Bar Lyssa, a one-of-a-kind venue combining a rage room, cocktail lounge and nightclub in downtown Loveland, is asking for community support as it faces mounting financial challenges, alongside many other small businesses in the area.
Bar Lyssa opened last August and was created to offer a symbolic outlet for frustration, providing patrons a place to “rage” safely by smashing recyclable glass and other objects before transitioning to dancing, socializing and connecting. Inspired by the Greek goddess Lyssa, the bar’s deeper mission was to transform negative emotions into joy and human connection—a concept often misunderstood by the public.
“We wanted to create a place where people could channel frustrations harmlessly, laugh about it and then dance together,” says owner Howard Perko. “Lyssa is not about promoting rage; it’s about helping people overcome it and find community.”
Not into rage? That’s OK. Bar Lyssa offers an early evening atmosphere akin to a Greek staycation, with elegant cocktails, hand-painted murals by local artists, Greek arches, historic architecture and a distinct absence of televisions to encourage real conversation. As night falls, the venue transforms into a lively nightclub with laser lights, Northern Colorado’s top DJ performers, a high-quality sound system and dance music.
Despite its distinctive character, Bar Lyssa faces significant headwinds, including economic pressures, lingering misconceptions about its mission and, more recently, major construction disruptions downtown.
The ongoing Heart Improvement Project (HIP Streets), a revitalization effort along 4th Street, has limited access to many downtown businesses and is expected to continue until spring 2026. While the improvements promise long-term benefits, many small businesses are struggling in the short term.
“Downtown Loveland’s small businesses—owned our by friends and neighbors—are at risk,” Perko says. “If we lose them, downtown could look like every other town in America, dominated by corporate chains. A town’s heart is its downtown character, and we need to protect it.”
Bar Lyssa is encouraging the community to take simple actions to help:
- Those who have visited Bar Lyssa and other downtown businesses are asked to post reviews on Facebook, Google, Yelp, Travelocity or their preferred social media platforms to help spread positive awareness.
- Those who have not yet experienced Bar Lyssa or any of the other unique downtown businesses are encouraged to explore upcoming events at barlyssa.com/events and spend time downtown.
- Loveland residents are urged to support all downtown businesses during construction to ensure the downtown remains vibrant and retains its unique spirit. Write to your city council representatives, urging them to invest in the businesses and not just the infrastructure.
Bar Lyssa is committed to providing a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can come together, find release and celebrate life through music, art and human connection.
Contact Bar Lyssa
- Website: barlyssa.com
- Instagram: @barlyssa
- Location: 120 E. 4th St., Loveland
