Tap room planned on Wisconsin Avenue

Plans have emerged to resurrect an old favorite Whitefish watering hole.

Reisch Family Partnership is seeking a permit to open the Montana Tap House on Wisconsin Avenue in the building that once was home to the popular Dire Wolf bar and restaurant, and before that, The Place.

Dale Reisch, who owns Markus Foods, says the Tap House will offer 50 different tap beverages, including a selection Montana beers, seasonal beers, some wines and even soda.

A food menu will be available with entrées prepared next door at the Alpine Market, which is owned by Reisch’s son.

“We envision you can get a good meal in there, too,” he said.

Reisch 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 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.”

Reisch says he’s heard from a lot of locals who miss the Dire Wolf’s casual niche in the Whitefish restaurant scene.

“A lot of people loved that place,” he said. “We want to keep that same atmosphere. It’s got a wonderful feeling inside that building.”

Tamarack Ski Shop is planning to occupy a retail space in the building, as well.

The Whitefish Planning Department is recommending approval of the permit with conditions. The city planning board will review the proposal Jan. 21, and City Council will consider the permit at their Feb. 1 meeting.

Longtime Whitefish restaurateur Gary Elliott and his wife Bev originally constructed the building in the 1970s for their restaurant The Place.

Reisch doesn’t have plans for any big remodels.

“We’ll keep the same look,” he said. “It has that old Montana look.”

The building most recently was home to the Cowboy Cabin antique shop.