Tucked away beyond the lively ambiance of Mijo Modern Mexican within the Durango Casino & Resort, Wax Rabbit emerges as Clique Hospitality’s newest creation, poised to redefine the nightlife in Las Vegas with its unique design and flair. This clandestine treasure welcomed its first guests in late 2023 and pledges to offer a retreat that combines the elegance of expertly crafted cocktails with the timeless charm of vinyl music, creating an unmatched harmony.

Behind Mijo’s Doors: Discovering Wax Rabbit’s Secret World of Cocktails and Vinyl

“The inspiration behind creating Wax Rabbit was to provide an intimate and unique experience that harks back to the underground bar scene of the ’80s,” Keith Eure, Partner and Vice President of Restaurants at Clique Hospitality, told us. “What sets it apart is its combination of cutting-edge mixology, enchanting design and DJs spinning vinyl records, all hidden behind the walls of Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant, offering a sense of nostalgia and exclusive ambiance.”

Wax Rabbit introduces a unique blend of artistry and allure, offering an intimate setting that echoes the lost art of vinyl DJing. “Wax Rabbit features DJs spinning vinyl records, evoking the sense of nostalgia from that era when they showcased their talents with vinyl mixes,” Eure said of the unique vinyl programming. “We are thrilled to bring the sound of real music back and display the amazing talent that DJs have when it comes to spinning vinyl records. Our seductive speakeasy is hidden within a hidden tequila locker entrance, giving it that feel of the underground bar scene.”

Wax Rabbit (©Clint Jenkins)

The mixology at Wax Rabbit stands as a tribute to Mexico’s rich heritage of spirits. Guests can expect to sip on meticulously crafted cocktails that showcase the deep flavors of tequila and mezcal. “Wax Rabbit offers an array of tantalizing cocktails that are exclusive to the speakeasy,” Eure told us. “The cocktails highlight the rich flavors of mezcal and tequila, paying homage to Mexico’s spirits heritage, while the bar’s shelves feature specialty tequilas and unique liquors displayed like precious jewels. Guests at Wax Rabbit can expect a unique cocktail-sharing experience with extravagant cocktails designed for sharing, such as the Candy Jar, which features Botanist gin, aloe vera, acai, blueberry Red Bull and vanilla, exquisitely presented in a lidded glass vessel.”

Beyond its enigmatic allure, Wax Rabbit takes pride in its thoughtful decor, from the captivating double-height mirrors that create an endless reflection to the custom rabbit emblem that glows invitingly. “Wax Rabbit was designed by world-renowned Italo-Canadian designer Alessandro Munge and his award-winning firm, Studio Munge,” Eure explained when discussing the floral installations and custom detailing. “A terracotta brick corridor adorned with a marigold flower art installation leads to a vault, where private wooden tequila lockers line the walls from floor to ceiling. Inside, the bespoke luminous rabbit emblem and arched double-height mirrors create an infinite reflection effect, offering a visually stunning and immersive environment.”

“The design narrative draws inspiration from a captivating Mexican folklore myth, centered around “El Centzon Tōtōchtin,” a group of 400 Divine Rabbits known for their revelry and association with agave spirits. The bar area also features polished Napoleon Bordeaux marble, a high-gloss red tambour back bar and custom-slatted millwork to add depth and texture to the space. Furnishings include red velvet banquettes, sofas, and ottomans and a transparent DJ booth showcasing stacks of vinyl records.”

Treasures unfold at every turn, with rabbit-themed artifacts adding to the intrigue of the setting. The entry’s tequila lockers provide a unique backdrop for the hidden door that guests will be led to by team members. “Wax Rabbit’s tequila lockers are each labeled with custom nameplates and flanked with mirrors, creating an infinity mirror illusion centered by a rabbit emblem on each locker,” Eure told us. “One of the rabbit heads serves as the door handle to Wax Rabbit, making it a crucial part of the narrative and a symbol of discovery, echoing the folklore’s theme of finding the right rabbit to access the realm of libation. This quest adds depth to the experience, immersing guests in the legend and enchantment of the Mexican folklore, making the visit to Wax Rabbit a truly memorable journey.”

Candy Jar Cocktail at Wax Rabbit (©Joe Janet)