A Unique And Playful Entertainment Venue Charms The Vail Community

The symbolism of Lewis Carroll’s novel “Alice in Wonderland” is strewn throughout the Chasing Rabbits venue, appearing in a multitude of clever ways, such as a stationary bunny rabbit server for an innovative cocktail in the Moon Rabbit lounge. | Photos courtesy of Michael Stavaridis for Rockwell Group

Finally, Vail has the nightlife scene it’s always wanted. With the opening of Chasing Rabbits last year, the chic mountain community has claimed its new darling, a 13,000-square-foot entertainment hotspot that can rival its buzzy mountain-town counterparts with an impeccable design, elevated menus and unique cocktail program. “I’m a local—I grew up here, when everyone would go to Aspen for the nightlife,” says Solaris Group vice president Thea Knobel. “We’ve always been known for the mountains and outdoor activities, but now, by opening Chasing Rabbits, Vail finally has everything.”

Taking over the vacant Cinebistro movie theater in Solaris Plaza, the venue contains four different, equally dizzying and dazzling experiences. As you enter Chasing Rabbits, you’ll first encounter The Restaurant, a stunning, zen-like minimalist space with an elegant, neutral palette and light, bright Mediterranean fare with a citrus-forward menu. Executive chef Julien Smith says he’s retained some of last season’s menu, adding delectable entrees such as vitello tonnato, lobster cioppino, and crispy xtapodi (octopus), but has also kept popular mainstays such as braised rabbit bolognese, charred eggplant dip with chapati, buttermilk ricotta dip, vegan moussaka and grilled whole branzino.

Next stop, The Library, an eclectic yet intimate cocktail lounge with dramatic book-lined shelves and dim lighting, designed for conversation and light bites. This space is available for corporate events, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties and family gatherings. It’s perfect for a quiet evening or a personal experience tailored to the guests’ wants.

A few steps down the hall, you’ll be greeted by an 11-foot-tall neon-pink bunny sculpture, home to the Rabbit Hole arcade, where kids and adults alike play Pac-Man, Twister and Skee-Ball to a vibe of electronic music, flashing lights and, of course, a nod to nostalgia of the 1980s arcade era. Guests can munch on elevated finger food, such as shishito peppers with caramel soy and puffed quinoa, chicken quesadillas, beetroot hummus, and crispy pork belly tossed in bourbon soy sauce with peanuts and cilantro.

For the young at heart, the Rabbit Hole offers a bevy of arcade games such as Pac Man, Skee-Ball and Twister to keep guests of all ages entertained, while offering live DJs spinning tunes into the night. The menu features a modern take on childhood favorites, while offering craft cocktails for the over-21 crowd.

“We loved the idea of Alice in Wonderland going down the rabbit hole, and each place she turned was another world. It’s chaos, a new experience each time you come in.”

Thea Knobel, Solaris Group vice president 

Finally, a red-carpet-arrival hallway leads to the Moon Rabbit speakeasy, a moody East-meets-West collusion with an artistic cocktail program and upscale snacks. “We wanted to emulate something that was unique to a mountain town, to be out on the mountain all day but then feel like you’re stepping out in New York City or London at night—going down the rabbit hole,” says Knobel.

A red-carpeted, illuminated hallway by Focus Lighting leads guests into the East-meets-West Moon Rabbit, an elevated speakeasy with artisan drinks inspired by ancient mythology, and a sophisticated menu of light bites.

Programming for the four spaces is diverse: From DJ spinning to magic shows and karaoke, bingo, jazz and screenings of the MET Opera, the options are curated to please a variety of guests, including young families in the arcade, sophisticated 20- and 30-somethings in the cocktail lounge, and established business CEOs and second-home owners in the glamorous restaurant.

The outdoor patio is a relaxed area for après ski when weather permits, while exclusive memberships offer events such as member-only murder mystery dinners and wine tastings, plus discounts on all food and beverages, no cover fees and priority reservations—plus a secret menu for all dining areas.

With towers of books lining the walls, The Library offers a more intimate experience for guests with pre-dinner libations, a full menu or late-night cocktails.

Although this whimsical venue might present as a slightly confusing, organized chaos for the somewhat traditional town of Vail, there’s one thing for sure: Guests will have a different adventure every time they walk through the door. It’s an infinite playground with much to offer, for locals and tourists alike. Hippity hoppity. 

CHASING RABBITS
Vail Village, 141 E. Meadow Drive 

Rebecca Gart is a Vail- and Denver-based writer who loves skiing, snowshoeing and outdoor adventure, but is equally amenable to après ski with a strong cocktail and yummy nibbles.