Horse-Themed Restaurants and Bars Appear Across US Cities
10 reported
A wave of horse-themed restaurants, bars, and coffee shops has opened or is planned in several U.S. cities, according to a report from Eater. Establishments include Derby Cup Coffee in New York City, the rebranded Paddock in Eugene, Oregon, and the upcoming Pony’s cocktail bar in Brooklyn. Industry experts and owners cited in the article attribute the trend to a reinterpretation of classic heritage branding and a desire for flexible, timeless aesthetics. The article notes that the trend follows earlier openings such as Il Cavallini in Brooklyn and Horse With No Name in the East Village, while noting the closure of Horses in Los Angeles. Owners and a branding agency creative director explain that horses can represent both wildness and refinement, making them versatile symbols for hospitality spaces.
What’s reported
Derby Cup Coffee opened in New York City in February 2026 with a Kentucky Derby prep theme.
The Paddock in Eugene, Oregon, reopened and rebranded in April 2026, retaining its tavern spirit with new menu items like eggs Rockefeller and fried oyster sandwiches.
Pony’s, a cocktail bar in Red Hook, Brooklyn, is set to open in August 2026.
Il Cavallini, a follow-up restaurant from the Four Horsemen team, opened in Brooklyn in summer 2025.
Horse With No Name, a vinyl wine bar, opened in the East Village in August 2025.
Horses in Los Angeles has closed.
Nick Johnson, creative director at All Good, stated there has been a push toward reinterpreting classic heritage branding in hospitality.
Derby Cup Coffee founder Yasmin Kaytmaz said she grew up as a horseback rider and her mother owned a racehorse.
Pony’s co-founder Elana Shvalbe described the concept as the pony owning the bar, with decor and menu reflecting Eastern European origins and Baltic and Mediterranean flavors.
The article reports a shift away from postmodern beige-washed restaurants toward more intimate, worn-in spaces.
Key figures
Nick Johnson, creative director at All Good
Yasmin Kaytmaz, founder of Derby Cup Coffee and partner at River bar
Elana Shvalbe, co-founder of Pony’s
Michael Furac, co-founder of Pony’s
Sources: eater.com
