Front Street in busy downtown Milwaukee is packed with history and was a destination for decades, but these days it could easily be mistaken for an alley.
It runs for one block only, between Mason and Wells Streets, and doesn't exactly lend itself to two-way traffic.
But it is indeed a street, not an alley, and you've stepped foot on Front Street if you've been to The Safehouse. The main entrance to the spy-themed restaurant, disguised as "International Exports Ltd.", is on Front Street.
On this week's podcast, OnMilwaukee's Bobby Tanzilo takes us back in time to learn about Front Street's history, including rumored speakeasies and a string of nightlife spots such as The Tunnel Inn, the Elbow Room, the Whisky-A-Go-Go, The Grog Shoppe.
He also explains why there are odd-numbered addresses on both sides of the street, a unique challenge he faced when doing his research.
