DC prepare to say “sláinte” to your next favorite neighborhood bar. The Dead Rabbit is bringing a taste of Ireland to the District later this year, according to local media outlet PoPville.
Signage is up at the pub’s upcoming 910 F Street NW home. Managing Partner Jack McGarry tells What Now DC that the location will allow The Dead Rabbit an opportunity to further pursue its mission-” to share our love of contemporary Ireland across all creative mediums and challenge misconceptions about Irish culture, particularly the outdated notion that Irish pubs are just low-quality, old-man spaces. Ireland today is bursting with creativity beyond the tired caricatures of leprechauns, the old man at the bar, and corned beef and cabbage”-with a vital and eager audience.
“As the nation’s capital, so much of the Irish-American story has passed through or taken place in DC.” he states. “We want to honor that history while also showing DC locals what’s happening in Ireland today – through our food and beverage program, our collaborations, our space, and the overall experience. We’re incredibly excited to open in DC because, alongside cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, it plays a critical role in the broader Irish diaspora story.”
McGarry acknowledges that DC already has a wealth of wonderful Irish bars. However, The Dead Rabbit will bring something unique to the table. “We also feel we can bring something fresh to the market, given our mission and how we approach the Irish pub experience. Our location is right in the heart of downtown DC, making it ideal for our core customer base—people who live and work in the city as well as visitors. And we’ve got a stunning building that allows us to bring The Taproom, The Parlor, and a dedicated Gallery Space for events. It has all the right ingredients, which makes now the perfect time to enter the DMV hospitality scene.”
The Dead Rabbit’s DC location will have several features that set it apart from the concept’s other locations. McGarry explains these differences, saying: “We’ll be launching a breakfast service, given the strong morning foot traffic, with a focus on great coffee and Irish baked goods. DC will also be our first market outside of New York where we open a Parlor…The layout will also have some unique elements – we’ll have The Taproom, which is our take on a traditional pub; The Lounge, which, as the name suggests, will be a more relaxed space; The Gallery, a high-ceilinged events and overflow space; and The Parlor, tucked away in the back for a more intimate experience.”
The pub’s most important feature, however, will remain intact. “What won’t change is our passion for Irish culture, both historically and in its contemporary form, or our mission to challenge misconceptions.” McGarry says.
The restaurateur is enthusiastic about offering knowledge alongside the concept’s delicious food and authentic drinks. “We’re excited to share some of the lesser-known Irish-American connections, like the fact that an Irishman designed the White House. And, of course, we won’t be deviating when it comes to the quality of our food and beverage program. Expect the same commitment to great, inclusive food offerings and our renowned trifecta of Irish whiskey, Irish coffees, and Guinness.”
McGarry offers this tantalizing sneak-peak to DC residents eager to bend an elbow: “Our entire approach, both atmospherically and experientially, is shaped by our slogan, Tradition Meets Tomorrow. That means you can absolutely expect the warmth and coziness of a quintessential Irish pub, but you’ll also find elements that challenge traditional perceptions of both Irish pubs and Ireland itself—whether through design, the arts, our offerings, or our approach to service.”
McGarry projects a late 2025 opening for The Dead Rabbit. The bar is destined to become woven into the fabric of DC and to redefine how residents view the Irish pub. McGarry sums it up well, saying “From day one, our mission has been to open 21st-century Irish pubs, so I genuinely believe we’re bringing something unique to DC, something that, hopefully, becomes a lasting part of the community.”
