"It has so much history to it," Swentzel said of the tavern. "The haunting is very famous. It's in books and podcasts online."

Terre Sims has owned the Ohio for 25 years. The new owners' concept, Swentzel said, is to modernize the pub with a new floor and other accents, and replace some of the outdated equipment.

Just like the Alchemy Cafe owners said when they recently bought the Ideal Bar, the new management of the Ohio doesn't want to change the basic feel of a pub they already like.

"It's just a bar, no thematics, just a neighborhood bar," Swentzel said. "There will be some cocktail stuff, but it's not a cocktail bar.

"You can't go somewhere and get a draft (beer) for $2 and a well-made drink for under $7.50."

While he does plan to have some specialty cocktails on offer, Swentzel is keeping Blatz and Pabst on tap, with the hopes that the tavern "won't alienate the good ol' boys."