Fun Not Fancy opens The Bar, a ‘dive’ option in southwest Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — One of Cedar Rapids’ largest independent restaurant groups has added another neighborhood bar and grill to its portfolio.

Fun Not Fancy’s latest opening, literally named “The Bar,” launched at 1100 First St. SW on April 1 after a brief soft opening at the end of March.

Their latest offering brings Fun Not Fancy partners Justin Zehr, Tim Kindl, Tim Oathout and Cale Henderson together for their first joint restaurant opening.

The new joint, filling the vacancy left by former Tex-Mex restaurant Lucita’s Diner on the corner of First Street and 11th Avenue SW, brings a distinct new option to Fun Not Fancy’s portfolio that may give some diners déjà vu.

While Cliff’s Dive Bar & Grill in downtown Cedar Rapids opened in 2021 with a hammed-up dive bar theme, The Bar will serve as an actual dive bar in practice — not just aesthetics.

“We can acknowledge that Cliff’s isn’t actually a dive bar — it’s a gimmicky dive bar,” said co-owner Justin Zehr. “It’s poking fun at different aspects of dive bars. This is closer to a dive-y sports bar.”

What’s inside

The aim with each element of interior design is an unassuming, “come as you are” type of comfort.

Inside, the dated wainscoting style is making a resurgence on the bar’s paneling. Booth walls are adorned by lush purple carpet. Overhead lamps are complete with tassels — a tie-in to the consistent vintage lamps across the Fun Not Fancy portfolio — and wall sconces ensure the carpet is well lit.

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“We’re not out-thinking the room. We’re not trying to scare anyone away. We want this to be the place everybody’s comfortable,” Zehr said.

Above booths, an old piece of Cedar Rapids history draws the eyes: a “WORLD” sign pulled from the historic Strand Theater in downtown Cedar Rapids, which later became the New World Playhouse in 1960.

The little wall space that remains is dominated by nine large TVs — enough to give every table its own set in the small space. The owners promise to “clutter it up” more to imbue Fun Not Fancy’s signature personality as the restaurant earns its seasoning.

Slot machines fill a bare spot by the front entrance, and pull tabs will soon be available for purchase. As the weather warms up, the restaurant will finish setting up patios in the back and on the sidewalk.

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Situated across from the Ingredion plant and near the Czech Village, owners envision The Bar as a space with similar neighborhood appeal and “gravitational pull” to The Sacred Cow in Oak Hill Jackson.

“We want to be Cedar Rapids friendly. We want to give people, number one, what we know is tried and true and loved,” Zehr said. “But we want to give ourselves a place that we want to hang out at on the regular. All of us love dive bars.”

The space’s former tenant, Lucita’s Diner, closed in October after 7 years of operation.

The food

In keeping with its accessible theme, the one-page menu is simple and straightforward — nothing that needs much elaboration.

But as many diners feel the pinch from compounding pressures at restaurants, like inflation and credit card processing fees, the majority of The Bar’s menu is $12 or less — not far off from the cost of a McDonald’s combo these days.

“This will be one of the more affordable of our places,” Zehr said. “We want folks to come here and feel like they’re getting good value.”

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Appetizers start with fried all-American classics: onion rings, mozzarella sticks, mini tacos, shrimp, and macaroni and cheese bites.

The basic smash burger’s crispy edges come stacked with the standard toppings — lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles. Or, you can opt for the onion smash burger served with grilled onions, American cheese, pickles and pub sauce.

Breaded chicken and pork tenderloin sandwiches take residence on the menu with the same standard toppings, all served with a choice of crinkle cut fries, pasta salad or cottage cheese.

Chicken wings and tenders are available in an ample selection of sauces. Fried shrimp and chicken tenders are also available as combos with fries.

Pizza will be available in 10- and 14-inch pies, as well as single slices for late night diners.

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For $4, you can add a single chicken tender and some fries to any order for your dinner date or significant other who may claim they aren’t hungry.

The lowercase-B bar will offer similar familiarity. In addition to taps and bar basics, its program will feature a quality margarita and moscow mules.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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