2 speakeasies bring swank to restaurants
Two Milwaukee restaurants have something new to offer with the opening of speakeasies this month, bringing swanky cocktail lounges to existing restaurants.
On July 16 Blind Tiger celebrated its grand opening. It joined the Makk’n’Cheese space in Bay View, 2242 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., where it serves 1920s themed cocktails while continuing to serve mac dishes.
Leo Lounge, a speakeasy that celebrates femininity, opened in its own space on July 9 above the new Tauro Cocina, 1758 N. Water St.
Blind Tiger
Blind Tiger was part of the concept of Makk’n’Cheese when it opened in August 2020, but started as a rentable event space.
The front of house, where Makk’n’Cheese was served, was combined with the back bar to create Blind Tiger, a 1920s themed speakeasy that still serves Makk’n’Cheese menu items.
“It was a matter of us doing a bit of a remodel and bringing Blind Tiger to the entire space,” said owner Marcos Ramos-Garcia. “So basically we’re still serving makk’n’cheese and we brought the speakeasy to the entire space.”
Blind Tiger serves old fashioneds, martinis and Moscow mules and unique cocktails like a lavender Collins.
Blind Tiger is open 5 p.m. to bar close Thursday through Saturday. Makk’n’Cheese is open 5 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Leo Lounge
Above Milwaukee’s new Mexican and Italian fusion restaurant Tauro Cocino is Leo Lounge, a glam vintage lounge with artwork by local female artists.
The restaurant, owned by couple Ahide and Alberto Valdepena, is named for Alberto’s zodiac sign, a Taurus, and restaurant is modeled after his kitchen creations. The Leo Lounge, named after Ahide’s zodiac sign, represents her favorite things.
“We work well together, but we have different likes,” Ahide said. “He likes to be in the kitchen. I like drinks and happy hour.”
Leo Lounge serves Rosa Tequila, along with various rose options and other feminine-named drinks such as the woman-hattan, instead of the Manhattan.
The Valdepenas commissioned artwork for the upstairs, including artwork by Yesi Perez and Liz Fierro.
Access to the bar will be available through the restaurant during operating hours, otherwise patrons will go to a side door, where a doorman will ask for the password. Ahide gave the hint that the password is related to the venue and is a zodiac sign.
Leo Lounge is open Friday and Saturday 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.