New York’s famous Irish pub Dead Rabbit is now open on Sixth Street in Austin

New York City-based Dead Rabbit, one of the country’s most famous modern Irish pubs, opened a branch on Sixth Street in early July.

The bar has remodeled the space at 204 E. Sixth St. where BD Riley’s operated for 20 years before closing in 2020. It’s the first location outside of Manhattan for Dead Rabbit, which plans to expand to Washington DC and Boston next year.

Named after a mid-19th century Irish gang, Dead Rabbit originally opened in Downtown Manhattan in 2013 and quickly gained international recognition for its whiskey punches, hand-churned ice and atmosphere reminiscent of a 19th century Irish pub. NYC’s Dead Rabbit made the World’s Best Bars list for North America every year from 2013 to 2016 and was named the World’s Best Bar in 2016. The Austin location was first announced two years ago.

In addition to its selection of Irish whiskeys, Guinness on tap and frozen Irish coffee, the bar serves drinks unique to the Austin location, such as a First & Formosa with tequila, smoked watermelon, corn, curacao and lime. The restaurant’s menu, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., includes an Irish breakfast, Guinness-braised short rib sliders, bangers and mash and a cheeseburger that can also be ordered as a Beyond Burger.