Located on the top floor of the former Trocadero building at 1758 N. Water St., a modern speakeasy awaits you: Leo Lounge, a hidden-in-plain-sight secret with delicious cocktails that'll make you swoon.
Found above Tauro Cocina, you may either access Leo Lounge through the side door or ask the host/hostess about the speakeasy, walk through the main dining room to a side door toward the back of the restaurant and head up a grand staircase. There, you'll be transported into a romantic cocktail paradise.
When you imagine a speakeasy, you might first picture a dark and moody hideout with a members-only energy – but Leo Lounge brings a uniquely inviting colorful pop to the concept. Elegantly accented in pink, this modern speakeasy features eye-catching local art by female artists and a poppy playlist the whole crowd can sing along to. And as you stare into a golden welcome mirror sitting on a handpainted bar top, you’ll see the weekly featured drink – or even a personalized message for you.
Even with all that, though, your adventure hasn't truly begun until you try one of Leo Lounge's creative cocktails. Follow along with the skilled bartenders from Leo Lounge as they show off some of their thirst-quenching creations here:
For instance, there's the Lavender Fizz, the ideal cocktail whether you're relaxing after a long day of girlbossing or starting the night off right with the ladies on a girls' night out. This sophisticated sip combines gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice and flavorful lavender syrup, with an elegant layer of aquafaba resting at the top of the glass.
Continue your rosy evening with something sweet and floral like the Rosa Paloma. This gorgeous take on the classic paloma features Rosa Pink Tequila, grapefruit juice and hibiscus syrup topped with grapefruit soda. When your lips touch the rim of the glass and taste the spicy tajin rim followed by a sweet floral kiss of the paloma, the shockingly smooth combination will serve as a treat for anyone who loves sweet and spicy.
And forget what you know about a Manhattan – try Leo Lounge's Womanhattan. This divine drink features Mezcal, sweet Vermouth, orange aromatic bitters and boozy cherries, an addictive cocktail remix for all the classy ladies.
Currently, the Leo Lounge is only open for events, click here to book your event or call (414) 488-2941 to try these heavenly drinks for yourself. To read more about it, click here.
Courtney Bondar is an adventurous Multimedia Journalist at OnMilwaukee, covering all things Milwaukee. Born and raised in Greendale, WI, Courtney has a deep-rooted connection to her hometown and a strong desire to explore and showcase the vibrant city of Milwaukee.
You can often find Courtney all over Milwaukee, attending exciting events - documenting her experiences on her Instagram stories. Her genuine enthusiasm for her work shines through in her posts - as she strives to capture the beauty of the city and shares it with her followers.
Courtney's passion for writing is evident in her engaging and heartfelt articles. While she covers a wide range of topics, she particularly enjoys delving into the intricacies of dating culture and the art of mixology. Her insightful and thought-provoking pieces offer a unique perspective on these subjects, captivating readers with her authenticity and wit.
After dedicating herself as an intern at OnMilwaukee, Courtney's hard work and dedication paid off when she earned her well-deserved diploma. Now, as OnMilwaukee's first full-time multimedia journalist, she is fully committed to continuing her journey - bringing her distinctive voice and storytelling skills to the forefront.
