The Best of Both Worlds in Grand Junction
Story By: Stone Quinn
Photos By: Poppy Williams
In the heart of Grand Junction, Colorado, lies a hidden gem offering two vastly different experiences under one roof.
At 417 Monument Road, Handlebar Tap House invites visitors into a cozy Western atmosphere where handcrafted burgers meet local brews. As you enter the restaurant, a wall of rotating taps lines the back of the bar, showcasing everything from classic lagers to local IPAs.
April 2025, Grand Junction; Handlebar, a restaurant known for their burgers and beers is located on the corner of Monument Road. Inside the more casual bar is a door that leads patrons to a Speakeasy. Poppy Williams.
Local Cooking And Brewing
“We have 24 rotating taps, and a lot of what we carry comes from Palisade and other local breweries,” said Jackson, a bartender at Handlebar. “We even let guests sample different beers to help them find something they love.”
With rotating taps, Handlebar is proud to say they host local brew from Palisade. Offering sample glasses is a unique experience one doesnt find at all Tap houses, which gives a welcoimg feeling to the establishment. Besides the local beer, they proudly promote that all beef is raised by local-family owned ranches and have no added hormones, add in locally baked bread, and you’re getting the full Grand Junction experience.
April 2025, Grand Junction; Handlebar offers plenty of beer and wine options on tap, in the lower bar. Options from local IPA’s to popular Colorado brands like STEM Cider and ODell Brewing. Head up to the Manhattan Project, the speakeasy located inside, for a selection of in house craft cocktails. Poppy Williams.
But if you’re in the mood for something completely different, there’s a mystery waiting to be discovered.
Scroll to the bottom of Handlebar’s website and you’ll find a subtle link titled “The Manhattan Project.” Clicking it opens a sleek webpage with an elegant logo that is reminiscent of a Nuclear sign with what appears to be a Martini Glass in the middle of it and to the side a text that reads “Located somewhere in Grand Junction.” But what is it? What is this mystery location?
A Hidden Speakeasy
“Did you come for the speakeasy?” asked Jordan Brockman, a Handlebar employee “Go through that gray door, and up the stairs, ”
In the back of Handlebar stands a gray door with the same Logo that appeared on the The Manhattan Project website. Open the door and you enter an office-like space with a flight of stairs to the side.
April 2025, Grand Junction; The door to the Speakeasy, Manhattan Project, is marked by the bar’s logo. Reminiscent of a nuclear sign, the yellow marker serves as the main clue to the hidden bar. Poppy Williams.
As you ascend two flights of stairs, you’ll find a bathroom sign—and next to it, an old bookshelf. A faint sound of laughter leaks through the cracks, and after some tough looking there is a hidden buzzer on the shelf. Press it once and suddenly you hear a click, and with a little effort the bookshelf opens up.
Inside is The Manhattan Project, a speakeasy inspired by the era of 1940s science and style. With seating for just around 20 people, the space is intimate and sophisticated. Guests are welcomed to seat anywhere with a main bar and area surrounded with chairs and lounge seating. Behind the bar sits a huge glass mirror, with the The Mahnhattan Project Logo carved into it. Located around the whole speakeasy are black and white framed photos that set a tone. Not to mention the beautifully arranged crystal-clear glassware, it all comes together to create a theme.
April 2025, Grand Junction; The bar inside of The Manhattan Project that shows its fine glass wear and liquor options, with a huge mirror that has the logo located in the middle of it. Poppy Williams
“It’s all themed after the actual Manhattan Project, the one from World War II,” said Brockman. “There are refernces throughout the space, like the mirror and the actor portraits, that give it that Manhattan vibe.”
Though it shares a building with Handlebar, The Manhattan Project is a separate establishment with its own liquor license and identity.
“It’s the same owner, but it operates as a completely different bar,” explained Brockman. “That way, it keeps the separation and gives people a totally new experience.”
That intentional separation only enhances the speakeasy mystique. Customers often visit Handlebar without ever knowing what’s hidden above.
April 2025 , Grand Junction; Handlebar and Manhattan Project’s bartender crafts a peanut butter and jelly cocktail from a peanut butter IPA. Poppy Williams.
“I’d been to Handlebar a few times,” said Michael Acker, a student at Colorado Mesa University. “I had no clue about the speakeasy. When I finally found it, I felt like I’d walked into another world. The drinks were amazing, and the vibe was unforgettable.”
The Manhattan Project isn’t just about appearances—it delivers on quality too. The cocktail menu includes everything from classic Manhattans and Old Fashioneds to custom house specialties made with infused liquors and fresh ingredients. There’s also a wine list if one is looking for a more sit down and sip occasion. It truly feels like one is in Manhattan.
Handlebar Tap House and The Manhattan Project together offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re craving a hearty local burger and Colorado beer or looking for a refined night of cocktails and city elegance, both are just steps apart.
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