Dorrian's Red Hand is a famed Irish-American bar located at 1616 Second Avenue on East 84th Street, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City, New York.[1] Started by Irish immigrant James "Red Dog" Dorrian in 1960 and operated by his son Jack, the popular hangout became a pillar of a social institution for preppy Upper East Side teenagers, college students, and young urban professionals. Even the bartenders, staff, and doormen are required to dress in khaki pants and button downs. It is known for its "old time" atmosphere and the chummy and clubby demeanor of its patrons. Many, if not most, patrons are regulars.
In recent years, younger partiers have begun to gravitate towards the establishment's more intimate "back bar" area, where contemporary hip-hop/club music provides a refreshing contrast to the rock/80's ambiance of main bar area.
Dorrian's has served as a filming location for US Marshals (film), The Deli, and episodes of 'Gossip Girl.
Today, the bar is still family owned and managed by Jack Dorrian's son, Jimmy. Dorrian's has expanded to a second location in Jersey City, New Jersey. Dorrian's Red Hand is a common hangout for the players of the New York Yankees.
Dorrian's requires its patrons to adhere to a strict dress code. Men are required to wear collared shirts, and sneakers are generally frowned upon.
On the night of August 25, 1986, Robert Chambers was socializing at what was then called Dorrian's Red Hand with then girlfriend Alex Kapp. That night, Kapp broke up with Chambers, apparently due to the presence of Chambers' ex-girlfriend, Jennifer Levin. Chambers later left the bar with Levin and her body was found the next morning. The name Dorrian's Red Hand was subsequently truncated to Dorrian's due to the obvious negative connotations of "Red Hand" following the Levin murder.