NYC cocktail icons takeover of Belfast cocktail bar

One of the world’s most influential cocktail bars is coming to Belfast next week. Global cocktail icons Attaboy, the legendary New York bar consistently ranked among The World’s 50 Best Bars, will take over Rattlebag on Wednesday 27 August for one night only.

It’s something of a homecoming for Attaboy. The Lower East Side bar was co-founded in 2013 by Belfast native, Michael McIlroy alongside business partner Sam Ross. The pair, who met and cut their teeth at the iconic Milk & Honey, opened Attaboy on the very site made famous by legendary Milk & Honey founder and mentor, Sasha Petraske.

There’s another another homegrown connection at the heart of the takeover too. Mikey Reihill, originally from Enniskillen, returns home alongside alongside Jon Nutter to showcase the craft that has cemented Attaboy’s place in cocktail history, now firmly established as one of the most influential cocktail bars in the world.

Known for revolutionising cocktail culture with their no-nonsense, tailormade approach, Attaboy’s ethos is the perfect match for Rattlebag. The intimate late-night speakeasy style cocktail bar located within Belfast’s Bullitt Hotel, has established a loyal fan base alongside a growing list of accolades, and was notably named one of the best bars in the world by the inaugural Pinnacle Guide — dubbed the ‘Michelin Guide for bars’. This recognition places Rattlebag firmly on the global stage and underscores Belfast’s rising reputation in the international cocktail scene.

The Belfast event follows a sell-out evening at The Sackville Lounge in Dublin on Sunday (24 August), and marks the second and final leg of Attaboy’s exclusive Irish tour, sponsored by Boatyard Distillery.

For the Rattlebag takeover, Reihill and Nutter will present a short, high-impact menu of Attaboy classics, riffs, and signatures — with potential appearances from iconic serves such as the Paper Plane and Penicillin – alongside a bespoke Boatyard Double Gin Martini. Attaboy’s handpicked playlists will soundtrack the night, making for an immersive celebration of world-class cocktails.

The takeover promises to be a defining night in Belfast’s cocktail calendar; a fusion of New York innovation and the award-winning stage of Rattlebag.

Chris Wareing, Rattlebag bar manager, added: “We’re excited to welcome one of the original world-class cocktail bars to Belfast. Attaboy’s influence on global cocktail culture is unmatched and has been a great source of inspiration for cocktail bars around the world, ourselves included. It promises to be a night to remember.”

Speaking ahead of the takeover, Mikey Reihill said: “Bringing a taste of Attaboy home to Belfast is something we’ve been talking about for quite some time, and we’re excited to make it happen.”

The Rattlebag takeover will run from 7pm to late on Wednesday 27 August and will operate on a first-come-first-served basis. Guests are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Ahead of the evening service, Attaboy will host an exclusive sold-out seminar at Rattlebag, offering local bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts a rare opportunity to learn directly from two of the sharpest minds in global bartending.