Jersey City has officially welcomed one of its most anticipated new restaurants as San Patricios opened its doors today, September 19, at 8 Erie Street. The venture comes from the award-winning team behind New York City’s celebrated cocktail bar The Dead Rabbit, which has long been recognized among the best bars in the world. With its bold concept of combining Irish and Mexican influences under one roof, San Patricios is already being hailed as a destination that captures both cultural heritage and culinary creativity.
The name pays tribute to the San Patricio Battalion, a group of Irish immigrants who left the U.S. Army to fight alongside Mexico during the Mexican-American War of the 1840s. Drawing inspiration from this unlikely but powerful historical connection, San Patricios creates a space where the Irish heart meets the Mexican soul. The concept moves beyond just food and drink; it aims to tell a story of two cultures that share resilience, tradition, and a passion for community.
Inside, the design makes the experience immersive. The setting balances the rustic comfort of an Irish pub with the vibrancy of a Mexican cantina. Guests will find warm wood and leather textures set against hand-painted murals, colorful Talavera tiles, and altar walls that highlight Mexican traditions. The trilingual signage in English, Irish, and Spanish adds to the authenticity, creating a multicultural environment that reflects the restaurant’s vision.
The beverage program promises to be a major draw. Guinness and Pacifico flow on tap, while the bar highlights both Irish and Mexican spirits, ranging from classic Irish Whiskey and Poitín to Tequila, Mezcal, and lesser-known agave spirits like Raicilla, Bacanora, and Sotol. Specialty cocktails showcase this cultural blend, with offerings like the San Patricio Coffee made with tequila, Irish whiskey, and rich coffee topped with cream, or the Chappara, which features Mexican gin, prickly pear, Falernum, and lemongrass. These drinks are designed to bring together traditions from both sides of the Atlantic in ways that feel inventive yet familiar.
Food plays an equally central role in the experience. The menu combines Mexican staples with Irish flavors to create playful dishes that are both comforting and surprising. Corned beef tacos are quickly becoming a signature, while the ham and cheese torta with Irish cheddar, queso fresco, smoked ham, and pickled jalapeños is a standout fusion plate. Diners can expect small bites, tacos, bocadillos, and larger dishes alongside an upcoming weekend brunch that will offer new twists on Irish and Mexican classics.
Beyond the kitchen and bar, San Patricios plans to serve as a lively gathering place. A full slate of cultural programming is in the works, with live Irish music sessions, Mexican folk performances, DJs, sports screenings, and themed events tied to holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day and Día de los Muertos. Seasonal celebrations, including festive winter pop-ups like Los Posados, will add to the restaurant’s calendar, making it more than just a dining spot—it will be an anchor for culture and community in downtown Jersey City.
The opening of San Patricios marks a major milestone for Jersey City’s dining scene, blending two distinct heritages into one cohesive and vibrant concept. For those looking to explore the city’s newest culinary and cultural destination, more can be found at San Patricios.
San Patricios is located at 8 Erie Street A in Jersey City, NJ. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 3 a.m., and Sunday from noon to 2 a.m.
You can also stream Black Rabbit on Sunset.
