Tap house OK'd at iconic location
<p>The Montana Tap House is planning to open on Wisconsin Avenue in Whitefish.</p>
A plan for a tap house on Wisconsin Avenue has received city approval.
City Council on Feb. 1 approved a conditional use permit for the Montana Tap House in the building that was once home to the popular Dire Wolf bar and restaurant and The Place.
The Tap House plans to offer 50 different tap beverages including a selection Montana beers, seasonal beers, some wines and soda. A dining menu will be available with entrées prepared next door at the Alpine Market.
Dale Reisch, who owns Markus Foods, told the Pilot he wants to keep the atmosphere casual and family-friendly, in the same spirit as the restaurants that previously occupied the space.
“We see our place as more of a hangout place for families,” he said. “We won’t be staying open late — it will be a different atmosphere than a traditional bar. People can hang out and relax.”
Tamarack Ski Shop is planning to occupy a retail space in the building, as well.
No extensive remodeling is planned for the exterior of the building.
Under the CUP, more landscaping will be required and 19 parking spaces will added to the 27 already on-site.
Longtime Whitefish restaurateur Gary Elliott and his wife Bev originally constructed the building in the 1970s for their restaurant The Place. It was most recently the Cowboy Cabin antique shop.