One of Jersey City’s more anticipated eateries is slated to launch just months after being announced as the team behind New York City’s The Dead Rabbit is opening San Patricios on September 19.
Jersey Digs reported over the summer on the opening of the restaurant, which will be situated at 8 Erie Place. Hyped as where the Irish heart meets the Mexican soul, the pub and cantina will be inspired by the unlikely but powerful connection forged between Ireland and Mexico during the Mexican-American War in the mid-1800s.
The endeavor comes from The Dead Rabbit folks, a cocktail bar that first opened in Manhattan’s Financial District in 2013. It has since received extensive accolades, including top honors from World’s 50 Best Bars and inclusion on the 2024 North America’s 50 Best Bars list.
The pub takes its name from the San Patricio Battalion, a group of mostly Irish soldiers who defected and fought alongside Mexico during the conflict. The concept’s vision is being guided by Managing Partner Jack McGarry, alongside Director of Operations Laura Torres, Beverage Director Aidan Bowie, and Director of Strategy Gráinne O’Neill.
“We’ve had our eye on bringing The Dead Rabbit team to Jersey–and the opportunity to create a vibrant and new concept with San Patricios is a dream realized,” said Laura Torres. “Our team has done a stellar job of weaving together these two heritages, to both celebrate their overlap and their distinctive elements–we’re proud to open our doors and share it with the community.”
The renovated interiors blend the raw textures of an Irish pub with the vibrancy of a Mexican cantina. Details include combinations of worn wood, Talavera tiles, hand-painted murals, small altar walls, and trilingual signage in English, Irish, and Spanish for a true multicultural affair.
The beverage program showcases cocktails and spirits that celebrate Ireland and Mexico side-by-side. Guinness and Pacifico are on tap, while the back bar highlights Irish Whiskey, Poitín, Tequila, Mezcal, and rarer Mexican agave spirits such as Raicilla, Bacanora, and Sotol.
Cocktail highlights include a San Patricio coffee with Patrón Silver tequila, Teeling small batch Irish whiskey, coffee, and whipped cream. Other gems include a Chappara with Condesa Mexican gin, prickly pear, Falernum, and lemongrass or a twist on sangria with white wine, pear brandy, soursop, lime, orange, and a red wine float.
The food at San Patricios is a playful combination of bocadillos, tacos, and larger plates. Perhaps their most fusion-heavy items are the corned beef tacos or the ham and cheese torta with Irish cheddar, smoked ham, queso fresco, tomato, lettuce, onion, and pickled jalapeños.
San Patricios will also be launching a Mexican-Irish brunch service on the weekends over the next two weeks and will feature a dynamic calendar of programming around cultural holidays including St. Patrick’s Day, and Día de los Muertos.
Guests can also look forward to live Irish sessions, Mexican folk bands, DJs, sports screenings, and more as the restaurant rolls out its full service.
The restaurant’s launch hours over the opening weekend will run from noon until 3 a.m. San Patricios can be followed on Instagram at the handle @sanpatriciosnj.
