Brass Rabbit Public House joins the Clarendon Bar scene

Clarendon has just landed a new gathering place with a well-elastic mascot. Brass Rabbit Public House, tucked away in the former Bracket Room space, opened on March 22 with a menu of better-for-you fare 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 Clarendon’s watering hole The Pinemoor.

With a dapper bunny wearing a bow tie as its logo, the new restaurant offers “elevated pub fare with a wholesome twist,” a spokesperson said.

Case in point? An appetizer of baked carrot ‘fries’ served with green mayonnaise, plus lettuce wraps in five varieties, including tuna (pickled cucumbers, diced avocado, scallions, macadamia nuts) and shrimp (Old Bay, pineapple coleslaw, lime cream) . There are also six salad offerings for diners who prefer to keep things light and crisp.

Grilled sea bass is one of many entree options, which also include roast chicken and clam linguine. (Photo courtesy of Brass Rabbit Public House)

Don’t like greens too much? The hearty menu also includes plenty of less health-conscious options. Stock up on beer-brined chicken wings or sweet potato fritters and choose from eight substantial sandwiches, such as the lamb burger (feta, pickled onions, tzatziki sauce on a brioche bun), the impossible burger (Swiss, sautéed mushrooms, rabbit sauce) and lobster sliders.

For a hearty entrée, consider grilled sea bass (spinach, cherry tomato relish), roast chicken (pan-fried sauce, potato gratin), or linguine and clams.

El conejo (which translates to “rabbit” in Spanish) mixes Casamigos tequila, carrot juice, ginger, lime and cilantro. (Photo courtesy of Brass Rabbit Public House)

Keeping with the bunny theme, the drinks menu features playful quaffs such as Wild Hare Ciders’ Willow (which is infused with berries and lime zest) and craft cocktails such as a whiskey-based Old Fashioned. Rabbit Hole Rye, orange bitters, sugar, muddled orange cherries and brandy.

Pop over to happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday to sip a house-brewed cocktail or one of 16 draft beers and enjoy an $8 prize on martinis (including a refreshing number of cucumber, lemon and Hendrick’s gin) and envelope lettuce.

Looking for a new brunch spot? They have that too, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, with $10 Bloody Marys and martinis, and $5 bottles of champagne. And do not hesitate to transport your dog; canine companions are welcome on the terrace.

Brass Rabbit Public House is located at 1210 N. Garfield St., Arlington. The restaurant is open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to midnight and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant does not accept reservations.

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