Address: 422 S. 2nd Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
Phone: (414) 272-4222
Website: shakerscigarbar.com
History of Shaker’s Cigar Bar
Located in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood, Shaker’s Cigar Bar is more than a popular lounge — it’s a landmark with a dark past and a haunted reputation. Built in 1894, the structure first operated as a cooperage for Schlitz Brewing Company.
During Prohibition, the building became a speakeasy, allegedly controlled by members of the Capone crime family. The upper floors served as a brothel, while illegal liquor flowed in the basement. In later years, the building’s shadowy reputation continued — stories suggest that serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer occasionally visited in the early 1990s.
In 1986, entrepreneur Bob Weiss purchased the property and transformed it into the Shaker’s Cigar Bar we know today: part restaurant, part lounge, and a full-fledged haunted destination in Wisconsin.
Paranormal Activity at Shaker’s
The bar embraces its ghostly reputation, calling itself “America’s Most Haunted Bar.” Guests, staff, and paranormal investigators have reported unusual experiences throughout the building.
Ghostly Encounters
- Elizabeth in the Restroom: One of the most famous spirits is an 8-year-old girl named Elizabeth. Visitors claim faucets turn on by themselves, stall doors slam shut, and giggling can sometimes be heard when no one is there.
- The Basement: Once a mob hangout, the basement holds especially dark energy. Paranormal tours point to two sets of human remains discovered under the floor with ground-penetrating radar. Guests have described strange noises, cold spots, and a feeling of being watched.
- Bones in the Walls: During roof work in the 2000s, charred bones belonging to a young woman were discovered hidden in the walls. Forensic testing suggested they had been there for decades.
- Former Brothel Rooms: Shadows and phantom footsteps have been reported upstairs, where brothel workers once lived and allegedly suffered violence at the hands of mobsters.
Energy Tied to the Past
Some believe that the lingering spirits are victims of violent crimes tied to Milwaukee’s mob era. The building’s old cistern is rumored to have been used to dispose of bodies, adding another chilling layer to the story.
Tours and Visitor Experience
Shaker’s isn’t just a bar — it offers multiple ghost tours for those curious about its haunted past. Tours include:
- Walkthroughs of the basement, vaults, and cistern, where mob activity once thrived.
- Exploration of the upstairs brothel rooms, hotspots for paranormal encounters.
- Seasonal events such as Halloween ghost hunts, séances, and after-hours tours.
Guests often combine the tours with a night of cocktails, food, and cigars. Even those who don’t experience full apparitions often report cold drafts, flickering lights, or disembodied whispers during their visit.
Visiting Shaker’s Cigar Bar
Shaker’s is open to the public as a cigar bar and restaurant, so it’s easy to drop in and soak up the atmosphere. For those seeking more than dinner and drinks, the guided haunted tours give an in-depth look at the building’s darker history.
Safety Note: Never trespass on private property or restricted areas when exploring haunted sites. Paranormal investigation can be dangerous — always use caution and respect the location.
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