Chasing Rabbits in Vail: A Cocktail Bar Worth Seeking Out

Tucked into the base of Vail Village at 141 E Meadow Drive, Chasing Rabbits has quietly earned a reputation as one of the more interesting places to drink in a town that takes its après-ski seriously. While plenty of Vail bars lean on altitude clichés and mountain-lodge decor, this spot takes a different approach, one that rewards curious drinkers who actually want to think about what's in their glass.

The name alone tells you something. This is not a place that takes itself too seriously, but the craft behind the bar absolutely does.

What Chasing Rabbits Is Known For

The cocktail program is the main draw. The bar has built a reputation for creative, often seasonally influenced drinks that go well beyond the standard whiskey sour or gin and tonic. Expect combinations that use house-made syrups, unusual bitters, and local or foraged ingredients depending on the time of year. The menu tends to rotate, which means repeat visits rarely feel redundant.

For guests who aren't spirits-forward drinkers, the bar often features well-sourced wines and local Colorado craft beers alongside the cocktail list. The kitchen, when food is available, leans toward shareable bites that pair well with drinking rather than a full dinner format.

Atmosphere and Setting

The space feels intentional without being overdone. Lighting is on the dimmer side, which works in its favor on a cold mountain evening when you've just come off the slopes. It's compact enough that the energy builds quickly once a crowd arrives, but not so cramped that conversation becomes impossible.

Vail Village itself has a specific kind of energy, equal parts resort glam and genuine mountain town, and Chasing Rabbits sits comfortably somewhere between the two. You'll find a mix of serious skiers, couples on long weekends, and locals who clearly know the bartenders by name. That last detail usually says something about a place.

Service and Experience

The bar staff tend to be knowledgeable rather than performative. If you ask for a recommendation or describe what you're in the mood for, most nights you'll get a thoughtful answer rather than a shrug toward the menu. That level of engagement is rarer than it should be in resort towns, where high turnover often flattens the hospitality.

Expect the pace to match the crowd. On busy ski weekends, things move faster and the bar gets louder. On slower weeknights, especially in shoulder season, the experience can feel almost intimate.

Reservations and Waits

Chasing Rabbits is a bar first, so walk-ins are generally the norm. That said, Vail sees significant foot traffic during peak ski season, roughly December through March, and again in summer when festival and outdoor crowds arrive. If you're visiting on a weekend during those windows, arriving on the earlier side of the evening is the smarter move. By 9pm on a Saturday in January, space can become a genuine question.

It's worth checking current reservation or seating policies directly before your visit, as these things shift with staffing and season.

Best Time to Visit

Winter evenings after a day on the mountain are the obvious sweet spot. There's something about cold hands and a well-made cocktail that the setting handles better than most. But the bar also draws a summer crowd when Vail transforms into a hiking and festival destination, and the vibe shifts noticeably, a little looser, a little less gear-focused.

Shoulder seasons, October and April especially, offer the rare combination of a quieter bar and full attention from the staff. If you have flexibility, those weeks are worth considering.

Neighborhood and Location Context

East Meadow Drive sits within easy walking distance of Vail's main pedestrian village, which means you can move between dinner, drinks, and your lodging without needing a car. The Covered Bridge, one of Vail's most recognized landmarks, is only a few minutes on foot. Parking in Vail Village is limited and expensive, so if you're staying nearby, leave the car where it is.

The location also means you're close to the gondola base, which matters both for après-ski logistics and for orientation if you're new to the village layout.

Who This Is For

Chasing Rabbits works best for people who actually want to drink well, not just drink. If your ideal mountain evening involves a thoughtfully made cocktail, a small plate or two, and a room where the music doesn't drown out the person across from you, this is a strong choice. It suits couples, small groups, and solo travelers who are comfortable sitting at a bar and starting a conversation.

It's probably not the right call if you're looking for a high-volume party bar or a spot to watch the game on a dozen screens. Vail has plenty of those. Chasing Rabbits is doing something a bit more specific.

Good to Know Before You Go

• The address is 141 E Meadow Drive in Vail Village, walkable from most central lodging.
• Hours can vary by season, so confirming ahead of time, especially in shoulder months, saves a wasted trip.
• The cocktail menu rotates, so don't assume a drink you had on a previous visit will still be available.
• Vail sits at roughly 8,150 feet elevation. Alcohol hits differently at altitude, particularly if you've been active outdoors all day. Pace yourself accordingly.
• The bar is compact, so larger groups may find it tight. Groups of two to four tend to have the best experience.

FAQ

Does Chasing Rabbits serve food?

The bar often has food options, typically small plates or snacks designed to complement drinking rather than replace a full meal. Availability can vary, so check ahead if food is a priority for your visit.

Is it a good spot for après-ski?

Yes, and that's arguably when the bar is at its best. The location near the base of the village and the cocktail-focused menu make it a natural stop after a day on the mountain.

Do I need a reservation?

Walk-ins are typically welcome, but during peak ski season weekends, arriving early in the evening gives you the best chance of finding space without a wait.

Is Chasing Rabbits suitable for non-drinkers?

The bar's identity is built around its cocktail program. Non-alcoholic options may be available, but this is primarily a drinking destination rather than a café or restaurant.