The Irish Exit

As you know, at The Dead Rabbit and The Irish Exit, we’re proud to celebrate Irish culture in an authentic and respectful way. We’ve been unwavering in our efforts to challenge misconceptions of Irish culture in many ways, always striving to create an experience that honors our heritage. One of those efforts includes addressing drink names that have painful and offensive associations for us as Irish people. In the past, we’ve made clear our stance on not serving Irish Car Bombs, but we continued to serve or acknowledge orders for the “Black & Tan.” For those of you who don’t know, the term “Black & Tan” refers to a British paramilitary force recruited and mobilized during the Irish War of Independence. They were notorious for committing numerous atrocities against the Irish people. This name is offensive, and as part of our broader mission to champion a contemporary, inclusive, and respectful representation of Ireland, we’ve decided to stop serving this drink. Moving forward, we’re happy to serve a 50/50 as an alternative. We appreciate your understanding and continued support in helping us honor Irish culture the right way.

Originally from Ecuador, Alexis has been part of our team for almost exactly a year, having joined us in October 2023. A talented bartender, he’s also a skilled beat-boxer - eschewing AirPods in favor of his own voice. Controversially, he takes his Martinis dry with a twist of Orange, prefers camping to glamping, and cures his hangovers with a hot soup of Fish, Yuca, and a lot of Onions. Oh, and he’ll have an Irish Coffee, if you’re asking.

So, how do we look? Not bad for an Irish Pub that’s just turned one, right? Thank you, go raibh maith agat, to everyone who joined us to celebrate one whole year of The Irish Exit - here’s to many more to come. So, are you ready for Arthur’s Day? See you on Tuesday to continue the cèilidh.

Well, would you look at that? 365 days ago, we officially opened the doors to The Irish Exit. Of course, a lot happens behind the scenes before opening a bar, including training, research and development, and collaborations with designers, brewers, artists, distilleries, musicians, and more. But the most important part - the magic - happens when the guests arrive - and that’s you. Being in a transit hub, we get to play a small part in so many people’s days - whether you’re coming home from work, en route to midtown, or off on vacation, we’re here to serve you. And now, it’s officially been a year. Back in 2023, The Irish Exit was the second opening by the team behind The Dead Rabbit - and now we’re a family of three - though not for long. Our thanks go to our team, our regulars, and even those just passing through - you make this bar what it is - and that’s worth celebrating. Stop in today for live music with Tullamore Don’t from 5pm - 8pm, followed by a DJ set from Tony Starr, and a few Pints throughout. And if you fancy making an Irish Exit after a few? Well, it’d be rude not to.

Have you ever wanted to know more about the art on our walls? First and foremost, every piece is Irish. We’ve work by David McMillan, Hephee, Jacky Sheridan, Ashwin Chacko, Fuchsuia Macaree, and more, representing the artistic talents of contemporary Ireland. And we’ve books, too, by Michael Magee, Roddy Doyle, and Sally Rooney - yep, also Irish. Well, the clue’s in the name. 

Hailing from County Armagh, Grainne O’Neill - or G Money - joined our team as Director of Strategy earlier this year. She takes her Martinis dry with a twist, prefers Irish Coffees to Espresso Martinis, and her favorite bar in the world is the Duke of York in Belfast. Well, she knows a good pub when she sees one. Grainne’s secret talent is saying the alphabet backward, but sure, she’s being modest - she’s also incredibly organized, has a keen eye for detail, and works diligently to develop our strategic initiatives that echo our commitment to representing the Ireland of today. From the small village of Killeen to the bright lights of NYC, Austin, and soon - Boston and Washington D.C - yep, Grainne’s busy, but she always makes time for a Tequila, or two.

Sure, Ireland’s known for its Whiskey. But our backbar also boasts Irish Vodkas, Irish Gins, Irish Creams, and Poitín - one of the oldest spirits in the world. As Aidan explains, we work with an incredible range of producers - established, emerging, and niche - to tell a story. What story? Well, the tale of the Emerald Isle, of course.

The Irish Whiskey Genius Hall of Fame has a new inductee, the first team member at The Irish Exit to complete the course - Jacob. Originally from Los Angeles, Jacob’s been with us since before we opened our doors, he’s great with guests, and is incredibly enthusiastic about learning, developing, and upskilling. And receiving this Certificate of Completion is no easy feat. There are four online modules consisting of over 50 lessons covering the history and production of Irish Whiskey, coupled with independent learning on the products behind our bar. Next comes a written essay exploring a singular product, including an analysis of how it could be adapted to improve or innovate within the category. Finally, participants work through real-life scenarios with Mark McLaughlin - first, they role play introducing a novice to Irish Whiskey. Next, they must introduce an avid Bourbon or Scotch drinker to the category. And third, they’re plied with expert, professional-level questions. Jacob’s the third person to complete the course, joining Cory and Viv as an Irish Whiskey Genius, now with the certificate to prove it.

Now, we’ve loved everything about the Olympics so far - Daniel Wiffin becoming a two-time Olympic Medallist and Rhys McClenaghan winning Ireland’s first-ever gymnastic Medal on the Pommel Horse, bringing our hardware tally up to six. But we happen to think the best might be yet to come. Star runner Rhasidat Adeleke sailed through her first heat, finishing in first place with a time of 50.09. Tomorrow, she’s representing Ireland in the semi-final, with the big event on Friday, 2pm EST. Watching with a group? Book a spot for between 10 - 20 guests, with walk-ins always welcome. https://lnkd.in/eSBWdnDi?

Earlier in the week, Sligo’s Mona McSharry became Team Ireland’s first medallist at the Paris Olympics 2024, winning bronze in the women’s 100m breaststroke. And the floodgates opened. Swimmer Daniel Wiffen won Ireland’s first gold medal in swimming since 1996, with Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch clinching bronze in the Men's Double Sculls and Fintan McCarthy and Paul O'Donolan winning gold in the Lightweight Men's Double Sculls. Today, the Emerald Isle competes in Badminton, Golf, Rowing, Sailing, Swimming, Boxing, Hockey, and perhaps most excitingly - Athletics. We’ve high hopes, and it’s all eyes on The Best of Us. Watch the games live at The Irish Exit on our big screens - whoever you’re supporting.