That’za Pizza in Cortez now sports a comfortable new lounge, artistic mood lighting, and a new full bar that specializes in martinis.

Black leather couches and club chairs invite customers to enjoy a drink of their choice as they wait for a table upstairs at Lotsa Pasta. Customers may also enjoy a pizza and calzone in the new cozy seating area, at the large bar, or at one of several roomy booths.

The classic, urban lounge has a night-cap vibe, perfect for relaxing with friends and family while sipping a beer or cocktail after a great meal.

Owners Wayne and Julie Nadolske, along with their eight employees, put in the hard work for the extensive remodel, which stylishly transforms the lower level of the popular Cortez eatery.

“We wanted to offer something extra for our customers to enjoy. It’s a big change down here,” Julie says. “Plus, I’m a martini girl!”

Choose from a dozen martinis. The Lemon Drop, Tiramisu and Cosmopolitan are popular, and the Triple Sec and Lemoncello are made in-house.

The new lounge has a collection of classic board games as well to keep everybody entertained.

A refurbished cast-iron pizza oven was added into the That’za Pizza kitchen during the remodel. The multideck, gas-fired unit replaces a conveyor-belt pizza oven system.

“We love our new oven,” manager Josh Hayes said. “It cooks the pizzas to perfection with just the right amount of crunch in the crust.”

One deck in the oven is dedicated to gluten-free pizzas and calzones. And a Sicilian-style pizza will be on the menu soon.

“We’re excited about our new look and improvements,” says Wayne. “We’ve trained our staff in bartending, and welcome people to come over and check us out.”

Happy Hour is from 3-5 p.m. And don’t forget the popular specials. On Tuesday, kids 12 and under eat free at Lotsa Pasta; on Wednesday, enjoy all you can eat pasta and breadsticks for $5.45; Fish Friday is a local hit; and That’za Pizza has daily specials as well.

Lotsa Pasta and That’za Pizza are located at 1020 S. Broadway in Cortez. For Lotsa, call 564-9131; for That’za, call 565-8500.