Don’s TV & Repair Speakeasy, located at 1100 S. 1st St., might initially seem like a place to fix your broken appliances. And indeed, people do bring in their gadgets. However, behind this deceptive facade lies a hidden gem where you’re more likely to find yourself indulging in decadent boozy shakes and mouthwatering burgers than achieving clearer TV reception.
The secret to entering this unique spot? The password.
“If you really wanna know, we’ll give it to you when you make the reservation,” reveals operations director, Sean Wille, who also owns Movida at Hotel Madrid. “But we want to give customers a fun entry experience, so not knowing the password might be the way to go. Visually, there are many hints in the entryway.”
Entrance of Don's TV & Repair Speakeasy – A deceptive facade hiding a retro bar experience. See photos of the speakeasy.
Once you’re past the faux TV repair shop, you’ll step into a retro-techno wonderland filled with quirky and delightful details. Vintage television signs, old desktop computers, iconic characters from 80s and 90s movies, and video game consoles from your childhood – or perhaps your parents’ – create a nostalgic and visually captivating atmosphere. Explore these photos to get a glimpse of the unique ambiance.
Don's TV & Repair Speakeasy interior showcasing retro TV sets and decor – Explore photos of the vintage speakeasy ambiance.
Close-up photo of Don's Speakeasy's retro decorations – View detailed photos of the 80s and 90s themed bar decor.
The menu at Don’s is a comforting mix of classic diner favorites. Indulge in ground brisket “naughty” smashburgers, generously topped with their signature “angel sauce” cheese. Don’t miss the hot-n-crunchy tots, daily fish fries served with exceptional horseradish potato pancakes, weekend brunch options, and “brinner” plates for those who love breakfast for dinner. These photos showcase some of the delicious diner fare available.
Photo of Don's Speakeasy's smashburger – See photos of the delicious food at Don's TV & Repair Speakeasy.
Tater tots at Don's TV & Repair Speakeasy – Photos of classic diner food with a twist at Don's Speakeasy bar.
The drink menu is just as playful as the decor, offering a vibrant selection of beverages. Create your own boozy or non-boozy shakes, piled high with full-sized desserts. Share a crockpot-filled Old Fashioned, perfect for couples. Sip on tiki drinks adorned with paper umbrellas, and enjoy all your favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic staples. Browse photos of the creative and fun drink options at Don’s.
Boozy milkshake at Don's TV & Repair Speakeasy – View photos of the extravagant drinks and shakes at Don's retro bar.
Craft cocktails at Don's Speakeasy bar – Explore photos of the drink menu and cocktail creations at Don's Milwaukee.
On a recent Thursday night visit, we experienced 10-cent Martini Night. While potentially risky, Don’s smartly limits customers to three ‘tinis. “It’s a throwback to old school, three-martini lunches,” Wille explains. “And if you want a fourth, we’ll happily serve you a cup of coffee for the road.”
Don’s keeps the fun going with other nightly specials and gimmicks. Mondays are Fuzzy Dice Night, where rolling double sixes or ones means your meal is free. “We’ve had quite a few winners,” Wille mentions. Tuesday nights feature “Penny For Your Tots” with one-cent tater tots, and Wednesdays offer 99-cent Burger Night. Check out photos from past special events and themed nights.
Martini night special at Don's TV & Repair Speakeasy – See photos of special events and themed nights at Don's bar in Milwaukee.
Originally launched as Don’s Diner & Cocktails in 2018, the nostalgic concept evolved during the 2020 pandemic into a neighborhood grocery store and to-go spot. The community’s support during this challenging time was significant. “At one point, we were selling a couple hundred fish fries a night. Cars were looped around the entire block,” Wille recalls. “This meant a lot to us, so when we were able to reopen, we wanted to bring the best of the best to our customers.” Photos from the reopening show the vibrant atmosphere and community spirit.
Exterior photo of Don's TV & Repair Speakeasy showing the entrance – Photos of Don's TV & Repair Speakeasy exterior and neighborhood setting.
Wille cherishes the heartwarming conversations Don’s fosters. “People come here for family nights, date nights, or outings with friends and coworkers, and almost everyone shares a memory about corded phones or Blockbuster,” Wille says. “These conversations are really important to us.” These photos capture the warm and inviting environment that encourages connection and nostalgia.
Want to know the password to Don’s TV Repair & Speakeasy? Go here.
Don's TV & Repair Speakeasy sign – Photo of the vintage-style sign for Don's TV & Repair Speakeasy, Milwaukee.
Interior seating at Don's Speakeasy – View photos of the comfortable and retro seating areas inside Don's bar.
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