get busy with a small staff. Otherwise keep doing what u do there Gus!
(4)Benjamin K R.
We stumbled into this place after dinner at the nearby Crazy Water, just because they had a neon "cigar bar" sign. We were immediately greeted by the chef/manager and a couple of cool, scantily dressed bartenders, or "Shakerettes." We got a pamphlet detailing the many ghosts that supposedly haunt the cavernous bar. Great selections on the sound system, good beers on tap and a long cocktail list. It didn't seem at first like somewhere we'd like to eat, but the group that came in right after us ordered some food and we watched the chef at work behind the bar. From a tiny kitchen with one oven and a hot plate he produced steaming Belgian style mussels, fried calamari, beautiful pizza piled high with toppings, thick marbled ribeye, and plates of shrimp with made to order papaya and seaweed salad. Everything was gorgeously plated. Next time we're in Milwaukee we'll definitely be eating here. The joint was empty when we walked in but had filled up considerably by 11. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Zach B.
I have been a huge fan of Shakers for half a year now. I can't tell you impressed I am with Bob's cooking and the atmosphere at Shakers. You do not have to be a cigar smoker to enjoy Shakers. The food is excellent, the vibe is great and it is always the first place that I want to go. Check out Shakers during your next trip to Milwaukee. zb
(5)Mike C.
I stopped in while I was visiting Milwaukee for a few days; it was recommended by the hotel consierge. I have never felt more comfortable in a bar. The bartender was a very pretty lady, who knew what she was talking about when it came to scotch and cigars. It was a slow evening, so I was able to converse with her and the bar owner for a while. They are both exceedingly friendly, which makes for a very open, inviting atmosphere. I highly recommend this bar, and I know the next time I am in Milwaukee I will be sure to stop in.
(5)Cory N.
Drinks were average priced and strength, and the Ghost Tour was somewhat interesting (thanks for the discount Groupon). Staff and owner were extremely friendly. A decent way to grab a drink an kill some time before hitting your primary destination.
(3)Maggie C.
The rating is for the overnight stay at Shakers. The bar is very cool, food was awesome and the staff was friendly and entertaining, however, I do not recommend staying overnight. Stating that it is not a hotel room on the website is an understatement. The room was dusty and dirty and we didn't even want to use the bathroom or the bed. We slept with our clothes on. Our friends stayed overnight the next night and the bed had the same sheets. There is no air conditioning so we had to open the windows and, besides the numerous cigarette butts on the window sill, we could not sleep because of the extremely loud music and people on the street from the club next door that did not close until 4 am. Now we know why so many people leave suddenly -- if we did not already know that most of the hotels in the vicinity were already booked, we would have left immediately, too. The fact that we did not see or hear any ghosts did not bother us at all, it was the lack of cleanliness and the smelly bathroom. I can understand trying to keep it looking authentic, but at least keep it clean and fix the bathroom (particularly for the price they charge). I would not beware of the ghosts, but of being ripped off.
(1)Marge Y.
I've lived In Milwaukee for all of my life, so when I came in for a ghost tour recently it was quite a treat. I'm a Walker's Point adherent and I finally stopped into Shakers for a tour, and excellent cocktail. There were two ladies at the bar, one of the girls was an absolute gem (she greeted us immediately and made us feel welcome, she fixed a mean drink too)...the other though was kind of smug and disconnected, so we just ignored her. I think she was only there to back up the true star behind the bar... She was too indulged with the servers. Unfortunately we didn't get the opportunity to try the food, but I don't think many ppl were even ordering off the menu... What I did see go out though looked amazing, I must say. Our tour guide for the haunted bar tour was wonderful! He did a great job going into details, answering questions, and covering every inch of that building (I definately formed a connection with a few of the ghost stories he told us). I got a mini history lesson on the area too! Quite interesting I must say. Well worth the $15!! The drinks were a bit over priced... But they seem to have a lot of out-of-town visitors, which explains the mark up... I recommend only staying for one or two drinks if your out on a budget. Lol. I will be coming back to visit Elizabeth & Molly again in the near future (their stories touched my heart). I would have given the full 5 stars if it wasn't for miss smuggy pants! But she kinda ruined the vibe :-/
(4)Jake B.
We came here for a quick drink and a cigar after dinner. It was a Saturday so it was fairly busy at the bar. I think they had a ghost tour going on as well. The service here was really great. Especially when looking to pick a cigar and some whiskey. Have a really large selection of whiskey and scotch, and about 20 or so cigars available for purchase. The best part of this place is the history. There is a plaque on the wall that says it was established in 1894. And there is a storied history to go along with it. From a brothel to a storage warehouse to speak easy to present day bar. Murder and ghosts. This place has it all! The woodwork seems original. Lots of rich, dark wood with built in bars and mirrors take you back in history. Enjoy!
(4)Sarah B.
Fun little place to stop before a night out! Nice selection of cigars, cool history and architecture, and great staff.
(4)Kelly M.
What is in a name such as that of Bobs. HAUNTED! There are beautiful bartenders in skeleton dresses. Abby's margaritas are out of this world. Find the secret raccoon cap. WHORE GHOSTS! Sometimes there are kangaroo balls. Super down with the smell of cigars filling the air. They have fun cups. BEAUTIFUL BATHROOM ART! They like zoo fundraisers. Fin.
(5)Hannah E.
This joint rocks. Incredible service, amazing drinks, and a killer Haunted Tour to boot. Rich in Milwaukee history, Shakers is one of the most fun and mysterious places I've been downtown.
(5)Jenna O.
Shakers is a fun place to spend the evening! They offer ghoulish themed beers and cocktails, one of which being the "death in the afternoon" (deliciousness). Ghost tours run here all night, transporting you back in time to some dark history. I've captured a few scary things on camera while here and will definitely be back!
(5)Shana M.
The moment I walked in the door I really dug the vibe of Shaker's. Is cavernous inside and the history is obvious. We were actually there for a ghost tour, so I was primed to take in the atmosphere and that I did enjoy. The bartender was quirky and knowledgeable which was nice, but didn't exactly make the stiff price worth it (though, I did get some pretty sweet blue cheese stuffed olives for my martini - bonus). I was not footing the bill for this fun date activity, but if I had been I'd have been doing a cartoon-style yank of my collar for a few seconds, yeowza. The tour was fun and interesting at some points. The draw backs were that the "scary" parts of it are based entirely on how the guide tells the stories. Our guide was a little too self involved and it kept us from being able to draw our own conclusions, with her butting her stories in at every single turn. Also the success of the ghost tour relies heavily on the mojo of the crowd as a whole, and our twosome didn't click with the trio we were joined up with. The intimacy of their plan can go well or not. I had a good time, but it was not without its flaws and kitsch. If I lived near by and occasionally wanted to have one drink and some food, I'd go again because the atmosphere is great. Being that I live across town, it'll be relegated to the tried it and moved on list, unless there's something special afoot.
(4)Bethtina W.
The drinks were interesting. The actual inside was so smokey I couldn't see at one point. But the best part is that it has a haunted story that I think makes the overall place interesting. The staff were very cool and fun and friendly. I hear the cigars are very nice. I've never smoked one so I don't have anything insightful to say. But the folks in my party loved it. We eventually sat on the patio and that was nice. Overall, it's a nice pace to visit. Oh ps ask about the connection to Jeffrey Dalmer.
(4)Allie K.
Such a cool atmosphere! The decor is so unique and the idea of a haunted bar is very original in downtown Milwaukee! Bathrooms were clean and matched the decor of the place. Beyond the decor and "haunted presence", didn't love the service or the drinks. We got 12 dollar whiskey sours which were disgusting, and our server took FOREVER to get us the drinks/Bill. If it had been busy we would hVe understood but she spent most of her time chatting with the bartender. Great place to stop in and do the tour, but there are much better places downtown for drinks and dinner.
(3)Gregg S.
This review is based on a weekend visit after a tour. The tour allows for one complimentary drink per person. There was a slight mix up and the guide was late, so we were able to get any drink instead of just the basic ones. I elected for "death in the afternoon" which is an absinthe specialty. It was different, but hardly worth the $15 cost. Around 9pm a ton of smokers came in. I expected some cigar smoke but the cigarette smoke was oppressive. I've been to other cigar bars which had much better ventilation. Neighboring tables ordered food which looked pretty standard. The pizza seemed to be the most requested. The bar attempts to maintain its classic style. The back bar is impressive to look at. The decor and bar in the front could use some maintenance. The men's bathroom was atrocious. Very small, poorly lit, not clean. Not sure if the women's is any better. Overall this is a below average bar for a non smoker. The historical value is what makes this a 3 star instead of 2. I would not go back.
(3)Mike P.
I HAD MY FIRST ABSINTHE HERE. I had a "Death In the Afternoon" based on the Hemingway novel. I'm a big gin fan so I really liked the herbal flavor but the super high alcohol content not so much. The original old decor is awesome! The prices are scary - an absinthe and old fashioned set me back $25. Haunted Tours? No thanks. If you don't like the smell of cigar don't go here and learn how to read because it says "Cigar Bar" in the name. Stephanie L.'s excellent review sets the standard.
(4)Lance C.
Great selection of single malts and Amanda the bartender is fantastic. The cigar selection is limited and pricy, but a good vibe and very attentive service made the evening. I will certainly visit again next time I am in Milwaukee
(4)Laura G.
We were visiting from out of town and the waitress at our hotel told us about Shaker's and their ghost tours. I am so glad she did because it definitely turned out to be one of the highlights of our vacation. Let me briefly start at the beginning of the evening. We got lost walking, got caught in a downpour and arrived at Shaker's looking quite wet. We were warmly greeted and happily took a seat at the bar and the fun began. I had a delicious whiskey sour and my friend had a beer and we dried off. The bartender, guy making the pizza and the woman at the place where they sold cigars were all so nice and friendly. After our drinks we decided to switch from the Cream City Cannibal Tour to the 2.0 Tour because it was still raining and the Cream City was an outdoor tour. Sarah was so nice to let us change and in general was also a wonderful tour guide on the tour. OK so we took the 2.0 tour, it was of the building that housed the bar. I won't tell you too much about it as I don't want to ruin it, but it was really excellent. It had scary stuff about the building, just the right amount to make you uneasy, trying to communicate with ghosts, and in general lots of interesting history about Milwaukee.If you get a change to come here and do this tour I would certainly recommend it. It lasted close to two hours, and you also get a discount on drinks by being on a tour. I pray that the next time I am in Milwaukee it is not raining and I can go on the Jeffrey Dahmer outdoor tour (Cream City Cannibal).
(5)Lukas S.
i used to come here regularly with a good friend of mine when i lived in milwaukee. there was never more than 10 people in the place when we would go and at the time people would order food for delivery. the cook used to always make my friend and i little samples to try or give us samples of the food he was making for delivery! the drink menu is so unique and the drinks are pretty strong. then i moved and haven't been back for 5-6 years until recently when i was in town and we came here with my sister and her boyfriend. i was amazed at how much it had changed and how busy it was! it's got an old-time feel to it, although i couldn't tell you what time period since i'm not too good at history, but my guess would be the 1920s! the staff is dressed up to fit the era and it has almost a creepy/haunted feel to it--and wouldn't you know, it IS haunted! they do ghost tours on the weekends and it's on my bucket list to do! it's definitely a unique place to milwaukee and offers a very unique experience! Check it out!!
(4)Peter C.
An Update! I really like this place. Super eclectic. An old hotel turned into cigar bar, restaurant, haunted house tours and burlesque show place. The bar is well lit and the kitchen is up front. I like the ballroom area that has super high ceilings and another bar. Sit down and enjoy a cigar and scotch. The booze selection is crazy at this place. They even have a $10,000 bottle of scotch. A unique Milwaukee Gem
(4)Johanna L.
Holy awesome, Batman. This place rules! We came for the Amazon Local deal on the ghost tour with absinthe drinks for two ($25 total). We LOVED it. The drinks were strong and cold, but not TOO strong. Easy to find free parking nearby. Staff were friendly and very cool. The tour itself was CREEPY but also informative - we'll be going back for the 2.0 tour, which involves more in-depth history/details about the creepy stuff as well as attempts to contact spirits. I'm not sure if I'm a believer in ghosts or not, but whether you're a skeptic or a believe the tour will tickle your fancy. The atmosphere is awesome, though for architecture/history buffs it may be frustrating since there are a lot of really neat features in this reclaimed building that aren't original but are "period". Had me puzzling over archway styles and pocket doors and all sorts of things!! Hard to tell what was there long ago and what was put in by the owner in order to make the place more "historic" and decorative. Don't get me wrong, it looks gorgeous and I LOVE it, but I have an itch to know what it was truly once like as well! The place is relatively quiet, though I imagine it can get loud if you get a bunch of people in there. It's a "grown up" atmosphere, not for the college frat set (thank GOD). Was there maybe a lot of hype that I wasn't sure whether or not to believe about ghosts, their "wormwood" absinthe, and various other things? Perhaps. But I still love this place, so I will let it slide with a wink and a nod. They've talked me into coming back to try their pizza, that's one thing that's certain.
(5)Brian H.
Awesome cigar bar! The decor & atmosphere fit perfect to the turn of the century! Had one of the best made from scratch Old Fashioned! Although it is smoky it did not take too long to adjust.
(4)Hope E.
Friendly and interesting staff. Cigar smoke a little much at times so good to know going in.
(4)Polly W.
Melissa is a great server. Scary sh!t!! Great seated scallops. On bus line. Strong drinks. Need I say anything more? Really? Boo!!
(5)Wizardbunz Z.
Jessica M is full of shit. This place is awesome. Nick is a knowledgable bartender AS WELL as an amazing magician. Who wouldn't want to go to a haunted bar and see magic performed by a handsome dude? Maybe he turned her down for a date or something. I've been here a million times and have never been overcharged for anything. Often the owner would buy me a shot or drink. Don't take her review seriously. She clearly has something against one employee. Menopause maybe. Or she's just ugly. Who knows.
(5)Challin M.
Love Shaker's! My friend and I were visiting Milwaukee from Chicago for a day trip last Saturday when we came under a series of unfortunate circumstances. We lost our bag and missed our train. We had been at Shakers earlier in the night and went back to see if our bag was there and try to regroup for the night. Bob was so unbelievably kind! He'd had a cancellation in their Penthouse and offered it up to us free of charge, as long as we were okay hearing the haunted tale and felt comfortable staying there overnight. The tale was very eerie, but we decided to take him up on his offer (which saved us a ton of hassle and lots of money!) We had no problems all night and were so appreciative of his over-generous hospitality! We can't wait to head back up and visit Bob and his colleagues!
(5)Eduardo M.
Been here only once, but it's a decent bar, they let you smoke cigars as you drink some mildly overpriced drinks. The staff is friendly, and the seating ample (at least on the saturday night I was there). Oh, they may not know what a cigar punch is, so if you do get a cigar, best to just ask for the tip cut, unless you carry your own punch. Oh, and did I mention the place is haunted, and they have haunted bar tours? I guess I'm bumping the three stars I WAS going to give this place up to four just for that!
(4)James I.
Phenomenal service, great atmosphere, and simply a nice place to relax. Recommend for anyone who enjoys a good drink and an amazing cigar! Seems others had bad service, I had amazing customer service whom (bartender) made some great recommendations. As a person who travels a lot (military) this was a great find. Many thanks for the hard work and service!
(5)Tomas F.
I like this place. Always plenty of parking in and around the area, good beers, friendly staff and if you want to smoke a cigar go ahead and light up. I had an appetizer of the Cajun meatballs. They were good, good enough with some beers. I will go back and I am a fan.
(4)Theresa B.
Overall decent. Did the Haunted bar tour and experienced nothing paranormal except when one of our group ripped a doorknob off, LOL! The bar is nice but I agree parts of the tour are quite hazardous with the broken stair, hanging cords, etc. also seeing their laundry piled on the floor wasnt necessary.
(3)Stephanie L.
Shaker's is sneaky. I find that it fits that adjective in more than one respect. 1. If you blink on 2nd & Florida, you will miss it. 2. It has hidden passageways and many secrets from the past (see: "haunted"). 3. It does not plainly state prices on everything. Be aware that if you purchase the "special" absinthe drink, it will run you $25! If you question that, and the drink sounds delicious when described, make sure you ask your server. ALL of the absinthe drinks are pricey, and I do not think it's justified. Unless the bottle is coming from Amsterdam, the Czech Republic, or from another faraway land (and even then!), there is zero reason for such a hefty price tag. The local Great Lakes Distillery makes a wormwood absinthe. Another restaurant that is a close neighbor to Shaker's also serves an absinthe cocktail, and it cost a mere $8. So, I would just like to know the justification for the $13 price difference. Is there such a thing as gold absinthe?? You would think so. A pretty glass and garnish cannot constitute high cost. Now, $23 for one of Shaker's pizzas, in this case, the Cosmo, is definitely worth every penny. I LOVED this pizza!!! I actually stated that it knocked my favorite pizza joint from the top. That is some feat. The crust is thin, but crunchy AND chewy. They have found the perfect balance. It is light on the sauce and cheese, but that is what I like. They do not skimp on the sausage. Shaker's makes a jumbo variety, and it is a mean flavor machine. Seriously, people. The awesomeness factor is boosted by the takeout option. Call ahead, order a yummy pizza, then stop at the nearby liquor depot. Splurge on the food, but save on the booze. **Side notes: Watch out for the tour guide petitioning groups to go on the 8:30 and 10:00 tours. It will cost you $15/person. They will continue to ask you if you do not provide a definite response the first time. The one plus is that you will get a discounted cocktail. Also, if you are not a fan of cigars, cigar smoke, etc., you may shy away from Shaker's. Still try the takeout. You don't want to miss out on their gourmet pizzas.
(4)Niomi B.
I've been here twice-1st time a year ago was great! However, the 2nd time (oct. 2014) was bad bad bad! People are smoking cigarettes!! That's not allowed anymore so I naturally don't appreciate breathing second hand smoke while taking a tour with a guide who lacks in telling stories, rushes through tour and engages in a conversation with another person on the tour about a women's privates...I paid $25 for that?!??!
(2)Jessica S.
I hate "the Fence". "The Fence" is for people who can't make up their minds. Wishy-washy flip-floppers with out any passion, people who can't solidly say "YES!" or "NO WAY!" because their opinions are so inconsistent and ill-informed. ... but damn it, I'm on "the Fence" about Shaker's Cigar Bar. It seems that for every "Wow! Cool!" bit of praise I have for Bob-a-loo and his joint, I disagree or find issue with a different aspect of his enterprise. There's some macabre-obsessed, hopeless romantic inside of me that desperately wants to like Shaker's, to be a part of the recklessness and taboo it represents, but for some reason I just can't get there 100%. Here's why. ... but don't hate me if I suddenly change my mind about it half-way through. We entered Shaker's early in the evening and walked into a nearly empty house. (Slow starts or lack of business doesn't indicate a lack of quality in my book, so I was undeterred by so few other patrons.) Immediately upon sitting at the bar we were warmly greeted by the bartender, though I'm sure she would tell this story from a different angle: "As soon as that couple sat down they started firing endless questions at me!" But she was cool, man. Real cool. She had an answer for everything, even when we wondered if it was acceptable to have cigarettes in a cigar bar. (Just so you know, it's kinda not cool to light up a Marb Light in their bar since the ban only "grandfathered" cigar smoking out of illegality. Basically, they won't tell you No, but you don't wanna be the asshole with the Camels when the bar ends up getting a ticket.) Bob-a-loo, the owner, caught wind from the bartender that we'd specifically come out to Walker's Point from Grafton in order to enjoy the Shaker's experience and gave us a discount on the house ghost tour. The tour would also include discounted drinks to be enjoyed before, during, and after. Unfortunately, it was only after we'd left that I re-inspected our itemized bill and realized that we'd been charged full price for a round of drinks we ordered after signing up for the tour. What we paid more for in that round was more than made up for monetarily with the complimentary cocktails our bartender shook up for us during the tour. There were other small inconsistencies I noticed on our bill after we'd gotten home, such as drinks costing more than what we were told, but it's my own damned fault for not noticing that before handing over the cash. Anthony Bourdain said it best while in Paris: "Maybe I shouldn't have drunk so much absinthe .." I have rationalized since our visit that what I paid for was an experience. The staff -- two bartenders, the owner, the tour guide, and even a young cook -- were incredibly friendly, charming, and willing to answer our questions. It's been too long since I've experienced such a sincerely welcoming attitude in any avenue of the service industry. Shaker's website mentions a menu boasting "real Absinthe from several European countries, all with real wormwood". That "real wormwood" isn't the hallucinogenic, earless Van Gogh, kind of absinthe ingredient; it's a flavoring of the absinthe. C'est la vie. After our SUBLIME bartendress gave us a tour of their cocktail menu (the website does not have a drink list), I asked what varieties of absinthe were available. Pernod Absinthe, manufactured in the US and comparable to Lucid Absinthe, and Mata Hari, out of Austria, were my choices. That's it. I very readily understand the difficulty a restaurateur and/or a bar owner faces when keeping the promises of his menu, but ... the reality of Shaker's absinthe selection fell FAR short of what their website advertised, and that's something I don't so readily understand. We paid to take the tour of this building more out of fascination with the history of Milwaukee and less for the chance to see the wailing ghost of a long-dead hooker, despite however interesting hookers can be. Our guide was very thorough and told the building's story very well; unfortunately, it seemed like so many tacky efforts had been made to make the building more than it really was: just an old building. At one point I found myself nearly running out of one area of their basement, though not because I'd seen a ghost but because it reeked so terribly of sewer gas. Thankfully the tour took us up to the third floor after the basement, and I was much happier in the long-dead hooker's bedroom. If I go back to Shaker's, I'll be going back to be surrounded by salvaged antiques, to listen to old music, to smell lingering cigar smoke, to know there was once an operating brothel two floors above me, and to have a Prohibition-era cocktail. I'll DEFINITELY go back to interact with Bob-a-loo's one-of-a-kind employees. Finally, I'll come back to peer through history and drink in one of Milwaukee's oldest bars.
(3)Brian W.
Drinks are overpriced. $12 for a well drink with whiskey. This is Milwaukee, not New York City!
(1)Kathleen R.
I have been to the Shakers Cigar Bar twice. The bar itself is interesting to experience with a Victorian decor. Bartenders are also very nice. The positives pretty much end there. The first time I went on the ghost tour with the two for one groupon price - even with that deal it was very disappointing. The drinks are also VERY overpriced. Many of there selections on the menu are not available. My friends ordered several types of whiskey that were not in stock. That means either two things - people don't frequent the bar enough for them to notice the outages or the owner does not give a damn. My recommendation, save your money and go elsewhere for drinks and haunted tours.
(2)Jeannette L.
I thought to write this update immediately following my quick "trip" to Key West, but after many a Pineapple Mojito, Pineapple Daiquiri, Bailey's/Coffee and Cosmo, I thought it better to sleep off the jet lag and libations and collect my thoughts the morning after. We had so much fun at Shaker's the weekend prior that we had to return! We had heard of their upcoming five course Key West Dinner and booked our reservations with no hesitation. I should encourage everyone to book reservations for these specialty dinners early/by the date as listed, as there is a cost associated with booking late. It literally felt like we had arrived in Key West as we began our evening with Pineapple Mojitos made to perfection by Shakerettes. The Shakerettes were quick to remember and welcome us back and proceeded to insure that our thirsts were quenched throughout the evening. We were an eclectic group of guests; we sat with an amusing pair of gentlemen who reminded me of Skipper and Gilligan in their later years. Our first, much anticpated, course was fresh cracked conch marinated with lime and a hint of chilis. I wasn't expecting the little kick, but it was just enough so as not to overwhelm the conch. Our second course, Picadillo, chopped beef hash with plantain, cumin and topped with a poached egg. My favorite course of the day, Key West Pink Shrimp with Mojo, YUM! The shrimp tasted so fresh that I could hear the ocean. I was glad to see that our dining portions were just enough for me to make it to our fourth course, Grouper with Black Beans and Rice. Last, but not least, homemade Key Lime Pie. Now, for those of you who know what my day job is, you had to know that I was judging it against the Best Slice in America. I savored every last bite; I have to admit that we no longer serve the Best Slice of Key Lime Pie in America! We were graced with commentary from Shaker's Chef/Proprietor, Bob, throughout the evening and enjoyed a complimentary Haunted Tour enhanced by a snifter of the smoothest Rum that I've had to enjoy - it made me almost want to light up a cigar! Contrary to reviews, the Haunted Tour was grrrreat! Thanks to Nick, who was not passing himself off as the Suspender Guy. He led us on a most informative tour which did feed my wild imagination and belief in the supernatural. I made sure that I was not last in line throughout the tour. Shaker's will definitely be included in my list of "regular haunts" for its atmosphere, libations, gastronomic wonders and cast of spirits! I am so looking forward to an authentic Hawaiian Luau Bob!
(4)Shannan L.
Crap.... I wish wish wish I liked this place better..... But I don't. Everytime I go here, it reminds me of the antiques in my grandmas basement, minus the dust. I've YET to get a good drink here. Or have a good time....... sad. Sorry guys.
(2)Bobby G.
Place is very cool and old school inside. Love the vibe, minus the ghosts i haven't seen. Cigars are good and the staff typically gorgeous women. Service is hit or miss, but beautiful none the less. lol Pizzas are actually really good, if you get enough toppings. Too often they lean toward the shy side. Other food was just ok. Pricing seems super high for what you get... watch your bill, as you might get a surprise. Typically not an issue, but I've seen and heard of it happening. Be clear what you want and ask prices before playing alone with salesmanship. If they got rid of the drunk bartender chick, and tweaked prices (while keeping them consistent).... ie: $6 beer and $10 vodkas press.... this could be an amazing 4 star place. Improve the bland non pizza items and i would vote 5. I'll be back to try again, with my fingers crossed. Stoked for ghost tour.
(4)Teresa M.
Shaker's is swinging! Always have a good experience in this joint. Shaker's is warm and inviting, yet electrifying energy pervades the air. After a spiritually enlightening Saturday night ghost tour with an Absinthe Englightenment (no one does an absinthe cocktail better than Shaker's), mouth-watering aromas from the kitchen brought me up to the bar for a satisyingly filling, delectable seared tuna steak, topped with grated orange peel. YUM! A true throwback to the prohibition era.
(5)Tom C.
The Pernod Absinthe is very enjoyable for $10 and well-suited to the old world atmosphere of the place. But the ghost tour is an unforgivable ripoff: $20 per person to walk around a smelly old building and see a couple photoshopped pictures. The cigar bar is neither ventilated nor air-conditioned. And what's up with the unfriendly bartenders? There's too many good watering holes in Milwaukee to bother with this one.
(1)Anthony S.
Big fan! The meatballs were delicious, as was the bruschetta and pizza. Who would have thought that a book club meeting would have uncovered a cigar bar with tasty cuisine?
(4)Philia R.
I wish they had a negative star-because that is what this place should get! This place was just AWFUL, OVERPRICED, and a WASTE OF TIME. The owner must really not care about his business, because I tried contacting him several times about my experience with no answer, oh well. We had a tour-a whopping $25 a person, only to be shown the bar (literally, they take you outside in the alley, then bring you back in the bar and show you two pictures)/basement (It is really messy and dirty) / and penthouse by a guide that was very new, inexperienced, and should not have been giving the tour. She kept saying 'ummm' 'umm' 'you know what i mean' and 'what's the word i'm looking for.' She repeated the story the owner had told us and that was it, she couldn't think of any other stories. We weren't expecting to see ghosts, we were just wanting to learn more about the building and different experiences people had had. What a complete waste of time. The only thing she was able to talk about was trying to sell things at the bar, for example, she spent the first half hour of the tour telling us about the Absinthe drinks they had, took our order, and then we went up stairs and she was telling us that they rented out the room. That was it, we paid $25 a person to be given a sales pitch, see a dirty basement and inside of a bar? Ugg, again, WHAT A WASTE OF TIME. Oh the best part, the tour was supposed to be an hr-we were in and out within 40 mins, that is including the time they made us, a group of 13 sign forms and pay individually. In addition, everything is really expensive and the staff isn't friendly at all, as soon as the tour was done we immediately wanted to leave to go someplace/anywhere else for dinner and drinks. I will repeat so that hopefully no one else gets sucked into this scam-WASTE OF TIME, OVERPRICED, RUDE PEOPLE!
(1)Rob V.
Bring your own cigar. Beers are good but pricey ($6). Interesting atmosphere. Free wifi.
(3)Alton D.
If you are looking for one of the most unique bars in Milwaukee...THIS IS THE PLACE. Excellent food [top quality with sustainability], everything in the bar was hand picked by the owner [all original interior, pure awesomeness], sweet tunes...fantastic bartenders! Single malts, huge selection of beer and booze. Don't ignore the menu either. You can't beat the food quality and if you are VERY lucky...Bob may the the chef on the line. Without question...if you love quality, service, and cigars...this is the only place in town.
(5)Michael S.
there is a little bit of something for everyone.
(4)Ari S.
Shakers is a pretty interesting place. When you first walk in it looks like an old time cigar bar. The furniture is unique, the whole vibe of the place is just different. I went there for food and the ghost tour. The pizza was pretty good, and the drinks were from the prohibition era. The tour was interesting ( I don't want to give it away), we were shown different things and it was clarified that we might not see any ghosts. They also talk about the best times to come if we want to see ghosts. The problems I had were that the waitress had NO idea about the place. We asked her which was the best pizza and she told us she didn't know. Then we asked her for the most popular prohibition cocktail and she didn't know. I understand if you don't have an opinion, that's fine. Except, when I asked her to tell us a little history or any information on the place and she said she didn't know. At that point I was just disappointed. This place is suppose to be one of Milwaukee's most interesting places to dine and the waitress couldn't tell us anything about food, drinks, or the establishment? Anyways we kept everything position and overall did enjoy our experience. Better service is necessary, we definitely would have stayed longer after the tour.
(3)Athanasios K.
$5 dollars for a Schlitz?
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