Kips Bay has recently welcomed Common Country, a 3,400-square-foot venue at 344 Third Ave, featuring a southern-inspired aesthetic. According to Time Out, the bar's interior includes deer taxidermy and rustic wooden beams sourced from Kentucky, creating a setting that reflects a southern, rather than urban, vibe.
Before becoming Common Country, the space was occupied by Sucker Punch Sports Bar, which was operating successfully but did not align with the country theme that the new venue aimed to introduce. "You can see that the demand [for country culture] is steadily rising in New York," Noah Aussems, managing partner of Common Country, stated in an interview obtained by Gothamist, having observed the momentum behind country music's mainstream resurgence. The transformation appears to have paid off, with lines of eager patrons spilling onto the sidewalks.
The menu at Common Country features Southern-inspired dishes, such as elote fritters, and a drink selection focused on Tennessee and Kentucky whiskeys. The bar is designed to offer a Southern atmosphere, with late-night hours until 4 a.m., as Time Out notes. The venue includes decor like straw bales and Southern-themed cocktails, creating a country-inspired experience in the heart of the city.
Not just satisfied with décor and cuisine, Common Country complements the experience with an array of themed entertainment. Guests at the bar will have the chance to line dance or belt out pop country hits during karaoke, besides enjoying live bands and DJ sets. With its doors open until the early hours, the latest hotspot caters to those seeking an alternative to the typical New York nightlife, as described by Time Out.
These honky-tonk-inspired urban oases are not confined to Manhattan alone. Jesse Hornstein, as reported by Gothamist, was inspired by a trip to Austin, Texas, to launch Molly & June’s NYC Honky Tonk, a monthly event series. He tapped into the growing trend to facilitate a sociable environment that he felt New York bars were lacking, with the partner-dancing format creating a "very quick bond" among attendees. Hornstein and Aussems emphasize the inclusive and welcoming aspects of country culture, noting that, when done effectively, it can provide a sense of Southern comfort in the city's typically more distant social scene.
