A new cowboy-themed bar called The Spur is set to open soon at 34 Maverick Square in East Boston, bringing a distinctive Western atmosphere to the neighborhood. The bar is the joint venture of partners Joe Skoczylas and Corinne Balesano, who combined their personal interests and hospitality backgrounds to create a venue celebrating cowboy culture. Skoczylas’s family has owned the gray stone building on the site for more than a century, and after the closure of neighboring bar Eddie C’s in early 2025, the couple took over the liquor license and began a nearly two-year renovation project.

The Spur aims to embody cowboy culture specifically, which Skoczylas distinguishes from broader country music or Nashville-style themes. He describes cowboy culture as a diverse and historic tradition with roots tracing back hundreds of years to figures such as Spanish vaqueros, Argentinian gauchos, and American cowboys. The lifestyle, he says, embraces an egalitarian ethos and a “come-as-you-are” spirit, reflecting the diverse backgrounds—including Hispanic, Black, and Native American riders—that contributed to the cowboy heritage in the 19th-century United States.

This inclusive approach resonates strongly within East Boston’s Latinx community. Local residents and business owners, including Luis Vasco, who runs Taco Mex across the street, have expressed enthusiasm for the bar’s concept. Skoczylas noted that many Latin American newcomers share a connection to cowboy culture, further underscoring the neighborhood’s interest in the theme.

The Spur will offer a curated lineup of live music that stretches beyond traditional country genres to include rock-infused “red dirty country,” jazz, surf rock, and other styles. Steven Mendoza, the bar’s general manager and entertainment director—himself a former Marine and professional rodeo athlete—has been recruiting a diverse mix of local and national acts to perform regularly.

In addition to creating a lively social space, The Spur is committed to supporting animal welfare causes. Portions of the bar’s proceeds and all merchandise sales will benefit animal rescue organizations, starting with Paws Saving Paws, a Texas-based nonprofit where the couple adopted their dog. Tips collected during live performances will also be matched in donations. The bar’s beverage offerings include spirits from companies that emphasize ethical animal treatment, such as Happy Cow Vodka and Tito’s Vodka, which contributes to canine support programs.

The Spur plans to operate until 2 a.m., aiming to invigorate Maverick Square’s nightlife and encourage neighboring businesses to extend their hours. The partners hope their bar will complement nearby establishments rather than compete, fostering economic growth across the area.

Ultimately, Skoczylas and Balesano want The Spur to be a welcoming gathering spot for East Boston residents—a place where people can enjoy drinks, music, support charitable causes, and connect with the community in a relaxed atmosphere. “Inclusivity is really important to us,” Balesano said. “It’s a really great community over here, and that’s what we really want to foster.”