Over the summer, Iowa City changed its beloved bar scene by ousting the so-called freshmen bar Field House and welcoming Hazzard County Iowa City.

With its original location in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which opened in 2012, the bar aims to bring a country vibe to the college town – one that Giddy Up, the current country spot downtown, fails to exude for some patrons.

Beyond just providing another gathering spot for students and members of the community, Hazzard County prides itself on playing country music, letting bargoers line dance, and fitting into the college drinking climate by offering deals and specialty drinks.

Based on its popularity in Cedar Rapids, it could find fame in Iowa City. To me, the bar could successfully make way in Iowa City if it keeps its character while still catering to its audience. However, competing bars still have their foot in the door.

Most students at the University of Iowa have a favorite bar already. Personally, on a night out, you’ll find me at Brothers, a bar that’s been around since well before my first year here.

However, after being in Iowa City for nearly four years, I’ve seen several new bars come into the playing field. In the fall of 2023, CAMP, a small bar on Iowa Avenue, opened up a new set of doors to Scout’s Honor, a bar with a northern cabin feel.

At first, I believed Scout’s Honor wouldn’t survive the intense competition for student and community attendance, but now it’s one of my top spots to get a drink with friends or even eat some pizza and hangout.

It’s no secret that here in Iowa City, each bar provides its own experience for customers, and each person clicks with them differently. From Dublin Underground with its bright green carpet and only a few small booths to Reunion Brewery’s vibrant clubbing atmosphere, each bar has found its place in this city.

So, can Hazzard County do the same, as a country bar in a seemingly country-obsessed state, even though it replaced a beloved bar symbol?

One thing is for sure about the state of Iowa — country values run deep, no matter what city you’re in. The bar appeals to those values, and does it pretty well.

Alex Gilbert, a fourth-year student at the UI, secured a job when the bar opened its doors on Aug. 6.

“I had been to the Cedar Rapids location a lot before, and I just really loved the atmosphere. When I heard one was opening in Iowa City, I wanted to get a job there and work in that environment,” Gilbert said.

Hannah Bleskacek, a student at Kirkwood Community College who lives in Iowa City, hopes the bar stays for good. While still following the bar’s country-themed intentions and goals, the Iowa City location knows its audience and caters to their diverse taste.

“They didn’t just play country music. They played some rap and pop, too, which was nice because most places just pick a genre and only play that,” Bleskacek said.

Gilbert agrees, citing drink deals throughout the week as a major factor in bringing people in.

“I think it does target more of a country audience, but it does have something for everybody because of DJs on the weekends,” Gilbert said.

According to its patrons, the bar is succeeding in bringing a country atmosphere with good drinks to the town. But what about the city’s current country bar, Giddy Up?

Another relatively new spot, Giddy Up replaced another gem to the population, the bar Pints. Opening in 2009, Pints closed its doors in January 2024 after the lease expired. Quickly swooping in, Giddy Up opened its doors in the same location in February 2024.

But both Gilbert and Bleskacek find differences between the two country bars.

“Giddy Up plays solely country music, Hazzards doesn’t. It’s kind of like the middle ground between what all Iowa City has to offer,” Gilbert said.

And while Giddy Up claims to offer line dancing, many who’ve been there, like Bleskacek, have never seen it.

“I had so much fun line dancing at Hazzards. I’ve never done it before, and it’s something I want to do again, so I’m so happy I can try it again in Iowa City,” Bleskacek said.

While it’s true the bar might have some competitive bumps in the road, many people hope to see it become the next Iowa City bar staple, including me.

For those mourning the old Field House, an upgraded location on South Clinton Street seems to be in the works. So get some pitchers, save some money, and check out how they do things in the country.