Vail’s Chasing Rabbits is an immersive experience

Prepare to tumble headfirst into one of Vail’s most unique and sophisticated dining adventures. Chasing Rabbits is more than a restaurant. Step inside, and you’re whisked away to another world. The 13,000-square-foot facility is an immersive experience filled with curiosity and creativity you would expect to find on the glitzy streets of Las Vegas or a chic corner in New York City. 

So, what’s behind the magic curtain? Four uniquely themed spaces, each with its own personality, menu and vibe. From a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant to a cozy library lounge for intimate events or an arcade that morphs into a lively nightclub and a secret speakeasy with elaborate cocktails, Chasing Rabbits has your evening covered. You’ll find something every night of the week with live DJs, performances, private events and immersive experiences.

An unassuming door in Solaris Plaza leads into Chasing Rabbits’ main dining room. Inside, the chic restaurant is modern, inviting and fresh. Clad with light wood, clean lines, cream leather chairs and a glowing three-sided glass fireplace, the design is as sophisticated as the dishes.

Modern Mediterranean flavors are infused throughout each course. Start with the charred eggplant dip, whipped until smooth, and served with chapati, a buttery, flaky flatbread. Crispy xtapodi features thick, tender grilled octopus tendrils elevated with thinly sliced Spanish chorizo and a tangy salsa verde. 

Hand-made pasta here is a must. The short rib cappelletti is divine: pillowy pasta pockets are filled with short rib and bone marrow and finished with a light but luscious beurre fondue, smoked salt and fried pearl onions, perfectly balancing flavors and textures in each bite. Bolognese is another not-to-miss pasta dish with tender braised rabbit nestled in a light red sauce and surrounded with herbed mascarpone. For a lighter (and gluten-free) bite, pan-seared red snapper shines in lightly spiced tomato saffron broth, while vegans will love the eggplant moussaka layered with cashew cream. 

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The main courses are generous and designed to share. Moroccan lamb tagine is slow-cooked in a bath of spices until it’s fork-tender and falling off the bone. Steak lovers will swoon over the skirt steak a la plancha, brushed with lemon brown butter and paired with roasted potatoes and parsnip puree. 

Beyond the dining room lies a labyrinth of experiences and flavors.

Behind a hidden door, a glam hallway lined with red lights and mirrors leads you to The Moon Rabbit, an exclusive Asian-inspired speakeasy. Here, the cocktails are not only innovative, but they’re also interactive. Try the Cosmonaut, a vodka-based drink infused with yuzu, persimmon and orange sake, topped with a flavor bubble that bursts into aromatic vapor and served on a gold tray held by the ever-present bunny in a space suit.

Feeling playful? Head to the Rabbit Hole, where bright colors and kitschy design set the backdrop to old-school arcade games, tiki-inspired cocktails, and elevated nostalgic food (think upscale mac & cheese and chicken tinga quesadilla) for those who want to embrace their inner child. As the evening wears on, games are swapped for a dance floor, and the venue transforms into Vail’s hottest nightclub, hosting local, national, and international DJs. 

Whether you want an elegant Mediterranean dinner, an exotic cocktail, a place to play or dance the night away, Chasing Rabbits offers an upscale and whimsical experience that wows both your taste buds and your senses. So, are you ready to take a trip down the rabbit hole?  •