Famed Cocktail Den the Dead Rabbit Is Doubling Its Space

Esteemed cocktail bar the Dead Rabbit is about to nearly double its Financial District space. Owners Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry have taken over the building next door, combining the bar at 30 Water St. with 32 Water St., north of Broad Street.

The new addition, expected to open in the spring, will add 85 new seats on the ground floor bar, along with room for 40 more people to stand, a new grocery portion, and an Irish coffee bar. The second floor, where the vibe is more cocktail parlor, will gain 22 seats and eight new barstools. The kitchen will get a huge size boost too, a change that McGarry says is in hopes of getting food out faster.

It’s a move in hopes of alleviating wait times at the perpetually busy bar. The tiny space, housed in a landmarked building originally erected in 1858, is frequently packed to the brim after work hours. It’s considered a top cocktail destination in the city, landing at the top of The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2016. The bar also serves food such as a lamb shepherd’s pie and a corned beef sandwich. Opened five years ago, the Dead Rabbit looks a bit like an Irish pub, but with a super ambitious cocktail menu. Stay tuned for more.

• Dead Rabbit expansion to add more seats, dedicated Irish coffee bar this spring [amNY]