The Penthouse will reopen

By Danica Baker
Herald Staff Writer

April 21, 2008 10:57 am

— CLINTON — Fil’s is moving on up to a deluxe “Penthouse” in the sky, when Fifth Avenue South bar Finally Fil’s closes today and reopens Friday as Joni’s Penthouse Lounge, on the fourth floor of 519 S. Third St.
Fil’s owners, Phil and Missi Petersen, opened the bar in November 2006. He said he has enjoyed operating out of the space, but is looking forward to reopening the Penthouse. The Penthouse has been closed for approximately three years. Petersen noted the bar used to be owned by Jeff and the late Joni Hess, the parents of Fil’s bar manager Jason Hess.
“It’s the old home,” Petersen said. “It’s good to be home.”
Petersen said he would keep Fil’s open, but owning three bars would be too much, as he also owns the Podunk Palace in Goose Lake.
Joni’s Penthouse Lounge will open at 2 p.m. on Friday and be open Sunday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Petersen said the lounge will open at 11 a.m. when the kitchen is ready to serve patrons, which is expected within the next month. He plans to feature bands every weekend and offer karaoke on weekdays.
Scott Manon and the Country Eagles will be featured on the Lounge stage on Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On May 2, Joni’s Penthouse Lounge will host the Miller Lite Friday Fest with Dwyer and Michaels. The event will feature free Mr. G’s Pizza from 5 to 7 p.m., courtesy of Steve Gendreau, owner of Mr. G’s and Illowa Music and Games. The fest will be followed by local classic rock band Cheap Date playing from 7 to 12 p.m. Cheap Date will play the Lounge again on Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The Penthouse will host Ladies Night on Thursdays from 9 to 12 p.m. Petersen also plans to return Lingerie Night to Wednesdays at the Lounge and set drink specials for various sporting events.
In addition to musical entertainment, patrons can enjoy watching their favorite sports on one of four televisions throughout the Lounge. Customers may try their hand at video games in the Lounge or challenge each other to a game of billiards on the pool table or play a dart game on one of three dart boards.
The Petersens thank the customers who have supported Finally Fil’s since its opening and made working in the tavern industry fun.
“We want to offer our thanks to everybody, from our happy hour regulars, to boat employees, pool teams and everyone else, you know who you are,” Phil Petersen said.