New bar dedicated to LGBTQ+ patrons now open in Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR, MI - From Flame Bar to Aut Bar, Ann Arbor has a long history of gay, lesbian and queer-friendly bars.

Uplift is the newest one dedicated to the city's LGBTQ+ community.

The bar officially opened on Oct. 30 at 210 S. First St. in the former Millennium Club location. While there are a few Ann Arbor bars that host events for the LGBTQ+ community, co-founder Saharsh Hajela said Uplift is a full-time dedicated spot.

"We picture ourselves as a queer neighborhood bar where you go and you know the staff and the staff knows you," he said.

Read more: New LGBTQ bar to fill void, 'uplift' Ann Arbor community lacking spaces

The bar offers beers, wines, seltzers, mocktails and will have a list of specialty cocktails once its menu is complete. Uplift is also working with its upstairs neighbor, The Circ Bar, to offer some of its hot food to customers downstairs.

Uplift will offer programming seven days a week including drag brunches, trivia, karaoke, social events and dance parties.

Hajela said Uplift will feature a lot of "regular" community-oriented programming during the week and will have a more "club-like atmosphere," on the weekends. The goal is for people to make connections, he added.

The new bar also wants to be sure to give back. There will be a weekly fundraising event with local non-profits every Sunday. The bar will suggest cash donations, but also donate 10% of proceeds from all of its food and drink sales to each nonprofit.

The business so far has already put on a fundraiser for the Jim Toy Community Center, which recently announced it will be reopening a physical space at 560 S. Main St. to serve as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.

Related: Jim Toy Community Center returning to a physical location in Ann Arbor

Before Uplift was even a thought, Ann Arbor's Braun Court was a place where many people a part of the LGBTQ+ community found comfort, whether it was at Common Language Bookstore , Aut Bar or at the Jim Toy Community's first location .

Hajela said he felt the loss after Aut Bar closed in 2020. Now, he's trying to create a safe space with Uplift.

Read more: Braun Court's last holdout leaving for new spot on Ann Arbor's Main Street

"At Uplift, we don't aim to be a replacement for anything," he said. "There is so much history in Ann Arbor that so many LGBTQ+ trailblazers have created, and we absolutely want to honor all those legacies, but still carve our own path."

His goal is to create a "freeing" experience for those who walk through the doors.

"We want (people) to feel like the things that maybe worry them outside of our doors can't affect them in here," he said. "One of our biggest goals at Uplift is that anyone who comes in can actually relax."

The reaction so far has been amazing, Hajela said, adding he's already had repeat customers and has been serving a diverse group of people. He has also received support from nearby businesses which makes him feel "right at home."

He hopes Uplift can make a name for itself and be a true "community hub" that connects the LGBTQ+ community.

"The thing that has been the most rewarding about this experience is getting to know everybody who's come through," he said. "People have been so willing to share their stories, and it has really underscored the importance of having a dedicated space."

Uplift is currently open 4 p.m. to midnight Monday, 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. until 2 a.m. Saturday and noon until midnight Sunday. Happy hour is from 4 to 7 p.m. every weekday.

Learn more online , on social media or by phone at 734-210-1582.

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