Setting the stage: Faraway Place hosts grand opening May 2

After spending a year trying to navigate the heavy expectations and legacy of Malarkey’s Pub, owner-operator Jesse Bartnik and his team are ready to write their own chapter. This weekend, Bartnik is trading the past for a fresh, authentic vision, as he opens the doors to Faraway Place — a brand-new, music-driven venue designed to give Wausau an elevated escape.

“We decided it’s best for everybody, to put the finishing touches on that chapter that was Malarkey’s and all of the awesome things that happened there over the years,” Bartnik said. “So instead of watering that down, to us it made sense to start something new and fresh that matches our staff and what we’re trying to accomplish.”

The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 4 p.m. at the Third Street location, featuring live music by “jammy” funk acts Ifdakar and Rugg. Bartnik views it as an opportunity to show off their new vision, which centers on local live music.

“We’re really getting into the flow of things and it gives a chance for everybody to see the updates to the space,” he said.

If you ever bumped elbows trying to order a drink during a packed show at Malarkey’s, you’re in for a breath of fresh air. The first thing patrons will notice is the brand-new, musician-built stage that’s been relocated to create a dedicated lounge and better bar flow.

“We’ll be able to have far bigger shows,” Bartnik said. “One of the issues before with Malarkey’s was when there was a show and especially a big one, you couldn’t get to the bar. Now with that on the other side, you’ve got a chance to get to the bar with a little bit more breathing room.”

Moonbadger christens the newly built stage at Faraway Place. They will play every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Contributed photo

Bartnik said the longterm goal is to have shows live-streamed by projectors on the bar side of the venue as well, letting guests grab a drink or bite at the bar without missing out on the show.

In Ojibwe, “Wausau” translates to “a faraway place”. It’s a fitting namesake for the reimagined downtown venue, which aims to serve as a “third space” where locals can lose themselves in original live music, thoughtful cocktails and food options with ingredients sourced from local businesses whenever possible. The highlight of the new menu is locally sourced smashburgers, nestled in proprietary buns crafted by Eesa Bakery and Cafe, a new business set to open on Forest Street later this summer.

The old Mumble Wrap mural (which sits opposite the new stage) was updated to depict a smashburger — the venue's signature menu item.

Michael Strasburg photo

“We’re trying to bridge that gap where people can still feel good about going out and they can have a little bit more of an elevated environment while still being able to have affordable food to go with it,” Bartnik said.

Ultimately, Bartnik hopes the redesign and new philosophy will provide the Wausau community with a truly immersive experience.

“The name Faraway Place just felt a little bit whimsical,” Bartnik said. “Hopefully people will be able to enjoy the environment, feel like they’re somewhere else, and kind of forget where they are.”