On our last night in Chicago, we were treated to a wonderful experience at a restaurant called The SafeHouse. This is the second location for this spy-themed restaurant (the first being in Milwaukee) but I could definitely see it growing. In fact, during dinner, we mentioned several times that this would be a huge hit in the Orlando area.
Your first challenge is finding the restaurant. There is an address, but there isn’t a big splashy entrance like you’ll find at most restaurants. In fact, the only clues are a small plaque and a few signs – on a busy street like this one in Chicago, you have to look carefully or you’ll miss it!
Open the door to find a simple reception room. The receptionist asks who you are there to see. If you know the password, you’ll be let right in. Don’t worry if you don’t know the password though – you’ll just have to do something to gain access and prove you aren’t a double-agent. If your kids are with you, ham it up – they’ll love it.
The restaurant is really amazing. Once seated, you’ll be greeted by your special agent and asked to make your own special agent nametags – which you are now known as …
Our agent – Agent Mardi Gras was as fun as her name implies and she didn’t let us off the hook at all. We had a variety of fun challenges throughout the meal that we had to complete. Being a competitive family, we relished the chance to try to beat each other to the answers, solve the puzzles, etc.
The atmosphere is upbeat, quirky and so interesting. We were encouraged to touch everything (especially the things that said “do not touch”), investigate to our heart’s content and just have a good time. I won’t give away too many details here because I don’t want to ruin YOUR fun. Just know that the more involved you are, the more you will enjoy your experience.
I will rave a bit about the food. The menu had a nice variety of appetizers (we went with the cheese curds as recommended by Agent Mardis Gras), drinks (Spicy Margarita anyone?), salads, burgers, and entrees. For us, the standouts were definitely the MOAB (mother of all burgers), Nachos Camp Stanley, and Covert Chopped salad. YUM. The portions were very large, so keep that in mind – we did not leave hungry. In fact, we walked back to our hotel as we were so stuffed.
The intrigue continues even as you leave the joint. Exiting the place isn’t easy, but it is fun – I’ll just leave it at that.
This is a great place to take your kids for a fun night of entertainment and good food. It was the perfect way to end our trip to Chicago on a high note.
Thanks to The Safehouse for hosting us for dinner. All the opinions expressed are my own.
https://www.safehousechicago.com/ 60 E. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 312-313-1007
Looking for more Chicago fun?
Fun, fun, fun!
If we are ever in Chicago, we’ll have to check this out!
Yep, a good time was had by all!
This is so great! I was recently in Milwaukee and wanted to go to the SafeHouse there but didn’t get a chance. Sounds like so much fun! I heard if you don’t know the password they have you do the chicken dance! True or false?
Well, we didn’t do the chicken dance, but we DID have to show our best kung fu moves! I did see others doing the chicken dance so I think they mix it up.
This sounds like so much fun–such a cute theme restaurant. I’m always hoping someone will bring me games or puzzles to keep me occupied as I wait for my meal. 😉
So true Megan – we had tons of things to do while we were waiting – think scavenger hunts, magic-type puzzles, etc. Fun stuff!
Spy theme restaurant? That is fun and unique one. I had never been in Chicago, so I will make sure put this on list when I visit there, someday!
Yes it was unique – Chicago is a fun city too – great for kids with so much to do!
What an evening! My hubby would love something like this. Wish I had known about it when we lived in Chicago – will have to look for one around our neck of the woods.
It was fun – would be a good date night for sure. With this being the second one (first in Milwaukee) I can totally see another one opening – and Orlando would be a prime location – fits right in with Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex and the like.
This looks and sound so fun! When my kids get a little older I want to do this with them!
Yes, I think by age 7 or 8 the kids would really start loving it.
I’ve been to the bar in Milwaukee, but not the restaurant in Chicago. Love the concept for sure!
Tina, I’d love to go to the one in Milwaukee soon too – might have to plan a trip in the near future!
So cool. I hope Orlando would get one, as that is in my back yard. So glad I found your blog on the FB group today. 🙂
I think it would be a great fit in Orlando, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
How fun! I bet my kids would love doing this. Food and fun, we’re in!
Exactly!
I’ve done a murder mystery dinner but never a spy dinner! Looks like fun!
Katy, we did one of those once too – it was fun!
What a way to spend a night out! So fun!
Yes it was a great last night in Chicago.
I would be so down for this! My family…not so much! haha… but what a fun themed dinner and experience.
Love it – you may have to just drag them along – or go with friends!
This looks like so much fun! Definitely right up my alley.
Janine, give it a try if you are ever in Chicago or Milwaukee.
This is such a great concept for a restaurant. I love it!
Kristi, it was a great concept – very fun.
The food looks and sounds delicious here and it sounds like such a cool place to visit! x
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That sounds like such a fun dinner experience! I’ve been to Chicago several times and I never knew about this place!
This sounds like so much fun! Restaurants like Safe House and Escape Room keep popping up everywhere I look. Maybe it’s a sign that I should pay a visit!
We haven’t done an escape room yet, but it’s on our list!
This sounds amazing! My husband and I have been talking about spending a weekend in Chicago and he would absolutely love this! I going to pin it to one of my group boards. I don’t want to forget where to find it 🙂
Erin, you should check it out – it was fun!
Such a cool idea! Will definitely need to check this out the next time we are in Chicago.
Are you kidding?? So fun!
What a fun theme! And good to hear that the food was good. Adding it to my Chicago list of places to visit!
Yes, it’s great that not only was the theme cool, but the food was actually good!
Looks like fun!
This is so my kind of place. I’m going here the next time I’m in Chicago!
You definitely should!
This is a great idea for a fun family night out. I’m glad you explained the concept, but didn’t reveal all of the cool surprises I’m sure you experienced throughout the night.
Yes, trust me I wanted to, but it will be way more fun if you find out on your own!
This sounds like so much fun for date night with a group of friends.
Kesha, it would be a great night with a bunch of friends – fun things to do, good food, good drinks!
This looks awesome! What a great time!
It was so fun Erin!
How fun! I’ll have to check this out on my next Chicago or Milwaulkee trip!
Oh this looks like so much fun for my family, especially the big kids. Do you know if they have other locations in the US?
Ruth, the only locations are in Chicago and Milwaukee – I could definitely see them expanding though!
It’s been decades since I was in Chicago….it looks like I need to make plans to go back. This looks so fun and Spicy Margarita? Yes!
Spicy margaritas are the BEST!
That is an awesome theme. Love the name tags.
Thanks! We had fun coming up with names!
THIS is fantastic!!!! LOVE a good spy story!!!
Me too!
I love named restaurants and this sounds like an absolute blast!
I like themed restaurants too and this was a little different than most.
This looks like so much fun! We love Chicago so we’ll look it up next time!
For sure – it was a great experience.
That’s so cool! I would love to experience a spy restaurant, my boys would love it!
My kids were big fans!
What an awesome time! I have to try this place!
Please check it out!
I would absolutely love something like this. Such a fun twist on a traditional dining out experience.
Agreed – almost like dinner AND a show 🙂
This sounds like fun! And I love that you can take kids.
Yes! It’s sometimes hard to find fun evening activities in a city WITH kids.
We are in Chicago a lot, and we will add this to our list! Thank you!
Great! What other things do you love to do in Chicago? We are there often too!
Themes are my thing! I love a great theme and bonus points if it’s crime or spy-themed! This looks like a great time. I’ll HAVE to look into this next time I travel to Chicago.
It was very fun – the whole family got a kick out of the evening.
I’ve heard of this place before, looks so cool. We’ll have to visit next time in the area.
You definitely should – it was a ton of fun!
What a fun restaurant!!
Yep – so fun!