Yesterday, Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern celebrated the one year anniversary of their opening. It’s hard to believe it’s only been one year, because I have a hard time remembering a time when I couldn’t meet friends or family for an after-work cocktail or spend a Saturday evening on the patio.

Partners Alan Hooper, Aaron Matthews, and Sam Short reopened Zoobie’s after it sat unused for six years. I hear the cleaning was horrific, but they saved a few knick-knacks and some old wallpaper from the original bar. (They threw away the unopened cans of Red Bull.)

Sam is one of Michigan’s three Master Sommeliers, and it shows in the wine selection, including the retail stock. The beer offerings make me wish I liked beer. The specialty classic cocktails are also yummy. The Moscow Mule is a favorite — you’ll see plenty of copper mugs gathering condensation out on the patio in the warm months.

With tables made by the Lansing Makers Network (currently housed across the street at the Temple Building) of reclaimed bowling alley flooring and funky Sputnik lighting from Bohnet’s Lighting, the decor is one-of-a-kind and very Lansing. The patrons are also a wonderful mix of blue-collar folks, hipsters, makers, and Lansing luminaries. It’s the closest I’ve ever been to a real-life “Cheers.” I almost always run into someone I know who I didn’t plan to see. And I’ve met a few new people while waiting in line for drinks.

Oddly enough, my personal favorite thing about Zoobie’s is the popcorn. I cannot overstate my love of this popcorn. I have been known to call my sweetheart and ask him to bring me home bags of it on his way home from work. It’s covered in truffle oil, salt & pepper, and pure delicious magic. I’ve also enjoyed cheese boards, skewers, and (free on Mondays) bratwurst. There will be a lot more on the menu later this summer when The Cosmos Wood-Fired Pizza opens for business.

Find Zoobie’s specials on their website or follow them on Facebook to keep up with the new addition.

(Full disclosure: One of the owners is a relative of mine. Additional disclosure: While I love my relatives, that is not enough for me to endorse anything they are involved in.)