Winter blues got you down? Good news: soon you’ll be able to escape into a tropical oasis at Fredonia’s newest (and only) tiki bar!

Monster Beach, at 34 W. Main St. (the former site of EBC West), will have a soft opening on Friday preceded by a ribbon cutting with the Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce at 3 p.m. with a grand opening in the works this spring.

Tiki bars are a mid-century trend currently undergoing a renaissance. They draw inspiration from a fantasy version of Polynesian and other South Pacific and Oceanic island cultures. Guests are transported to a paradise filled with tropical cocktails and lavish decor, offering a relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere to escape to.

In the post-World War II era, iconic 1930s tropical club venues like Trader Vic’s and Don the Beachcomber were revitalized by the return of American GIs who had served in the Pacific Theater and brought their memories of exotic locations back with them, which cemented the tiki bar as a mid-century cultural phenomenon.

When asked how tiki bars and monsters will blend together, Christoph Shepp remarked: “Monsters, especially the sympathetic monsters of classic horror films, are often seen as a reflection of society’s outsiders. Many people, myself included, find themselves reflected in the depictions of these misunderstood creatures. To me, the element of monsters and horror in Monster Beach is a way to thematically bring the outsiders back inside, to a place where they can be celebrated, and can show the world what they have to offer. It’s also just plain fun to imagine what kind of bar a group of monsters would create, it’s a unique environment and setting to be in and these days we need all the fun we can get.”

Local residents and tiki enthusiasts Mandi and Chris Shepp are joining forces with Robert Turley, former head brewer of Buffalo’s Community Beer Works, to create a one-of-a-kind destination for locals and visitors alike to relax, unwind, and enjoy a refreshing combination of exotic cocktails and locally crafted beers. In addition to tried-and-true tiki staples like the Mai Tai, Zombie, and Fog Cutter, Monster Beach plans to offer signature cocktails served with a bit of spooky-yet-tropical flair as well as a curated selection of fine rums and exotic whiskies. The food menu will feature elevated mid-century-inspired tropical small plates curated and changed on a monthly basis.

Fans of typical American bar fare can continue to enjoy mouth-watering mainstays like chicken wings, french fries, and beer cheese. Within the next few months, Monster Beach is looking forward to offering a variety of craft beers brewed on-site in small batches.

Alongside house beers that will include an IPA, a lager, and a German dark ale, guests are invited to enjoy a rotating selection of seasonal brews incorporating locally-grown ingredients.

“Beer is one of the oldest human inventions, and I’m excited to bring brewing back to Fredonia,” Turley said. Monster Beach also plans to host regular events such as weekly trivia nights, monthly “scaraoke,” live music, open mic nights, and service industry night on Mondays, along with other theme nights including a monthly LGBTQ+ club night.

Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for details.