New owners usher in changes to The Rabbit Hole and Jackalope Jack's in Plaza Midwood
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Not much of the exterior of Jackalope Jack's has changed but maybe you can spot the differences inside. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
There's new ownership at The Rabbit Hole and Jackalope Jack's — and the changes they've made might have slipped under your radar.
Why it matters: Plaza Midwood is evolving with a growing slate of out-of-state businesses, but the neighborhood bar and live music venue are trying to keep the eclectic vibes alive.
Context: Michael Angelicola, the new co-owner of The Rabbit Hole and Jackalope Jack's, took over the venue from former owner Rob Nixon late last year to preserve the legacy of the beloved establishments. Angelicola also operates popular NoDa spots like Happy Camper and a newly opened thrift shop called Found.
- To enhance the live entertainment experience at the Plaza Midwood venues, Angelicola teamed up with brothers Spears and Walt Moose. Walt is an experienced event producer who has booked major acts for events like the Sound Haven festival in Tennessee and high-profile DJ sets.
The vibe: Most of the physical updates are noticeable at The Rabbit Hole, including a new seating area, video wall, upgraded lighting, and enhanced sound production. Jackalope Jack's is still the dive bar people know and love, with a new stage for local music acts — think solo musicians or DJs.
What to expect: Behind the scenes, they've focused on reviving weekly live music, booking globally touring DJs, and introducing a range of genres — from country to house — all without losing the "dark hole" vibe The Rabbit Hole is known for.
- New regular weekday events include cover band performances on Tuesdays, interactive activities like drum circles on Wednesdays, and a free series with female DJs on Thursdays.
- On weekends, they aim to host at least two live music shows, with ticket prices typically ranging from $0 to $40, depending on the act.
What they're saying: Angelicola and Walt told Axios they didn't want to transform the bar and venue — especially given its history — but simply wanted to make a few enhancements.
- "We're not trying to change the neighborhood," said Angelicola. "We didn't really need to do much, we just needed to just put a breath of fresh air and love into it," Walt added.
Flashback: Before the new ownership, Jackalope Jack's had already experienced a relocation.
- The Plaza Midwood sports bar was originally located in Elizabeth before its building was demolished to make way for the new Elizabeth on Seventh development.
What's next: Over time, the new owners plan to host more nightly weekday events like industry nights and karaoke.
Stop by: 1801 Commonwealth Ave. Open Tuesday through Thursday 2pm-12am and Friday through Sunday 12pm-2am.
