Unicorn Lounge In Lansing: Dive Bar History & Reviews
Can a single establishment encapsulate a community's history, its social heartbeat, and the lingering echoes of countless stories? In Lansing, Michigan, the answer, for decades, has been a resounding "yes," and that establishment is, or rather, was, the legendary Unicorn Tavern, now reborn as the Unicorn Lounge.
The tale of the Unicorn, now entering a new chapter as the Unicorn Lounge, is more than just the story of a bar; it is a microcosm of Lansing itself. It is about a place where cold beer, stiff drinks, and live music were served with equal measure, a place where the laughter of regulars mingled with the clinking of glasses, creating an atmosphere as unique and enduring as the city it called home. The bar, located at 327 E. Csar E. Chvez Avenue, and formerly at 327 E Grand River Ave in Old Town Lansing, has always been more than just a place to grab a drink; its been a cornerstone of the community, a refuge, and a testament to the enduring power of the classic dive bar experience. Now, under new ownership, the legacy of the Unicorn continues, promising to carry forward the same worthy purpose: serving good times to all who walk through its doors.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | The Unicorn Lounge |
| Former Name | The Unicorn Tavern |
| Address | 327 E. Csar E. Chvez Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906 (Original location: 327 E Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI) |
| Style | Classic Dive Bar, Event Venue |
| Key Features | Pool Table, Jukebox, Live Music, Unique Atmosphere |
| Former Owner | Tommy Malvetis |
| Current Owners | The Gillespie Group |
| Atmosphere | Enchanting, Creative Cocktails, Sense of Wonder |
| Known For | Serving cold beer, stiff drinks, live music and fostering community. |
| Hours | First Come, First Served (No Reservations) |
| Reference | TripAdvisor |
The Unicorn Tavern, a Lansing institution for 34 years, closed its doors on June 10th, leaving a void in the hearts of many. However, the spirit of the place lives on. The shift to the Unicorn Lounge, overseen by The Gillespie Group, is not just a change of name; its an evolution, a modernization while still maintaining the bar's unique character. The new owners are determined to keep Tommy's Unicorn and dive bar mantra alive.
The legacy of the Unicorn is inextricably linked to Tommy Malvetis, the legendary owner who passed away at the age of 94. Malvetis was a fixture behind the bar, a constant presence who, at 85, could be seen at any time of the day or night, working nearly seven days a week. He was, in essence, the embodiment of the bar itself. The recent passing of Tommy Malvetis in December cast a long shadow, but the decision to revive the space and keep its heart beating speaks volumes about the bar's and Tommy's enduring impact on the community. As one patron recalls, playing a gig there on New Year's Eve of '06 and watching the old timers dance with such joy. "Tommy was a nice guy. It was a true Lansing dive bar and I'm sure when Tommy passed away it could never get that same vibe again."
The Unicorn's reopening as the Unicorn Lounge has already generated buzz. The bar is not just an ordinary establishment; it is a fantastical venue where reality meets imagination. It has always been known for its enchanting ambiance and creative cocktails that captivate everyone who steps through its doors. The bar's ability to transcend the typical nightlife scene has made it a popular choice. The new iteration promises to uphold this tradition, offering a unique experience in a city known for its diverse and vibrant bar scene.
Lansing is, after all, a bar town. It's a place where, as one person put it, "If you can think of it, it's in Lansing." From comedy clubs and nightclubs to dive bars, wineries, breweries, and sports bars, the city caters to a wide range of tastes. The Unicorn Lounge fits neatly into this eclectic mix, continuing the tradition of providing a welcoming space for all. Beyond the specific ambiance, the Unicorn's long history is woven into Lansings story as well. It had the first liquor license issued to a Lansing bar after Prohibition in 1933.
The transformation into the Unicorn Lounge comes with some changes, the most obvious being a shift in address. The new location has been meticulously renovated, with the front windows being worked on by Matthew Dae Smith and Randy Pestka of Right Way Signs. The bar's core essence, however, remains. The promise of cold beer, stiff drinks, and the camaraderie that defines a classic dive bar remains the same.
The Unicorn, both in its past and present incarnations, exists as more than just a business. Its a hub of social interaction, a place where memories are made, and where the community convenes. The dive bar atmosphere, with its pool table, jukebox, and ample seating, invites people to unwind and connect. It is a place of first come, first served basis, where the focus remains on the experience. Although reservations are not typically taken, there are special considerations for lunch. It's a place where live music and creativity thrive, an event venue that also celebrates queerness. The shift in name is more about the evolution of the place to meet today's market, but the core is there.
The Unicorn Lounge, as the successor to the Unicorn Tavern, is poised to continue this legacy, inviting a new generation to discover the magic that has made the bar a beloved Lansing institution. With new ownership and a refreshed space, the core mission stays: providing a space for people to enjoy each other's company, relax, and experience the unique charm of a Lansing classic. The bar's role in the community, therefore, remains critical, as the city continues to evolve.
The spirit of the Unicorn is about more than just the space. It's about the people, the conversations, the shared experiences. It's about the feeling of belonging, the sense of history that permeates the walls. Its about Tommy, and the countless others who have contributed to its story. It is a testament to the enduring power of community. In a city that understands the importance of its watering holes, the Unicorn Lounge stands ready to raise a glass to the past, present, and future of Lansing, its people, and the stories that continue to unfold within its walls.
