Eight years after opening Phelanies Speakeasy in downtown Montrose, owners Phil and Melanie Freismuth are giving the business across from Horsefly a new identity.
Later this month, the bar — whose name is a mashup of Phil and Melanie — will reopen as Phelanies Tipsy Tiki Bar, replacing its Prohibition-era cocktail lounge atmosphere with a tropical concept featuring frozen drinks, colorful décor, expanded patio seating and a more casual experience.
Freismuth said the decision reflects how Montrose’s bar scene has changed since Phelanies first opened in 2018.
“When we opened Phelanies, there were no distilleries. Nobody was really making good craft cocktails,” Freismuth said.
Since then, local distilleries have opened, more restaurants and bars have expanded their cocktail menus, and craft cocktails have become far more common throughout Montrose.
At the same time, Phelanies’ longtime lead mixologist was ready for a change after years behind the bar.
“So we decided, you know what, let’s switch it up,” Freismuth said.
Rather than continue competing in an increasingly crowded craft cocktail market, the Freismuths decided to create something they believe doesn’t currently exist elsewhere in Montrose.
Inspired by beach destinations they have visited over the years, the new bar is designed to transport customers into a tropical setting with bright colors, island-inspired décor and beach imagery throughout the space.
“We travel a lot. We go to a lot of beaches, and this is kind of what we like,” Freismuth said.
The menu will reflect that theme.
Phelanies Tipsy Tiki Bar will feature frozen cocktails and tropical drinks such as rum runners and mai tais while continuing to serve classic cocktails from the previous menu, including old fashioneds and Pink Ladies, for customers who still want familiar favorites.
Beer offerings will include Kona Brewing and LandShark alongside domestic selections including Coors Light, Michelob Ultra and Pabst Blue Ribbon.
The food menu will shift toward lighter fare while keeping some customer favorites. Flatbread pizzas will remain, joined by shareable items such as pork belly with pineapple and other small bites.
One of the biggest physical changes is outside.
Freismuth said the patio at Phelanies saw little use under the speakeasy concept. The new layout makes the outdoor space a focal point of the business, creating room for larger groups, private gatherings and future acoustic live music performances.
The covered patio remains, but is more well lit and should get more use
“We’re paying for (those areas), so why not use them?” he said.
The redesign extends throughout the building.
Customers will find artwork created by local artists, including custom wood carvings and other handmade pieces. Freismuth said one local wood carver donated several carvings, including an Al Capone figure from the speakeasy era, simply because he wanted a new project. Additional artwork is being created by local artist Isaac, who also carved the custom doors at Sister Burrito, and a large beach-themed mural will be installed on the patio.
Freismuth credits much of the new look to his wife, Melanie.
“That’s all Melanie,” he said. “She’s got an eye.”
He said the goal was to create a space that immediately puts people in a different frame of mind.
“You walk in and it feels good,” he said.
The new concept is also intended to be more approachable. Rather than focusing on premium-priced cocktails, Freismuth said beers will start around $5, with tropical cocktails offered at several price points to make the bar accessible for customers looking for a casual drink after work or a night out with friends.
“It’s more, let’s just have fun,” he said.
Customers will still be able to move freely between Horsefly Brewing Co. and the tiki bar, giving visitors access to both concepts during the same visit.
The business is expected to open in late July, with a grand opening celebration planned for August after staff have time to work through the opening weeks.
For Freismuth, the change is less about leaving the speakeasy behind than adapting to a changing market while creating a destination unlike anything else in town.
“We’re just trying to make something unique,” he said.
The Tipsy Tiki Bar, Freismuth said, will be open Wednesday through Sunday.
Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.
