Today we’d like to introduce you to Corrie McLean.
Hi Corrie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I opened Northside Social in late august 2023, but the vision began long before. We are nestled in North Lawrence, as a local neighborhood bar where the craft cocktail scene meets the quaint charm of your favorite dive bar. We aimed to create a welcoming space for everyone, whether they’re in the mood for a delicious cocktail, a refreshing mocktail, or a simple can of beer.
We proudly host live music from Wednesday through Sunday, free of charge, to encourage support for our local music scene. But how did Northside Social come to be? Having spent my entire upbringing in the hospitality industry, launching this venture felt like a natural progression. The real inspiration struck after graduating from the University of Kansas and spending nearly seven years on the bartending and management team of another local establishment. This experience ignited a passion to create a space that I believe in and want to cultivate—one where everyone can sit back, feel welcome, and safe.
As a female in the bar industry, I strive to foster inclusive spaces for everyone to enjoy. I love the creativity that I am able to express from the space to the cocktails. I think its been an incredible journey as a female in what has been for long time a male dominated world of bar scenes
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While embracing this role, I have certainly encountered challenges—along with a few new gray hairs! I’ve learned invaluable lessons about how I want to run things and how not to. Each corner of this journey has presented a new learning experience and challenge. I had to adapt to various roles I never expected, from sound technician to handyman, all while learning to manage teams and enhance communication.
It has been a struggle to stay strong and firm in our vision for cultivating the environment at Northside. Additionally, the day-to-day challenges of maintaining self-care can be daunting in this fast-paced and demanding field. Our days start early and our nights run late, as I strive to be there for both my staff and our regulars, who have truly shaped this space.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Northside Social in all is a gathering space for our community to enjoy. We love to host events whether its just for a fun night out or like our now annual fundraiser of Lawrence humane society, We specialize in craft cocktails that highlight local ingredients and flavors, offering patrons an experience that blends sophistication with the cozy charm of a dive bar. Our commitment to the community sets us apart; we host live music from Wednesday to Sunday at no charge, encouraging support for our local artists and enriching our vibrant music scene.
What we’re most proud of is our inclusive atmosphere. As a female-led establishment, we strive to foster an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome. This mission drives us to curate a space that truly reflects the needs and desires of our patrons. hospitality starts when you enter the door. We dont want anyone to feel like another bar ticket in a stool. We want everyone to feel welcome and build relationships with in our community.
We want our readers to know that Northside Social is more than just a bar; it’s a community hub. We care deeply about our staff and regulars, whose presence has significantly shaped our space. We are dedicated to providing not only great beverages and entertainment but also a warm environment where friendships can flourish.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Building more with our staff and growing as a gathering space. We hope to continue to flourish in our space while remaining a very inviting. We would love to be able to host more events and one that are larger! we are constantly changing our menus and keeping up with new trends. While our menus continue to change we hope to keep the same warmness. We strive to keep building our music portfolio and hope to be able to host more music at a larger scale.
Pricing:
- cocktails are 9-12 dollars for seasonally crafted cocktail with fresh ingredients
- $6 dollar Monday margaritas featuring 100% agave base tequila and fresh lime juice
- $7 dollar ‘tini Thursdays
- all day happy hour on Sundays!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Northside_Social
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northsidesocial.lfk
- Twitter: @NorthsideLFK
