A new bar is planned for 34 Maverick Square, where The Spur's owners hope to build a late-night gathering place with a cowboy theme and a fundraising mission for rescue dogs. The Spur is expected to open in the next few weeks, following a project that has stretched on for nearly two years.
The Spur is the venture of business and life partners Joe Skoczylas and Corinne Balesano, according to The Boston Globe. The Skoczylas family has owned the gray stone building at 34 Maverick Square for more than a century. The couple took over the liquor license from neighboring Eddie C's after it closed in early 2025. The Globe reported that a complete gut renovation followed, with a collapsing roof and other unexpected structural issues complicating the work.
The Globe reported that Balesano has worked at Union Oyster House and bartended at Lolita in Back Bay and Scampo in Beacon Hill; she also works part-time as a nurse at Salem Hospital.
A Cowboy Bar, Not a Country Bar
The owners distinguish The Spur from Nashville-style country bars. “There is a big difference between country and cowboy,” Skoczylas said, according to the Globe.
The Globe reported that the concept has drawn interest in East Boston's Latinx community. Luis Vasco, who owns Taco Mex across the street, told the paper that his father once rode a horse through Maverick Square decades ago. The bar aims to welcome people from all walks of life.
Whiskey, Live Bands, and a Food Truck Kitchen
The Globe reported that the planned drinks include classic cocktails, whiskey, local beer, Happy Cow Vodka—a woman- and veteran-owned, milk-based spirit made with ethical animal treatment in the western United States—and Tito's Vodka, whose For Dog People program supports dogs. Steven Mendoza, a former Marine and professional rodeo athlete, is the bar's general manager and entertainment director. He has spent months scouting local and national acts for a rotating lineup that will include rock-leaning country, jazz, surf rock, and throwbacks.
Rather than build a traditional kitchen, the team is seeking permits for a food truck to serve as the bar's kitchen and a hub for late-night food, the Globe reported. The plan is to stay open until 2 a.m.
Betting on Animal Rescue and a Livelier Maverick Square
The owners plan to donate all merchandise sales and a portion of bar proceeds to animal rescue organizations, with initial support going to Texas-based Paws Saving Paws, according to the Globe. Skoczylas and Balesano adopted their dog, Zero, from the organization. Donations will also match tips left for the Spur's live bands.
The Rescue Mission
According to Paws Saving Paws, its mission includes rescuing dogs facing euthanasia in shelters and vulnerable strays and helping them find permanent homes.
