Hey friends,

After 11 years behind the bar at Ha!, I (LZ) and my team have had the opportunity to take over Ha! and keep its heart beating, just with a new name, a fresh glow-up, and a few fun upgrades. If you’ve ever posted up for a post-shift drink, swapped stories with a stranger, or closed it down singing with the regulars, you already know: Ha! wasn't just a bar. It was a second living room. A neighborhood classic. A little rough around the edges—in all the best ways.

The vision? Keep what you love, update what needs love, and gently shift the vibe to reflect where we’re headed next. For many years, this little corner spot has been a place where people come to unwind, connect, celebrate, and feel at home. When we stepped in to take over the space, our goal wasn’t to reinvent it; it is to care for it, preserve its spirit, and help it thrive for years to come.

As we’ve begun the process of revitalizing the space, we’ve discovered that behind the scenes there’s more work needed than originally expected. Along with the cosmetic updates we’d planned, we’ve uncovered aging infrastructure and equipment issues that need attention to keep the building safe, functional, and welcoming.

We’re currently in the process of closing briefly to take care of these improvements, and while we’re investing as much as we can ourselves, the scope of work has grown beyond what we anticipated. That’s why we’re reaching out to our community for support.

✨ A Facelift & Fresh Energy

Make critical behind-the-scenes repairs and upgrades

Improve comfort, safety, and functionality

Refresh the space while honoring its history

Ensure this neighborhood staple can continue serving the community for years to come

Fresh paint, patched walls, updated lighting, and added decor

New barstools, seat cushions, and a backbar upgrade

Minor renovations to open up the space for better flow and connection

️ Behind-the-Scenes Upgrades

A walk-in cooler to replace our aging fridges and to keep your beer extra cold

An updated air heating and cooling system

A new stove and grill to replace the outdated one

A new stainless steel table setup for our dishwasher to contain water and mitigate water damage to the floor

A Delicious, Streamlined Food Menu

Still tasty, still open late

A Few Fun Additions

Pinball machines (!!)

Themed nights and community events

A growing non-alcoholic and herbal elixir menu, rooted in my herbalism background—designed to help folks feel good, not just get buzzed

A cozy, adult-focused (21+) lounge atmosphere—sorry kids, but this one’s for the grown-ups

Community, Art & Connection

At the core of all this is a commitment to community. I want LZ’s to be more than a bar, a gathering place where neighbors, newcomers, and old friends can connect.

We’ll host:

Regular workshops (like DIY tinctures and holiday wreath-making)

Rotating art shows featuring local creatives

Events that spark conversation, laughter, and joy

Honoring What’s Come Before

None of this would be possible without the space—and the people—that came before. Ha! has been a haven for laughter, long conversations, wild nights, and tender ones too. I’m endlessly grateful to the previous owners Al and Alycia for the community they’ve nurtured here over the years. Their care and commitment built the foundation for this next chapter, and I plan to carry that legacy forward with love, humor, and a touch of herbal mischief.

This bar has been a home for so many of us over the years. I’ve laughed with you, cried with you, danced and toasted and weathered the wildest nights behind this bar. And now I have the chance to carry it forward—to preserve its soul and give it the tools to thrive into the future.

If you’ve ever danced here, made a questionable decision here, met someone here (or left someone here), you’re part of what makes this place special.

Every dollar helps. And if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign means the world.

Thanks for being part of Ha!’s past, and hopefully the future of LZ’s Tavern.