Although Brew City is sometimes accused of being behind the times, a new bar puts Milwaukee ahead of the curve. Last week, Don Krause opened a non-smoking, "make-out bar" called Two, 718 E. Burleigh St., next door to his first venture, Art Bar.

What exactly does "make-out bar" mean?

"It’s ‘PDA OK,’" says Krause. "You’ll have no trouble getting to first base here. Of course, there are indecent exposure laws, so most likely not much further."

Two is a cozy, modern lounge featuring only love songs in the jukebox, sharable, upscale cocktails and "kissing booths" complete with heavy drapes and (soon) beaded curtains for privacy.

"What happens at Two, stays at Two," says Krause.

Two has an extensive drink menu featuring champagne, wine, martinis and large cocktails for couples complete with two straws.

"There’s a section on the menu called ‘Sharing’ and it has cocktails with sex-related names," says Krause.

For example, there’s Love Potion No. 9,  Blue Lagoon,  American Beauty, Sex on the Beach,  Chocolate Cherry Kiss and Between the Sheets.

Two features an array of classic cocktails, too, like the Manhattan, Pimm's Cup, Golden Cadillac, Greyhound, Rob Roy, Grasshopper and a super-strong margarita called "Get A Room." 

"We don’t have any blenders though," says Krause. "Too much noise and distraction."

Additionally, there's a small selection of tap Belgian beers and a variety of seasonal hot drinks like Irish whiskey and spiked cider. Krause says he hopes to soon add absinthe to the menu.

"We don't have rail liquor here. Only call drinks. This (place) is more upscale than Riverwest has ever seen," says Krause. "But you get what you pay for. You get it back in ambience."

Two features a dessert menu, as well. Currently, there are five desserts available: strawberry lace cheesecake with white chocolate, red velvet cake, chocolate peanut butter landslide, Tiramisu and a chocolate lava cake.

Krause says he’s still hashing out the dessert and wine menu and both could expand in the future.

Two is a cozy environment, accommodating only 38 people at a time.

"This is a date place, a special occasion place," says Krause. "We’re still in the process of being discovered. People are slowly finding us."

Trying to find a Two customer, however, could prove to be tricky because the lounge has an unpublished phone number.

"We know this could become a secret date place for someone who’s dating more than one person," says Krause.

It’s possible that Two will join the ambient lounge category, along with staples like Bryant’s and At Random. How does Krause feel about this?

"That would be a nice compliment," says Krause. "At Random and Bryant’s have such a great history and if we could get included with them as a date place or special occasional place, I would love it."