0°C | Thursday November 13, 2025 
3 June 2025
By James Mullan
KC’s Honky Tonk has swung open its doors, welcoming fans of whisky, sport, country music, big feeds and even line dancing into a cosy new venue in the heart of Crows Nest. Opened in late January on the old Crow Bar site, the venue has quickly built a local following and filled a notable gap in the area’s hospitality scene.
Owned by couple Geoff and Nicole Ohlsen, KC’s marks their first foray into hospitality. “We’d spoken about it for quite a while,” said Geoff Ohlsen. “Then one day it just hit us—what about country music and sports?”
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The couple initially considered Lane Cove and other venues, even looking at rebranding an existing bar. But the Crows Nest site made the most sense. “It was essentially an asset sale, so we didn’t have to tear money up,” Ohlsen said.
Opening night was a full-blown rodeo. “We expected it to be busy, but not that busy,” he recalled. “We were basically at capacity all night. And anything that could go wrong, did.”
The venue’s unique blend of country music and sport has struck a chord. Ohlsen, who grew up in Wagga Wagga, said his appreciation for country music grew over time. “As a kid, it was all about rap and hip hop—I was meant to hate country music. But the longer I’ve been away from home, the more it’s resonated with me.”
Sport is another key drawcard. “Basketball and AFL are the big ones for me,” Ohlsen said. UFC is also popular at KC’s, a shared passion with Nicole. “We used to go out to watch the UFC. Now we can just put it on at our place and have people come watch.”
KC’s offers a strong beer list, including local and US brews. The venue has partnered with Young Henrys for its house KC’s Lager and features Mountain Culture on tap, along with a proud membership in the Reschs Appreciation Society. It also serves Stryda Brewing Co—co-founded by Nick Kyrgios and James Maloney—with $5 schooners on offer throughout June.
Whisky is another house speciality, with around 60 labels and more to come. “I love whisky,” Ohlsen said. “People can be super snobby about it, but I’m more like—just drink what you like.” His favourite is the peach and pecan-infused Old Camp, endorsed by country duo Florida Georgia Line. Other highlights include Buffalo Trace, Angel’s Envy and Macallan 12, 15 and 18.
In the kitchen, head chef Shane dishes up big, bold flavours. While KC’s began with a Southern American tilt, the menu has broadened to include crispy schnitzels, sliders and loaded pulled pork fries. Ohlsen recommends the Dirty Bird fried chicken burger and fish tacos, with wings—available in hot sauce, honey soy and sesame—remaining a top seller.
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Wednesdays bring another crowd-pleaser: line dancing. “It’s something we thought would be really unique,” said Ohlsen. What began with a handful of participants has grown into a weekly fixture with a loyal crew of a dozen regulars and growing—no experience required.
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The back area of the venue has been transformed, now housing signed Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson jerseys and giant screens for sports viewing in a well-lit and revitalised space. An upstairs room is also set to reopen once renovations are complete.
“People love the vibe,” said Ohlsen. “One of the coolest things I’ve heard from a regular is that it feels like this place has a heartbeat.”
A welcome addition to Crows Nest nightlife, KC’s is giving locals something a little different—served with bourbon, burgers and a bit of boot-scootin’ on the side.