We’ve Been Bottling This Up

But the last space in the renovated Princess Theatre building has been claimed. Accessible only via a brick alley, the speakeasy-style entrance is fitting for the cozy bar that will soon open inside, called Cork. A new venture by Patrick (Pat) McKee and his wife Janeen, it has seating for couples and groups, inside and out. “It’s a place where women feel good and guys are comfortable,” says Pat. “It’s also not compartmentalized like a lot of other places, you walk in and you see everyone. You’re in a community space.”

The tall ceilings and exposed brick speak for themselves, says Pat, who plans to keep the walls mostly empty. One exception will be a photo of Janeen’s Pap Pap, who represents the family’s lineage from County Cork in Ireland. They’ll honor that heritage by carrying not just wine, but all kinds of corked beverages.

Pat has an extensive hospitality background and is a co-owner of Standing Room Only, the tiniest wine shop in the area, but he’s known as “the karaoke guy,” aka the owner of Moore Karaoke. Once Cork is fully open, he says he will no longer be doing karaoke to focus on the bar full-time, but we’re not certain he can’t be convinced to pick up a mic. 

An opening date has not been set, but it could be in the next few weeks. The hours will then be Tuesday through Thursday 4-10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 4-11 p.m. at 143 NE Broad St., Southern Pines. For updates, follow Cork on Instagram.