The Dead Rabbit

Opened in 2013, The Dead Rabbit on Water Street is a tri-level Irish bar and taproom run by Belfast-born Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry. The spot’s namesake traces back to The Dead Rabbits gang, which originally formed in the 1830s to protect the immigrant Irish underclass and was later used as inspiration for Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York film. On the first floor, you’ll find the taproom where rounds of Guinness and Irish coffees are served up from the long wooden bar and live Irish music performances called seisiúns are held every Sunday. The parlor on the second floor is where bar manager Jillian Vose and the owners tout a list of expertly crafted cocktails, many using Irish whiskey, out of a dark-humored comic book menu. A reservation-only event space takes up the top floor of the building. Find a spot to settle down and sip on a Spell Spoke (hibiscus, lime leaf, ginger, citrus bitters) while exploring the menu of small plates and entrees like the Corned Beef Sliders (coleslaw, Gruyere, mustard) and Irish Lamb Stew (carrots, potatoes, peas).