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Hidden behind the storefront of “Tv and Repair”, Don’s speakeasy serves up the smash burgers and boozy shakes that made this once diner a neighborhood classic. Get back to brunch with our amazing diner classics available every Saturday and Sunday morning! You’ve brunched… now brunch in a speakeasy!
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1100 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Phone: (414) 808-0305
Website: https://www.donsmke.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: donsmke.com
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Related Web Results
Don’s TV & Repair | Milwaukee Speakeasy, Burgers & Milkshakes
Hidden behind the TV Repair shop is Don’s speakeasy with burgers, boozy shakes, retro-cocktails, and brunch favorites. Grab a drink, grab a burger, …
Don’s TV & Repair Restaurant – Milwaukee, WI | OpenTable
Located on 1st Street, the former Don’s Diner now turned speakeasy. Disguised as a TV repair shop we welcome you to come grab some drinks and TV Dinners.
Don’s TV Repair: Iconic speakeasy restaurant in Milwaukee – YouTube
… milwaukee-tonight/dons-tv-repair-a-speakeasy-restaurant-born-out-of-the-disconnect-of-covid-19 —- TMJ4 News in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is …
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Reviews
Kaia
Such a fun experience! we made a reservation online and got a password sent with the confirmation in our email. From the outside you truly would have no idea that this place is a restaurant and when you get inside it really does transfer you back in time. The food was pretty good but nothing too special, they have a pretty small menu but the options are solid. Overall was a great experience.
… moreVictoria Repp
We visited Don’s for the unique speakeasy experience, and overall it was definitely something fun and different! We had a 10 AM breakfast reservation, and I will say — a lot of people showed up right at opening, which made the entryway/storefront area a bit hectic. If you want to take in the quirky details (which are part of the fun), I’d recommend booking a reservation for a little later than opening to avoid the rush.
The group in front of us didn’t know the password and ended up being sent to the back of the line… but they figured it out after listening to everyone else check in It definitely adds to the experience.
As for the food, it’s just okay — pretty standard breakfast food, similar to what you might get at a dive bar. We tried the fried donuts with bourbon glaze, which were cute and tasty, but nothing extraordinary. We ordered a breakfast plate and a sandwich, and everything was exactly as expected.
Service was very flat from beginning to end. The hostess and our server weren’t unfriendly, but they weren’t warm or engaging either — maybe that’s just the vibe here, but it stood out.
The decor and overall ambience, though, were fun. The place is quirky, nostalgic, and full of personality. The experience itself is what makes Don’s worth visiting, not necessarily the food or service.
I also think the negative reviews complaining about the automatic 20% gratuity are unfair. Anyone familiar with the restaurant industry knows how essential tips are to the staff’s income, and a 20% gratuity is more than reasonable. My guess is those complaints are coming from bad tippers who don’t understand how restaurants operate. It might be in Don’s best interest to post their policy clearly so guests are not surprised when the bill comes.
All in all, I would recommend Don’s — just manage your expectations. Don’t expect a Disney-level polished experience. Go for the fun, quirky atmosphere and the novelty of the speakeasy concept. It’s worth doing at least once!
… moreThe group in front of us didn’t know the password and ended up being sent to the back of the line… but they figured it out after listening to everyone else check in It definitely adds to the experience.
As for the food, it’s just okay — pretty standard breakfast food, similar to what you might get at a dive bar. We tried the fried donuts with bourbon glaze, which were cute and tasty, but nothing extraordinary. We ordered a breakfast plate and a sandwich, and everything was exactly as expected.
Service was very flat from beginning to end. The hostess and our server weren’t unfriendly, but they weren’t warm or engaging either — maybe that’s just the vibe here, but it stood out.
The decor and overall ambience, though, were fun. The place is quirky, nostalgic, and full of personality. The experience itself is what makes Don’s worth visiting, not necessarily the food or service.
I also think the negative reviews complaining about the automatic 20% gratuity are unfair. Anyone familiar with the restaurant industry knows how essential tips are to the staff’s income, and a 20% gratuity is more than reasonable. My guess is those complaints are coming from bad tippers who don’t understand how restaurants operate. It might be in Don’s best interest to post their policy clearly so guests are not surprised when the bill comes.
All in all, I would recommend Don’s — just manage your expectations. Don’t expect a Disney-level polished experience. Go for the fun, quirky atmosphere and the novelty of the speakeasy concept. It’s worth doing at least once!
Scott Besemann
This place was really fun but staff and food stood out. Pricey smash burger but I gotta admit….one of the better burgers I’ve had. And thr mint shake was so huge and festive. Samine(sp?) Was friendly and kind as I navigated the menu and all the sights! Definitely worth the visit but if you are 2 or more people..make a reservation!
… moreJourdan Burnett
Omg what a fun, quirky spot!! Alondra was a fantastic technician. She made our experience wonderful. Food & dessert was delish! And not to mention the crockpot old fashioned was a fun bonus item. Highly recommend if you’re in Milwaukee to make it a point and stop!!
… moreBryan Hintz
We’ve been to Don’s many times and it’s always been one of our favorite places in Milwaukee.. My eight-year-old daughter fell in love with Star Wars at Dons three years ago. She asked me if ownership had changed because everything tasted and looked different. No 80s sci-fi on the TVs and the naughty angel sauce they top their burgers and tots with was watery and tasteless. The tots have always been topped with naughty angel sauce and now it was in a small dish on the side. We had an 8:30 reservation and the server was definitely trying to push us out as quickly as possible. I’ve taken my family there a dozen times and hands-down this was our worst experience there.
… moreLeah W
I had a very sad and disheartening experience here. We arrived on time for our reservation, placed our orders, and although my food and cocktail were both made incorrectly, I didn’t complain because our waitress was very sweet and it didn’t seem like a big deal.
About an hour later, after ordering another round of cocktails, a woman who appeared to be a manager came over and told us that there would be another reservation for our table in about 15 minutes. This was confusing because there was an empty table right next to us, and I noticed that the people who had been seated before us were not asked to leave. What made the situation even more uncomfortable was realizing that we were the only people of color in the restaurant. It made me teary eyed to think that this kind of treatment might still happen in 2025.
When I brought this to the manager’s attention, she explained that the people before us weren’t asked to leave because their table wasn’t needed. That response didn’t sit right with me. A short time later, they brought a $10 credit to our table apparently to make up for the situation, but it only made things feel worse, as if our concern could be fixed with a discount.
I told them I would be writing a review, not because I wanted anything for free, but because I wanted to shed light on what happened. We tipped our waitress well because she truly was wonderful, but we left deeply disappointed and uncomfortable.
We will not be returning, and I sincerely hope no one else has to experience the same feeling of being disrespected or singled out the way we did.
… moreAbout an hour later, after ordering another round of cocktails, a woman who appeared to be a manager came over and told us that there would be another reservation for our table in about 15 minutes. This was confusing because there was an empty table right next to us, and I noticed that the people who had been seated before us were not asked to leave. What made the situation even more uncomfortable was realizing that we were the only people of color in the restaurant. It made me teary eyed to think that this kind of treatment might still happen in 2025.
When I brought this to the manager’s attention, she explained that the people before us weren’t asked to leave because their table wasn’t needed. That response didn’t sit right with me. A short time later, they brought a $10 credit to our table apparently to make up for the situation, but it only made things feel worse, as if our concern could be fixed with a discount.
I told them I would be writing a review, not because I wanted anything for free, but because I wanted to shed light on what happened. We tipped our waitress well because she truly was wonderful, but we left deeply disappointed and uncomfortable.
We will not be returning, and I sincerely hope no one else has to experience the same feeling of being disrespected or singled out the way we did.
Willa Olson
This place is the cutest! Best music, best lighting, best movies. The burgers are good, the fries are great and the shakes are out of this world. 10¢ martini night gets you absolutely blasted and 99¢ burger night is the best deal in the city. Our server Genesis was an absolute diva and delivered fine dining service at a speakeasy diner location. I love Dons and I will be back time and time again. I bring all of our out of town friends here as a special treat!
… moreBrian Fahrnow
Very cool and unique place! 80’s retro themed speakeasy type place that has delicious cheese butter burgers and boozey ice cream drinks that are spectacular! They also have an old fashioned cocktail drink served inside of a crock pot that was very unique. Definitely a must stop place!
… moreAmanda Varga
It was cute inside! I enjoyed the old TV theme and gremlins all over. We were seated fast. I got a salted caramel milkshake which I enjoyed! I got the butter burger and to me it was a normal burger. Nothing special! $11 for a small burger was disappointing. All sides were extra. The onion rings and cheese curds were really good. For 4 of us it was over $150. I’m not sure if it’s worth going back. Definitely a place to check out at least once!
… moreKendra Leurquin
Amazing places to visit, atmosphere was amazing! Food was amazing! First time we visited! Been wanting to trying this place for a long time! Too my sister in law there for her birthday! We all had a great time!
… more