Blind Tiger Speakeasy Opens In Bay View

Milwaukee is no stranger to the speakeasy.

Boasting retro classics like Shaker’s Cigar Bar and the SafeHouse, the city has long had an affinity for bars with a style or atmosphere evoking America’s Prohibition era.

Among a host of speakeasy-style establishments popping up throughout the city is Blind Tiger, which had its soft opening Friday in Bay View.

The speakeasy is located at 2242 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. inside Makk’n’Cheese, the restaurant’s flagship location, which opened in August 2020. A second location later opened at 2911 N. Oakland Ave. in 2021.

Originally designed as a dual-concept establishment, owner Marcos Ramos-Garcia has temporarily closed the Bay View Makk’n’Cheese with plans to redesign the space. In the meantime, Blind Tiger will serve a limited menu of Makk’n’Cheese favorites.

Blind Tiger was originally intended to open in 2020, but those plans were waylaid due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The space has been used for small events and private parties throughout the past few years.

The bar serves wine, bourbon and several signature cocktails ($12) including the Blind Tiger Mule, with Jim Beam Peach Bourbon, Xante Pear Liqueur and Goslings Ginger Beer and the Ranchwater Spritz: 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila, real passion fruit puree and club soda.

Blind Tiger also offers tobacco-free, electronic “e-hookahs” in flavors like mint, cotton candy, blueberry, watermelon pear, grape, cherry and raspberry.

Although Bay View has a diverse selection of post-bar eats, guests won’t have to travel far for a late night snack. Blind Tiger offers a limited menu of tapas including elote, tomato soup and spinach artichoke dip, plus a variety of sandwiches like The Rodger That, a three-cheese melt and The Willie Philly Cheesesteak, with seared steak, provolone cheese, red and green peppers, onion and chipotle drizzle.

“Blind Tiger” is a Prohibition-era phrase. During the nation’s 13-year ban on alcohol, tiger-themed decor was used to signal to customers that an establishment sold alcohol after hours. The tigers, aka law enforcement, were blind to the fact that illicit business was being conducted.

The kitchen is open at Blind Tiger on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. The bar is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to close.

Ramos-Garcia did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.

Blind Tiger is available to rent for small parties and gatherings. Those interested can call 414-837-3054 or email info@myblindtiger.com.