'Merica NYC, Bar and Restaurant, Opens Oct. 15 to Make Fun of All Things Freedom

EAST VILLAGE, NY — 'Merica NYC, a bar that pokes fun at all things America, is opening Oct. 15 in the East Village. The establishment (much like America) ignited a controversy before it even opened. Passersby saw the restaurant's sign as soon as the business owners put it up this week, and their curiosity immediately led them to outrage. EVGrieve found some uncouth menu items the business had previewed on Facebook, like "The Kanye," which was described as:

“Fried breast of chicken tossed in a creamy rich Alfredo sauce served over mashed potatoes, then drizzled with a balsamic glaze. This meal will make you into a famous rapper and a narcissistic asshole. Ask the public to loan you the money for it.”

Zach Neil, co-founder of the bar, said "The Kanye" wasn’t really going to be on the menu, and it was just posted for "shock value." The item has since been removed from the business' Facebook page.

Neil, who also started the Tim Burton-themed Beetle House and the Will Ferrell-themed bar on Rivington Street, told Patch that 'Merica NYC began with a friendship that blossomed between him and Radouane Eljaouhari. Eljaouhari owns Zerza, the restaurant formerly in the space where 'Merica is now.

Neil said he, a Christian, and Eljaouhari, a Muslim, bonded over making fun of
"all things America." Especially during this election season, they find Americana to be exceptionally funny, Neil said.

"I mean it's just crazy that Donald Trump is running for president," he said.

Eljaouhari suggested a few months ago that they put 'Merica NYC in his restaurant's space because he wanted a change of pace from his business, which he had already operated for a decade, Neil said. The two men quickly set up shop.

The bar and restaurant will serve American comfort food with decadent signature menu items like the "tomato soup grilled cheese mac & cheese," Neil said. That dish will be a crock pot with tomato bisque, grilled cheese with macaroni and cheese on top and then broiled cheese on top of that.

The venue's walls will be loaded with stereotypical Americana, the "we're gonna free the sh-t out of everyone" stuff, as Neil put it. Assault weapons, sports memorabilia, antique guns and macho pop culture artifacts will be plastered everywhere, he said.

The bar plans to show presidential debates, host cultural debates for the neighborhood and hold weeks themed for different presidents and pop culture figures, Neil said.

There will be a George W. Bush week, a Bill Clinton week, a Barack Obama week, and there will, obviously, be a Chuck Norris week.

'Merica NYC will only serve beer and wine, no hard liquor, Neil said. "It’s not going to be some college bar," he said.

Neil wants the bar to be "the most American thing anyone can do" when they come to New York, he told Patch.

"My European friends always come here and ask, 'What's the most American thing I can do while I'm here? Can't I shoot a gun? Doesn't everyone shoot each other with guns?'" Neil said. "I want to be able to say, ''Merica is the most American thing you can do here.'"

The soft opening of 'Merica NYC is happening Saturday, Oct. 15 at 320 E. Sixth St. between First and Second avenues.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 'Merica NYC