CHAINED RABBIT
ELEVATED COCKTAILS & PUB FARE IN BURBANK

Thank God for happy accidents as that’s how I recently discovered the Chained Rabbit. Looking for a place to find a decent drink in Burbank, I stumbled upon a divey looking bar that thoroughly satisfied with both drinks and fare.

According to the powers that be, the Chained Rabbit focuses on craft cocktails and elevated bar food. There aren’t too many places in Burbank where you can get quality cocktails and daring dishes such as frog legs, rabbit stew or even vegan shepherd’s pie.

I was hooked after my first visit for happy hour, which runs Tuesday thru Friday from 4-7pm. Classic cocktails such as a Last Word, Army/Navy, Old Fashioned or Gold Rush go for $9. A Mexican Daisy or a boozy Jungle Bird are $10.

Executive Chef Josh McKnight has created a very bold and tasty dining menu. Having worked alongside L.A. stalwarts Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo of Animal fame, as well as the Melrose Umbrella co. folks, and Chef Eric Greenspan, McKnight definitely has his finger on the pulse of the city. He has also served as a private chef for high profile celebrities such as Queen Latifah, Simon Majumdar (Food Network judge/broadcaster) and musician John Mayer.

If you’re looking for satisfying small bites, you can’t go wrong with the Trio of Deviled Eggs (classic/romesco/avocado & bacon), Shrimp Roll (think Lobster Roll but with shrimp) or the fried Frog Legs served with tarragon, aioli, arugula and lemon.

Heavenly heartier dishes include the Rabbit Stew featuring braised rabbit, mushrooms, tomato and duck fat scallion dumplings, and the Vegan Shepherd’s Pie prepped with mushrooms, peas, carrots, lentils and Yukon potatoes. Other entrée options include the Fried Chicken Sandwich, and the Meatballs & Grilled Mozzarella Sandwich. I can already see my next visit shaping up.

And definitely save room for dessert as the house-made Bread Pudding is killer. The $8 Root Beer Float sounds delicious to me. And for only $3 you can add a shot of bourbon, rye or Irish coffee.

There aren’t many places in Burbank that offer both well done craft cocktails and good eats. Downtown Burbank is actually a wasteland if you’re looking for a good libation. Now I’ve found a go-to place in the Chained Rabbit. This craft pub really delivers the goods.

The Chained Rabbit is located at 924 S. San Fernando Blvd in Burbank. Open Tues-Wed from 4pm to midnight and Thurs-Sat from 4pm to 1am. Call 818-433-7533.

Story By: Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy Of: The Chained Rabbit