"We really tried to keep a bit of the old place's feel," said co-owner Andreas Kleinert.

Kleinert and his wife Kristy Venrick have already added hardwood floors and renovated bathrooms to tidy up the space, and they have lots more plans for the upcoming months.

They hope to outfit the patio with seasonal decor, like a Jamaican summer setting ideal for sipping pina coladas from coconuts, as well as to open up a side room for wine tastings. Overhauling the sound system is also a high priority.

"Kristy is in a band [The Azoic] and I enjoy playing music, so we're very particular when it comes to music and sound quality," Kleinert said.

The peace-sign decor and hand-painted walls have been toned down a bit, but many of Vic's old charms remain: open-mic nights, familiar menus, live entertainment and, naturally, a punching bag in the women's restroom.

Opting for more of a bistro feel, the owners replaced the old booths with tables and chairs.

German-born Kleinert contributes a European flair to the food menu, with items like the Auf Schalke ($7) - a baguette with leberkase, sauerkraut and spicy mustard - and thin-crust pizzas with toppings like tuna and eggs. "It sounds weird, but it's really good. You have to just try it," he said.

Victorian's still offers a menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. Its popular late-running breakfast includes hearty breads alongside entrees with snappy names like The Big Lebowski ($5.25) - two pancakes topped with eggs.

Vic's started as a coffee shop, and their selection of freshly roasted beans from Caffe Apropos warrants sipping - add a little Baileys if you'd like. A mimosa or Bloody Vicki ($5.50) is a hell of a way to start a morning, and many seem to partake on weekends.

In the evening, the bar's daily happy hour means half-priced drafts like Great Lakes Burning River, Bell's Amber Ale and Warsteiner - that's $2 well spent.