Best Irish Cocktail Bar in NYC? Here’s Why We Love The Dead Rabbit
Hello NYC Lover!
Lets talk Irish Coffee - Tanin and I love a good Irish Coffee and we are confident you guys do too. What if we tell you we found the probably best Irish Coffee in NYC? I know that's a hot take but don't judge before you have read what I am about to tell you and before you have tried it yourself.
The Dead Rabbit from outside
Website: The Dead Rabbit
Address: 30 Water Street, Financial District, Manhattan
Opening hours: Sunday–Thursday from 11:00AM to 2:00AM, Friday & Saturday from 11:00AM to 3:00AM
The Dead Rabbit isn't just any Irish pub it comes with an interesting history and name, many awards, a cozy and vibrant vibe AND the best Irish Coffee in town. Located at 30 Water Street, near Battery Park in Lower Manhattan's Financial District, the Dead Rabbit is just around the corner of Fraunces Tavern which we have talked about in another article here. We would definitely recommend combining these two amazing spots by maybe starting with dinner at Fraunces Tavern and heading to the Dead Rabbit for a delicious cocktail. In this article you will learn a little bit about the history of The Dead Rabbit and the meaning behind the name. I'm also gonna give you some inside on the vibe and the food and drinks they offer so you know what to expect.
A Bit of History about The Dead Rabbit
The Dead Rabbit was founded in 2013 by Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon, who are both Belfast natives. The pub was born from a bold idea: to bring true Irish hospitality to America, not in a kitschy, green-beer kind of way, but through a rich, layered story of immigration, bravery and community. Jack and Sean worked with historians to make every detail, from the drinks to the decor, an homage to 19th-century Irish-New York life. Their menus are built like graphic novels, inspired by old New York characters and conflicts, and they’ve even published their own cocktail book. With awards like “World´s Best Bar” and “Best Cocktail Menu” under their belt, The Dead Rabbit isn´t just a bar, it’s culture, craft, and character under one roof.
Now let's have a look at where it took its name from. The name actually comes from a gritty slice of New York City history. It pays homage to The Dead Rabbits, a notorious Irish-American street gang that ruled Lower Manhattan (the Five Points) in the 1850s. The bar honors the rebellious spirit of these immigrants who fought for survival and identity in a rapidly changing city. If that rings a bell, you might remember Leonardo DiCaprio´s character in the movie Gangs of New York, he was one of The Dead Rabbits.
What to Expect from the Vibe and Atmosphere
The Taproom (downstairs)
Stretched across three floors The Dead Rabbit offers different vibes for everyone. Downstairs in the Taproom, classic Irish pub vibes await you with cozy lighting, old portraits lining the walls like ghosts with great stories and dollar bills hanging from the ceiling. It's loud, it's lively and it's packed with everyone from locals grabbing a pint after work to curious tourists and cocktail nerds looking for the real deal. You’ll hear accents from everywhere, laughter filling the room, and the occasional Irish tune weaving through the background. But let's rewind for a second and talk about the dollar bills. Those are not just for show, they are tradition. Signed, scribbled-on, and left by guests over the years, they’re little lucky charms and mementos, symbolizing everything from good fortune to a promise to come back someday. ♥️
Upstairs in the Parlour, things slow down a bit. The lighting gets moodier, the music softens, and the drinks get fancy. This is where you sit down, take your time, and let the bartenders work their magic. The cocktail menu is wildly creative and always changing, like a little time-traveling bar crawl through history, with every drink telling a story. Finally on the top floor, you can find a space for private events, tastings, and whatever special thing they're cooking up that week. The whole place feels warm, worn-in, and just chaotic enough to keep things interesting.
The Parlour (upstairs)
The Drinks at The Dead Rabbit
It’s no surprise that The Dead Rabbit has earned multiple awards over the years - including the prestigious World’s Best Bar title in 2016. The drinks are truly exceptional, and each one feels like a little masterpiece. We haven’t tried the entire menu - yet ;), but everything we did have was absolutely delicious. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients in every sip.
The bar offers two distinct drink menus:
Taproom Menu (downstairs) – for classic drinks, beers, and a more casual vibe
Parlour Menu (upstairs) – for a more refined and creative cocktail experience
One drink you absolutely can’t miss? The Irish Coffee. We’re not exaggerating when we say it’s a total flavor explosion. It’s the best Irish Coffee in NYC! Go ahead and try to convince us otherwise. :) Even Tanin, who’s usually not big on cocktails, was blown away by it. And trust me - that says a lot! Bonus: on hot summer days, you can also get a frozen version of it, which is just as amazing. 🙌
What makes the experience even more special is that every cocktail comes with a backstory. It really adds something when you not only taste a drink but also understand the inspiration behind it. You can choose from "Tradition" (more classic takes) or "Tomorrow" (more innovative blends).
All the whiskey lovers out there, listen up, cause you’ll be in heaven - they have an extensive selection covering Irish, Scottish, American, and other whiskeys from all over the world.
More of a beer person? Then this one’s for you: order a Guinness, take a few gulps, and if you perfectly split the “G” on the glass, the pint’s on the house! (Monday to Friday, 3pm–6pm) Does this sound like a fun challenge for you? Give it a try and please let us know, if you were successful, cause I haven’t yet.
Whatever you choose to drink here, we promise you won’t be disappointed. 😊
Irish Coffee and Doctor’s Orders (Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, Cinnamon, Allspice, Grapefruit, Lime)
Frozen Irish Coffee
What Food Does The Dead Rabbit Have to Offer?
The Dead Rabbit offers various food options across all floors. From little snacks to large plates - no matter how small or big your appetite is, you’ll find something. What really sets this place apart is how they elevate classic bar food to the next level.
Alongside familiar favorites like fries, sandwiches, and burgers, you’ll also find standout dishes like an Irish Cheese Board, Lobster Deviled Eggs, Lamb Chops, and even an Irish Coffee Tiramisu. Sounds delicious, right? 😍 We’ve only tried the cheese board so far (and loved it!), but we’re already eyeing that tiramisu for our next visit.
To help you plan your visit, here are the food service times at The Dead Rabbit:
All Day: Monday-Sunday from 11:00AM to 12:00AM
Lunch: Monday-Friday from 11:00AM to 4:00PM
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday from 11:00AM to 4:00pm
Late Night: Sunday-Thursday from 11:45PM to 12:45AM | Friday & Saturday from 11:45PM to 1:45AM
Practical Info For Your Visit at The Dead Rabbit
Where is The Dead Rabbit located?
You’ll find The Dead Rabbit at 30 Water Street in the Financial District of Downtown Manhattan. It’s super easy to reach by subway — just a short walk from several lines, including the N, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, J, and Z. Honestly, with that kind of transit access, there’s no excuse not to check it out. 😉
What is the best time to go to The Dead Rabbit?
To really soak in the vibrant atmosphere, we recommend going in the evening, when the place is buzzing. If you don’t mind standing at the bar, feel free to drop in spontaneously. But if you prefer to sit and savor your drinks, it’s smart to make a reservation. You can book a table up to two weeks in advance.
Our Final Thoughts
In our opinion The Dead Rabbit created the perfect blend between a high class cocktail bar and a cozy pub. We came for the Irish Coffee and stayed for everything else. The Dead Rabbit is the kind of place that pulls you in with its charm and keeps you lingering far longer than you planned. We’ll definitely be back. And next time? We’re getting that Irish Coffee Tiramisu.
Here are our ratings for the bar:
Florian’s Rating:
Ambiance: 👟👟👟👟👟
Drinks: 👟👟👟👟👟
Value: 👟👟👟👟
Service: 👟👟👟👟
Overall: 👟👟👟👟👟
Tanin’s Rating:
Ambiance: 👠👠👠👠
Drinks: 👠👠👠👠👠
Value: 👠👠👠👠
Service: 👠👠👠👠👠
Overall: 👠👠👠👠
Pumps or Sneakers?
Even though you’re getting high-class cocktails, The Dead Rabbit is more of a sneakers than pumps kind of place, thanks to its cozy, laid-back vibes. You might feel a bit overdressed otherwise. But hey - if that doesn’t bother you, rock the pumps with confidence. Tanin would definitely be on your side! 😉
