Clarendon just landed a new gathering place with an appropriately springy mascot. Brass Rabbit Public House, tucked into the former Bracket Room space, opened March 22 with a menu of better-for-you takes on the usual bar snacks.
The pub is the latest offering from local restaurateur Reese Gardner, who also owns Copperwood Tavern, Dudley’s Sport and Ale, Quinn’s on the Corner and fellow Clarendon watering hole The Pinemoor.
With a dapper, bowtie-wearing rabbit as its logo, the new restaurant dishes out “elevated pub fare with a healthy flair,” says a spokesperson.
Case in point? An appetizer of oven-baked carrot “fries,” served with green goddess mayonnaise, plus lettuce wraps in five varieties, including tuna (pickled cucumbers, diced avocado, scallions, macadamia nuts) and shrimp (Old Bay, pineapple slaw, lime crema). There are also six salad offerings for diners who prefer to keep things light and crunchy.
Not so keen on greens? The hefty menu also includes plenty of less health-conscious options. Get your fill of beer-brined chicken wings or sweet potato fritters, and choose from eight substantive sandwiches, such as the lamb burger (feta, pickled onions, tzatziki sauce on a brioche bun), impossible burger (swiss, sauteed mushrooms, rabbit sauce) and lobster sliders.
For a hearty entree, consider the grilled sea bass (spinach, cherry tomato relish), roasted chicken (pan gravy, scalloped potatoes) or linguine and clams.
Sticking with the bunny theme, the beverage menu features playful quaffs such as Wild Hare Ciders’ Willow (which is infused with berries and lime peel) and craft cocktails such as an Old Fashioned made with Rabbit Hole Rye whiskey, orange bitters, sugar, muddled orange and brandied cherries.
Pop in for happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday to sip a house-made cocktail or one of 16 beers on tap, and enjoy $8 pricing on martinis (including a refreshing number made with cucumber, lemon and Hendrick’s gin) and lettuce wraps.
Looking for a new brunch place? They’ve got that too, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends, with $10 bloody Marys and martinis, as well as $5 champagne bottles. And feel free to tote your dog; canine companions are welcome on the patio.
Brass Rabbit Public House is located at 1210 N. Garfield St., Arlington. The restaurant is open weekdays from 11 a.m.-midnight and weekends from 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Brunch is served from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends. The eatery does not accept reservations.