New Bar/Restaurant Takes Over the Old Lucita’s Diner in Cedar Rapids

The Fun Not Fancy Restaurant Group has opened up a new neighborhood bar in Cedar Rapids! We're excited to introduce you to... The BAR!

Located at 1100 1st Street SW in Cedar Rapids, The BAR has taken over the former home of Lucita's Diner, which closed last fall. The space sat empty for a few months before being purchased by the Fun Not Fancy Restaurant Group (FNF), which runs a number of popular restaurants in the area, including LP Street Food, Sacred Cow Tavern, Cliff's Dive Bar, and the hip-stir in Marion.

Cale Henderson of FNF says that The BAR is a "fun neighborhood sports bar with really great food." The menu focuses on classic bar fare, such as smash burgers, wings, and pizza. Aside from The Flying Wienie, it's really the only stop on 1st Street between the McGrath Amphitheatre and the Czech Village, so it will be a great stop for bicyclists making their way through the area.

The BAR is also home to bit of Cedar Rapids history: the original sign from the Strand Theatre! Cale's Facebook post reads:

"On October 18, 1915 The Strand Theatre opened in Cedar Rapids. This theatre stood proud for decades with both stage and film until its closure in 1981. In an effort to keep a small piece of this history alive we have mounted the original sign in our newest venture."

The BAR officially opened on April 1st and will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. They plan to serve food later into the evening, but have yet to establish set kitchen hours. That will be determined at a later date.

For the latest updates on The BAR in Cedar Rapids, you can check out the official Facebook page HERE!