“I had the idea to create a handcrafted cocktail scene that Springfield has been desperate for - trying to pair it up with the likes of Dayton and Columbus and trying to rise the quality of bars in the area,” Lazear said.
The Market Bar will offer 10 to 12 cocktails, wine and a substantial scotch and whiskey selection, Lazear explained. Along with drinks, there will be live music, open mic opportunities and classic movies shown in the alley.
Lazear said one of his favorite cocktails, the “Southside Bee’s Knees,” features gin, rosemary honey syrup and fresh squeezed lemon juice that is shaken and served in a coupe glass with fresh mint.
“It’s just an absolutely amazing cocktail that I can not wait to share with the public and our guests,” Lazear said.
Prior to opening The Market Bar, Lazear was a bartender at Mela Urban Bistro in the Courtyard by Marriott hotel on South Fountain Avenue for eight years.
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“I loved the team I was with, but I guess it’s natural progression,” Lazear said. “It’s time to create something and contribute to the redevelopment of downtown Springfield.”
Lazear is also the general manager at North High Brewing’s Taproom in COhatch The Market.
He said the taproom and bar, two different entities, will work together to create two different entertainment spaces.
“We will work together to create a seamless experience for our guests, while offering separate entertainment - a sports vibe at North High Brewing and an art, live entertainment vibe at The Market Bar,” Lazear said.
To ensure the safety of guests during the coronavirus pandemic, The Market Bar will have an ordering station, table-side service and the bar will be limited to groups with proper social distancing, Lazear explained.
The Market Bar’s soft opening is 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Django Hatch will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
The bar will officially open at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 12.
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Lazear and Hatfield were planning to officially open this Friday, but due to the city’s curfew (now lifted) earlier in the week, Lazear said they decided to hold off on officially opening.
Hours of operation will be 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Lazear said they are planning to open earlier on Saturdays in the near future.
Lazear, a proud Springfield native, said he is ready to help build community and invest back into Springfield.
“I am most excited to showcase to the community an elevated cocktail experience,” Lazear said. “I’m excited to bring the community along, sharing this journey and being creative, while having a place to comfortably enjoy entertainment.”
Other vendors in COhatch The Market, located at 101 S. Fountain Ave., include Crust & Company, The Painted Pepper, Cork + Board, North High Brewing, Ironworks Waffle Cafe and Fresh Abilities.
For more information on when each vendor is open, search for the vendor on Facebook.
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