End NEW IN TOWN
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Alice in Wonderland-inspired bar opens in Phoenix
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH MARIE
“But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked. “Oh, you can’t help that,” said the Cat, “we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.” “How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice. “You must be,” said the Cat, “or you wouldn’t have come here.” These iconic lines from Alice in Wonderland – along with so many other words and visuals from all iterations of the Lewis Carroll classic – served as inspiration for one of the Valley’s newest bar concepts, Hatter and Hare. The bar takes over the space most recently occupied by Joe’s Midnight Run. “Our aim is to be a one-of-a-kind fantasy land for adults with elevated food and cocktails designed to match the theme,” says Anthony Georgoulis, director of operations at Hatter and Hare. “Loosely themed on the White Rabbit’s perspective of Wonderland, our decor features bright colors, bold yet whimsical designs, murals and oversized furniture. Guests can cozy
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up in the Mad Hatter’s teacup or lounge on the Let-Them-Eat-Cake couch, for example.” The staff is in on the fun too, each dressed in costume fitting the theme and all too happy to help guests get into the eccentric spirit. Given it is a bar at heart, the cocktail-focused concept’s “Drink Me” beverage menu, another homage to Wonderland, features concoctions that push the creative envelope while remaining approachable. “To paint the picture, our Cheshire Cat libation changes colors before guests’ very eyes as ‘potions’ are added; and the Jabberwocky is served in a vintage-style apothecary bottle with a large teapot that will hold sharable cocktails for ‘high tea,’ Mad Hatter-style,” says Georgoulis, noting some group-sized cocktails are served in full tea sets or bucket-sized teacups as an added experiential element. Other drink highlights include the rye-based Tweedledee ($12); rum-forward Humpty Dumpty ($12); and Sazerac Hare ($10) featuring whiskey. Paying homage to its former resident, Joe’s Midnight Run, the “Eat Me” dining menu is available late into the night – until 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, in fact – and includes inspired, yet laid-back small bites as well as large open-faced sandwiches for heartier appetites. Some early favorites include The Queen’s Platter ($16.50), filled with artisan meats and cheese; The Gryphon ($10.50) burrata and almond mole dish; and Corquet with Flamingos ($12), an oven-roasted turkey sandwich. In coming months, Hatter and Hare has plans for creative live acts in line with the theme as well as DJs and live music. The bar is open Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Hatter and Hare, located at 6101 N. 7th St., Phoenix; 480.865.2447; www.hatterandhareaz.com.