Let me start by saying this: we came here mainly for the Chicken pot pie. Yes, The Dead Rabbit is (or at least was) one of the top bars in the world. I honestly don’t even know its ranking anymore, but the drinks are still solid, the atmosphere is still buzzing, and the food? The food is what keeps us coming back.
Specifically, that Chicken pot pie. It’s basically crack. Every time my friends are in town, The Dead Rabbit almost always makes the short list, and nine times out of ten, it’s because someone needs their Chicken pot pie fix.
We kicked things off with fried chicken, and it was perfect—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, served with three dipping sauces. Exactly what you want when you’re still recovering from a night of too many drinks. Alongside that, we grabbed fish & chips and a vegetable medley (don’t ask why—it’s technically an appetizer, but it did the job).
From there, the table went heavy on the Chicken pot pies. Three of them, to be exact. I didn’t order one myself, but—classic me—I ended up finishing one because somebody couldn’t finish hers. I’m basically the human garbage disposal of our crew. And I’m not complaining, because that chicken pot pie is next-level.
I ordered the dry-aged burger instead: a thick, juicy patty (8–10oz, if I had to guess), perfectly cooked, with sharp pickles, crispy fries, and a solid bun. Not my top burger of all time, but still really damn good. Pro tip: ask for extra gravy with the chicken pot pie and dip your fries in it. It turns into a kind of accidental poutine situation, and it’s glorious.
We also sampled the smashburger (solid) and a couple of cocktails—yeah, they’re $20 each, but that’s the going rate at this level of bar.
Now, here’s the thing: don’t go to The Dead Rabbit at night. That’s rookie mode. It’s shoulder-to-shoulder crowded, and you’ll be yelling over the noise. The move is brunch or lunch. The staff is friendlier, the vibe is more relaxed, and you’ll actually have time to talk to your server and enjoy the place, rather than getting jostled every five seconds.
Banana Juice Theory:
Sometimes the “world’s best” labels fade, but the food doesn’t lie. The Dead Rabbit might not be at the top of those fancy rankings anymore, but when three people at one table all order the same chicken pot pie? That tells you all you need to know.
All of Becca’s Birthday Bash
Becca’s Birthday – Part One: Carne Mare (Pier 17)
Becca’s Birthday Part 2 – The Dead Rabbit
Becca’s Birthday Part 3: Yankee Stadium & Uber Eats
Becca’s Birthday Part 4: Overstory Side Quest with Eddie
Becca’s Birthday Part 5 – Return to Sea Fire Grill
Look, I’m just a Fat Guy from Brooklyn giving you my two cents. If you want more Top 10s—steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it—click the words and keep going.