A hidden speakeasy opened recently underneath the upscale Vietnamese restaurant and all-day café, Maison Lotus in Wayne, writes Michael Klein for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Jade Rabbit features a cocktail bar and a banquet room for private events and mah-jongg games.
For now, it’s only open Thursday and Friday nights.
Jade Rabbit and Maison Lotus are located at 175 Lancaster Ave., the former site of Margaret Kuo.
The restaurant and speakeasy are the brainchild of siblings Pearl and Paul Somboonsong.
They are the offspring of Win and Sudita Somboonsong, who set up their own restaurants in the area, including Mikado, Thai Pepper, Teikoku, Azie, and Blue Elephant.
Pearl Somboonsong discovered the speakeasy scene while living in New York and Chicago and wanted to bring the experience to the Main Line.
“I was asking, ‘Why is there not really a place where I can have that same experience where the cocktails are really the focus?” she said.
The Jade Rabbit ambiance is low-lit and low-key. There are eight bar seats and 18 more at tables.
Vietnam inspires the cocktail menu.
“At the end of the day, it has to be about class. The goal is an amazing, well-balanced cocktail,” Pearl said.
Read more about the offerings at Jade Rabbit in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
