
The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog
Irish pub
The Dead Rabbit, Water Street, New York, NY, USA
OUR SCORE

5
ACCOLADES
'- Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards - World's Best Bar (2015)
- Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards - World's Best Cocktail Menu (2015)
- Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards - International Bartender of the Year for Jack McGarry (2013)
- Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards - Best American Cocktail Bar (2014)
- Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards - Best High Volume Cocktail Bar (2014, 2015, 2016)
- World’s 50 Best Bars - Number 1 (2016)
- World’s 50 Best Bars - Number 2 (2015)
- World’s 50 Best Bars - Hall of Fame (inducted in 2018)
- Time Out New York’s Best Bar in North America (2014, 2015)
- Time Out New York’s Best Bar in the World (2016)
- James Beard Foundation Award - Outstanding Bar Program (Finalist, 2018)
REVIEW & BAR SUMMARY
Within a historic 1828 townhouse in Manhattan's Financial District, The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog New York City transforms Irish-American heritage into an extraordinary cocktail experience that has earned global acclaim. This multi-level establishment, crowned World's Best Bar by The World's 50 Best Bars, seamlessly weaves the gritty spirit of 19th-century Five Points with contemporary mixological mastery.
Founded in 2013 by Belfast natives Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, The Dead Rabbit draws its identity from the notorious Irish-American street gang that ruled Lower Manhattan in the 1830s-1850s. The duo's vision merged authentic Irish pub hospitality with sophisticated cocktail craftsmanship, creating what critics describe as a "time portal of a tavern." Their dedication to historical authenticity and innovative service has garnered recognition at Tales of the Cocktail and established them as luminaries in the global bar industry.
The bar's legendary cocktail program showcases up to 70 historically-inspired libations, meticulously researched from 17th, 18th, and 19th-century bartending guides including Jerry Thomas's seminal work. Signature cocktails like the "Psycho Killer"—a bold fusion of rye whiskey, banana liqueur, sherry, and absinthe—demonstrate the bar's fearless approach to flavor combinations. The "Irish Whiskey Punch" offers a more traditional experience with its harmonious blend of citrus, spice, and smooth Irish whiskey, while "The Dead Rabbit" cocktail itself captures the establishment's rebellious spirit in liquid form. Each drink represents premium craft cocktails at their finest, with period ingredients and techniques executed with modern precision.
The experience unfolds across multiple floors, each offering distinct atmospheres within the Fraunces Tavern Block Historic District setting. The ground-floor Taproom channels the convivial energy of a 19th-century Irish-American tavern, featuring communal seating, craft beers, and bottled punches. Ascend to the Parlor—the luxury cocktail bar's crown jewel—where intimate seating and elaborate period décor create the perfect backdrop for serious cocktail appreciation. Dark woods, vintage memorabilia, and Dickensian touches transport guests to old New York's most vibrant era. The illustrated menu itself serves as a historical map, guiding visitors through Lower Manhattan's drinking culture from 1848-1884.
Service embodies the warmth of Irish hospitality, with highly trained staff who excel in both cocktail knowledge and historical storytelling. Smart casual dress is appropriate for the Taproom, while the Parlor welcomes more refined attire. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for the Parlor during peak evening hours, though the Taproom operates on a first-come basis.
For discerning travelers seeking an authentic New York City cocktail bar experience, The Dead Rabbit offers unparalleled immersion into the city's drinking heritage. Reserve ahead to secure your place in this award-winning establishment where every visit becomes a journey through time, elevated by world-class mixology and genuine Irish warmth.