During my recent absence, I had the opportunity to spend some time at a location that I had been wanting to visit for the last few years, The Safehouse in Chicago. If you’ve followed my blogs for any amount of time or have listened to me on GWI or MMG, you know that I am pretty much obsessed with all things spy. It doesn’t matter if it is books, games or music – I love it! Hell, I even visited a museum in DC dedicated to the craft! So, when I first heard that there was a spy themed restaurant, you know I had to go there!! 

So, the “cover” for the restaurant is International Exports, established in 1966 (which is the same year that the original Safehouse opened in Milwaukee). As you enter, you find yourself in an office that could easily be M’s outer office, with a computer, a world map and other office accoutrements, including a door that looks just like the door that leads into M’s office. The people in the office ask you for the password – if you know it, you’re allowed passage, but if not, you must do something to prove yourself fit for admission (i.e., something pretty silly, but fun). Once you prove yourself safe for admission, a panel in the wall slides open and you walk through to find yourself in a stark concrete entrance to an underground lair. Descending the stairs, another panel slides open and you’re in. Honestly, the place feels like a neutral ground location where mercenaries, spies and assassins hang out and share drinks and stories of near misses and botched missions. It would take me forever to describe all of the coolness just from walking inside, so I’ll simply strongly suggest that you check their website and the Instagram account.

Once you’re seated, your server, or “agent”, hands you a name tag to add your agent name to and, after explaining the ordering process, gives you a list of items within the restaurant to search for. There are more on the app, as well. They ensure you can become as immersed in the murky world of spies and assassins as you desire while getting well fed. I had a drink dubbed the Spy’s Demise, fried cheese curds and the Texas Turmoil. LOVED IT!! For a place that was hopping, it was amazing that I had my food within 10 minutes of ordering.

After my meal, there was still more spy stuff to do. As I left through the secret exit, there is a stark room with a telephone. You dial a three digit code, walk into an empty room that opens into another empty hallway and the updated Mission: Impossible theme plays, complete with lasers that you can navigate around to not set off any security alarms… maybe? I navigated successfully so I didn’t find out. I then strutted to the exit, found a place to put my agent nametag on the wall and exited… into the lobby of the hotel next door. The clerks look up and smile as if they are part of the operation as well and wish you a good evening.

I am more than willing to drive six hours just to go the Safehouse again… and maybe actually completed the scavenger hunt next time!  If you go to the Windy City and don’t visit this epic location, you are doing yourself a serious disservice!