The Lancers Lives On — A Neighborhood Bar with History, Heart, and New Ownership

Tucked along Park Boulevard since 1963, The Lancers has been a longtime fixture in University Heights as a bar with history, heart, and a sense of familiarity that keeps people coming back. It’s one of University Heights’ longest-standing businesses. Before it became a bar, the building housed a pharmacy and, before that, a lumberyard. While the neighborhood has evolved over the years, The Lancers has remained a constant: the kind of place where the bartender probably knows your name, and the vibe never tries too hard.

This past May, longtime bartenders Lisa Johnson and Chelsea Roop, along with Chelsea’s husband, Tom Logsdon (formerly of The Balboa), officially took over ownership. Between them, they’ve spent more than 30 years behind the bar. Now, they’re leading The Lancers into its next chapter, committed to keeping its old-school spirit alive.

Previously, the bar was owned by Marc “Bubba” Rosenberg, who ran the bar since 1978 and left behind decades of stories and memories. From early-morning regulars to hospital workers finishing night shifts, to pool-playing college students and off-duty bartenders, The Lancers has always been a place where everyone is welcome.

Lisa describes it best, “The best thing about working at Lancers is that it is a little chunk of history — the rich neighborhood history, ostrich farms, trolley lines and all that good stuff — but the real history we dig is the people that live in the area. We see first dates, people fall in love, they get married, and have their after-party here. They come home to visit after they move away, and the bar still looks the same. Transplants from other states walk in and are so happy because it looks like their hometown bar. People walk by the door all the time and lift their kid up so we can see what a good night at Lancers can do.”

With a few thoughtful updates — like ADA accessibility, card payments, and more non-alcoholic options — the new owners are keeping the place true to its roots while making it more welcoming to all. Lisa states, “You have to change a little with the times, but you don’t have to give up your soul.”

It’s still The Lancers: a little worn, full of soul, and deeply loved.