Three months after Milo's Cantina closed amid controversy surrounding a viral video, its owner has opened a new cocktail bar at the same location.

Tiki Temple held its grand opening Wednesday night at 206 Main St. in the City of Poughkeepsie. It features a variety of rum cocktails and a menu that highlights Asian and Pacific influences.

Owner Jeremy Phillips also operates Schatzi's Pub, a successful bar and restaurant with locations in the City of Poughkeepsie and the Village of New Paltz.

Phillips opened Milo's Cantina a year ago this month to rave reviews, and a fusion menu that grew out of some of the favorite dishes at Schatzi's.

However, a video published to YouTube on June 2, which appears to show a bouncer at Milo's putting a customer into a chokehold before slamming him to the ground, incited online outrage from some of the thousands who watched.

No criminal charges were filed with the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, but the State Liquor Authority suspended the bar's liquor license effective June 13 and charged the licensee with operating a disorderly premises, failure to supervise, employing unlicensed security guards and failure to conform to the terms of liquor license application.

In July, the State Liquor Authority accepted a plea deal from Milo's which included a $7,000 fine and a 60-day liquor license suspension.

Phillips, who declined to comment for this story, has operated several licensed locations without issue prior to the incident.

Tiki Temple highlights island drinks, Asian fare

Amelia Craig, general manager of Tiki Temple, described the restaurant as a higher-end tiki bar.

"There's a saying I like that says people drink to escape and they drink to celebrate," she said. "And I think these drinks do both. If you want to feel like you are getting away on an island, they do that. And if you're looking to get together for drinks with friends, they do that."

Craig said the cocktail menu is more complicated than its inspiration. Tiki drinks rose to popularity in the United States after the Great Depression, and they were often simple, sweet drinks.

"It's more complex, as we've added our own flair to it," Craig said.

First-time guests may consider Cut Your Teeth, the restaurant's take on the Moscow Mule, Craig said. And customers looking for a more exciting options may try The Devil's Rejects, a flaming take on the Zombie cocktail.

The food menu features takes on General Tso's chicken, poke bowls and crab rangoon.

The bar boasts a casual atmosphere suited for regulars or special events. It features a 10-seat bar, a traditional dining section and a lounge in the back.

Craig also highlighted an all-female front- and back-of-house staff at the restaurant.

"Bars tend to be a male-dominated business, so it's a nice change of pace," she said. "We have some remarkable, amazing people in the kitchen."

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4882; Twitter: Geoff_LW

Fill up on these stories:

Why barbecue restaurants are popping up across Dutchess County

Golden Corral looks to open mid-November in Poughkeepsie

Pizzeria, chicken wing combo restaurant to open in Poughkeepsie